Sudan Tribune

May 29, 2015 (JUBA) – The United Nations secretary-general, Ban Ki-moon announced on Friday the appointment of Eugene Owusu as deputy special representative of its mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

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

Owusu who hails from Ghana will reportedly also serve as the world body's resident coordinator, humanitarian coordinator, and resident representative of the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

The Ghanaian will succeed Toby Lanzer, who is due to take up the new post of regional humanitarian coordinator for the Sahel region.

“The secretary-general is grateful for Mr. Lanzer's dedicated service with the United Nations in the Republic of South Sudan,” said Ki-moon.

The Ghanaian reportedly brings to his new position extensive experience in international development and humanitarian affairs.

Currently, Owusu is the UN resident coordinator, humanitarian coordinator and resident representative of UNDP in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, a position held since August 2010.

Before joining the UN, Owusu who holds a doctorate degree in Agricultural Economics from the United States, reportedly worked for the private sector in the United Kingdom.

(ST)

May 29, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudanese army (SPLA) spokesperson dismissed as “lie” report by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) that Juba soldiers fired at UN peacekeeping mission in Malakal, the capital of Upper Nile state.

SPLA soldier stands next to a machine gun mounted on a truck in Malakal town, on December 30, 2013 (Photo Reuters/James Akena)

The UN said one of its peacekeepers was wounded on Thursday in the oil-rich Upper Nile state's capital, Malakal, when SPLA soldiers fired at its civilian protection site on Thursday.

“The mission is deeply concerned that despite reassurances given by both parties, such an incident occurred this afternoon and reiterates its strong call upon all the parties to respect the sanctity of UN installations and staff,” Stephane Dujarric, a UN spokesperson, revealed in New York.

However, SPLA spokesman, Col. Philip Aguer, frustrated by the report said it was a lie, but added that a preliminary investigation only established that soldiers shot randomly in Malakal town on Thursday, several kilometres away from UNMISS base.

“It [the alleged wounding of UN soldier] was later discovered to be a lie,” said Aguer, speaking to Sudan Tribune by phone.

“It [the shooting] was not near the UNMISS camp. It was inside Malakal town,” he said.

But Aguer insisted that there was nobody even injured in Malakal town among the SPLA or civilians.

Civilians sources sheltering at UNMISS base in Malakal however said that eight civilians were injured inside UNMISS camp including two peacekeepers when elements of the SPLA soldiers fired at the civilians sheltered in the UN facility. No death case was reported.

There are 30,410 civilians in Malakal's UN protection of civilians sites (PoCs) according to the UNMISS.

(ST)

May 29, 2015 (KHARTOUM) - Sudanese president Omer al-Bashir received a letter from the Libyan Prime minister , Abdullah al-Thani, dealing with the political developments in the neighbouring country.

The Libyan prime minister shakes hands with Sudanese foreign minister Ali Karti after his arrival to Khartoum on 27 October 2014 (Photo: AFP/Ashraf Shazly)

The official news agency SUNA said Bashir received Friday evening an special envoy of the Libyan prime minister, Nouri Mohamed Beit Almal, who handed him a message from al-Thani.

The president ''expressed interest in the content of the letter, stressing Sudan's desire to assist and continue cooperation with Libya. He looks forward to meet with all parties in a dialogue to stop the conflict and reach solutions restoring stability in Libya,'' said the agency.

Following a visit of the Libyan prime minister to Khartoum in October 2014, Sudan announced that Libya's rival governments accepted Bashir's initiative for reconciliation and dialogue, announcing that Libya's neighbouring countries meeting will be held in Khartoum.

However, earlier this month, the Sudanese government disclosed that the United Nations (UN) has asked for its help to convince the warring Libyan parties to sign an agreement it drafted to resolve the crisis in the north African nation.

On Thursday 28 May, the United Nations special envoy Bernardino Leon said that the rival governments had agreed on 80 percent of an accord and negotiators were working on the remaining 20 percent,

Since August 2014, Libya has two governments and parliaments since Tripoli was seized in a coalition of Islamist groups while the internationally recognized government is based in Tobruk. Qatar , Sudan and Turkey are accused of supporting this alliance.

