Africa

The security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to be a major source of concern, with violence in the Kasai provinces, in the western part of the vast country, reaching “disturbing” levels, the United Nations Security Council was told today.

July 10, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - A court in Khartoum on Monday has ordered journalist and civil activist Amal Habani to pay 10,000 pounds (SDG) fine or serve four months in prison after being convicted on charges of obstructing public official while performing his job duty.

An agent from the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) filed charges against Habani claiming she refused to follow his orders while he was covering the trial of a group of rights activists last November.

At the time, the non-governmental Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) network said the NISS agents beat and detained journalist Amal Habani after she left a courtroom in Khartoum where she attended the trial of a group of civil society activists.

JHR quoted Habani as saying her car was intercepted by the NISS agents while she was leaving the courtroom, pointing she was detained and her mobile phone was seized under the pretext that she took pictures of NISS agents.

“A NISS officer slapped me on my face, and I was released after two hours of detention and they gave me back my mobile phone,” she said.

Habani added the security agent didn't flash his NISS badge, saying she demanded him to show a proof that he belongs to the security apparatus as required by the law.

Dozens of activists and opposition leaders made moves to pay the fine before Habani being transferred to the Women Prison in Khartoum's twin city of Omdurman.

However, Habani's husband, Shawqi Abdel-Azim, told Sudan Tribune that his wife declined to pay the fine and refused to allow the activists to pay as well, choosing to serve the four-month jail term.

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July 10, 2017 (JUBA) – The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Monday said its Mongolian peacekeepers prevented the abduction of internally displaced people by two armed individuals wearing South Sudan army (SPLA) outside the protection of civilians site in Bentiu, Unity State on Saturday.

A Mongolian Quick Reaction Force, it said, was deployed to the scene when the mission first noticed the soldiers harassing civilians.

“The troops fired warning shots over the heads of the soldiers who were also behaving aggressively towards the peacekeepers, including firing at them. The soldiers fled to the bush,” the world body said in a statement.

"No casualties were reported,” it further underscored.

The U.N said it reported the incident to the SPLA leadership in the region, who assured the mission that the matter would be investigated.

According to the U.N, as of 30 March 2017, a total of number of civilians seeking safety in six Protection of Civilians (PoC) sites located on UNMISS bases was 214,979 including 117,654 in Bentiu, 30,559 in Malakal, 38,833 in Juba UN House, 1,956 in Bor, 651 in Melut and 171 in Wau and 25, 155 Western Bahr El Ghazal state's adjusted area.

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July 10, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) Monday has seized copies of Al-Zawiya and Al-Zaem sports newspapers for publishing stories on the ongoing crisis of the Sudan Football Association (SFA).

Sudan National Football Team (Reuters)

On Friday, the International Federation of Football Associations, FIFA decided to suspended the activities of SFA for the first time since it joined the world football governing body in 1948.

The decision came after a group backed by the government was declared the winner of SFA election, despite FIFA had ordered the suspension of the elections for six months.

Following what, the police evacuated the SFA premises forcefully upon a decree from the Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and handed over the building to the winning group, a move that was considered direct government intervention.

On Sunday, the NISS instructed sports newspapers to not publish any stories holding government institutions or public figures responsible for the suspension decision, urging them to calm the situation and help to resolve the crisis.

In a press statement on Monday, the editorial board of Al-Zawiya newspaper said the NISS agents came to the printing house at 1:00 am (local time) on Monday and confiscated the print runs of the sport daily.

It added the seized copies included articles and Op-Eds discussing reasons and consequences of the crisis, calling to take those responsible for the suspension to court including the Youth Secretariat at the ruling National Congress Party (NCP).

The NISS rarely seizes or suspends social and sports newspapers but it routinely confiscates political newspapers either to prevent circulation of certain stories or to punish them retroactively on previous issues.

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July 10, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The United Nations agencies in Sudan have praised the government for improving humanitarian access and voiced their support for the lift of sanctions stressing that such a "constructive engagement" paves the way for more progress on the pending issues.

The statement of the UN agencies working on development, emergency, recovery and transition activities comes 48 hours before the announcement of a decision by President Donald Trump over the revocation or maintenance of economic embargo on Sudan.

The improvement of humanitarian access to the conflict-affected areas is one of five matters Sudan pledged to allow in a deal reached with the U.S. administration last year before the permanent lift of economic sanctions in July 2017.

"The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Sudan acknowledges that there has been a marked improvement in humanitarian access over the past six months, since Executive Order 13761 was signed on 13 January 2017, as a result of improved engagement between the Government of Sudan and humanitarian actors.

The UNCT pointed to directives issued by the government in December 2016 to facilitate the humanitarian access saying the UN agencies and aid groups reached inaccessible areas in Darfur region particularly the mountainous Jebel Marra area.

