Feed aggregator

Le prix du baril a connu une progression de 80 % en quatre mois, porté notamment par le recul de la production au Nigeria, en Libye et au Canada.

Le film d’Olivier Joulie rappelle que seules 5 % des forêts primaires de ce pays d’Afrique centrale et occidentale seraient encore préservées de l’activité humaine (jeudi 26 mai à 18 heures sur LCP).

L’enquête de Jean-Louis Perez, si elle ne révèle pas de scoop , offre une plongée dans le règne du « roi des pauvres » (jeudi 26 mai à 23 h 20 sur France 3).

May 25, 2016 (JUBA/NAIROBI) – South Sudan's top army commanders should thoroughly investigate abuses committed by its forces, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable, a United States-based human rights body said in a new report.

Soldiers from the South Sudanese army (SPLA) jump off the back of a truck while on patrol in the capital, Juba, following the December 2013 outbreak of violence (Photo: Reuters)

“They should know that they too could face international and criminal sanctions if they don't take concrete action in accordance with the law,” Daniel Bekele, Africa director at Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report issued Wednesday.

According to the rights body, South Sudan government soldiers carried out a wide range of often-deadly attacks on civilians in and around the country's town of Wau.

The soldiers, it alleged, killed, tortured, raped, and detained civilians and looted and burned down homes in the attacks.

Abuses in the Western Bahr el Ghazal region reportedly took place during government counterinsurgency operations that intensified after a peace deal was signed last year.

The attacks, the rights body stressed, underscored the need for the national unity government to take immediate steps toward accountability for crimes by all warring parties since the start of South Sudan's conflict in mid-December 2013.

“With all eyes on the new national unity government in Juba, government soldiers have been literally getting away with murder in the country's western regions,” said Bekele.

“The new government should immediately call a halt to the abuse, free all arbitrarily detained civilians, and support the creation of a war crimes court that can investigate and prosecute those responsible, including at the highest levels of authority,” he added.

ARMY DISMISSES REPORT

A spokesperson for the national army, Brig. Gen Lul Ruai Koang, said the report was “bias, one sided and heavily relied on incredible eye witnesses to draw conclusions”.

He instead said his office would provide graphic evidences proving that “horrific”crimes were indeed committed against innocent civilians by the “criminals and bandits”.

“These are crimes that HRW either deliberately, out of ignorant or in haste failed to mention in its report as some of the most terrible and heartbreaking crimes committed by unlawful combatants we have been battling,” said Koang.

“It's good to underscore that it takes two to tangle,” he added.

The report says newly deployed, mostly Dinka, soldiers from the South Sudanese army allegedly attacked ethnic Fertit civilians in villages and neighborhoods of the town of Wau.

The abuses, it said, forced tens of thousands of people to flee, leaving villages and entire neighborhoods empty, which it found during a research mission to Wau in April.

The rights body claimed it documented numerous killings, most of which were reportedly committed by SPLA soldiers.

Since late 2015, it said, local authorities, including the governor of the newly created Wau state, Elias Waya Nyipuoch, and community leaders have been reporting the spate of abuses to the army and other government officials.

No steps, the US-based rights body said, were taken to investigate these abuses.

The new transitional government of national unity, Human Rights Watch said, should ask the African Union to promptly establish the hybrid tribunal envisioned in the August 2015 peace agreement to try serious crimes in South Sudan.

“National authorities should also investigate and fairly prosecute human rights violations. The UN peacekeeping mission should also report publicly on the abuses and the government's response,” further says the new report.

(ST)

May 25, 2016 (JUBA) - The United Nations humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan, Eugene Owusu, has strongly condemned the tragic killing of Sister Veronika Racková, a Slovakian nun and medical doctor who was shot last week in Yei River state.

Deputy head of UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Eugene Owusu (YouTube Photo)

The nun, who was on a humanitarian mission, died at a hospital in Kenya.

“I am deeply saddened by this senseless act and send my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sister Veronika Racková,” Owusu said in a statement.

“I welcome steps being taken by the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and urge them to act swiftly,” it adds.

The deceased was reportedly driving an ambulance on her way back from a medical centre when she was attacked.

Her death, Owusu stressed, brings to 54 the number of aid workers killed in South Sudan since mid-December 2013.

“Violence against humanitarian workers and humanitarian assets is categorically unacceptable and must stop,” he said.

Owusu urged the Transitional Government of National Unity to endeavour to strengthen the safety and security environment for aid workers and intensively work with them.

