Africa

July 12, 2017 (JUBA) - South Sudan's armed opposition forces on Wednesday dismissed claims that they detained three aid workers working with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) in Pagak.

South Sudanese rebels pictured in Jonglei state on 31 January 2014 (Photo: Reuters/Goran Tomasevic)

UNICEF said three of its subcontractors have been detained in Pagak, the headquarters of the armed opposition faction loyal to Riek Machar.

A deputy rebel spokesperson, Col. Lam Paul, said their forces never abducted humanitarian workers as alleged.

“The SPLA-IO strongly refutes accusations made yesterday in the joint press release of Taban Deng Gai's loyalists that our forces abducted and detained three UNICEF contractors in Pagak,” said Lam.

He added, “SPLA-IO under the leadership of Riek Machar Teny does not harass NGO [Non-Governmental Organizations] or UN staffs”.

Over the years, aid workers have been increasingly targeted in various conflict zones in the country, where at least 80 humanitarian workers have been killed since conflict began in December 2013.

The South Sudanese conflict started in mid-December 2013 when President Salva Kiir accused Machar of a coup attempt. Since then, tens of thousands of people been killed and over 2 million displaced.

(ST)

The United Nations Security Council today expressed concern at the ongoing clashes between armed groups in the Central African Republic (CAR) and deplored that civilians from some communities, UN peacekeepers and aid workers continue to be targeted.

July 12, 2017 (KAMPALA) – War-torn South Sudan is due to host the first ever dedicated energy and infrastructure conference in the nation's history.

Organized by Africa Oil & Power and fully commissioned by the government, the event will take place in the capital, Juba from 11-12 October.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir is expected to deliver the keynote address at the conference where industry experts, government officials and private sector leaders will advance discussions on the extraordinary investment opportunities in energy and infrastructure.

“This is a historic event for South Sudan, a country that is demonstrating its commitment to peace and stability and where oil and gas are the bedrock of the economy,” Guillaume Doane, CEO of Africa Oil & Power said in a statement.

He said South Sudan, East Africa's only oil producer, has a profound legacy in oil and gas, stressing that “we are eager to work with our government partners to attract the interest of companies”.

“We are witnessing the emergence of a country with vast potential,” he added.

South Sudan Oil & Power will reportedly assess the security, technology and infrastructure needs for developing all segments of the industry, and how to finance, build and operate new projects.

The program, an official said, will also explore local content, supporting infrastructures such as roads and telecoms, gas monetization and power investment, with a focus on regional integration.

“South Sudan Oil & Power is an outstanding opportunity for our country to showcase its incredible potential in both energy and infrastructure,” said South Sudan's Petroleum Minister, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth.

“We welcome any and all visitors to discover the wealth of natural resources we have and the accommodating investment environment being created by our people,” he added.

South Sudan's major petroleum companies, including Nilepet, Dar Petroleum Operating Company, Greater Pioneer Operating Company and Sudd Petroleum Operating Company, as well as locally based private enterprises, will attend the event.

(ST)

July 12, 2017 (JUBA) - South Sudan government troops launched offensives against a rebel stronghold in north of the country, the head of the United Nations mission in the country said.

SPLM (IO) Chairman, Riek Machar, addressing the 2nd National Liberation Council (NLC) meeting in Pagak, November 5, 2015 (ST Photo)

David Shearer said there was "heavy fighting" and an "extremely worrying" situation around the town of Pagak, in the Upper Nile region, over the past week, forcing civilians and aid workers to flee.

Pagak has been a military stronghold for the armed opposition faction (SPLM-IO) loyal to former First-Vice President, Riek Machar.

At least 5,000 civilians, he said, have been forced out of their homes.

According to Shearer, thousands of South Sudanese civilians are fleeing to neighbouring Ethiopia as government troops advance towards Pagak, expressing grave concern about what is already the world's fastest growing refugee crisis.

“At least 25 aid workers have been forced to relocate from Pagak and surrounding areas due to increased insecurity,” said Shearer.

Stressing there was no military solution to the South Sudan conflict, Shearer called upon all the warring both factions to stop the fighting.

“It's unacceptable that 250 innocent children, and the people who care for them, find themselves in no-man's land between the warring parties,” said Shearer.

