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Updated: 1 month 3 weeks ago

Sudan repels Ethiopian attack on border area

Sun, 26/09/2021 - 13:32
A Sudanese army officer with some of his troops deployed on the eastern Sudan border on 21 Dec 2020 (ST photo)

September 26, 2021 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudanese army repelled an attack by the Ethiopian army in the border area of Al-Fashaqa said a military statement on Sunday.

Al-Tahir Abu Haja, Sudanese army spokesman stated that the attack took place in Um Brakhit sector of the disputed area.

"The Sudanese Armed Forces had repelled the incursion attempt and forced the Ethiopian forces to withdraw," said Abu Haja in a short statement.

Relations between the two countries have been strained since November 2020 when the Sudanese army redeployed its troops in Al-Fashaqa recovering about 2 million acres of fertile land inside the Sudanese border cultivated with the support of armed militiamen.

Three months ago closed the road linking the two countries after an attack on the Sudanese army by Ethiopian militiamen.

On 22 September, local officials from the two sides met the Ethiopian border town of Metama to discuss the reopening of the crossing point.

The Ethiopian side requested to open the crossing point and called for joint cooperation to settle the issue of detainees from both sides.

A source close to the meeting said the Ethiopian officials spoke again about the presence of Tigryian fighters in the refugee camps a matter that the Sudanese side strongly rejected.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

Uganda asks South Sudan to waive visa fees

Sun, 26/09/2021 - 11:04

September 25, 2021 (KAMPALA) - The government has given South Sudan a one-month ultimatum to waive visa fees for Ugandan nationals seeking to enter the country. This follows Uganda's decision to waive visa fees for South Sudanese entering Uganda which will take effect on October 1.

Speaking to the media, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs Rebecca Kadaga said that South Sudan is expected to reciprocate this by October 31.

She says if South Sudan doesn't reciprocate the waiver, Uganda will reinstate the fees for South Sudanese as well.

According to Kadaga, the decision follows the summit of the East African Community Heads of State in Nairobi in February 2021, when President Salva Kiir appealed to the neighbouring countries for a visa waiver, particularly between South Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda.

According to Kadaga, the move is expected to facilitate trade and investment in the region.

Concerning the security of truckers along the Juba-Nimule route, the minister said that the different illegal roadblocks on the highways have been removed, while the Government of South Sudan has deployed in hotspots and security has been provided for Ugandans entering South Sudan.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

FFC say military seek to spread chaos in Sudan

Sun, 26/09/2021 - 11:01

September 25, 2021 (KHARTOUM) - The Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) Saturday accused the military component of exploiting the political crises to spread chaos in the country and undermine the transition to civilian-led democratic rule.

The followers of Mohamed Turk, a tribal leader of the Hadandawa tribe who rejects the peace agreement for eastern Sudan, are blocking the roads and shut down the pipeline preventing the exportation of the Sudanese and South Sudanese oil.

However, the military component refuses to intervene to stop the security threat and protect the vital economic facilities.

Lt-Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan stated on Thursday that the eastern Sudan crisis should be resolved by Prime Minister Hamdok.

Speaking in a talk show on Sudan TVon Saturday, FFC leading members said that the military component is preparing to remove the civilian government through the insecurity in eastern Sudan and Kordofan.

"It is not necessary to topple the civilian government through weapons. This can be done by exploiting political issues in some regions to create chaos and insecurity. This is part of a strategy aiming to overthrow the civilian government," said Taha Osman, a member of the Empowerment Removal Committee.

Alwathiq al-Brair, Secretary of the National Umma Party, said sarcastically that they learnt for the first time from al-Burhan on Thursday that protecting the vital economic facilities is the responsibility of Prime Minister Hamdok.

"This is part of the core duties of the military component," he stressed.

The Sudanese Ministry of Oil on Saturday announced that the closure of oil terminals at Port Sudan affected the oil pumping from the production areas. The ministry added that the country has a stock for 10 days only.

The tribal leader now demands the cancellation of the eastern Sudan peace agreement and the establishment of a military government to replace the civilian-led government.

Gaafar Hassan a leading member of the FFC and the Unionist Alliance said they were surprised by al-Burhan.

Instead of condemning the putschists, he sought to justify the failed coup claiming that the government failed to settle the economic crisis, Hassan said.

"Al-Burhan's statements raised questions about their purpose," he added.

Hemetti attacks

Mohamed Hamdan Daglo "Hemetti" deputy head of the Sovereign Council and General Commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Mohamed al-Faki the spokesman of the collegial presidency who voiced his rejection of the military's guardianship of the democratic transition.

Hemetti asserted that would not sit with Al-Faki at the same table unless a political agreement was reached to allow the participation of new political forces in the government.

The military leader said that the criticism directed at the military was due to the military's call for a national accord involving more political forces in the transitional government.

Taha rejected calls for a "National Accord", saying it aims to weaken the civilian component.

"Accord with whom? All the revolution's forces have been united on September 8, except for two parties. Talking about other forces is part of the coup attempt because it aims to bring force similar to the previous regime," he said.