(ST)

May 25, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim Ghandour has expected a breakthrough in relations with Washington and vowed to resolve security issues with neighbouring countries.

John Kerry (R) shakes hands with the Sudan's FM Ibrahim Ghandour as they pose for photos at the Palace Hotel in New York, October 2, 2015. (Photo Reuters/Stephanie Keith)

Ghandour, who spoke in his ministry's regular media forum Wednesday, described the United States as “friend and foe”, saying the latter has imposed an unjustified and unjust sanctions on Sudan.

He stressed however that the dialogue between Khartoum and Washington wouldn't stop, saying his government will “knock on all doors until they open up”.

The top diplomat added that Washington's hostile attitude towards Sudan is unjustifiable, pointing to the great efforts made by his government to achieve peace in Darfur, South Kordofan and the Blue Nile.

He further pointed that the sanctions would be “eroded” if the U.S. didn't lift it.

“I'm neither optimistic nor pessimistic about the relationship between Sudan and the U.S. and I expect that relations between Khartoum and Washington would experience a breakthrough,” he said.

Washington imposed economic and trade sanctions on Sudan in 1997 in response to its alleged connection to terror networks and human rights abuses. In 2007 it strengthened the embargo, citing abuses in Darfur which it labelled as genocide.

Also, Sudan has been on the US list of countries supporting terrorism since 1993, for allegedly providing support and safe haven for terrorist groups.

Sudan says Washington didn't honour its pledges to lift Sudan from the United States list of state sponsors of terrorism after the independence of South Sudan and kept sanctions for political reasons.

But Washington says Khartoum has to end the armed conflict in South Darfur and Blue Nile states and to settle Darfur crisis.

AFRICAN, ARAB AND NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES

Meanwhile, Ghandour said his ministry seeks to resolve Sudan's problems with neighbouring countries in order to maintain secure and evolving ties with them.

He pointed that relations with Ethiopia and Eritrea have reached the stage of full coordination besides the continuous coordination with Chad and Central African Republic (CAR), saying they are keen to maintain special ties with South Sudan.

Ghandour also underscored his government keenness to maintain peaceful relations with Libya, pointing to Khartoum's support for the legitimate and internationally recognized government headed by Faiz al-Siraj.

He said that Sudan is among the few countries that didn't close down their embassies in Tripoli.
The top diplomat further revealed that the Libyan foreign minister would visit Khartoum soon to strengthen ties between the two countries.

Libya's internationally recognised government has persistently accused Sudan of providing weapons to Islamist militias in collaboration with Qatar.

Concerning the Sudanese-Egyptian relations, Ghandour emphasized that Halayeb is a Sudanese territory, saying the dispute over the triangle wouldn't adversely impact on the strategic relations between the two countries.

The Sudanese top diplomat pointed to the improving foreign relations with the African countries and described it as “distinguished”.

He said the African nations have rendered their support to Sudan in various issues including the economic sanctions imposed on Sudan by Washington and the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The ICC has two outstanding arrest warrants against President Omer al-Bashir since 2009 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Darfur conflict.

The Sudanese top diplomat added that Sudan is part of a large Arab coalition, saying his government enjoys strong ties with its brotherly Arab nations who support his country in all crucial issues.

EUROPE, LATIN AMERICA AND CHINA

Ghandour said the Sudanese-European relations have recently witnessed remarkable openness following his meeting with a number of European Union (EU) officials in Brussels.

“There is a remarkable openness [in relations] … I'm not saying that our relations with Europe are excellent but the icebergs between us and some of the European countries have begun to melt and we only have to swim towards each other,” he said.

However, the top diplomat pointed to various obstacles that hinder improvement of ties with some of the European countries particularly Britain, saying Sudan's relations with the latter is not as desired.

He further mentioned the good relations with Italy, Germany and Australia, saying they intended to open a consulate in Sydney to serve more than 35,000 Sudanese nationals residing there.

Ghandour also pointed to Sudan's keenness to maintain good ties with Latin American countries, saying they intend to open embassies in Brazil, Venezuela and Argentina.

He described his country's relationship with China as strategic, pointing to Beijing's support for Sudan in the UN Security Council as well as its leading role in the Sudanese economy.

UNITED NATIONS

Meanwhile, Ghandour pointed to Sudan's important role in the regional and semi-regional organizations, saying they sought to strengthen foreign relations via 83 consulates and embassies around the globe.

He attributed the recent decision to not renew the stay permit of the head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Khartoum Ivo Freijsen to the latter's lack of coordination with the government and his incorrect reports on the situation in the country.