The South Sudanese conflict started in mid-December 2013 when President Salva Kiir accused Machar of a coup attempt. Since then, tens of thousands of people been killed and over 2 million displaced.

(ST)

July 12, 2017 (JUBA) - South Sudanese legislators have ended several months of dispute over how to distribute parliamentary seats between parties in the Transitional Government of National Unity.

South Sudanese MPs stand during a parliamentary session in Juba on 31 August 2011 (AFP)

In a parliamentary announcement on Wednesday, the lawmakers approved Twenty-five chairpersons and their deputies, who were appointed to the Specialized Parliamentary Committees. The announcement puts to rest a stalemate on the matter.

The Committees were dissolved in May to pave way for the formation of a new leadership that includes all the political parties represented in the Parliament as per the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.

The appointment procedure became controversial after previous appointees were rejected by MPs on the ground that the speaker's selection criteria were inappropriate and did not reflect regional balance.

The SPLM party leadership then decided to increase the number of parliamentary committees from 18 to 25 in order to accommodate all political parties in line with the signed peace agreement according to Atem Garang, the SPLM Chief whip.

Anthony Lino Makana said the latest appointment was done in coordination with Chief Whips of parties represented in the Assembly and was free, fair and transparent.

List of the new Chairpersons and Deputies

1- Committee on Security, Defence and Public Order

Hon. Daivid Okwier Akuay

Hon. Maker Thiong Maal

2-Committee on Legislations and Justice.

Hon. John Clement Kuc Achol

Hon. Gatluak Ruon Nyuot

3- Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

Hon. Prof George Bureng Nyombe

Hon. Mary Nayrieka Lorjok

4- Committee on Information Communication Technology.

Hon. Paul Yoane Bonju

Hon. Philip Jiben Ogyal

5- Committee on Members, Affairs, Ethics and Integrity

Hon. Martin Tako Moyi

Hon. Mary Nyiyom Lual Kadjok

6- Committee on Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs

Hon. Daniel Dhieu Matuet

Hon. Mary Puru Michael

7- Committee on Federal Affairs

Hon. Otim David Paul Okot

Hon. Michael Rwot Koryom

8- Committee on Regional Integration

Hon. Lydia John Jok Chol

Hon. Aisha Abbas Akuei

9- Committee on Government Assurance: Monitoring, Evaluation and Follow-up

Hon. Grace Amo Alex Abalang

Hon. David Dokori Alili

10- Committee on Labour, Public Service and Human Resources.

Hon. Madut Biar Yel

Hon. Victor Omuho Ohidei

11- Committee on Finance and planning

Hon. Dr. David Nailo Mayo

Hon. Jonathan Jongkuc Kulang

12- Committee on Public Accounts

Hon. Kot Martin Mirich

Hon. Ayak Ngor Athian

13- Committee on Petroleum, Energy and Minning

Hon. James Lual Deng Kuel

Hon. Suzan Peter Machar

14- Committee on Trade, Industry and Investment

Hon. Kom Kom Geng

Hon. Ayen Luka Ngor

15- Committee on Food Security, Agriculture, Animal Resources and Fisheries

Hon. Deng Tong Kuol

Hon. John Mayual Nyot

16- Committee on Land and Physical Infrastructure

Hon. Eng. Majok Dut Mwuorwel

Hon. Martha Atong Monsur

17- Committee on Environment, Forestry, Wildlife Conservation and Tourism

Hon. Rejoice Bauda Simon

Hon. Akuot Chan Kawac

18- Committee on Water Resources and Irrigation

Hon. John Gatnyai Thot

Hon. Leticia Ihure Santino

19- Committee on Constituency Development Fund

Hon. Adeng Leek Deng

Hon. Allajabu Samson Sabur Oryam

20- Committee on Transport, Roads and Bridges.

Hon. Paul Pur Liah Liew

Hon. Said Saleh Uku

21- Committeee on Gender, Child, Social Welfare and Religious Affairs

Hon. Dr. Martha Martin Dar

Hon. Bernardo Kpasira Martin

22- Committee on Health

Hon. Catherine Peter Laa Ajawin

Hon.Riek Manyiel Ayuel

23- Committee on Education, Research Science and Technology.

