Africa

May 27, 2016 (KHARTOUM/ZAWIA) - Hundreds of Sudanese families have fled several Libyan cities captured by the Islamic State (ISIS) towards the Mediterranean coast in the hope of emigrating to Europe, said activists.

ISIS fighters in Derna, eastern Libya (Photo Reuters)

Malik Mohamed Salih , an official working for a program that seeks to curb illegal migration and facilitates voluntary return of Sudanese community in Libya, said more than 300 families had left Sirte and Derna after ISIS seized control of the two cities.

He told Sudan Tribune that Sudanese families had also fled Benghazi, Ajdabiya and Sabratha following clashes among various Libyan factions, pointing to the difficult conditions of hundreds of the Sudanese in the city of Obari.

Salih added that most of the families have arrived in the city of Zawiya, 48 km. west of the capital Tripoli, stressing that the three shelters in the city can't accommodate the large numbers of fleeing persons from various nationalities.

He said that his program managed to rescue several families who sought to illegally emigrate via the Mediterranean, demanding the Sudanese government and embassy in Tripoli to support efforts of voluntary return to Sudan.

Salih pointed that an aid group by the name of Al-Nasr Organization for Development and Relif launched an urgent appeal to avoid what it described the “huge explosion” in the number of illegal migrants living in the shelters following the rescue of four boats during the past couple of days.

He stressed that 135 illegal migrant who were in the first boat have arrived in the shelter at dawn on Thursday, saying the number of migrants in the shelter has reached 2200 people while it is designed to harbor only a quarter of that number.

Salih, who arrived at the shelter on Friday, pointed to the presence of Sudanese and Palestinian families, calling upon aid groups to provide support for the families in Zawiya.

On Tuesday, Libyan coastguards said they detained 550 people trying to reach Europe illegally, pointing that those detained were from several African countries and included three children and 30 women, eight of whom are pregnant.

Following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi's 40-year-rule in 2011, Libya has slided into chaos and has become the most important transit country of illegal migrants to Europe.
Also, ISIS presence in Libya has become a source of threat not only to its neighbouring countries but also to Europe.

Last April, the Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) David Rodriguez said that the number of ISIS militants in Libya has doubled during the past year.

He pointed that there are now between 4,000 to 6,000 ISIS fighters present in the country, growing by roughly two times during the past 12 to 18 months.

On 19 January 2016, the head of the Sudanese National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) Mohamed Atta, said it would deploy troops to the western borders with Libya to prevent infiltration of ISIS fighters and combat cross-border crimes.

(ST)

May 27, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - The Joint Sudanese- Ethiopian Higher Committee (JSEHC) would hold its third meeting in Red Sea state capital, Port Sudan on May 31st to discuss a number of security and economic issues.

The visiting Ethiopian public delegation during a visit to Merowe Dam about 350 kilometres (220 mi) north of the capital Khartoum, on Sunday 10 May 2015. Tabitha Butrus, state minister of water resources and electricity accompanied the delegation (Photo SUNA)

The JSEHC meeting would be preceded by the meeting of the joint Sudanese-Ethiopian technical committee which will be held in Port Sudan from 29 to 30 May.

The two-day meetings are expected to discuss several issues including the free trade zones, transit trading, banking cooperation besides the security of the joint border between the two countries.

The Sudanese side would be headed by the Vice-President Hasabo Mohamed Abdel-Rahman while the Ethiopian side will be chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen.

On Thursday, Abdel-Rahman was briefed on the ongoing arrangements to hold the meeting besides the latest work of the concerned committees on the various issues under discussion.

On Friday, the official news agency (SUNA) quoted the state minister of finance Abdel-Rahman Dirar as mentioning the need for opening Ethiopian banks in Sudan to facilitate the financial transactions and to use the Ethiopian and Sudanese currencies to settle trade transactions between the two countries.

Last February, the central banks of Sudan and Ethiopia signed a banking cooperation agreement allowing the Ethiopian Commercial Bank to open a branch in Khartoum within three months.

Also, In June 2015, Ethiopia agreed to proposals offered by Sudan to establish free trade zones near the border between the two countries.

Farmers from two sides of the border between Sudan and Ethiopia used to dispute the ownership of land in the Al-Fashaga area located in the south-eastern part of Sudan's eastern state of Gedaref.

Al-Fashaga covers an area of about 250 square kilometers and it has about 600.000 acres of fertile lands. Also there are river systems flowing across the area including Atbara, Setait and Baslam rivers.

