Africa

The UN warns that the world is facing its largest humanitarian crisis since 1945. Here's how you can help.

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March 10, 2017 (BOR) - The head of the United Nations in South Sudan, David Shearer says peace between the Dinka and Murle should be prioritized to stop the critical situation in Bor.

The Special Representative of the U.N Secretary General in South Sudan David Shearer, February 1, 2017 (ST)

The official, on Thursday, visited the Jonglei state capital, Bor to find ways through which peace can be created between the two tribes at war with one another.

“Without peace nothing can happen, peace is a priority here. We were talking to chiefs, the paramount chiefs of the area about the issue of cattle rustling and child abduction, and we offered whatever help we can in terms of building peace between the communities,” said Shearer.

A fight recently erupted between the Dinka Bor youth and the Murle youth in Kotchar, a village in Bor. This incident, eyewitnesses said, happened because the Dinka were waiting for the return of their 12,000 cattle raided in December 2016 by the Murle.

No casualties were reported from the fighting that has been ongoing for a week now.

During his visit, Shearer met South Sudan Defence Minister Kuol Manyang Juuk on Thursday morning in Juba, to discuss ways to bring peace to the two communities.

The U.N official plans on having the same conversation with the new governor Ismael Konyi, to see what they can do in order to bring the communities together and to stop a worsening situation that can only lead to more violence and more death.

To strengthen and maintain the peace between Murle and Dinka Bor, Shearer said he would use the U.N police to protect civilians as a mandate of the world body.

The Governor of South Sudan's Jonglei state, Philip Aguer said social economic problems were the main causes of child abductions and cattle rustling in the region.

“We have shared with him the security threats in Jonglei. The socio-economic problems known as cattle rustling and child abduction, and he expressed the willingness and readiness of the United Nations in South Sudan to help in any way and interacted with leaders in the community who are ready to make peace with the neighbors”, said Aguer.

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In Malawi's newspapers, there is much talk of the need to tackle vigilante and mob justice. But the stories Peter Walker found suggest change is some way off.

March 11, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's opposition Popular Congress Party (PCP) of the late Islamist leader Hassan al-Turabi has decided to cut off contacts with the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) in the River Nile State following the arrest of a leading party member.

Popular Congress Party (PCP) Political secretary Kamal Omer (Photo SUNA)

On Thursday, the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) in Atbara, some 320 km. north of Khartoum arrested PCP leading figure Ismail Faraj Allah for five hours for publishing articles in which he criticised the security agency.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune Saturday, PCP in the River Nile State accused the NISS of disturbing the political atmosphere and ignoring the national dialogue and its outcome, saying they took a set of measures to confront the situation.

“Accordingly, it was decided to sever all forms of communication with the NCP and state organs that bring us together with it and our partners in the public concern” read the statement.

The statement pointed that the NISS is seeking to mobilise the public opinion in order to maintain its powers which the national dialogue decided to restrict to collection and analysis of information.

It added that the NISS sought to defend its powers and ignored its national responsibilities, saying the security agency went on to arrest anyone who criticises its actions.

The PCP further underscored its commitment to the national dialogue, saying it would keep its contacts with all political forces to coordinate efforts to implement the recommendation of the dialogue and on top of it “human freedom and dignity”.

It is noteworthy that the PCP splinted from the NCP since 1999, and joined the opposition ranks since that time but it supported the national dialogue process declared by President Omer al-Bashir in 2014 and participated in all its forums. Also, the party decided to join the upcoming government of national concord led by the NCP.

In January, the Sudanese presidency deposited new amendments to the 2005 transitional constitution with the parliament providing to restrict the powers of the security services and to guarantee political freedoms.

The amendments contained in the “Freedoms'' document are part of constitutional reforms endorsed by the National Dialogue Conference to reduce NISS influence and limits its role to the gathering and analysis of information.

The new amendments propose that the role of the NISS be reduced to the collection of information and to not be able to detain someone without an arrest warrant issued by a judge. Also, it ends press confiscation and censorship.