Hon. Ahmed Mohamed Musa

Hon. Simon Udum Aye

24- Committee on Culture, Youth and Sports

Hon. David Unyo Demey

Hon. Gege Morris Konyi

25- Committee on Peace and Reconciliation.

Hon. Imelda Aluel Bol

Hon. Ramadhan Al-Amin Musa

(ST)

July 12, 2107 (KHARTOUM) - Share price of Sudanese companies listed on the UAE capital markets fell sharply during trading on Wednesday after the U.S. President Donald Trump delayed the lifting of trade and financial sanctions imposed on Sudan.

An engineer stands in front of a new electronic trading board at the Khartoum stock exchange April 25, 2011 (REUTERS/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah)

On Tuesday, Trump delayed the lift of economic sanctions on Sudan for a three-month period until next October saying more time is needed to appreciate the permanent revocation of the 20-year embargo.

According to the Turkish Anadolu Agency, the share price of the Sudanese, Al-Salam Bank listed on Dubai Financial Market (DFM) has declined by 3,85% topping the list of the losing stocks.

Also, the share price of the Sudatel Telecom Group (STG) listed on Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (A.D.X.) has dropped by 3,64%.

Last January, former President Barack Obama eased the 19-year economic and trade sanctions on Sudan allowing resumption of trade exchange and banking transactions between the two countries.

On Wednesday, the U.S. State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said his government is committed to the lift of sanctions within three months “if the Government of Sudan (GOS) sustains the positive actions that gave rise to” the initial decision taken by the former President Barack Obama.

(ST)

July 12, 2017 (JUBA)- South Sudan has announced plans to remove a fuel subsidy; sparking fear such move could increase prices of basic commodities in an economic crisis caused by the unabated conflict.

People queue at a fuel station in South Sudan's capital, Juba on 18 October 2014 (ST)

Finance Minister Stephen Dhieu Dau said removing fuel subsidy would allow the government to use what it would save from the cut to paying salaries of the civil servants on time.

“We need to seriously consider reducing or eliminating the fuel price subsidy managed by Nilepet – this is the single most viable option for increasing resources for Government spending in 2017-18.

If we eliminate the fuel price subsidy, we will be in a position to pay salaries on time, something we have struggled to do this year,” said Minister Dau.

The Africa's youngest nation is also experiencing a severe fuel shortage, with consumers queuing for hours outside fuel stations and often paying way over the new price for black-market products.

The minister told reporters on Wednesday that it was time to take painful decision to salvage the situation instead of burying heads in the sand hoping for miracles to fall from the sky.

“There can never be miracles to the current situation. It requires political will and the decision of the leadership to stand behind current reforms. We share the pains of the current situation with our citizens but the inherited difficulties of the past and the challenges of current times imply that we must take difficult decisions on these sorts of critical national issues. We cannot just sit down and watch the citizens wail haplessly. That is the best way to handle the situation. Something has to be done to alleviate this suffering,” he appealed.

Observers say the cost of fuel will rise from 22 South Sudanese pound per litre if the subsidy is removed after the budget is approved by parliament after it has been approved by the council of ministers.

(ST)

July 12, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir on Wednesday has issued a decree to freeze all negotiations with the United States on the normalisation of bilateral relations until 12 October, in retaliation to President Donald Trump's decision to delay the permanent lift of economic sanctions on Sudan.

On 13 January, former U.S. President Barack Obama signed an executive order to ease the 19-year sanctions against Sudan enabling trade and investment transactions to resume with the East African nation.

Washington is involved in a five-track engagement process with the Sudan over the permanent lift of sanctions on Sudan. The process includes the fight against terrorism, Uganda's Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), Sudan's role in the peace process in South Sudan, Sudan's peace and the humanitarian situation in Darfur region, the South Kordofan and Blue Nile states.

After the 90-day postponement by President Trump on Tuesday, the State Department announced a number of additional conditions citing human rights, religious freedom practices and commitment to UN Security Council resolutions on North Korea. Initially, the human rights and freedoms were considered for the second phase of talks after the lift of embargo.

"President of the Republic Marshal Omer Hassan Ahmed al-Bashir today issued a republican decree ordering to freeze the work of the negotiating committee with the United States of America until 12 October 2017," reads a laconic statement released by the official news agency SUNA.

The suspension was decided following a series of meetings, al-Bashir held with the senior members of his government.