Last January, the technical committee tasked with redrawing the border between the two countries said it would complete its work on the ground during this year.

Sudan's Gadarif and Blue Nile states border Ethiopia's Amhara region. The borders between Sudan and Ethiopia were drawn by the British and Italian colonisers in 1908.

The two governments have agreed in the past to redraw the borders, and to promote joint projects between people from both sides for the benefit of local population.

However, the Ethiopian opposition accuses the ruling party of abandoning Ethiopian territory to Sudan.

(ST)

May 27, 2016 (JUBA) - South Sudan's main hospital, Juba Teaching Hospital, has resumed power supply after experiencing more than two weeks of power outage, forcing doctors and other health practitioners to use torches, candles and oxygen cylinder.

President Kiir (center) with Health Minister Monytuil (right) tour Juba Teaching Hospital after the opening ceremony on 6t March 2008. (ST File Photo)

The power shortage at the main teaching hospital, located at the heart of the national capital, Juba, sparked sharp criticism from members of general public as well as raising eyebrows from among high level members of the government.

The development forced some government officials, including health minister, Riek Gai Kok, to make statements attempting to absolve himself from any responsibility and depicted officials in other relevant institutions such as the ministry of finance and economic planning and the ministry of electricity and dams as well as the ministry of petroleum and the national oil corporation as being responsible for the outage.

Reacting to the development, President Salva Kiir, following the public outcry, decided to order a supply of one year fuel to the hospital to resume normal operation while his government explores permanent ways to address the matter so that it does not have to recur in future.

“These are times when the head of state takes a leadership decision and intervenes decisively. The issue of power shortage at Juba teaching hospital was creating commotions among members of the public and creating unnecessary situation between colleagues, institutions and the patients,” a presidential aide told Sudan Tribune on Friday.

“Now the thing has been addressed. The power supply resumed yesterday and the hospital is now working normally. You can go and see it for yourself now,” he proudly explained.

The hospital staff members, according to a source whose assignment does not allow him to speak to the media, have also received one month payment to allow them wait for the rest of the remaining months.

“The staffs have received one month pay. They have received the payment for the month of April. This is a result of the decision of the president to pay the lecturers of the public universities who have gone on strike and the hospital workers who were considering to also go to on strike,” said the official.

(ST)

May 27, 2016 (JUBA) – South Sudan's transitional government of national unity (TGoNU) in its cabinet sitting on Friday has unexpectedly passed a resolution approving establishment of cantonment areas for the forces of the armed opposition faction of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO) in Greater Equatoria and Greater Bahr el Ghazal.

A batch of the SPLA-IO forces after arrival in Juba, 1 April, 2016 (ST Photo)

Micheal Makuei Lueth, information minister, told reporters after the council of ministers meeting that cantonment areas will be identified in Greater Equatoria region for the SPLA-IO forces under the commander-in-chief, First Vice President, Riek Machar.

He said the task will be carried out by the Joint Monitoring Ceasefire Committee (JMCC), a body established under the August 2015 peace agreement to monitor the implementation of the security arrangements across the country.

JMCC membership is composed of members from the rival parties and partners in the peace agreement.

As for Greater Bahr el Ghazal, Lueth said the JMCC will also assess the level of the SPLA-IO forces in that region to determine whether to identify cantonment areas as well.

He further said cantonment sites for the SPLA-IO forces are yet to be identified in Greater Upper Nile region by the JMCC despite the fact that the agreement earlier approved establishment of the assembly areas in the oil producing region.

The issue of the cantonment of opposition forces had been contentious, with minister Lueth earlier vowing not to allow the SPLA-IO forces to be assembled in Equatoria and Bahr el Ghazal regions.

However, the breakthrough to establish opposition's cantonment areas in Equatoria and probably in Bahr el Ghazal was reached in the cabinet meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir and attended by his first deputy, Machar, among other cabinet members.

The information minister, in the statement broadcasted on South Sudan Television (SSTV) also revealed that the matter had heated debates that took several hours.

Lueth further said those who will be allowed to assemble in Equatoria will be the soldiers who took part in the Juba clashes of December 2013. He did not however say how to identify those who took part in the clashes, but added all must report to the cantonment areas with their guns as one of the criteria.

The minister also accused armed men who claimed to be members of the SPLA-IO for causing insecurity on the roads, killing a number of people.