“This UN official (Freijsen ) has said that Sudan is experiencing a famine … have you heard about a famine in the country?” he wondered.

“Despite the fact that this UN official has distorted Sudan's image, he wasn't expelled but [we] refused to renew his stay permit,” he added.

Earlier this week, the UN said the Sudanese authorities declined to renew a permit for the head of OCHA, saying he was being effectively expelled from the country.

Concerning the UN resolution 2265, Ghandour said the resolution pertains to the mandate of the Panel of Experts monitoring Darfur's sanctions, saying it continued to be renewed annually since 2005 however Britain and the US attempted this year to propose some items to prevent the export of gold from the region.

He said the experts leaked the report to a US magazine before it is being presented to the Security Council in order to exert further pressures on Sudan, pointing that China, Russia, Egypt, Venezuela, Senegal, Angola and other nations voted against the proposal.

On 10 February 2016, the Security Council approved the resolution 2265 and renewed until 12 March 2017 the mandate of the Panel of Experts monitoring sanctions imposed on those behind instability in Darfur.

The mandate of the Panel, supports the implementation of the resolution 1591 (2005) imposing an arms embargo on the warring parties in Sudan and sanctions on (assets freeze and a travel ban) on designated individuals.

On the other hand, Ghandour renewed his government's demand for the exit of the hybrid peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID), saying the region is currently enjoying peace and stability.

He pointed that Burkina Faso has ordered to withdraw its troops from the mission following a similar decision by South Africa.

(ST)

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

May 25, 2016 (ADDIS ABABA) – An Italian giant construction company, Salini Impregilo, announced that it has signed a contract agreement with Ethiopia to build a new hydroelectric power plant worth €2.5 billion.

The client Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) awarded the new power plant project which will be constructed in the country's south on the lower bank of Gibe River.

The New mega project known as the Koysha dam will have an installed capacity of 2,200 MW.

According to Salini, the project includes a 170 meter high rolled compacted concrete (RCC) dam; the reservoir volume is 6000 million cubic meters will have an annual power generation capacity of 6,460 GWh.

The new contract agreement with the Italian firm comes few months after Ethiopia secured a finance grant from an Italian credit firm that will fund the project.

Sources told Sudan Tribune that an Italian financial firm called Servizi Assicuative del Commerce Estero (SACE) will fund the giant power plant project.

A high-level Ethiopian delegation has previously travelled to Italy to ink the finance deal with Servizi Assicuative del Commerce Estero.

The horn of Africa's nation is investing billions of dollars by utilizing its rivers in a bid to boost the country's energy supply.

The country is building a number of hydro-electric power plants including what would be Africa's largest Dam known as Grand Ethiopia Renaissance Dam (GERD) which will have 8.000 MW electric generating capacity.

GERD which is being constructed along the Nile River in the Benshangul Gumz region near the Sudanese border is currently over 50 percent complete.

The Ethiopian government says construction of the massive dam project will transform the country's vision to become the hub for the renewable energy in Africa.

In a recent parliament session, Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, told MPs that the country's desire to tap several rivers for power generation is part of plan to boost manufacturing and industrialization and transform its agrarian economy.

Salini Impregilo, in a short statement it issued at its website said the new project (Koysha dam) together with GIBE III and GERD (the Grand Renaissance Dam) on the Blue Nile will enable Ethiopia to become Africa's leader in terms of energy production.

“The Country has been rapidly growing for many years now, and will soon become the driving force of the African continent” it said.

It added that the mega infrastructure projects that have characterized the past few years not only would sustain the country's growth, but also contribute to achieving the goal of transforming Ethiopia into Africa's energy hub.

Ethiopia, which hopes to become a middle income nation by 2025, intends to become a leading power exporter in the East African region and beyond.

Currently, Ethiopia exports hydro-power processed electricity to its neighbours: Kenya, Sudan and Djibouti.

(ST)

May 25, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Priest of Holy Mary Coptic Orthodox Church in South Darfur capital, Nyala, Gabriel Anthony, in his first statements since his release Tuesday said he had not been subjected to physical torture throughout the duration of his abduction.

Priest of Holy Mary Coptic Orthodox Church in Nyala, Gabriel Anthony (ST Photo)

On 14 April, three offenders riding a four-wheel drive vehicle "Land Cruiser" kidnapped Anthony, in front of his poultry farm near Atash camp for displaced persons. On Tuesday, the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) in South Darfur managed to free Anthony from his kidnappers.