It is not clear if the decision includes the cooperation between the CIA, FBI and the NISS, or not. Also, the Sudanese army recently started to cooperate with the United States Africa Command, (U.S. AFRICOM), one of six of the U.S. Defense Department's geographic commands.

It is noteworthy that the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ibrahim Ahmed Omer had earlier warned against escalating rhetoric against the U.S. if Washington decides to not lift the sanctions permanently.

In an interview with Al-Shorooq TV on Sunday, Omer urged to deal carefully with the sanctions file, saying the government should continue its efforts to convince the U.S.
Administration and influential pressure groups of the importance of lifting the sanctions and its adverse impact on the Sudanese.

Sudan has been subject to comprehensive economic sanctions over terrorism charges in 1997 and additional sanctions related to the situation in Darfur region in 2006 and 2007.

Also, the East African nation was placed on the US terrorism list in 1993 over allegations it was harbouring Islamist militants working against regional and international targets.

UNJUSTIFIED DECISION

For his part, Sudan's Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour has expressed regret over the U.S. decision to delay the lifting of sanctions, describing the decision as “unjustified”.

He stressed that all U.S. agencies besides the European Union and the United Nations acknowledged that Sudan has met its commitment towards all issues included in the five-track engagement process.

The top diplomat added that Sudan's looks forward to seeing these “unjust sanctions” lifted fully, expressing hope that the decision would be reversed.

Ghandour held unnamed pressure groups of seeking to influence the sanctions file, saying these groups have benefited from the embargo and the war in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile.

“These groups continued to raise slogans and [issue] outdated reports and sometimes we see funny and fabricated reports,” he said.

(ST)

July 12, 2017 (ABYEI) - The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has condemned all attacks perpetrated by unknown armed groups in the disputed oil-producing Abyei region, which resulted in deaths and injuries of civilians.

Soldiers of the United Nations' Interim Force for Abyei (UN)

The U.N body, in a statement, expressed its deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of the attack victims, vowing to swiftly investigate these incidents with the Joint Peace Committee, the traditional leaders, as well as Sudan and South Sudan governments, and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“To date, Abyei has no police service system in place and there is no functioning joint local administrative structure. The absence of these systems has resulted in the increase of criminal cases,” partly reads the statement.

“The current influx of population in Abyei has contributed towards increased economic and social activities in the area. The unemployment among the youth is a cause of concern which also leads to manifestation of crime in various forms,” he added.

The U.N body in Abyei, however, emphasized its commitment to implement its mandate to secure Abyei area and to protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence, without prejudice to the responsibilities of the relevant authorities.

In essence, it said it had stepped up security measures particularly in and around Amiet common market, which is a vital economic hub for different tribal groups including Ngok Dinka and Misseriya.

UNISFA urged all communities and groups to support the mission in its efforts to maintain the peace and stability Abyei experienced over the last two years.

The last two months, it said, have seen an upsurge in cases of cattle-rustling, carjacking attempts and robbery incidents in the disputed region, citing a grenade explosion in Amiet market, which injured some civilians in May.

UNISFA was approved on 27 June 2011 by the U.N Security Council in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1990 after a flareup in the South Kordofan conflict in June 2011. The Ethiopian army is its largest contributor.

(ST)

Thousands of South Sudanese civilians are fleeing to neighbouring Ethiopia as Government troops advance on a rebel stronghold in the Upper Nile region, a senior United Nations official today said, expressing grave concern about what is already the world’s fastest growing refugee crisis.

July 11, 2017 (NAIROBI) – The Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni has been urged to support the renewed peace process spearhead by leaders from the East African regional bloc (IGAD) and help galvanise the region into ensuring lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.

Ugandan leader Yoweri Museveni speaks at the national dialogue launch in South Sudan, May 22, 2017 (PPU photo)

The call was made by South Sudan Young Leadership Forum (SSYLF) day before its members pay an inaugural visit into Uganda in their renewed call for leadership into the South Sudan conflict situation.

A forum of young South Sudan leaders, SSYLF, has an agenda that seeks to ensure South Sudanese youth take over the peace process.

According to the group, by addressing Museveni and calling upon him to take centre-stage to pro-actively push for a lasting solution to the South Sudan conflict, regional stakeholders will be reached to embrace fresh thinking and intervention to the South Sudanese crisis.