He said a security report presented to the cabinet indicated that insecurity was deteriorating in the country.

“Security situation is discouraging, it is deteriorating,” he said.

He added that the First Vice President, Machar, who chairs the SPLM-IO and commands the SPLA-IO was directed by the cabinet to control his forces in Equatoria region as well as his commander, General Johnson Olony, in Upper Nile region.

The minister also said the SPLM-IO leadership was directed to order his forces to open up supply routes and allow governors of Greater Upper Nile, appointed on the basis of 28 states, to reach their areas.

Lueth also added that the commander-in-chief of the SPLA, President Salva Kiir, and the commander-in-chief of the SPLA-IO, Riek Machar, were also directed to order the release of prisoners of war being held by the either side.

The cabinet could not discuss the status of the 28 states and reconstitution of parliament.

(ST)

The United Nations Security Council today approved a two-month extension of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), allowing adequate time for the 15-member body to consider the outcome of its recently-concluded visit to the Horn of Africa country.

In the wake of protests in Guinea-Bissau, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged all political stakeholders and their supporters to act responsibly, refrain from violence and avoid an escalation of the situation by settling their concerns through dialogue.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the meetings of the political dialogue for Burundi, held in Arusha, from 21 to 24 May under the auspices of the Facilitator of the East African Community (EAC), Benjamin William Mkapa, former President of Tanzania.

By Francis Ayul Yuar

South Sudan Constitutional legal provisions on Borders/Boundaries

The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed on January, 9th, 2005 between the Sudan government and the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Army and the Movement (SPLA/M) which ushered in a new political dispensation, but never the less maintained the boundaries between Sudan and South Sudan as being from the 1st Jan 1956. The same constitutional legal provisions has continue to govern the borders and the boundaries within Southern Sudan administrative institutions. The understanding of this provision laid the foundation for CPA constitution. This legal framework is made crystal clear in the Constitution of the Upper Nile State, 2006 (Article 1(1); to the independence of South Sudan on July 9th, 2011. Based on the (CPA) stipulations, Dr. John Garang de Mabior(RIP), SPLM/A the C-in-C and chairman, issued the cancellation order on 16th July, 2005 of the SPLM/A administrative structures in the liberated areas, including Lam's so called Shilluk (Collo) Counties and adopted (10) Ten states administrative structures. By virtue of this later order from the same author, 1st order therefore ceased to be operational, and subsequently replaced by the later. Anyone still clinking to this fallacy of the first order to claim the ownership of Malakal town is making nothing but a mockery to the legacy of our beloved late Dr. John Garang in his grave

Dinka Padang (Jieng) of Ngok Lual Yak Borders/Boundaries with Shilluk (Collo)

Dinka Ngok Lual Yak derived its name from the famous leader of Nyok warriors, known as Lual Yak. Ngok Lual Dinka (Jieng) consist of two main sources of migrants that formed today Ngok Lual tribe in Upper Nile State. Those that hailed from Ngok Jok with their original home being Abyei and Biemnhom. And few clans that hailed from Thoi section of Khorfulluth that are believed to be part of Duor section of (Jieng) Padang. There are evidence to believe that few families originated from non Dinka groups, such as Anyuak and Nuer that got assimilated. This section shall specifically discuss views that are solely expressed and shared among the Ngok Lual Yak section of Dinka Padang (Jieng) only, in relations to their Border/Boundaries with Shilluk (Collo) community. Tradition and oral history of Dinka Ngok (Jieng) section of Ngok Lual Yak said that, White Nile is officially known to have been the portcullis that demarcated and separated Shilluk (Collo) with Dinka Padang (Jieng) of Ngok Lual Yak. This natural separation has been observed and respected by both sides. Shilluk (Collo), locally called Eastern bank of the White Nile, as Lok-Jang, translated as River side of Dinka (Jieng) and referred to western bank of White Nile as Lok Collo, translated as River side of Shilluk (Collo).

Ngok and Shilluk (Collo) have had cognizant relationship that has encouraged internal migrations of Shilluk (Collo) to the east bank of the White Nile as well. According to Ngok Lual Yak oral history, Shilluk (Collo) community started migrating to east bank of the Nile as early as (1921-1930). They temporary settled on the eastern bank of the White Nile in the present day Doleib Hills (Bur Achol). It is confirmed that these Shilluk (Collo) families were welcomed by the subsection of Dinka Ngok, called Pagak who were the inhabitants of the place. Ngok Lual Yak leaders confirmed that those that came were mainly in-laws that had internal fights on the west bank. Oral tradition also said that Doleib Hills was locally known as (Bur-Achol) in Dinka. Names Doleib Hills was invented after the Hills Millers of the Catholic Church Mission. As mentioned early, several factors, including conflicts between and among different Clans in Shilluk (Collo) west bank kingdom forced families and individuals to cross over and settled among the Dinka Padang of Ngok Lual Yak in Upper Nile State.