Dozens of the followers of the Orthodox Church accompanied by NISS officers have received Anthony Wednesday in Khartoum.

Anthony told reporters upon his arrival that the abduction experience was tough saying he missed his family however he didn't elaborate on how he has been freed from his kidnappers.

The Coptic Orthodox Church in Khartoum is expected to decide later on whether Anthony will be allowed to return to Nyala or not after considering the details of the incident and its possible developments.

Nyala is the home of hundreds of Sudanese Copts since 70 years ago. Also, the Sudanese Coptic Church is officially recognized, and exempt from property tax.

NISS representative Abdallah al-Sharif pointed that they dealt with the incident as top priority, saying they determined Anthony's location since the first day of abduction but decided to take the necessary measures slowly to preserve his safety.

In a press conference held in Nyala Tuesday to announce the liberation of the priest, South Darfur Governor Adam al-Faki praised the efforts exerted by the security service to secure his release but he didn't elaborate on the conditions of his freedom or the identity of the kidnappers.

South Darfur has witnessed over the last two years a wave of kidnapping, murder and looting which prompted state authorities to declare an indefinite emergency situation and impose a daily curfew in 2014.

The decision also banned riding of motorcycles by more than one person, holding weapons while wearing civilian clothes, vehicles driving around without license plates, and wearing a kadamool (a turban which covers the face).

During the recent visit of President Omer al-Bashir to Nyala, the Governor Adam al-Faki promised to lift the state of emergency soon after the improvement of the security situation.

(ST)

May 25, 2016 (JUBA) – Lectures of various universities in South Sudan have begun to go on strike on Wednesday, 25 May, over unpaid salaries for three months as the government has failed to secure money.

The strike, which has no limited period until the matter is resolved, began on Monday and may go on until the Ministry of Finance has settled the payment of three months of salaries.

According to Philip Finish Apollo, member of the academic staff at Juba University, he told the media that the salaries include allowance of medical coverage, annual air tickets as well as higher education employees in the new salary adjustment.

The affected universities which lecturers have gone on the strike include Juba University, Bahr el Ghazel University, Upper Nile University, John Garang University and Rumbek University.

Minister of higher education, whose institution is responsible for paying the lecturers their salaries, however said the lecturers had the right to strike if there was no money to pay them.

Peter Adwok Nyaba, a new minister of the transitional government of national unity who took up his position only three weeks ago, and represents the armed opposition faction of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO), said he had nothing to do to pay the three months of salary arrears as he got the ministry without money.

Nyaba blamed the situation on the previous governments, which he said, had been “stealing” the money for the past 10 years.

"I told lecturers that going on strike is their right because there is a contract. I think the situation is going to get worse and worse,” he lamented in the media on Wednesday.

He said the transitional government has not been effective for the past three weeks, explaining that there have been only two cabinet meetings while challenges to resolve are so huge.

(ST)

Serbia will have a fourth mobile operator from September this year, the UK-based firm Mundio, which should cut the price of mobile calls and increase competition in the market.

After Macedonia's President flatly rejected calls to withdraw his contoversial pardons of top politicians, some experts say parliament must pronounce the pardons void on its own.

Croaia's junior government party, the Bridge of the Independent Lists, MOST, will most likely vote to impeach the vice-prime minister and HDZ leader, Tomislav Karamarko.

The former Greek finance minister has written the lyrics for one of the songs about migration that will form Albania's unusual contribution to the Venice Biennale.

As local authorities in Bulgaria sink under the weight of their debts, the government plans to offer them interest-free loans to help them recover financially.

La chanteuse camerounaise très populaire, Anne-Marie Nzié, est morte dans la nuit du mardi 24 au mercredi 25 mai à l'hôpital central de Yaoundé. Elle avait 84 ans.

A Madagascar, les forces de l'ordre ont perquisitionné le domicile d'un sénateur proche de l'ancien président Andry Rajoelina

Au Soudan, les autorités procèdent à de plus en plus d'arrestations de migrants fuyant la dictature voisine de l'Erythrée. Des interpellations dénoncées par les organisations de défense des droits de l'homme. Ces dernières semaines, la pression sur la communauté érythréenne semble s'intensifier.

A couple of campers describe the moment three lions explored their campsite and licked their tent.

L'ultranationaliste Avigdor Lieberman devient ministre de la défense dans le gouvernement de Benjamin Nettanyaou

Le parti du président burkinabè a remporté les élections municipales organisées dimanche