FFC leaders say this call for national accord coincides with the end of the term of al-Burhan at the chairmanship of the Sovereign Council as it should be chaired by a civilian next November.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

South Sudan's crude held due to protests in eastern Sudan: minister

Sun, 26/09/2021 - 10:55

September 25, 2021 (JUBA) - Protests in eastern Sudan have affected the flow of oil to Port Sudan disrupting production in its northern oil fields, a South Sudanese minister told reporters Friday.

A pipeline that transports crude oil from the south to Port Sudan (Reuters)

Information minister, Michael Makuei Lueth said the protests, which broke out on September 17, led to the closure of oil terminals at Port Sudan, thus disrupting transportation of crude.

On Friday, a tribal group rejecting the Juba Peace Agreement in eastern Sudan closed the roads leading to the maritime ports on the Red Sea. On Sunday the Hadandaw group closed the Bashayer crude oil export terminal, located 25 km south of Port Sudan.

"With the closure of Port Sudan, we are not in a position to export our (crude) oil because if we don't export oil then we will be in crisis," he told reporters in the capital, Juba.

Land-locked South Sudan relies on Sudan to export its crude in a pipeline via Khartoum to the Red Sea. Around 30,000 b/d of South Sudanese crude goes to its northern neighbour for its direct use, according to S&P Global Platts estimates.

Makuei, however, said President Salva Kiir is in contact with authorities in Khartoum to help resolve the impasse to allow the smooth flow of crude to the key port.

South Sudan depends 98% on oil revenues to finance fiscal expenditure but mismanagement of oil revenues, conflict and the coronavirus affected production in northern oil fields with production falling below 300,000 barrels per day (bpd).

(ST)

Categories: Africa

Kiir cancels $650 million sovereign guarantee loan

Sat, 25/09/2021 - 14:03

September 24, 2021 (JUBA) - South Sudan President Salva Kiir has directed the cancellation of a $650 million sovereign guarantee loan, paving way for the country to engage international financial institutions.

In a letter dated September 24, 2021, the Executive Director of the Presidential Office informed Finance Minister Athian Dingg Athian that Kiir authorized the cancellation of the loan following mounting pressure on his administration to live up to the norms and practices of public financial performance.

“I write to you on the directive of his Excellency the President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, authorizing you to cancel with immediate effect the sovereign guarantee of 650 million dollars which has recently threatened to roll back gains we have made with our population and development partners”, wrote Jems Deng Wal Achien in a letter seen by the Sudan Tribune on Friday evening.

The letter cited the work of the public financial performance management oversight committee which draw membership from a host of the international financial institutions and key representatives of the key international donors.

It pointed to trust and policy credibility the government has reportedly built in the last years, resulting in the strengthening of the local currency over dollars.

The letter said that the involvement of the internationally supported oversight committee had resulted in the building of relations with key partners, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“With this issue resolved and behind us, you should be on your way to completing the Staff Monitored Program (SMP) review and moving to the next level of engagement with International Monetary Funds, World Bank, and African Development Bank,” reads the letter.

The SMP is an informal agreement between national authorities and IMF staff to monitor the country's economic reforms to redress its economy. Also, the IMF can work with the national authorities to build a track record of reform implementation under this agreement.

When the IMF monitored reforms are successfully achieved South Sudan can benefit from development programs funded by the World Bank agencies including the African Development Bank.

International financial institutions threatened to withhold loans if the government continues to borrow without disclosing the terms of the agreement to the public.

The SMP also includes reforms aiming to prevent money laundering and transparency in the management of the oil revenue which is the only source of income for the landlocked country.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

W.House voices strong U.S. support for civilian-led transition in Sudan

Sat, 25/09/2021 - 12:16

September 24, 2021 (WASHINGTON) - The White House voiced strong support on Friday for the "civilian-led" transition in Sudan and announced that President Biden plans to invite Prime Minister Hamdok to visit Washington.

The failed coup by Islamist officers in the army and the challenges posed military to the civilian efforts to carry out reforms have forced the Biden administration to loudly express its support to the civilian forces in Sudan.

In a statement on Friday, the White House said that National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke by phone on September 24 with Sudanese Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok.

The White House reiterated its support to the civilian-led transition to democracy in Sudan adding they oppose any attempts to derail or disrupt the will of the Sudanese people.

"Sullivan underscored that any attempt by military actors to undermine the spirit and agreed benchmarks of Sudan's constitutional declaration would have significant consequences for the U.S.-Sudan bilateral relationship and planned assistance," warned the statement.

The White House added that U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Jeffrey Feltman will travel to Sudan next week to reaffirm U.S. support for the civilian-led transition and discuss regional security challenges alluding to the border dispute with Ethiopia.

The statement that Sullivan informed Hamdok that President Biden looks forward to "meeting with Prime Minister Hamdok in the near future".

The Sudanese military component had succeeded to forge good relations with the Trump administration. However, the Biden administration did not show enthusiasm for such kind of relationship.

U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member, Senator Jim Risch warned against attempts by elements of the Sudanese military or former Bashir regime to remove the civilian-led transitional government by force or undermine civilian leadership.