However, in an open defiance to the amendments, the director-general of the NISS Mohamed Atta Al-Moula last week vowed to develop the “soft and hard powers” of his agency.

He stressed that the NISS will not concede its main powers but will expand it and be more powerful.

Also, NISS deputy director Osama Mukhtar last month voiced his opposition to any attempt to curtail the power of the security agency and called to enhance its powers to fight the threats that the country is facing.

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March 11, 2017 (JUBA) - South Sudan president, Salva Kiir said rebel leader Riek Machar would only participate in the national dialogue when he denounces violence.

“How do you dialogue with someone who prefers war than peace, who sees war as an option to dialogue, unity, forgiveness and peaceful coexistence”, asked Kiir.

The South Sudanese made these remarks on Saturday while reacting to a query on whether his pardoning of political opponents, some of whom have been in detention, would extend to those carrying arms and have continued to wage war in the country.

According to Kiir, some contentious issues in the peace accord have been overcome because of the "good working relations" with First Vice President, Taban Deng Gai.

“Some of things that we could not resolve and find a way forward have now been resolved. The issue of states has been resolved. The people were talking that we created more states but it became clear that even after we created more states, people continued to ask for more. To resolve this, we decided to create some states," stressed the South Sudanese leader.

He added, "Now we have more states and the SPLM-IO have some states to run them according to the provision of the peace agreement. So issues of states and the question relating to power sharing have been addressed and there is no problem".

Kiir said the newly-appointed state governors already started work in their regions.

"They have taken oath already and are now in their places”, he explained.

The South Sudanese leader emphasized that he has no personal problem with his former deputy-turned rebel leader, but claimed the latter desires violent means.

“People think I have a personal problem with him [Machar], but this is not true. I have no personal problem with him. He is a South Sudanese like anybody. The problem he has is not with me, but with the way he does his own things. He likes violence. If he denounces violence now, then he is welcome to the country. If he does it now, stop preferring war now, we will talk to him”, stressed Kiir.

Kiir made these remarks while meeting members of the Dinka council of elders who visited him to congratulate him on Friday's national prayer day.

President Salva Kiir announced the national dialogue initiative in December last year and members of its steering committee are scheduled to be sworn in this month.

However, the armed opposition leader criticized the dialogue initiative, saying the process will never succeed unless peace and stability is restored in the young nation.

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March 11, 2017 (JUBA) – South Sudan President Salva Kiir has appointed seven lawmakers to represent the war-torn nation in the East African Legislative Assembly

President Salva Kiir speaks during the inauguration of the new SPLM premises in Juba on 15 November 2013 (Photo Moses Lomayat)

The appointment was made through a decree read on state-owned SSBC Saturday.

South Sudan formally joined the East African Community (EAC), a regional intergovernmental organisation of whose membership includes Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi, last year as the sixth member.

The EAC was signed in 1999 and entered into force in July 2000 after the agreement was signed by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, the original partner states.

South Sudan acceded to the treaty in April 2016 and became a full member four month later.

Meanwhile five of the MPs to the regional assembly are members of South Sudan ruling party (SPLM) and will represent the country in Arusha, the seat of the EAC. The other two members will come from the armed opposition faction (SPLM-IO) and the United Salvation Front (USAF).

The appointed SPLM MPs are Gabrial Alaak Garang, Ann Itto Leonardo, Gai Deng Nhial, Joseph Okello, Thomas Duoth and Gideon Gatban Thoan.

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March 11, 2017 (JUBA) A top south Sudanese religious leader asked the president and those who attended the National Prayer Day to choose peace instead of evil, warning the crowd that the prayer prayed by the president was dangerous.

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir kisses a hand of the Roman Catholic Archbishop Paolino Lukudu Loro during a Christmas mass in St. Teresa's Cathedral in Juba December 25, 2010. (Reuters)

Catholic Archbishop of Juba Diocese, Paulino Lokudu Loro asked President Kiir why he had called the prayer, questioning the president's motives for peace or evil. “This prayer is dangerous today because if you have come here I believe this bitterness of our heat will not go in vain, but God will reply to us. Therefore, I say if this prayer is correct and is true, then it is about peace. We are standing for peace, are we going to choose peace or evil,” asked the Archbishop.