We are made to understand that subsection of Baliet clan known as Pagak are the original inhabitance of Doleib Hills (Bur-Achol).They allowed these influx of Shilluk (Collo) to settle among them in (Bur Achol). As time passed, number of other Ngok Clans moved East of Sobat, pushing the Anyuak further to the east toward Ethiopian border. As result, Pagak subsection number shrinks over the years against this constant massive influx of Shilluk (Collo) from the west bank of the White Nile into their villages. Subsequently exposed to peaceful assimilation by the Shilluk arrivals. Today, they are called Pathuoro, or Kuai-Jang in Shilluk, which literally translated as families from the Dinka origins. A Dinka Ngok Lual Yak elder Mr. Gabriel Nyok Abiel strongly confirmed that this section (Pagak), though speak Shilluk have been bringing offering to Luak-Dengdit Shrine up to the latest of 1978. Though culturally Shilluk (Collo) by all qualifications, still considered themselves Dinka Ngok and the original inhabitants of the land Doleib (Bur-Achol).This interesting historical analogy has remains me of the fight over Jerusalem in the Bible between Palestinians and the Israelites. They both traced their genealogy to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. But due to the power of centuries of displacements and assimilations, these two kind are fighting over the identity of Jerusalem. Edomites tribes hailed from the descendants of Esau, a twin brother to Jacob. They end up Speaking Arabic language and are Muslim today because they settled on the mountains areas in Palestine's land of Canaan. Subsequently mixed with Ishmael Arabic speaking groups that formed a large number of Palestinian ethnics in Israelite.

Whereas, family of Jacob with his (12) sons moved to Egypt and later returned to the Palestine land as Jews with Judaism as religion and Speak Hebrew language. The rhetoric questions therefore asked is, who are the real owners of the Palestine land? Perhaps this rhetoric question shall help readers to judge between Shilluk (Collo) and the Dinka (Jieng) of Lual Yak in the contest of Doleib Hill. In the after mass of the Dinka Ngok Lual Spiritual leader, called Kur Ajak de Lek. Known locally as Beny nhial. There came another Shilluk (Collo) family of a very significance importance in the name of someone called Guol Akwot. He was of radh family lineage and had some misunderstanding with radh (king) of Collo on the west bank of the White Nile. He was again received and given due temporary accommodations in a place called Anak-diar and Mijok village respectively.

Anak-diar, in Dinka (Jieng) language, is combination of two words: Anak, or nak (verb) which basically meaning, to kill and diar in the other hand or Dior (noun) basically meaning a woman or women. Word Anak-diar therefore is compound words, which means, women killer. Oral history authentically confirmed that Guol Akwot might have either intentionally or accidentally killed his wife. That incidence prompted king (radh) to decree death on his head. Fearing the unfair judiciary system in the kingdom, he fled to East bank of the White Nile for safety and settled among the Dinka of Ngok Lual Yak. The authenticity of this facts has been confirmed by many elders interviewed. That due to the status of this family, they were therefore first settled in a place called Anyuantim. One (1) km South of Luak-DengDit. This is in the middle of Baliet County. This was purposely done to ensure their safety in the middle of Ngok tribe. This narrative scarcely confirmed Dr. Lam's claims of extending the border of Shilluk (Collo) to 47km east of the White Nile, along Sobat River up to Anyuentim village. Perhaps Dr. Lam, in some of his writings, alluded that Shilluk (Collo) Border with Ngok Lual Yak is as far as Anyuantim village. He might have thought that since these families happened to have temporary settled in this village. The village in question must be annexed to be part of Shilluk (Collo) land. This of course is another fallacy, for you cannot claim a land with less regards to its historical considerations. We give him the benefit of doubt though. I want to believe that an intellectual of his type perhaps must be aware of how these families end up in Baliet County in the first place but chose to ignore. Their settlement was nothing but good African gesture of welcoming visitors. To this family after number of years hailed prominent politicians in the person of Hon Dr. Othwon Awer and others, that are today caught between the rock and hard places?