Such efforts "will jeopardize the U.S. bilateral relationship, debt relief, over $1B in pledged US assistance & international goodwill toward Sudan's future," he stressed.

After the ouster of the al-Bashir regime, the United States removed Sudan from its list of state sponsors of terrorism and supported the transition and mobilized the international community to back the Hamdok government.

In March 2020, US Congress passed a bill requiring the Department of State to submit a strategy outlining U.S. support for a transition to the civilian-led government in Sudan. Also, the act authorises some measures to assist the transition and reform its security sector.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

Military component has no guardianship over transition in Sudan: civilian forces

Sat, 25/09/2021 - 10:08

September 24, 2021 (KHARTOUM) - The civilian component of the Sovereign Council on Friday rejected al-Burhan's statements about the guardianship of the military over the democratic transition.

Divergences surfaced between the civilian and military parties to the transitional process in Sudan following the recent coup attempt.

The civilian government urged the military component to expedite the security reforms and to sack the Islamist elements from the army. While the Head of the Sovereign Council pointed to the divisions between the forces of the ruling coalition.

In an interview with Sudan TV on Friday evening, Mohamed al-Faki, Spokesman of the Sovereign Council said that al-Burhan statements' about the divisions in the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) aim to give the military the control of the transition in Sudan.

He added that they strongly reject what al-Burhan said about their guardianship of the transitional process.

"No, you are not a guardian. The guardian is the people. You are a partner with a proportion known to everyone and specified in the Constitutional Document. There is no guardianship over the people (...). We are equal partners in this Document," he tressed.

During the first year of the transition and until recently the political cohabitation with the military component remained the slogan of the civilian-led cabinet of Abdallah Hamdok.

However, al-Burhan's resistance to reform of the security sector posed a big challenge to the continuation of this one teamwork spirit.

In response to calls by the head of the Sovereign Council to include more forces in the FFC, al-Faki said that al-Burhan seeks, in fact, to bring specific people to the ruling coalition.

This "is unacceptable and we will never allow it," he stressed.

Some FFC leaders speak about attempts by the military to divide the FFC groups and to bring friendly new actors to the coalition from different forces including a splinter faction led by Minni Minnawi.

After the failed coup, Minnawi slammed the FFC saying they do not represent the whole forces of the historical coalition.

He further pointed to the "Overture towards the components of the alliance to fortify the transitional period is the treatment" for the current crisis.

The Governor of the Darfur region had split from the Sudanese Revolutionary Front and refused calls to reunite the FFC while the other groups signatory of the Juba Peace Agreement rejoined the ruling coalition following an initiative by the prime minister.

Al-Faki disclosed that there is a complete stalemate in the reforms due to the deteriorated relations between the military and civilians components.

He said the military component obstructs the appointment of the new chief justice and other major reforms.

Also, he hinted at the existence of divergence about the date of the rotation of the Sovereign Council's presidency from the military component to the civilians.

"One of the Council members requested a legal opinion (fatwa) from the Ministry of Justice to determine the date of the rotation to the civilian component," he said.

"But for us, it should take place next November," he asserted.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

Kiir recalls former governor to military, promoted

Fri, 24/09/2021 - 11:16

September 22, 2021 (JUBA) - South Sudan President Salva Kiir has returned former Warrap state governor, Bona Panek Biar to the military and promoted him to Lieutenant General.

South Sudanese president Salva Kiir (AFP)

Biar served in several capacities in the government under president Kiir. He first served as an officer with the special branch of the national security service from where he rose to the rank of Brigadier General before moving to the army and became a Major General.

He served in the army until 2015 when Kiir split the country into smaller administrative units, allowing him to appoint Biar as the first governor of Twic State.

The ex-governor was removed and returned to the army and became deputy director in the directorate of military intelligence. In 2020, he was again appointed the first governor of Warrap after Kiir recanted his presidential order and returned the country to 10 states, and created three administrative areas.

He was abruptly relieved from his duties in Warrap before forming a cabinet and replaced with a military governor, Aleu Ayieny Aleu. Biar returned to Juba and was returned to active military service and became a director of pension at the general headquarters.

Critics, however, say the way Kiir makes decision suggests his lack of interest to transform the military into a professional and conventional army in which crossing to political life takes place once.

“We do not understand anymore how the president is running the military these days. Every day something happens. This month it was his office manager whom he promoted from nowhere to the rank of a general in the army and now he has promoted Bona Panek into the rank of lieutenant general. This is a person without a proper military background. No training, no experience, nothing”, said an analyst.

He added, "Bona Panek was with SRRA (Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Association, a relief wing of the rebel movement during the war of liberation) when I was already a captain. I am now a colonel, and this person has been all over as the politician, as security, then again in the army, then to politics, and now again in the army and he has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant general. You cannot believe it".

A military officer at the general headquaters wondered why promotions are done through the media.