“Your Excellency, I want to question you: why did you call these people to the heat here like this? Are they coming to choose peace? Is that what your intention is, to bring us here to suffer like this? I hope nobody will be sick today because of this heat. I believe you have invited us to see this suffering because you want peace,'' said Archbishop.

The top religious leader went on to what the government planned after the prayers took place saying, “our government, which way are we going to take and what is the government going to do after this prayer? Is the government going to choose evil or peace? Mr President, take heed after this. We are telling you that after this prayer your Excellency, go into a room and pray and decide for peace in the country”.

Isaiah Majok Dau, bishop of the Pentecostal church said the South Sudanese were the problem and not that they have been cursed. “I hear people say God has cursed South Sudan, I am afraid I disagree. We are not cursed, we are blessed but we are sinners. That is why we hate ourselves, that is why we kill ourselves and that is why we backbite ourselves. So we are the problem. But we have been given the opportunity to be forgiven to be enriched and to be healed” said bishop Dau at the prayer on Friday.

The bishop said he would love to die when the country is at peace because he was born at the time the country was at war, grew up in war and continued to live in a situation of war.

Bishop Dau went on to add, “for those of us who were born in 1955 we were born in the war, grew up, got married and even our grandchildren were born during the war. But if today we are turning away from our sins, then I pray that I will not die in the time of war. I want to see the blessings of God South Sudan before I die, I want to see the people of South Sudan united. I want to see them live in peace and harmony that is my prayer”.

The Bishop called for a change of heart in conformity to the theme of the prayer, saying it would be meaningless if one continues to behave in a way that does not show any difference from the time of the prayers.

“If you are repenting today and you use to kill people, don't kill anyone because you have repented. If you are repenting today and you use to abuse others, from today begin to love people. If you were a thief, now that you have repented, you begin to give to people instead of taking from people. That is repentance. It is meaningless to say we are repenting and then we go do our normal things that we do every day. We are not cheating God, we are cheating ourselves,” he stressed.

A call against the promotion of ethnicity was mentioned by the Bishop, saying the people should begin to talk about South Sudan as an identity instead of various tribes.

Bishop Dau went on to say, ““If we are repenting, we should stop saying that tribe or this tribe, and that person; we begin to say the people of South Sudan are my people. Let us turn from our wicked ways people of South Sudan. If we want God to forgive us, let us humble ourselves. We need true healing in this country. We are sick with hatred, killing, war, poverty and tribalism, we need healing. We need complete healing”.

(ST)

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

March 11,2017 (ADDIS ABABA) - Court in Ethiopia has rejected bail application of a prominent opposition leader from Oromiya region detained since three months, his lawyer told Sudan Tribune on Saturday.

Merara Gudina, leader of the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) was arrested early in December shortly after return home from Brussels where he met members of the European Parliament.

At a court hearing on Friday Merara's lawyer requested bail grant arguing the defendant is arrested without tangible evidence.

The lawyers further asked the court to consider the roles the former MP had played in the country' politics.

However, prosecutors demanded the defendant to remain in custody to allow police gather evidence. He further argued that the accused could flee the country if released on bail.

Merara is allegedly charged with "attempt to forcefully overthrow the constitutional order," a serious offence punishable up to death penalty.

The leading Oromo opposition figure known for his critics against the government was arrested on December 1 last year for violating sections of the state emergency decree by meeting members and leaders of outlawed opposition groups during his European tour.

Last November, Ethiopia declared a six-month state of emergency and banned wide spreading anti-government protests which sparked in Oromiya region over alleged land grabbing and government's clamp down on political freedom.

In Brussels, Merara appeared at EU parliament to testify on Ethiopia's current political situation and on alleged reports of gross human right violations.

He delivered a speech along with Berhanu Nega, leader of Ginbot-7, an opposition movement long branded by the government as a terrorist entity.

Merara is charged along with Berhanu Nega and Jawar Mohamed, a prominent Oromo activist.