There are also Jihadists groups linked to the extremists of The Islamic State based the eastern city of Derna.

In press statements after the meeting, Beit Almal said his government appreciates the growing interest showed by president Bashir to bring security and stability in Libya.

He further said he congratulated the Sudanese president for his re-election on the behave of the Libyan people and government.

(ST)

May 29, 2015 (NYALA) - Aid groups in South Darfur state have warned against increasing numbers of orphans and displaced persons due to tribal conflicts and the ongoing war between the government army and the rebel groups since 2003.

A UNAMID peacekeeper is approached by playful children inside Abu Shouk IDPs Camp during his routine patrol on 23 December 2009 (UN Photo)

The national aid group Solidarity for Relief and Development (SRD) on Thursday has launched the first festival for adopting 5000 orphans and providing their families with the basic means of production.

SRD secretary general, Amir Hussein Abdel-Rigal, said they aim to increase the number to reach 10,000 adopted orphans by the end of the year, noting his group continued to offer other services including drinking water projects and building of mosques.

He pointed out that they provide services in various Sudanese states, adding that orphans festival is being launched for the first time in South Darfur.

Abdel-Rigal said they also launched the “Million Subscriber” initiative to support orphans across the country, pointing that subscribers only contribute a monthly donation of one Sudanese pound (SDG).

He called for renouncing tribal violence in Darfur in order to reduce the number of orphans in the restive region, saying that tribal fighting is the major source of orphanhood in South Darfur.

“We want Darfur to enjoy stability, peace and prosperity instead of tribal conflicts and fighting which [are the main cause] for the existence of vast numbers of orphans,” he added.

The humanitarian aid commissioner in South Darfur, Jamal Yousif, for his part, praised efforts of the SRD, pointing the great confidence won by the latter from the donors would enable it to provide valuable services for the orphans.

A source within the social welfare ministry in South Darfur told Sudan Tribune that the state was unable to determine the total number of orphans due to limited financial resources, saying that tribal fighting and the armed struggle are the main causes responsible for existence of thousands of orphans.

The same source pointed that a preliminary study showed that the state is a home for more than 4,000 orphans, stressing that numbers of the homeless is constantly growing which requires finding solutions to prevent further exacerbation of the situation.

The government forces conducted a brutal counter-insurgency campaign following the start of a rebellion in Darfur 2003.

UN agencies estimate as many as 300,000 people have been killed and almost 3 million were displaced.

Also tribal fighting has intensified in four of Darfur's five states during the past two years leading to thousands of deaths and injuries and forcing over 300,000 people to flee their homes.

(ST)

May 29, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudan's presidency has downplayed reports of insecurity in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state, dismissing claims of rebel presence in the region.

General Dau Aturjong (ST)

This comes a day after renegade Gen. Dau Atorjong told Sudan Tribune his forces had captured strategic areas in the state, citing Aweil West and Aweil North counties, Nyinboli and other key areas.

But the presidency, in a statement issued Friday, said the rebels' claim aimed at misleading citizens and the international community

“We want to inform our citizens and to whom it may concerns that Northern Bahr El Ghazal State did not concede any territory to the rebels, nor did it experience any serious fight with the rebels,” it said.

“What has transpired, however, was the column of rebels' intelligent reconnaissance moving to explore targets in NBGS [Northern Bahr el Ghazal state], but it felt into government ambush and two of the rebel officers were taken captive,” added the release.

According to the presidency, the prisoners of war taken by the government forces from the rebel forces of Gen. Atorjong were 2nd Lt. Mou Garang Diing and Sgt. Major Kerbino Bol Marik Ken and they the duo were now in the Division 3 Infantry headquarters' custody.

“The Division 3 Commander's Major General Santino Deng Wol is now arranging with the Chief of General Staff to bring the two captives to the SPLA General Headquarters for further investigation,” stressed the statement issued by the country's presidency.

It further said the rebels who escaped capture were currently on the run, but they are being pursued by the national army attached to Division 3.

“We therefore would like to appeal to our citizens in NBGS to remain calm and focused while the SPLA forces are doing their national duty. Rumors of the utopian rebel advances must be discarded, if rebels are to be deprived of the ability to manufacture lies,” it noted.