In the subsequence of these inter-tribal relationships of 1890s. Oral traditions acknowledged that, Reth Padiet married a girl from Pagak subsection. A sub-clan of Baliet called Achol Guer. She gave birth to Dak Padiet. Dak became the King of Shilluk (Collo) and gave birth to a son, named Kwongo Dak Padiet. Few of these men considered themselves sons and daughters of East bank of the White Nile. Today' politics of Ethnicity has exacerbated conflicts, characterized by tribal tensions. General understandings is that after the arrivals of Shilluk (Collo) migrants to (Bur -Achol). Dak is said to have cautioned his tribesmen in one of the occasion when he was king. He advised his tribe (Shilluk) that have crossed to the Eastern bank of the White Nile, to live in peace with his maternal uncles. The Pagak sub-clan of Baliet of Ngok Dinka (Jieng) being his uncles were not aware of what is going to befall them a head. Had they had known early, we wouldn't have this paper to write either.

We are made to believe that Baliet Clan of Ngok Lual Yak lived in an area North of Sobat River including Bur-Achol as mentioned early. Which was home of Pagak subsection and, the present day village of Toffiqia) and Malakal town respectively. After the establishment of Malakal town, as Provincial Head Quarter in 1921, Baliet Clan, being cattle herders, moved Eastwards with their cattle and settled on the Sobat River. Displacing another clan of Ngok Lual Yak called Duut. This oral history is reflected in a traditional Dinka (Jieng) Songs of Duut clan. Part of Pagak sub-Clan moved with Baliet eastwards and settled on Sobat River. However, few remained behind in the present day Doleib Hills (Bur- Achol). They decided to embrace Shilluk identity and subsequently became Shilluk (Collo). They are referred to as Pathuoro, or Gol Guer. Meaning, the family with Dinka (Jieng) origins or, simply, the family of Guer Malual, of Pagak sub-clan. Guer Malual is believed to be the owner of Doleib village (Bur-Achol)). Doleib Hills is a combination of an Arabic and English words. Hills names derived from Mill Hills. They were Christian Catholic Mission that was operating in 1901-1982 in Doleib. The migrations of Shilluk (Collo) and their temporary settlements on east bank has continued, warranted by factors observed early. There were those that solely came in search for farming. Others came to live with their brothers or sons in-laws. But as noted above, majority came in search for jobs opportunities in the established City of Malakal. This was the case with Melut (Maluth), Renk and Akoka eventually. While migrating to the east bank was abrasive in nature, Shilluk (Collo) outsmarted Dinka Padang by carrying with them names of their villages.

Dinka Padang (Jieng), to some extends contributed to Shilluk (Collo) agenda to change the Dinka villages' names on East bank of the White Nile. After these settlers renamed Dinka villages on East bank, Dinka, out of ignorance agree to call those villages as dictated by Shilluk settlers. The examples of transferred names from the West bank of the Nile includes Panyiduai, Ogot, Makal and Lul. Even as evidence of their temporary residence on the east bank became more permanent, Shilluk (Collo), still takes the remains of their love ones to the West bank for burials. Perhaps Issues of spirituality cannot be deceived. This alone is a practical evidence that disqualified their claims on the east bank of the Nile. The African Traditional Religion (ATR) practice of taking the deceased to his/her ancestral homes for burial is practiced across Africa. This is also shared by some countries in East Asia and Europe. Many people from Bahr El-Ghazal, Equatoria and Upper Nile who grew up and lived in Malakal can testify to this traditional practices. Even during the conflicts, such as the conflict of 1973 in Malakal between the Nuer and the Shilluk (Collo). Shilluk descendants crossed to the West bank of the Nile for safety. This psychological and spiritual world view was again seen in the after mass of December, 2013 conflict as well. When Dr. Riek Machar rebels stormed Malakal. All Shilluk crossed the river to the west bank. The Dinka Padang in general remains on the East bank of the Nile as dictate by this African traditional beliefs that said, safety always associates with ancestral homes. Safety is perceived to be associated with one his/her ancestral homes of any tribe, Ethnicity or Race. This is also true across Africa and the world at large. Upper Nile States Tribes fall trapped in this beliefs.