The trial of Merara will resume on April 24, 2017.

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Merara Gudina, leader of the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) addresses a rally on 1 December 2016 (AFP Photo)

March 11, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir has directed to provide 10,000 tonnes of sorghum to assist those affected by the famine in South Sudan. He further expressed his government readiness to meet humanitarian needs of large influx of refugees from the neighbouring country, said the Humanitarian Aid Commissioner

On 20 February 2017, South Sudanese government and UN agencies declared Some 100,000 people were facing starvation in the two counties of Leer and Mayiandit, while people in Koch and Panyijar nearby were considered at high risk of famine.

Sudan's Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Ahmed Mohamed Adam told Sudan Tribune Saturday that they discussed with the Vice-President ways to assist victims of war and famine in South Sudan, pointing to the historic ties between the two peoples.

He said the new support would be added to a previous presidential directive to send 27,000 sacks of sorghum, pointing the relief would be transferred through the border crossing in the White Nile State.

Adam stressed that Sudan attaches great importance to the situation in South Sudan and is keen to provide all necessary assistance to its citizens, pointing to the formation of a national committee to address the deteriorating humanitarian situation there.

He pointed to the large influx of South Sudan refugees, expecting a significant increase in their numbers during the coming days.

“The number of those affected by the food shortage is estimated at 4,6 million people and some of them have reached the famine stage and others are experiencing the pre-famine stage,” he said

“More than 70,000 refugees have entered Sudan during February and the first week of March and we expect more influx” he added

The Sudanese official said the government is currently making arrangements to meet the needs of the increasing numbers of Southerners, pointing they intend to set up new refugee camps and provide the greatest amount of aid to the affected.

According to the UN, the number of South Sudanese refugees in Sudan has surpassed the 300,000 mark and as of 13 February and stands at 305,000 people.

Before the December 2013 crisis, 350,000 South Sudanese have remained in Sudan and didn't return to their areas after the independence of South Sudan.

Also in December 2014, the Sudanese government agreed with the UN to deliver residence permits to South Sudanese refugees enabling them to circulate and to work in the country.

IMPACT ON TWO AREAS

Meanwhile, Adam didn't rule out that South Kordofan and Blue Nile states could be adversely impacted by the situation in South Sudan, calling on the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/North (SPLM-N) to accept the U.S. proposal to deliver assistance to the needy population in the Two Areas.

Adam further underscored Khartoum's support to the U.S. proposal, pointing to the government categorical refusal to deliver the assistance to the Two Areas from abroad.

The Sudanese army has been fighting the SPLM-N in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, also known as the Two Areas since 2011.

The African Union has been seeking to end the conflict for several years. However, last August, the two sides failed to sign a humanitarian cessation of hostilities agreement because Khartoum refuses to allow the delivery of food to civilians in some rebel-controlled areas in the Blue Nile State directly through Asosa, an Ethiopian Town near the border with Sudan.

In a bid to break the deadlock in the peace talks, the former U.S. Special Envoy Donald Booth last November proposed that the USAID will deliver medical humanitarian aid to civilians in the rebel-held areas by air directly after its inspection from the government.

The SPLM-N declined the proposal insisting on the need to transport 20% of the humanitarian aid directly from Asosa to the rebel areas.

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The world is facing its largest humanitarian crisis since 1945, the United Nations says.

March 10, 2017(JUBA) - Over 338,000 people in the South Sudan famine-hit areas have received humanitarian assistance, said the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), on Friday.

On 20 February 2017, South Sudanese government and UN agencies declared Some 100,000 people were facing starvation in the two counties of Leer and Mayiandit, while people in Koch and Panyijar nearby were considered at high risk of famine.

"More than 338,000 people in Leer, Mayendit, Koch and Panyijiar have received humanitarian assistance since localised famine was declared in Leer and Mayendit," said Farhan Haq UN deputy spokesperson on Friday.

Ina separate report, OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke, said over million people are on the brink of famine but the humanitarian operations are obstructed by the lack of security and threatened by a funding shortage.