"As an institution, we don't get things through our channels”, the officer told Sudan Tribune on Wednesday

(ST)

Categories: Africa

Dinka elders back calls for Kiir, Machar to step down

Fri, 24/09/2021 - 10:24

September 23, 2021 (JUBA) - The Jieng (Dinka) Council of elders, a group alliedn to President Salva Kiir, has backed calls for the South Sudanese leader and First Vice President Riek Machar to relinquish power.

President Kiir shakes hands with his FVP Macahr in a recent meeting at the presidency (SSPPU photo)

The group, in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Thursday, said they are in comformity with recommendations of the national dialogue which called on Kiir and Machar to step aside from the country's political affairs.

“We applaud the national dialogue for pointing out the truth and for sharply dissecting and pointing out state and leadership failure as the root causes of the current crises in South Sudan. We are in agreement entirely with their assessment and call upon president Salva Kiir and the 1st vice president Dr. Riek Machar to listen to the voices of the people”, partly reads the statement.

It remains unclear what prompted the group to join a popular desire and calls for the president and his main political rival to step aside from managing affairs of the country

Observers are keen to attribute the cause to declining influence in the decision-making process after the signing of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.

The group used to hold regular meetings with the president, members of his cabinet and security personal before, during and after the eruption of conflict in 2013 and 2016.

The group was founded in 2014 with Justice Ambrose Riiny Thiik as the founding leader with Joshua Dau Diu as the founding co-chair of the group. Every section of the Jieng (Dinka) was either represented by an elder political figure or a traditional leader closely associated with the Internal Bureau of the National Security Services or people with close relations to Kiir.

Unconfirmed reports say the group could have split along regional and sectional lines.

The notably members who signed the statement include, Aldo Ajou Deng, former Jonglei governor Maker Thiong Maal, Charles Majak Dau and Daniel Dhieu Matuet.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

Burhan comes close to admitting Islamists' involvement in failed coup

Fri, 24/09/2021 - 09:34

September 23, 2021 (KHARTOUM) - Abdel Fattah al-Burhan Head of the Transitional Sovereign Council on Thursday pointed to the involvement of civilians in the failed coup attempt but stopped short of admitting they were Islamists.

Earlier this week, Sudanese Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok said the coup was orchestrated by the former regime pointing to the participation of civilians affiliated with the dissolved National Congress Party in the attempt.

However, al-Burhan, the army spokesperson and other senior military officials dismissed the involvement of the Islamists in the attempt.

"The preparations for the coup involved some army officers and civilians that we will disclose their political affiliation at the end of the investigation," al-Burhan said in an interview with AlHadath TV Thursday.

He added that there were "political fingers" behind all the military coups that occurred in Sudan.

The Commander in Chief of the Sudanese army said these civilians will be referred to justice once the investigation concluded while the military will face military courts.

He disclosed they had intelligence about the coup but they did not detain them before because they wanted to arrest the putschists in flagrante delicto to facilitate the role of military justice.

"We wanted to arrest them in the act so that the coup attempt will be easy to prove," he stressed.

Hamdok and the leaders of the Forces for Freedom and Changes (FFC) pointed an accusing finger at al-Burhan saying he delays the reforms of the security sector and refuses to sack the Islamist militaries from the army.

They added that this situation paved the way in the past and continues to enable the Islamists to carry out attempts to seize power.

In return, al-Burhan says if the political forces settle their difference and stopped their quarrels, the Islamists would not have an opportunity to try to take power.

The head of the Sovereign Council reassured that the army supports the democratic transition and holding general elections at the end of the 4-year period.

He also affirmed his support for the initiative of Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok (The Way Forward) to reunite the FFC forces and achieve the goals of the transitional period.

In a related development, police forces dispersed a demonstration supporting Prime Minister Hamdok and the transitional government near the presidential palace.

Eyewitnesses told Sudan Tribune that military vehicles crowded with soldiers continued to roam the streets near the Republican Palace, dispersing hundreds of demonstrators who kept chanting slogans calling for total control of power by the civilians.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

S. Sudan condemns Sudan's failed coup attempt, pledges support

Fri, 24/09/2021 - 09:24

September 22, 2021 (JUBA) - South Sudan on Wednesday condemned a military attempt to take over power from Sudan's transitional government, urging the latter to hold responsible those involved in the failed coup.

Al-Burhan speaks to the media flanked by Hamdok after the end of the mutiny of GIS forces (ST photo)

President Salva Kiir, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said he had spoken on Tuesday and Wednesday to two both the Chairman of the Sudan Transitional Sovereign Council, General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.

The two leaders, he stated, assured him that the situation would normalise.

"His Excellency the President of the Republic of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, had telephone conversations with the Chairman of the Sudan Transitional Sovereign Council, General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, and Prime Minister Dr. Abdalla Hamdok, yesterday after the Sudanese Army successfully thwarted the coup attempt. This morning, His Excellency the President, held another phone conversation with Prime Minister Hamdok. On behalf of the Republic of South Sudan, President Kiir communicated his condemnation of the coup attempt. He also pledged full support and solidarity with the Transitional Government and the People of Sudan in their efforts to achieve the legitimate aspirations and hopes of the December Revolution. His Excellency, President Salva Kiir, also urges the IGAD leaders to condemn this attack on the democratic transition in Sudan”, partly reads the statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

Kiir expressed disapproval of the military take of the transitional government, saying it would dent efforts of the transitional government to implement the peace agreement.