“The central role that president Museveni plays within the South Sudan crisis places him in a position of leadership to ensuring that peace process works and is inclusive of all including the youth” the SSYLF said in a joint statement issued on Tuesday.

It added, “This new approach is to infuse the inclusivity and full participation of the younger generation who have, over the years been overlooked in the unfolding events of the South Sudan conflict”.

Renewed violence broke out in the South Sudan capital, Juba when forces loyal to South Sudan president Salva Kiir clashed with those allied to his former deputy Riek Machar on the eve of last year's Independence Day, leaving over 200 dead. The incident forced the rebel leader out of Juba into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and later to Khartoum for treatment. He currently lives in South Africa.

Almost 2 million people are internally displaced in South Sudan, and more than 1.9 million South Sudanese have fled the country as refugees and asylum seekers since December 2013. Uganda is one of the countries in the region that shoulders a huge baggage of refugees fleeing the conflict.

On Wednesday, however, the delegation of the SSYLF will hold a public discussion in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, with a focus on discussing what options exist for addressing the crisis of leadership in South Sudan.

Campaigns on social media platforms will reportedly be under the hash tag “#NxGenSouthSudan” and “I am #NxGenSouthSudan”.

(ST)

July 11, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's First Vice-President and Prime Minister Bakri Hassan Salih on Tuesday has renewed commitment to implement the outcome of the national dialogue at the various levels of governance.

Salih, who chaired the first meeting of the Higher Coordination Committee to Follow-Up on the Implementation of the Dialogue Outcome Tuesday, called for the need to mobilise all resources to implement the dialogue recommendations.

The official news agency SUNA quoted the rapporteur of the committee Gamal Mahmoud as saying the meeting discussed the formation of the sub-committees; pointing they would follow-up on the completion of the state reform program as well as the implementation of the dialogue outcome.

He added the meeting also discussed compatibility between the requirements of the reform program and the dialogue recommendations, saying they agreed on the executive mechanisms to follow-up on the implementation of the dialogue outcome.

Following three years since President Omer al-Bashir launched the national dialogue initiative in January 2014, the National Consensus Government was installed last May to implement the outcome of the dialogue conference.

The opposition groups boycotted the process because the government and the armed groups failed to sign a humanitarian truce and also due to Khartoum refusal to implement a number of confidence building measures aiming to create a conducive environment in the country before to hold the inclusive dialogue.

(ST)

July 12, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - U.S. Department of State Tuesday has considered that Sudan's commitment to the sanctions on North Korea is part of the five-track plan agreed by Khartoum and Washington last December for the permanent lift of economic embargo on the country.

The US imposed comprehensive sanctions on Sudan in 1997 (US Embassy in Khartoum website)

The State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert issued a statement reiterating that his government is committed to the lift of sanctions within three months "if the Government of Sudan (GOS) sustains the positive actions that gave rise to" the initial decision taken by the former President Barak Obama.

He further enumerated the areas of the five track commitment saying it includes the cessation of hostilities in the conflict areas, the humanitarian access to civilians in the war zones, cooperation to address regional conflicts and the support of US counterterrorism efforts.

The spokesperson further announced a number of additional conditions that are not part of the initial five-track plan citing clearly human rights and religious freedom practices and sanctions on North Korea.

"Beyond these key areas connected with the potential revocation of most sanctions on Sudan and the GOS, the Administration is also committed to intensifying engagement with the GOS on a broader range of vital issues, including our ongoing dialogue on improving Sudan's human rights and religious freedom practices, and ensuring that Sudan is committed to the full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions on North Korea," said Nauert.

The additional benchmarks reflect the concerns raised by human rights activists and Congressmen who pleaded for the inclusion of these matters now not in a second phase as it was suggested by the State Department.

Also, it shows the failure of Arabs' pledge to convince Washington to take into account Sudanese participation in the anti-Iranian alliance led by Saudi Arabia and their military participation the Yemeni war.

"The United States will revoke the sanctions if the GOS (Government of Sudan) is assessed to have sustained progress in these areas at the end of the extended review period," he said.

He also reassured that the general license issued by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control, remains in place and authorises U.S. persons to process transactions involving persons in Sudan; engage in imports from and exports to Sudan, and engage in transactions involving property in which the government of Sudan has an interest.