"In the middle of the response since 20 February, 28 humanitarians had been advised to leave Mayiandit town by local authorities, following skirmishes north of the town," Laerke said.

But when they persuaded the authorities to allow aid workers to resume the humanitarian operation, the fighting on the outskirts of the town on 1 March forced the 28 humanitarian workers to stay away.

Regarding the shortage of funding, the spokesperson indicated that the overall requirements for South Sudan for 2017 were at USD 1.6 billion while the UN had received 9.3 percent of that amount.

"More funding was urgently needed, not least to respond in those areas where famine was already a reality," he stressed.

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March 10, 2017 (JUBA) - The rebel SPLM-IO has captured two Indian oil worker, at Guelguok north, of Adar in the Northern Upper Niles, announced a statement released by its spokesperson Col. William Gatjiath Deng on Friday.

South Sudanese soldiers guard an oil refining facility (AFP)

"Two Indians engineers namely Mr. Ambross Edward and Mr. Muggy Vijaya Boopathy working for the Juba regime were captured alive yesterday Thursday, March 09, 2017," said Deng in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Friday evening.

He added that the foreign oil workers were seized "during the fighting between the gallant SPLA-IO forces" near the new oil site at Guelguk north but he didn't elaborate on the details.

Last week the rebels warned foreigners and national oil workers to stop risking their lives in oil production areas. The group publically and repeatedly said they want to stop oil production until a peaceful solution is reached.

Adar field, which is located near the Sudanese border in the Melut Basin, is one of the main oil production areas and a source of revenue for the South Sudanese government.

The rebel official claimed their forces under the command of Cdr Major General Khor Chuol Giet and Cdr Brigadier General Gatbel Kuach killed 33 government soldiers.

Also, he accused the Sudanese rebel groups of taking part in the fighting.

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March 10, 2017 (JUBA)- The Sudan people's Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO) led by the First Vice President Taban Deng Gai Friday has established a political bureau composed of 28 members.

According to a statement he released, Gai declared himself as the chairman of the politburo and appointed General Alfred Lado Gore as the deputy while Dhieu Mathok Diing takes the position of the secretary-general.

Are member of the SPLM-IO highest political body, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, Ayii Ayii Akol, Agel Riing Machar, Richard K. Mulla,Hussein Mar Nyout, Sofia Pal Gai, Ramadan Hassan Laku, Mary James Kong Kong, Lumumba De-Apiny Kau, Gabriel Yoal Dok, Michael Mario Dhuor,Michael Chiangjiek Geay, Gabriel Thowkuc Kuc, Yien Oral Lam, Timothy Tut Chol, Bor Gatwech Kuany, Abdel Daim Deng Machar, John Clement Kuc, Riaw Gatlier Gai, Theji Da Duot Deng, Majed Babiker Tonga, Catherine Peter Laa, Otim David Okot, Ramzi Matueny Muorwel and Victoria Ada Garille.

The statement said the appointment of the members of the political bureau was reached after consultative meetings among members and the top leadership of the group.

Taban's faction split from the SPLM-IO of the former First Vice-President following the violence that erupted in the Juba in July 2016.

Regional leaders backed by the and international community decided to support the breakaway SPLM-IO group, hoping they would establish a smooth cooperation with President Kiir and achieve a successful implementation of the peace agreement.

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March 10, 2017 (WAU) – The Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangement
Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM), concluded that one of its members representing the SPLM-IO led by Taban Deng Gai was killed in Wau by alleged members of a rebel group.

Rebel fighters walk in front of a bushfire in a rebel-controlled territory in Upper Nile State, South Sudan February 13, 2014. (Photo Reuters/Goran Tomasevic)

The mechanism which is tasked with monitoring and verification of the implementation of a permanent ceasefire between parties and armed groups, Thursday said it had completed investigations into the death of one of its members Lt. Col. al-Fadil Meil Issa

The CSTAMM Chairman, Major General Molla Hailemariam, said that the investigation results indicate that the late Fadil was killed by rebels operating in Wau loyal to the former First Vice President Riek Machar.