"The government of the Republic of South Sudan strongly condemn this failed coup attempt and urge the Sudanese government to hold accountable all those involved”, continued the statementsl.

It added, “The Government of South Sudan also condemns any external interference intended to derail the peaceful transition that is currently underway in Sudan. We emphasize our firm position in rejecting the use of military means to undermine the power of the people and the leadership of the Transitional Government. Such unconstitutional shortcuts aimed at blocking the democratic political transition in Sudan should not be allowed to derail the efforts of the Sudanese people”.

The South Sudanese leader, however, called the parties involved and other stakeholders in Sudan to embrace peaceful dialogue and protect the Transitional Government so that they do not reverse the democratic gains made during this transitional period.

Separately, South Sudan's Foreign Affairs ministry urged all the parties to the Transitional Government in Sudan to cooperate to achieve the dreams of the people.

"We once again reaffirm our support to full implementation of the Peace Agreement in Sudan and urge the parties to recommit to it as the best path forward to achieve the legitimate goals of the Sudanese Revolution”, a statement issued read in part.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

South Sudan elites diverted $73m from public coffers: report

Fri, 24/09/2021 - 07:05
UN Commission on Human Rights in Sudan (from left) Yasmin Sooka, Chair, Andrew Clapham and Barney Afako (2018), by UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan (Twitter Photo)

September 23, 2021 (Geneva)- South Sudanese elites diverted staggering amounts of money and other wealth from public coffers and resources, undermining human rights and endangering security, the Commission on Human Rights said in a report.

The report was presented to the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Thursday.

According to investigations carried out by the Commission over the past two years, more than $73 million USD was diverted since 2018, including transactions worth almost $39 million USD in a period of less than two months.

The Commission noted that this figure is only a fraction of the overall amount looted; as President Salva Kiir himself admitted as far back as 2012, South Sudan's ruling elites had diverted more than $4 billion USD.

The Commission is mandated to monitor and report on the human rights situation in South Sudan, and to clarify responsibility for alleged violations and related crimes, as well as to make recommendations to improve the situation.

In its Conference Room Paper, the Commission has highlighted how the systematic, illicit diversion of State resources has severely undermined the economic, social, and cultural rights of citizens.

This plundering also continues to fuel political competition amongst elites, and is a key driver of the on-going conflict, violations, and serious crimes, jeopardizing the prospects for sustainable peace.

The Commission's recommendations aimed at the Government of South Sudan seek to ensure that the State can protect and fulfil the rights of its citizens.

The Commission's Conference Room Paper also highlights that South Sudan's elites have deliberately adopted a highly informal system of oil revenue collection, in which the absence of independent oversight and transparency facilitates and enables the misappropriation of public funds. Similarly flawed, non-transparent processes for contract payments, procurements, and revenue are operated illicitly to divert non-oil revenues.

In just one emblematic case, the Commission revealed how a single payment made unlawfully in May 2018 by the Ministry of Finance to Sudanese businessman Ashraf Seed Ahmed Al-Cardinal, also known as “Al Cardinal”, represented a staggering 21.6 per cent of South Sudan's total budget for the “Use of Goods and Services” and “Capital Expenditure” for the entire 2018/2019 fiscal year.

“The Commission's documentation of the corruption, embezzlement, bribery, and misappropriation of State funds by political elites is merely the tip of the iceberg”, stated Commission Chair Yasmin Sooka.

“Our investigations traced exactly how this money is being diverted, and our findings revealing the patterns and trends of the embezzlement include the involvement of politicians, Government officials, international corporations, military personnel, and multinational banks in these crimes. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, the National Revenue Authority, and a number of foreign corporations have all been complicit in this”, she added.

The Commission's Conference Room Paper also emphasizes and draws a link between the illicit diversion of funds and the inadequacy of resources available to public authorities to fulfil their legal obligations to provide for the enjoyment of economic, social, and cultural rights of citizens.

“The violations of human rights and related crimes we have been investigating refer to a broad category of activities involving money, finances, or assets, the purpose of which is to unlawfully obtain a profit or advantage for the perpetrators”, explained Commissioner Andrew Clapham.

“These activities are proscribed by both national legislation and international law, including the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan, the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, and the Investigation Committees Act. As a State party, South Sudan is further bound by the UN Convention against Corruption. Accordingly, other States party to that Convention may be obligated to repatriate funds that originated in South Sudan and were illicitly used to purchase real estate abroad, as we have documented in considerable detail”, he added.

The Commission's report also highlights that South Sudan's oil industry is dominated by unaccountable oil consortia, the actions of which have wrought considerable devastation, including environmental degradation and damage impacting on the health of citizens. Oil spills in the Pariang and Rubkona counties of Unity State, for example, have led to pre-term births, stillbirths, congenital anomalies or deaths in new-born, blindness, male sexual dysfunction, and low fertility.