(ST)

July 11, 2017 (YAMBIO) – More than 40 people have died as a result of hunger in Mvolo county of South Amadi State, authorities disclosed Tuesday.

The map of Western Equatoria in red

The state coordinator for Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, Wilson Moga attributed it to influx over 25,000 displaced persons into Mvolo county.

“In Mvolo, we have a serious hunger as a result of the dry spell and due to influx of IDPs [Internally Displaced Person] from some payams who were displaced due to conflict between cattle keepers and farmers in Mvolo county and because of the crisis in the country we have people who came from Yambio, Maridi, Mundri and other places who fled due to conflict in those area," Moga told Sudan Tribune.

“Since 2015, we have a serious drought in Mvolo which resulted into poor harvest and people could not plant well as it used to be in the previous years. As per now people are surviving on wild fruits and very few people have vegetables that they are feeding on, but this is not enough for the entire population," he added.

In response to the crisis, Moga said, the Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) and the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) are assisting primary health care centers handling children suffering from malnutrition and other diseases within the county.

The official appealed to other partners to visit Mvolo and assess the conditions being faced by women and children in the county and offer the necessary assistance.

An estimated 1.1 million children in the country are acutely malnourished, according to UNICEF. In addition, children lack clean water, which has led to the ongoing outbreak of cholera – the longest and most widespread in the country's history – with 10,000 cases reported, the majority children.

The civil war in South Sudan has raged on for the past three years with such viciousness that parts of the country are bereft of food and a third of the population fled their homes.

(ST)

July 11, 2017 (YIROL) – Over 20 people were killed in a cattle raid carried out by suspected armed youth from Western Lakes state, an official said Tuesday.

A cattle keeper carrying a gun in Lakes state (File/ST)

“At around 2:00am [local time], a cattle camp called Dhiaudiet was attacked by armed youth from western Lakes state and raided thousands of cows, killed people, including children and women," Abraham Makur, Eastern Lakes state information minister told Sudan Tribune.

He added, "So far, 20 people are confirmed dead and the governments of Eastern Lakes and Western Lakes states are in communication to track the raided cows”.

Abraham Makany, whose brother was shot during the raid, said Yirol hospital was overcrowded.

"This [Tuesday] morning, a very heavy attack occurred in the cattle camp called Dhiaudiet in which many people lost their lives and many were wounded. They [attackers] also took all the cows in that cattle camp," narrated Makany.

Official from Western Lakes state, however, denied accusations that their youth were involved in the cattle raid, while strongly condemning the unfortunate incident.

The commissioner of Amonyping county in Western Lakes state, Mawet Manuer said his region was peaceful with no armed youth member within his administrative area.

“All cattle keepers in my territory are present. I have cross checked with their leaders and everyone is within. I think Eastern Lakes state came under attack from armed opposition fighters seeking cattle for their feeding," explained Manuer.

Armed youth from Western Lakes state recently expressed dismay with the state government after they protested the re-appointment of by President Salva Kiir of Matur Chut Dhuol as the new governor. He replaced Abraham Makoi Bol.

(ST)

July 11, 2017 (JUBA)- The Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) for South Sudan peace on Tuesday held discussions with President Salva Kiir and the First Vice President Taban Deng Gai during which he urged the two leaders to propose concrete measures for a sustainable ceasefire.

JMEC Chairman, Festus Mogae, briefs the UN Security Council, on the implementation of the peace agreement on 31 March 2016 (ST Photo)

“The success will depend on the willingness of all parties to make concrete proposals and make compromises for the sake of peace in this country,” Festus Mogae told reporters shortly after meeting President Salva Kiir at the presidential palace in Juba on Tuesday

Mogae, who held separate talks with the two leaders, sought their viewpoints on the revitalization process and recommendations on how the process can be made to achieve the desired goals.

He gave an update on the regional consultations that led to the convening of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Extra-ordinary Summit in Addis in June.

The head of the Peace monitoring group met outlined the objectives of the High-Level Revitalization Forum, saying it needs for parties to propose “concrete measures” to restore the permanent ceasefire, return to full implementation of the Agreement and develop a revised timeline towards democratic elections.