Fidal was appointed by the FVP Taban Deng Gai who broke away from Machar following the bloody clashes in Juba last July.

“We call on the relevant authorities to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice as our staff should not have to feel under threat in carrying out their duties and, as such, a precedent must be set to ensure such politically motivated killings do not go unpunished,” read the statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

The CTSAMM comprises representatives from the warring parties who are considered as board members. Also, the panel includes the Former Detainees, the Women's Block, Civil Society Organisations and the youth.

The Eminent Personalities, the African Union, China, the European Union, Troika, UNMISS, the IGAD and the IGAD Partners Forum have also their delegates who meet on a regular basis to discuss the CTSAMM reports before the reports are submitted to the JMEC.

On January 26, the Mayor of Wau, Mel Aleu Goc reported that four suspects working within the UN camp were apprehended in connection with the incident involving the Lt. Col.

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March 10, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement/North (SPLM-N) Friday has cautiously welcomed the government decision to pardon convicts from Darfur armed movements calling for the release of all detainees including its prisoners.

The Sudanese army has been fighting the SPLM-N in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, also known as the Two Areas since 2011and a group of armed movements in Darfur since 2003.

Last week, SPLM-N released 125 Prisoners of War (POWs) and detainees from the Sudanese army.

President Omer al-Bashir Wednesday issued a decree dropping death sentences against 66 convicts from Darfur rebel movements and pardoning 193 others. On Thursday, Kober prison authorities in Khartoum-North released 259 POWs in implementation of the presidential pardon.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune Friday, SPLM-N peace file spokesperson Mubarak Ardol said prisoners from his movement were not included in the presidential pardon and “on top of them Brigadier Omer Fadl Tour Shain and those who have been tried in Ed-Damazin and Singa cases”.

“They [SPLM-N members] have not been detained in the battlefield and this is a clear violation of the international humanitarian law [also] the politically motivated death sentences against SPLM-N leaders were not cancelled,” he pointed out.

In March 2014, SPLM-N Chairman Malik Agar and Secretary-General Yasser Aman were handed the capital punishment along with 17 others in connection with the outbreak of the conflict with Khartoum in the Blue Nile state in September 2011. The same court sentenced 47 others to life in prison which was also upheld by the appeals court.

In October, President al-Bashir issued a decree dropping charges against 24 of them.
Ardol demanded to hold an investigation “in the killing of the POWs” and on top of them “Brigadier Ahmed Bahar Hagana who has been slaughtered inside the United Nations headquarters in Kadougli before the eyes of the UN soldiers”.

He called for the release of all prisoners from other armed movements including “Ibrahim Almaz, Mustafa Tamboor, al-Tom Hamid Tuto and others”.

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE DELIVERY

Meanwhile, Ardol called on the African Union High Implementation Panel (AUHIP) to deliver the humanitarian aid to the needy in the SPLM-N controlled areas through the same crossing points used for the POWs released by the Movement last week.

“The regime has no excuse to accept the use of the external crossing points to resolve one humanitarian issue while rejecting to use them for another,” he said
He urged the African Union (AU), IGAD countries, international community and the UN Security Council to support the PSLM-N position to deliver the humanitarian aid, stop the war, allow freedoms and release of all prisoners and convicts.

The AU has been seeking to end the conflict in the Two Areas for several years. However, last August, the two sides failed to sign a humanitarian cessation of hostilities agreement because Khartoum refuses to allow the delivery of food to civilians in some rebel-controlled areas in the Blue Nile State directly through Asosa, an Ethiopian Town near the border with Sudan.

In order to break the impasse on an agreement and facilitate humanitarian assistance, the United States last November has offered to deliver humanitarian medical assistance to the people in SPLM-N controlled areas.

However, the SPLM-N declined the American proposal and stuck to its demand for a humanitarian corridor through Asosa, to directly deliver 20% of the humanitarian aid to the civilians in the conflict-affected areas.

(ST)

March 10, 2017 (JUBA) – South Sudan President Salva Kiir has pardoned two of the country's political figures.