“We have analyzed a series of preventable health incidents induced by disease and devastating birth defects, including many that can be directly attributed to the presence of crude oil contamination in water, contributing to environmental degradation”, stated the Commission chair Yasmin Sooka.

“The harm wreaked by these major oil consortia on local communities, and in particular the impact on infants who continue to suffer from severe birth defects, is utterly egregious and devastating for families”, she added.

The Commission also underscored that the illicit gains from economic crimes also serve as a major driver of armed conflict in South Sudan.

“South Sudan's damaging conflicts have been significantly enabled and even motivated by the opportunities to control and divert natural resources as well as oil and non-oil revenues”, said Commissioner Barney Afako.

“Moreover, national authorities and elites have prioritized the financing of military and security apparatuses over investment in public services, infrastructure, and livelihoods. We strongly urge the Government to act swiftly and decisively fully to implement Chapter IV of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, which provides the appropriate basis for ensuring the effective resource, economic, and financial management in South Sudan”, he added.

The Commission has identified several individuals allegedly linked to human rights violations and related economic crimes, and has included them in its confidential list that will be handed to the High Commissioner for Human Rights for the purpose of facilitating transitional justice responses, including investigations and prosecution

(ST)

Categories: Africa

UN representative arrives in Sudan ahead security arrangements implementation

Thu, 02/09/2021 - 12:40

September 1, 2021 (KHARTOUM) - The UN official who chairs the Permanent Ceasefire Commission arrived in Khartoum on Wednesday ahead of the launch of the implementation process of the security arrangements for Darfur armed groups.

The Juba Peace Agreement signed between the government and the Revolutionary Front groups on October 3, 2020, provides that the permanent ceasefire commission would be chaired by a United Nations representative and includes five officers from each party besides two representatives of South Sudan and Chad.

“The head of the ceasefire commission arrived in Sudan. He is a member of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), the Vice-Chairman of the Joint Higher Military Committee, Suleiman Sandal, told the Sudan Tribune, on Wednesday.

Sandal said the Permanent Ceasefire Commission should move to its headquarters in El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.

He further underlined the need to activate the implementation mechanisms and to take concrete financial and administrative procedures in this respect; particularly the Joint Military High Committee for Security Arrangements approved it.

On 30 August, the Joint Military High Committee held a meeting in Khartoum chaired by al-Burhan with the participation of the army officers and the representatives of the armed groups to discuss the security arrangements enforcement.

The meeting agreed to expedite the implementation of the security arrangements and the need to determine the gathering site for remaining combatants.

Sandal said that the meeting discussed administrative issues and who will oversee the implementation of different tasks.

In addition, he disclosed that the parties to the implementation process would hold technical consultations meetings on September 5 and 6, to finalize the preparations before its effective launch, which would be very soon.

In a related development, Sudan's Sovereign Council on Wednesday announced the beginning of the implementation process in the Blue Nile.

The statement said Malik Agar, the Council's member and chairman of the SPLM-N and the defence minister attended the inauguration of the process.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

S. Sudanese authorities fine traders for closing shops over protests

Thu, 02/09/2021 - 10:03

September 1, 2021 (JUBA) - South Sudanese authorities have fined small scale traders for shutting down shops in the wake of the botched protests organised by civil society activists last week.

Traders display clothes for sale in Bor town (File photo)

Multiple traders in Konyokonyo market, Juba town, Jebel and Muniki area told Sudan Tribune Wednesday that officials, collaborating with security officers, police and military personnel from the Juba City Council have been threatening to arrest them for failing to open their shops on August 30, 2021.

These officials accompanied by security personnel, military, and police, according to multiple traders, imposed financial fines ranging between 150,000 SSP ($375) to 50,000 SSP ($125) each.

“We were not allowed to talk. They just asked for the money and when you ask, they say they are fines for failing to open and operate your shop on Monday”, a trader told Sudan Tribune Wednesday.

A police source privy to what transpired told Sudan Tribune separately the collection was to cover expenses incurred on the forces deployed on Monday.

“You know the government is broke to the core. Even finding a fuel to put into an official car for official purpose require a strategy to get funds for it. Soldiers too had to eat, and this was not budgeted. So, the money must be found somewhere and collecting them from traders was one of the strategies to pay for these expenses and the Juba city council was given the responsibility to do that. And because of the envisioned resistance from traders, the soldiers were deployed for that purpose”, he explained.

Traders argued that they could not open their shops because they were unsure of the nature of protest, citing previous incidents in which shops were ransacked without government intervention.

Rights groups said security forces have arrested several people, including activists and a bishop, ahead of a botched mass protest.

Meanwhile, a police spokesman denied the arrests, but later explained that the deployment was to protect lives and properties.

The government was reacting to activities of a coalition of leaders of the civil society organisations calling on President Salva Kiir and the First Vice-President Riek Machar to step down.

The activists had planned nationwide protests, which the country's authorities quickly subdued.

Tensions were high and government officials, including Kiir and members of his administration were worried about the mass protests and heavily deployed security forces.