Also, the UN humanitarian bodies underlined that now they reach the government controlled areas in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan states but the humanitarian access to the rebel-controlled areas in the two states remains a "challenge".

The government and the SPLM-N since more than a year have declared a unilateral cessation of hostilities but they failed to reach a humanitarian deal. Washington made some proposals to break the deadlock but the parties still at odds because the rebels demand a direct safe humanitarian corridor from the neighbouring Ethiopia to the SPLM-N areas in the Blue Nile.

The UN agencies further mentioned Sudan's cooperation to deliver international humanitarian aid to the displaced persons in the South Sudan where a civil war has devastated the young nation despite the regional efforts to end the three-and-a-half-year-old conflict.

"While the UNCT recognises that regulatory improvements can take time to fully materialise on the ground and that some issues remain to be addressed, the past months have clearly shown that constructive engagement is the best way to maintain the progress already made, as well as to collectively resolve pending issues," said the statement.

"The UNCT looks forward to the decision that will shortly be taken on the sanctions, and is committed to continuing its engagement in order to further improve humanitarian access," it further said.

The Sudanese foreign ministry welcomed the statement by the UN agencies in favour of the permanent repeal of economic sanctions on Sudan

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its satisfaction with the facts and evidence highlighted in the statement, which emphasised the close cooperation between Sudan and the international community in humanitarian issues at the regional and international levels," further said the statement.

In Washington, the Founding Director of the Enough Project, John Prendergast, issued a statement on Monday reiterating his call for the administration of President Trump to delay the permanent lift of sanctions on Sudan.

The Sudanese regime "continues to obstruct humanitarian access while more than a million people urgently need food and life-saving aid and continues its relentless attacks on religious freedoms including demolition of churches and denial of freedom of worship," he said.

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July 10, 2017 (PRETORIA) – The South African Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in his capacity as special envoy to South Sudan, congratulated the government and people of South Sudan on their celebration of the occasion that marked six years of independence.

Cyril Ramaphosa (File photo Reuters)

Ramaphosa was appointed special envoy by South Africa's President Jacob Zuma to assist in the reunification of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) and bring to an end conflict that has affected the nation since 2013.

“South Sudan's national day, on Sunday, presented an opportunity for the country's leadership and citizens to reflect on the unity and vision for a peaceful and prosperous South Sudan that led to the achievement of independence six years ago,” said Ramaphosa.

The South African official also commended South Sudan President Salva Kiir and the people of South Sudan on the launch of the national dialogue that was aimed at uniting and reconciling the people of South Sudan following the devastating conflict they had experienced and continued to go through.

On 1 July, Ramaphosa met the dialogue steering committee members in Johannesburg, at which he appreciated the strategic intention of the committee to ensure the inclusivity of the dialogue.

During their meeting, however, Ramaphosa assured the steering committee members of South Africa's support by sharing experiences from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

“He [Ramaphosa] hoped the Sudanese dialogue would yield positive outcomes,” the South African presidency said on Monday.

Two years after South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, President Salva Kiir accused his former vice president of plotting a coup against his regime, triggering the violence that has killed thousands of people.

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July 10, 2017 (JUBA)- South Sudan president Salva Kiir has urged the country's citizens to choose patriotism, embrace unity and pursue common vision instead of placing individual vision and interests above that of the nation.

President Salva Kiir addresses delegates during the swearing-in ceremony of FVP Taban Deng Gai at the Presidential Palace in Juba, July 26, 2016. (Reuters/Jok Solomun)

He said people have powers to change the current situation in a manner that will benefit and develop South Sudan instead of tearing it down to the disadvantage of all.

“We have the power to bring about change that will benefit and develop this nation, the country that we all dreamed to have and cherish. We must embrace a collective vision, and more importantly we must have the courage to pursue it by all means,” said Kiir.

The South Sudanese leader said South Sudanese do not regret their choice to secede from Sudan despite their differences that still needed to be resolved.

“Six years into our independence, many critics have questioned whether it was wise for the people of South Sudan to choose independence, simply because we have not been able to solve our differences amicably. Our answer to these critics is that the people of South Sudan do not regret their decision. I am confident that if the referendum for independence were to be held again today, the people of South Sudan would still choose to be free,” Kiir said in a speech repeatedly broadcast by the state owned SSBC.

Kiir admitted that the course the country took after independence has not been smooth, but accepts that the task of nation building ‘takes time, commitment, dedication and stability.'

“It is not a process that happens overnight. Together, we embarked on this journey of managing politics and implementing state bureaucracy,” said Kiir.

He said many people, were pessimistic when the National Dialogue was first launched but in the last two months it has gained support both internally and in the international community.

“It is therefore incumbent upon all of us; both government and opposition, to let the national dialogue succeed,” stressed Kiir.