President Salva Kiir addresses the nation from the State House on September 15, 2015, in Juba (Photo AFP/Charles Atiki Lomodong)

The president made this announcement during Friday's national day of prayer, which was held at Dr. John Garang Mausoleum in the capital, Juba.

Former Wau State Governor, General Elias Waya Nyipuoc and his Deputy General Andrea Dominic were publicly pardoned by the South Sudanese leader who made a speech and announced that all political detainees in the country were to be released.

“I did not come to speak politics. I have come to pardon General Elias Waya and General Andrea Dominic. If there are any other political detainees, I will release them all tomorrow and the day after tomorrow,” said President Kiir.

Waya and his Dominic were arrested and detained in Juba at the military barracks in Bilpham and were relieved of their positions last year after clashes in Wau.

The Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmund Yakani said that the spirit President Kiir demonstrated during his speech was a clear message that violence is not the solution in resolving an on-going political crisis.

The president's positive response to the call to release political detainees shows the non-violent approach in settling a violent conflict and has left many impressed.

Yakani stressed that pardoning political detainees was a great call for peace and a non-violent approach towards resolving political differences. CEPO is urging all armed forces to join the call for a non-violent motion, stating that such decisions are needed to win the publics' trust and confidence which will create a stable environment.

CEPO, in the statement, also appealed to the South Sudanese leader to pardon the Radio Miraya journalist George Livio, among others. It urged the president to be a champion of peace and hope that other political leaders in the country follow suit.

(ST)

March 10, 2017 (JUBA) – A South Sudanese bishop, who presided over Friday's national day of prayer urged President Salva Kiir to “go pray alone in a room for peace in the country”.

The Archbishop of Juba Diocese Lokudu Loro

Catholic Archbishop, Paulino Lokudu Loro said the government must choose between peace, unity, reconciliation and justice over rape, killings and arbitrary arrests.

“Mr President, go into the room [after this gathering] to pray for peace in your country,'' he said.

The cleric warned further warned the president, stressing that torture, corruption, raping, arbitrary arrests and tribalism would continue if the latter misused his prayer.

“If this prayer is correct, many things should happen in this country; peace, justice, love genuine dialogue and unity should happen after this prayer. Good governance, security, good economy, provision of service, we can expect then to happen after this prayer, if the prayer is correct,” said the Bishop in a mixture of English and Arabic.

The South Sudanese leader called for the national day of prayer last week and delivered his own prayer before the crowd on Friday, asking for divine forgiveness.

“I pray not for condemnation but for forgiveness. I had over my heart and body for your blessing, Guide me Lord for who you want me to be. Give me wisdom not for my merit but for your loving kindness,'' said the president in a prepared prayer that read to thousands of his supporters at John Garang Mausoleum in the capital, Juba.

President Kiir, who had never prayed in public since assuming chairmanship of South Sudan's ruling party (SPLM), called for “the most merciful God” to redirect his deeds.

“Through my shortcomings, I have sinned against You in words and deeds for what I have done,” said the president, without mentioning any specific mistakes he committed as a leader.

The country's First Vice President, Taban Deng Gai and Vice President, James Wani Igga knelt as the South Sudanese leader delivered his five minute prayer on Friday.

Several Christian and Muslim sermons were delivered during the six hour prayer.

“I prayer should not go in vain. Ï hope you [President Kiir] called us in this heat [sun] because you want peace. After this prayer, is the government going to choose evil?” said Bishop Lokudu.

Pentecostal Church Bishop, Isaiah Majok Dau called for “humanity in our hearts” during the prayer.

“If you are repenting today and you use to kill people, don't kill anymore, regardless of who you are. If you are repenting today and you use to talk badly about other tribes, cease and talk about South Sudan,” added Bishop Dau.

Several prominent Christian leaders, namely retired Catholic Bishop Diocese of Torit, Paride Taban, retired Anglican Bishop of Bor Diocese, Nathaniel Garang Anyieth, Archbishop of Anglican Church of South Sudan and Sudan, Daniel Deng Bul were present.

South Sudan's Council of Churches chose repentance and forgiveness as the theme for the event, also held in the capitals.

(ST)