Mogae outlined the revitalization process is not a re-negotiation of the Agreement but “a window of opportunity” for all parties and other estranged groups willing to return to or join the implementation to do so within the framework of the Agreement.

Meanwhile cabinet affairs Martin Elia Lomuro said the revitalization of the peace Agreement does not amount to renegotiation but a way to explore the opportunities to speed up the implementation of the Peace Agreement. He described the meeting as very cordial and productive.

Lomuro said foreign ministers from Intergovernmental Authority on Development member countries will on Wednesday convene a meeting in Juba for the purpose of revitalization of the implementation of peace Agreement

(ST)

July 11, 2017 (KAMPALA) - The Sudan People's Liberation Movement –North under the leader of Abdel Aziz al-Hilu (SPLMN-Hilu) has called on humanitarian groups to return to Blue Nile state, assuring it will facilitate such action.

The troubled state witnessed recently tense fighting between the two factions of the SPLM-N, as Malik Agar who leads the other faction accused the Nuba Mountains backed faction of al-Hilu of seeking to destabilise his leadership in his home region the Blue Nile state and instigating intercommunal fighting.

The tribal clashes broke out between the Ingessana tribe of Malik Agar and the Uduk, an ethnic group supporting calls for self-determination launched recently by al-Hilu. As a result, hundreds of civilians fled to refugees camps in Maban in the Upper Nile state, South Sudan.

Reached by Sudan Tribune to comment on the humanitarian situation in the Blue Nile and the neighbouring areas, Sila Musa Kanygi who identified himself as the SPLMN (Hilu) Secretary General said that the movement would do the best it could to ensure safe humanitarian corridors for aid groups that willing to provide aid to civilians in the conflict-affected areas.

“The humanitarian organisations stopped their operations in the Blue Nile (State) because of irrational policies which were put in place by the previous administration. These policies have now been revised to allow resumption of the activities of the humanitarian organisations in the area,” said the rebel official who is allied to Abdel Aziz al-Hilu group.

Kanygi pledged the support of SPLMN-Hilu the new civil administration in the rebel-controlled area in the Blue Nile state, saying they are going to cooperate with any aid groups who are willing to return the Blue Nile in areas under their control.

“On behalf of the Blue Nile people and their new leadership, I express my gratefulness to all humanitarian actors for their generous support during the last period".

"I would like to inform all donors who are supporting the people of Blue Nile with humanitarians needs and also those NGOs who used to work in Blue Nile and had suspended their activities due to the irrational policies that had been adopted by the former SPLA-N Chairman Malik Agar and his colleague Yasir Arman to come back to Blue Nile Region and resume their normal activities helping our people who are currently in urgent need of the humanitarian support,” Kanygi said.

It is not clear how the rebel faction would facilitate the work of aid workers in the landlocked territory without a humanitarian agreement with the government.

The Sudanese government and the SPLM-N negotiating teams failed to reach an agreement on humanitarian access to civilians in the rebel-held areas in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan states.

Khartoum rejected rebel demands for direct delivery of humanitarian assistance from neighbouring countries. Also, it refused a demand to transport 20% of the relief directly to the SPLM-N areas in the Blue Nile.

On the other hand, the SPLM-N negotiating team led by Yasir Arman declined an American proposal to deliver medical humanitarian aid to civilians in the SPLM-N area directly by aeroplane after its inspection by the government.

The SPLMN-Hilu official said that the Khartoum-based Government of Sudan continues Aerial bombardment and ground offensives during the six years of war has created dire living conditions in the area.

“The ongoing acts of war have destroyed clinic-health centre, schools, water points and all social service facilities in the area. Due to the situation mentioned above, people are not able to produce food for themselves and no medicines had been distributed, schools are not working and children lost their chance to education. We appeal to the international community to support our people in Blue Nile Region”, he said.

Different sources said the two factions stopped the fighting in the Blue Nile state among calls for direct discussions to avoid new clashes in the future.

(ST)

July 11, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The U.S. Charge d'Affaires in Khartoum Steven Koutsis has ruled out the possibility of a setback in relations between his country and Sudan regardless of the U.S. Administration's decision on economic sanctions.

In press statements on Tuesday, Koutsis said “the Sudanese-U.S. relations will witness an important development, whether or not the economic sanctions on Sudan have been lifted”.