Dr. Francis Ayul Yuar can be reach via:francisnyok@yahoo.com

By Ambassdor Dhano Obongo

Leadership is a noticeable exercise of practices and not something incomprehensible that cannot be understood by normal people. With feedback and usage, those with desire and perseverance can considerably improve their skills to do so. A football federation worker. a team organizer, a middle, manager, an account executive, an athletic team captain, the mailroom worker, or just about any other individual we come in contact with can use his drive to learn how to lead.

Leadership has an objective and aim to achieve whatever common goal brought the members of the group together. Whether deliberate or unintended a procedure of human communication fosters the objective and aim.

There can be no leadership without someone to lead. The affiliation is only fruitful when the coworkers desire to follow the leader. Leaders need followers. Leaderless societies do not occur. Whenever two or more individuals come together, there is no such thing as unrestrained, unobstructed, or uninfluenced manner of behavior.

Leadership involves group effort without conspiracy or flattering. An indication of its existence is willingness to labor together as a team rather than alone in reaching goals. There is a process of give and take with the leader effective when the group achievement is larger than what could have been accomplished by individuals.

Some individuals exhibit better trends toward leadership than others. They develop knowledge, capability, and constant exertion to learn. They exhibit the finest ethics and principles of the group. They do deeds not just exhibit characteristics. The leader contributes, shares talents, and imparts knowledge to others.

We need to learn the biblical perspective of leadership. Christ came with a new definition for Christian leaders set forth in the tenth chapter of Mark's gospel. The account indicates how religiously unperceptive the disciples were. James' and John's wish for authority could only be understood if they succumbed to servanthood. Christ Jesus overturns earthly values saying:

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.''

This is the new definition for real leadership. God bless South Sudan.

The author can be reached via email address; dhao01obongo@gmail.com

Nigeria's president in quotes on his first anniversary

Wading donkeys, Mugabe mania and giant sea snails

The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in South Sudan said today it will receive 37 new explosive detection dogs as part of an increase in the presence of such dogs throughout the country.

Five people convicted of terrorism over the 2010 bomb attacks in Uganda's capital, Kampala, which killed 74 people, are given life sentences.

As a French naval ship is heading for the EgyptAir crash site to help find the flight recorders, confusion reigns over signals detected from the emergency beacon.

Donkeys without nappies are banned from entering a north-eastern Kenyan town to protect its first tarmac road from faeces.

Some Zambian artists are hopeful there are signs the country's creative industry is beginning to flourish.

Despite the unfavourable economic environment, some businesses in Zambia are managing to thrive.

One of the survivors of a Mediterranean migrant capsize caught on film has told the BBC that he thought he was going to die.

A Cameroonian inventor wins a £25,00 ($37,000) innovation prize for creating a monitor that can diagnose heart conditions in remote areas.

Mai 26, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudanese finance minister has called to explain the economic sanctions imposed on Sudan to the commercials banks which are dealing with the east African country.

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

Following a series of huge financial sanctions on several international banks for violating U.S sanctions against Sudan, Cuba and Iran, the financial institutions avoid to deal with the Sudanese banks and entities even in the sectors that are not subject to sanctions.

Washington eased the sanctions imposed on agriculture equipment and services, and allowed exports of personal communications hardware and software. Also, the US Treasury Department removed the private Bank of Khartoum from a blacklist of Sudanese entities.

"The US embargo has impacted on the poor and needy segments of the Sudanese people more than the government," said the Minister of Finance Badr al-Din Mahmoud in statement to Al-Sudani newspaper on Thursday.

Mahmoud who was speaking from Lusaka, Zambia, pointed to the Sudanese Diaspora saying they are the first to be directly concerned by the sanctions because it impedes their efforts to support their families.

He added that discussed the matter with the U.S. Treasury Deputy Secretary who is attending the annual meeting of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Lusaka and with the UK representative at the regional bank.

He said that the ''American side considers it as unilateral sanctions and it should be explained to those who are dealing with us in US Dollar''.

"Certainly we (the government) are dealing with other currencies but not the dollar. This requires an explanation for the intermediary banks that deal with the Sudanese banks," he added.

Also the minister expressed hopes that a regional clearing and settlement financial system to be set up by the AfDB will contribute to promote and develop trade within the African countries and free them from the international diktat.

Sudan has been under US economic sanctions since 1997 and remains on the US list of state sponsors of terror.

Washington admitted Sudan's cooperation in the anti-terror war but now points that it wouldn't remove Sudan from the list of states sponsor of terrorism or left economic sanctions before the end of armed conflicts in Darfur region and Blue Nile and South Kordofan states.

(ST)