South Sudan broke away from its northern neighbour in July 2011 after 98% of its population overwhelmingly voted for separation in a referendum held in January that year. However, two years after South Sudan gained independence from Sudan, President Kiir accused his former vice president Riek Machar of allegedly plotting a coup against his regime, triggering the violence that has killed thousands of people.

Also, a peace deal signed in August 2015 collapsed amid renewed violence outbreak that has displaced millions of people into neighbouring countries.

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July 10, 2017 (JUBA) - South Sudan President Salva Kiir says some armed opposition faction fighters have been integrated into the national army and have accepted to respond to the unilateral ceasefire he declared while launching the national dialogue initiative in May.

"I am glad to report to you that some of the armed rebel groups across the country have accepted our call for peace through the National Dialogue and have largely abandoned rebellion. In response, the government has accepted to integrate these forces under the framework of the 2015 Peace Agreement,” said Kiir.

The South Sudan leader said the nation's citizens needed to be given the opportunity to live in peace and to be productive economically.

“This can only happen when all parties to the conflict accept and honour the ceasefire”, he added.

Kiir called on the armed groups to reciprocate the ceasefire, which his government has declared and respect the cessation of hostilities agreement and allow for achievement of a permanent ceasefire.

“We will continue to call upon those who are still carrying arms and persuade them to respond. It is no longer justifiable to fight on as this only leads to loss of innocent lives, the destruction of properties, and delays in building our country. War is not an option,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Dhieu Mathok Diing Wol, minister of electricity and dams said independence will remain for generations, though the current situation has frustrated many citizens, a majority of whom are angry with the current leadership for failing to meet expectations.

“I know many South Sudanese are annoyed by the situation that engulfed our country but let us remember that the independence is there to remain for generations to come and tomorrow will be brighter, and after all many rising nations passed through this rough road. Be optimistic compatriots”, said Wol.

South Sudan has, for two years in a row, failed to commemorate its independence anniversaries, owing to the economic crisis that the young nation is currently facing.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed and more than 2 million displaced in South Sudan's worst violence since it gained independence from neighbouring Sudan in July 2011. The vote in a referendum was a key component of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).

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July 10, 2017 (KHARTOUM) -The price of the U.S. dollar has witnessed a significant increase in the black market in Khartoum on Monday, settling at 19,4 Sudanese pounds (SDG).

U.S. dollar notes (Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha Photo)

Traders in Khartoum told Sudan Tribune that the dollar price is expected to continue to rise in the coming days ahead of the anticipated U.S. decision on the permanent lift of sanctions on Wednesday.

They attributed the increase to the scarcity of the U.S. dollar and growing demand in the Sudanese market and the decline in remittances, saying the central bank doesn't inject enough amounts of Forex to meet the demand.

A trader who spoke to Sudan Tribune on the condition of anonymity said if Washington decided to lift the sanctions, the dollar price wouldn't decline significantly as had previously occurred due to the limited supply of dollar.

Last January, U.S. dollar price pulled back from 19.4 to 16.0 SDG on the black market following the U.S. decision to ease the economic sanctions but it soon rose again.

Last week, the director of Foreign Exchange Department at the Central Bank of Sudan (CBoS) Nur al-Din Mohamed Sulieman said they continue to provide Forex at the official rate for purposes of tourism and medical treatment abroad.

He told the official news agency SUNA on Monday that the CBoS hasn't stopped Forex supply for these purposes, saying the funds are provided through various banks including the Al-Tadamon Islamic Bank, Animal Wealth Bank and the Sudanese-French Bank.

The Sudanese pound has lost 100% of its value since South Sudan's secession in 2011, pushing inflation rates to record levels given that the East African nation imports most of its food.

Last November, the CBoS introduced an incentive policy, increasing the exchange rate in commercial banks by 131%. As a result, the U.S. dollar exchange rate went up in banks to 15.8 SDG from the official rate of 6.5 SDG.

However, this measure didn't halt the rise of the dollar against the pound in the black market.

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July 10, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudanese Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour Monday said Khartoum wouldn't accept from Washington any decision other than the permanent lift of economic sanctions imposed on the country.

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 official news agency SUNA on Monday quoted Ghandour as saying any decision other than the permanent lift of sanctions is “illogical and unaccepted”, saying Sudan has met all commitments towards five-track engagement plan.

He called on Washington to meet its commitment according to the engagement process, saying the American side continued to underline that the Sudanese side has met its commitment.

The top diplomat said Sudan looks forward to seeing the right decision to lift the sanctions permanently, stressing “Sudan by then would become an active partner to achieve desires of both nations to see a safe region” and promote cooperation for the benefit of the two countries.

He pointed that Sudan and the U.S. had enjoyed strong relations before the imposition of the sanctions, expressing the desire that relations could return to normal.

WARNING AGAINST ESCALATION

For his part, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ibrahim Ahmed Omer, has 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.

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