“Everyone is waiting for the U.S. Administration's decision on the sanctions tomorrow, Wednesday but we do not want to go back, no matter what the decision is,” he said.

Last January, former President Barack Obama issued an executive order providing temporary relief from many U.S. sanctions against Sudan that have been in effect for almost 20 years.

Washington is involved in a five-track engagement process with the Sudan over the permanent lift of sanctions on Sudan. By the 12 July, based on an interagency report including the State Department the President Donald Trump is expected to issue a decision on whether to maintain or to remove the lift of economic sanctions on Sudan.

The five-track process includes the fight against terrorism, Uganda's Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), Sudan's role in the peace process in South Sudan, Sudan's peace and the humanitarian situation in the South Kordofan and Blue Nile states.

On Monday, Sudan's Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour said Khartoum wouldn't accept from Washington any decision other than the permanent lifting of economic sanctions imposed on the country.

(ST)

July 12, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - U.S. President Donald Trump Tuesday has delayed the lift of economic sanctions on Sudan for a three-month period until next October saying more time is needed to appreciate the permanent revocation of the 20-year embargo.

On 13 January 2017, former President Barak Obama decided to cancel permanently the sanctions on Sudan but delayed the implementation of the decision for a six-month period to encourage Khartoum to take further actions on the resolution of armed conflict and other political processes aiming to restore freedoms in Sudan.

Based on the assessment done by an interagency team led by the State Department, President Trump has to decide on 12 July on whether Khartoum implemented the five-track plan negotiated with the Sudanese government. He has the choice between approving the lift of sanctions or reinstating the sanctions considering that Khartoum failed to meet the agreed deal.

In a short executive order released late on Tuesday night, President Trump decided to amend the decision of the former President Obama by "striking "July 12, 2017" and inserting in lieu thereof "October 12, 2017".

The order said the delay is needed to better assess the "policies and actions of the Government of Sudan, including additional fact-finding and a more comprehensive analysis of the Government of Sudan's actions".

Different reports mentioned the lack of consensus between the White House and the State Department over lift of the sanctions on Sudan and the growing opposition in the Congress. 53 U.S. lawmakers have recently urged President Trump to delay the permanent lifting of U.S. sanctions on Sudan.

"Several people familiar with the discussions told the Financial Times that the state Department and the National Security Council at the White House were split over what to do and that the decision would come down to a “nail-biter”," said the Financial Times on Tuesday.

The State Department was advocating that the soft approach is more productive than the tough regime of sanctions imposed in 1997 and its additional sanctions of 2006. The American diplomats said the lift of economic embargo can better help to bring the regime of President Omer al-Bashir achieve peace and democratic reforms but also cooperate in the fight against terrorism and join regional alliances. They further pointed to the other remaining sanctions saying they can be used to convince Khartoum to implement political reform.

Human rights groups and activists called to postpone the permanent repeal at least for six months and to add a new track for the human rights in Sudan. However, they remain silent over the peace process because of the internal divisions among opposition forces.

Sudan's Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour Monday said that any decision other than the permanent lift of sanctions is “illogical and unaccepted”, pointing that Sudan has met all commitments towards five-track engagement plan.

Yasir Arman the Secretary General of the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North led by Malik Agar (SPLMN-Agar) welcomed the decision saying it "is a victory for justice and the innocent people of Sudan".

"Today victims, human rights defenders, displaced persons and those who are denied their right to humanitarian access among others will receive with joy President Trump's decision to delay the lifting of sanctions on Sudan,'' Arman said.

"We thank all those who have been clear on the political situation in Sudan and they were mindful of genocide and war crimes continuously being committed by the Sudan government," he further added.

For his part, the Founding Director of the Enough Project John Prendergast praised the three-month delay and called for a new track of engagement with Sudanese government "that is focused on addressing the core issues that keep Sudan in perpetual crisis and kleptocracy".

"This new track should be tied to a new set of smart, modernised sanctions that spare the Sudanese public and target those who are most responsible for grand corruption and atrocities," Prendergast further said.

Omer Ismail, Project Senior Adviser at Enough Project said that "Washington and Europe have powerful leverage they can wield to change the calculations of Sudan's corrupt and brutal rulers, by implementing a modernised program of network sanctions and financial pressures.”

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