Observers say citizens easily accepted calls for mass protests because soldiers are underpaid and overlooked in promotions. Other reasons include political and economic stagnation, rampant corruption, growing nepotism in government and armed forces, insecurity and lack of empathy.

Political opponents and journalists argue that lack of political space to freely assemble, arbitrary arrest and detention explains why the country's citizens have lost faith in the coalition government.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

Sudanese security forces, former rebels clash in Khartoum's suburb

Thu, 02/09/2021 - 09:11

September 1, 2021- (KHARTOUM) - One policeman and a number of gunmen were wounded during armed clashes on Wednesday in Khartoum's suburb of Soba between government forces and gunmen affiliated with a signatory group called Third Front - Tamazuj.

The Sudanese interior ministry said the former rebels refused to leave a building in the Rahaf neighbourhood of the Soba area of Khartoum and opened fire on the police force that requested them to render the keys of the accommodations.

The group members were supposed to stay in the police building for one month after their arrival in Khartoum in November 2020.

The Sudanese police said that the armed group refused to vacate the residence and opened fire on the police, following what they request the support of a joint force involving the police, the army and the Rapid Support Forces.

The controversial group did not take part in the negotiations but joined the agreement later. Its leadership claims they were part of the SPLM-North but the latter denies that.

Tamazuj had already clashed with the security forces on 18 March of this year.

The group spokesman Mohamed Musa Badi said the " unfortunate " incident occurred due to the lack of written or verbal notification with the group.

Also, in a state released late on Wednesday evening, the SPLM-N Darfur Sector led by Saeed Youssif Mahel said the security forces attacked its members and injured several members of the group.

"There is a systematic targeting of some armed struggle leaders," said the group and warned they would retaliate if the government does not hold accountable the perpetrators of the attack.

The U.S. Embassy which has its building in Soba advised its personnel "to avoid all areas south of its location until further notice.

Tamazuj groups have been accused of being fabricated by the military intelligence to weaken the Juba Peace Agreement signatory groups as it gathers people from the border areas with South Sudan from Kordofan and Darfur regions.

Several members of this alliance were involved in robbery and looting attacks in the past months increasing the insecurity in the capital.

Analysts and commentators had warned that the non-implementation of the security arrangements would lead to such incidents.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

Machar allied forces march on defected forces: spokesman

Thu, 02/09/2021 - 07:48

September 1, 2021 (JUBA) - Forces allied to South Sudan's First Vice President Riek Machar are purportedly moving towards an area occupied by forces under the command and leadership of his former chief staff, Simon Gatwech Dual, a spokesman said.

Riek Machar South Sudan FVP (Reuters photo)

Brigadier General William Gatjiath Deng, who ally himself with forces Gen. Dual has issued a statement warning of imminent attack by forces loyal to Machar.

These forces loyal to Machar, according to the statement, are under the direct command of Machar's spy chief General Yieh Dak.

“We have information indicating that they are on their way to attack our position. But let me assure the public as a matter of fact, the mighty forces of SPLA (IO) under command of the interim Chairman and Commander in Chief (C-in-C), 1st Lt-Gen Simon Gatwech Dual, are fully aware of your imminent attacks on our bases but they will be taught a good lesson at both”, reads a statement obtained by Sudan Tribune.

He added, "The merciless forces loyal to the former Chairman, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, are now on their way coming to attack the SPLA (IO) at Kit-gwang GHQs, as already exposed by their warmonger Gen.Yiey Dak, the director of national security who was giving the farewell salutation to their forces".

Deng accused Dak of being the mastermind of the split, warning that their forces are on high alert and will respond with a huge force to the hostile forces. Attempts to reach Machar's spokesman on military affairs for comment could not be successful. His known telephone line could not connect at the time of going to the press.

Sources with direct knowledge of the situation told Sudan Tribune on Wednesday that the two sides are preparing for all-out hostilities with a view to claim monopoly and exert control to gain legitimacy and recognition from the public and over the forces and territories in which they operate.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

Sudanese army chief of staff holds military talks in Qatar

Wed, 01/09/2021 - 13:50

August 31, 20121 (KHARTOUM) - The Chief of Staff of the Sudanese Armed Forces is visiting Doha for talks on military cooperation with Qatar, said the Sudanese Military Media on Tuesday.

Lt-Gen Mohamed Osman al-Hussein held a meeting with Lt-Gen Ghanim bin Shaheen Al-Ghanim, Chief of Staff of the Qatar Armed Forces, said the military media.

“The meeting touched on ways to strengthen relations between the two brotherly armies,” reads the statement.

Osman who arrived on Monday is expected to meet other military officials.

The two armies conducted joint military exercises in December 2019 in Arkweit of the Red Sea State.

In November 2014, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on military cooperation between them in various fields.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

Burhan, EU envoys discuss security in Darfur, eastern Sudan border

Wed, 01/09/2021 - 13:12


August 31, 2021 (KHARTOUM) - The head of the Sovereign Council and European Union diplomats to Khartoum Tuesday discussed the security situation in Darfur and the border dispute with Ethiopia.