(ST)

May 29, 2015 (KHARTOUM) - The pro-government Sudan Journalists Union (SJU) said it will hold a panel discussion on Sunday with the participation of several law, security and media specialists.

Members of Sudanese Journalists Network (SJN) hold banners outside the National Council for Press and Publication (NCPP) premises in Khartoum in protest against repeated seizure of newspapers, on May 26, 2015 (ST photo)

The announcement comes two days after the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) welcomed the SJU's initiative to overcome reasons behind extraordinary measures applied by the NISS against the newspapers.

Last Monday, NISS seized copies of 10 newspapers from the printing press and suspended 4 of them indefinitely without giving reasons.

Journalists suggested the move was likely a reaction to news published by those newspapers on incidents of sexual harassment and child rape taking place inside school buses.

An official source within the SJU told the state news agency SUNA that the panel discussion aims to study and analyse the current state of the media, saying it comes within the framework of the dialogue which the SJU hopes would have positive impact on the practice of the profession.

The SJU has invited all journalists, correspondents, media professionals and those interested in the social media to attend the panel discussion which would be held under the title “the press and the community”.

The department of information at the NISS and the leadership of the SJU had discussed on Thursday the importance of the role played by the press and how to reconcile between freedom and responsibility in order for the press to carry out its professional duty.

According to a press release from the NISS, the SJU called for upholding values of freedom and professionalism and resorting to the law for resolving media disputes, saying they also demanded immediate return of the 4 newspapers suspended on Monday.

The NISS's information department, for its part, underscored its keenness to strengthen values of liberty and transparency, stressing it would not tolerate any publishing of news which could negatively affect values, morals and customs of the society.

It also emphasized that all measures taken against the newspapers have been applied in accordance with the law.

NISS used to summon journalists and seize copies of newspapers for publishing news and reports on political, security and military issues, however, they recently they tightened the noose on social issues as well.

Last March, the societal police also interrogated several journalists for publishing stories and statistics pertaining to the HIV/AIDS and the sex workers in Khartoum.

Earlier this year, NISS interrogated journalists, Hanan Issa, of Al-Mustaqilla newspaper and Mohamed Saeed, of Al-Taghyeer newspaper for publishing stories on social phenomena such as marriage and illegal drugs.

NISS also summoned the journalist Asma Michael Istanbol of Al-Tayyar newspaper last December for publishing a press report on prostitution in Khartoum.

Sudan's constitution guarantees freedom of expression but laws subordinate to the constitution such as the National Security Forces Act of 2010 contains articles that can be potentially used to curtail press freedom and instigate legal proceedings against newspapers and individual journalists.

Sudanese journalists work under tight daily censorship controls exercised by the NISS.

Journalists say that NISS uses seizures of print runs of newspapers, not only to censor the media but also to weaken them economically.

(ST)

May 29, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudanese army (SPLA) came under yet another deadly attack on Thursday in Yambio county in Western Equatoria state. Senior national and state government officials continue to contradict themselves over how to describe the emerging situation.

Soldiers from the South Sudanese army (SPLA) patrol the streets of Jonglei state capital Bor (Photo: Reuters)

The new rebel group Revolutionary Movement for National Salvation (REMNASA) led by Lasuba Lodoru Won'go claimed the responsibility of the attack saying , a platoon under captain Joseph Gambur from the South Sudan's Army (SPLA)'s Commando Unit revolted and joined them on Friday.

"The Platoon had serious military confrontations for 45 minutes causing heavy losses on the SPLA forces based in Myka Military billet, in Western Equatoria State, before they retreated and joined the patriotic forces of REMNASA, stationed in Rimenze," said a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

This latest attack happened exactly seven days after the first attack which resulted to brief capture of Mundri county's administrative headquarters in the state.

Information minister in Western Equatoria, Charles Kisanga, confirmed the attack which he said took place in Bangasu payam in Yambio county on Thursday night. He said an army base at Nyaka area was attacked by “unknown” gunmen, revealing that at least one soldier died and four others wounded in the clashes.

“We got this information this morning that there is a small base of SPLA set up this year and some unknown gunmen attacked it last night,” Kisanga told UN-run Miraya FM radio on Friday.