European diplomats in Sudan from France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Sweden and the European Union met on Tuesday with Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to discuss the ongoing democratic transition in the country.

Following the meeting, the Head of the EU Delegation in Sudan Robert van den Dool told reporters that they had a “friendly and constructive” discussion on the transition including Hamdok's initiative and reiterated their call to form the transitional parliament.

“We also discussed the security situation in the country, the progress in the implementation of the security arrangements stipulated by the Juba Peace Agreement and the efforts by the government to maintain order, strengthen security, impose rule of law and combat crime,” Dool further said.

He said they underlined the need to protect displaced people and enforce the National Plan for the Protection of Civilians, pointing it was crucial for peacebuilding in the Darfur region.

The government has delayed the implementation of security measures in Darfur as uncontrolled combatants of former rebel groups participated in intercommunal clashes and some others are accused of robberies.

Also, the lack of funding prevents the launch of the implementation of measures aiming to compensate the displaced people or rehabilitating their areas of origin for their return.

In a letter to the UN Secretary-General in September 2019, Sudanese Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok requested that his country be declared eligible for the UN Peacebuilding Fund.

Hamdok asked that the funding be allocated to support his government plans for security, durable solutions, and peacebuilding at the community level in Darfur.

The EU representative In Sudan said that the meeting discussed the situation in eastern Sudan, in Ethiopia and South Sudan.

“Sudan's strategic location is key to the stability of the region and we believe that any military escalation will negatively reflect on the peace, security and progress in the countries of the region,” Dool said.

The EU diplomats also expressed their commitment to support the transitional process and back the government's efforts to rebuild the Sudanese economy.

“We confirmed to his Excellency that the European Union will continue to support Sudan's transition to a civilian-led democratic government,” he said.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

Uganda, South Sudan agree to patrol Juba-Nimule highway

Wed, 01/09/2021 - 10:34

August 31, 2021 (KAMPALA) - Uganda and South Sudan have agreed to patrol the Nimule-Juba highway where drivers and travellers have been attacked in the recent past.

General view of Juba Nimule road leading to Nimule Park and neighbouring Uganda (Pinterest photo)

The agreement follows the killing of travellers, including two Catholic nuns, by unknown militia on the road.

Uganda's First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga tweeted on Monday that there would be police check points every 10km along the usually busy highway.

"Uganda has expressed its concerns at the continued assault, attacks and killings of Ugandan travellers on the Juba-Nimule sector. Agreement has been reached with South Sudan government to establish security patrols at every 10 kilometres mark protected by convoy escorts," she wrote.

Kadaga said chiefs of staffs from the two countries would hold a joint meeting next week.

"I have also drawn the attention of my counterparts to the common breach of the Common Market Protocal by South Sudan Govt," she added.

Last week, cross-border drivers from East African countries went on strike protesting against insecurity.

About 1,000 lorries from across East Africa have stopped at the main crossing point along the Nimule-Juba highway.

At least 30 traders and lorry drivers from across East Africa have been killed this year on the road.

Landlocked South Sudan heavily depends on its neighbours for essential supplies.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

Kiir pulls out of Rome talks with hold-out opposition groups

Wed, 01/09/2021 - 09:38
Representatives of South Sudan government and SSOMA factions at a meeting mediated by the Sant'Egidio community in Rome, July 17, 2021 (courtesy photo)

August 31, 2021 (JUBA)- South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has halted his government's participation in the Rome talks with the South Sudanese Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA), dashing any prospects for peace in a country ruined by civil wars and rampant corruption.

“We have decided to pause the ongoing Sant'Egidio led Rome Peace initiative. Our pursuit of an inclusive peace should never be taken for weakness and used as a window to kill the innocent”, he said at the inauguration of the first session of parliament on Monday.

Kiir specifically singled out the National Salvation Front (NAS) headed by General Thomas Cirilo Swaka and set conditions for his government's resumption of the talks.

He held the hold-out group responsible for attacks on the Juba-Nimule highway on August 16, 2021 in which scores of people, including two catholic nuns, were killed.

None of the groups, however, claimed responsibility for the recent attacks.

"Talks with SSOMA will only resume after they cease killing the innocent people and show their commitment to documents they have signed in Rome. It is only when they meet these conditions that genuine dialogue will resume,” said Kiir.

The South Sudanese leader wondered why NAS continues to target civilians along the main roads, despite their commitment to the cessation of hostilities agreement.

“We have signed with Rome Declaration and Rome Resolutions with SSOMA and the re-commitment to Cessation of Hostilities in December 2017 and Declaration of Principles. The goal of signing these documents was to stop fighting and save innocent lives. These were our commitment to inclusivity”, he told legislators.

Kiir said documents signed by the group suspected to have carried out the attack with the government were also part of confidence-building aimed at achieving lasting peace in the country.

“Now that SSOMA is specifically the National Salvation Front elements continue to violate this commitment,” he stressed.

Government signed a peace deal with NAS and other holdout opposition groups in January 2020.

(ST)

Categories: Africa

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