He however insisted on refuting claims by government officials in Juba which declared the situation as “rebellion” in the state.

The official said the situation which occurred in Mundri last Friday resulted from attack by armed youth after the killing of executive director of the county, blaming the South Sudanese army for instigating the incident.

The state official further accused the South Sudanese army of being tribal and violent oriented against the citizens and their properties, citing destruction of Mundri town as an example.

“The army needs to be a national army instead of being from one tribe who can go on rampage like they did. You see how Mundri town had been devastated by the very soldiers who are supposed to protect the citizens,” he said.

“They looted shops, all the supplies and there was shooting and all the people fled to the bushes,” he charged.

In the Thursday's attack in Yambio, Kisanga admitted that he couldn't ascertain those who were responsible for the latest fighting in the state.

REBELLION IN WESTERN EQUATORIA

National minister of information, Michael Makuei Lueth, said the situation was clearly indicating that a rebellion was emerging in Western Equatoria state, but added that an investigation was to be carried out to know what was behind the rebellion.

“It is decided that there shall be conducted an investigation into the matter so that we know exactly what are the intentions of Wesley Welade who is now the leader of this force,” Lueth told reporters in Juba after cabinet meeting on Friday.

He said it was clear that a rebel group was forming itself in the state, saying this will not be allowed to happen. He added the army had already been directed to deal with the situation.

“The indicators are very clear that this is a rebellion,” he said.

He also added that even if the new rebels were not connected to the rebels of the country's former vice president, Riek Machar, it was a rebellion that should be properly addressed.

(ST)

May 29, 2015 (JUBA) – The leader of a new resistance movement in South Sudan's Western Equatoria state has denied their alleged links to the armed opposition led by former vice-president, Riek Machar.

The map of Western Equatoria in red

Wesley Welebe Samson said his group, locally known as the Nyarango Boys, was not behind the recent insurgency in Mundri county.

He also dismissed claimed that his resistance movement was part of the Revolution Movement for National Salvation (REMNASSA) that also claimed responsibility for what occurred in Mundri.

A former lawmaker, Welebe said his groups of mainly area youth want to protect farmers in greater Mundri from the pastoralists who have invaded the area, continuously destroying farms in the area.

He described the pastoralists as “spoilers” of the peaceful coexistence among the various communities in Mundri county.

“I am not [part of the] SPLM/A-In-Opposition as claimed by the opposition”, the group's leader told Sudan Tribune by phone Friday.

He said the Nyarango Boys movement was agitating for peace in the county.

Welebe lauded president Salva Kiir after the latter recently issued an executive order calling for the removal of cattle from their territory.

He claimed the recent killing of Mundri's executive director was what temporarily sparked off chaos and instability in the county.

The former legislator, however, called on the people of greater Mundri to support the government of South Sudan and live in peace.

Our message to the government and president of the Republic of South Sudan Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit is that we are for peace and not against the government, the group's leader assured on Friday.

He further disclosed that they were ready to dialogue with the government, but on condition that his boys would be fully protected.

“The boys are ready and will be handed over to the government and some of them to be recruited to the national army, police, national security and other organised forces in the country such that they are part of security that will protect people,” said Welebe.

FORMATION OF MIDWEST STATE

He also called on the president to consider the proposal to establish Midwest state, which was tabled in his office some years ago, since the Yambio administration had “failed” to solve local problems.

He said his group would not in any way fight the national army or government.

The leader of Nyarango Boys further refuted allegations that his group is linked to one Lasuba and that they had no connection with his group, which only aims at protection the farmers in the area. He urged the government to treat his case differently.

He advocated that the army forces in Mundri be changed with disciplined ones who and understand needs of the local population.

REBELLION OR NOT?

The South Sudanese army spokesperson, Col. Philip Aguer announced on Monday that a new rebellion had been formed in Mundri county of Western Equatoria state.

“There is a new rebel movement in Western Equatoria state. Security reported that somebody called Charles Balogore under Wesley Waluba” leads the rebellion”, he said.

But the state government dismissed reports of a rebellion as "not true" and “one sided”.

“I stand by our earlier story that it was local youth who reacted to the looting and destruction by SPLA unit in Mundri on Friday 22 May 2015 and took control. The youth were angry at the assassination of their executive director plus random gunfire perpetuated by the army then,” information minister, Charles Kisanga told Sudan Tribune.

(ST)

By Hervé Ladsous

Eighteen months ago, Bentiu, like most towns in South Sudan, was bustling with the restlessness of markets, people trading and children going to school. UNMISS, the UN Mission in South Sudan, was busy supporting development and growth in the world's youngest nation.

Today, a visitor to the UN Mission's base outside Bentiu in Unity State, would see a sea of blue and white tarpaulin tents and hastily-erected stalls. The base has become temporary home to some 63,000 civilians seeking protection from the cataclysm of violence that has gripped the new state of South Sudan since the outbreak of the political crisis in December 2013. The town of Bentiu itself remains deserted, its main dirt road lined with the grim evidence of an ongoing war in the absence of a final peace agreement between Government and Opposition forces.

The story is repeated across the country. Today, more than 130,000 are being protected by UN peacekeepers in seven bases, with civilians continuing to arrive at UN protection sites as they flee unimaginable suffering and grave human rights violations.

The reality is that our peacekeepers are often the only hope for a better life for the civilians they are mandated to serve. In other places where peacekeeping missions are deployed today, there is little peace to keep. In some of the harshest conditions on Earth, UN personnel must negotiate complex threats each day amidst political instability, with large, often terrified populations to protect. They work to provide security in these places, while pursuing a political solution to ongoing conflict.

This is the case in Mali, where peacekeepers strive to bring stability while bearing the brunt of violent attacks from armed groups. Since the establishment of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali in July 2013, 36 peacekeepers have been killed and more than 170 others have been wounded in hostile incidents alone. It is also the case in the Central African Republic, where we are seeing encouraging signs following the 2013 breakdown in law and order and widespread ethnically motivated violence. Here, 10,000 UN troops, police and civilians are on the ground, supporting efforts to bring the country back on to the path of peace, good governance and stability. Earlier in May, the country adopted a peace pact that reflects the people of the Central African Republic's aspirations to put the conflict behind them once and for all. Our peacekeepers battle inhospitable terrain and an almost complete lack of infrastructure every day to react quickly to flare-ups of violence which, if left unchecked, could threaten this fragile peace.

This year's International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, 29 May, falls during the significant seventieth anniversary of the United Nations. Over the course of nearly seven decades, UN peacekeeping has proven itself to be a legitimate, reliable and effective means of protecting civilians and facilitating the transition from conflict to peace. In countries like Liberia, Timor-Leste and Bosnia Herzegovina, peacekeeping has played a critical role in helping stabilise countries as they seek to rebuild. Today, more than 125,000 military, police and civilian staff carry on this work in 16 peacekeeping operations world-wide, our largest deployment in history, serving as a testament to the international community's faith in peacekeeping as a tool for bringing peace and security.

But, for UN peacekeeping to continue responding effectively and robustly to the conflicts of today and tomorrow, it needs a strengthened international partnership and the willingness of all to share the burden and risk. In environments where peacekeepers are directly targeted, where widespread violence is ongoing, or where thousands of civilians need protection from unthinkable acts of violence, peacekeeping operations must remain fit for purpose. Our missions require well-trained and skilled troops from a broad array of countries. When crises erupt, they must be ready to deploy more quickly to where they are most needed. And to confront the unique challenges of this century, peacekeepers require the tools and capabilities of this century. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, unarmed unmanned aerial vehicles are being used to improve situational awareness, serve as a deterrent to armed groups and improve mandate delivery and the safety and security of our personnel. In Mali, an innovative Information Fusion Cell is improving the information-gathering efforts of the peacekeeping mission as it confronts determined non-state actors and armed groups. As we honour the 126 peacekeepers that died in 2014, these tools help our Blue Helmets to better protect themselves and vulnerable populations.

A renewed engagement of all Member States of the United Nations is critical. This process has already begun and will receive a major boost in the margins of this year's General Assembly when the Secretary-General and several world leaders will co-host a Summit on UN peacekeeping. For its part, UN peacekeeping is determined to be more innovative, more flexible and more cost-effective. With an annual budget of just under $8.5 billion — less than one half of one percent of global military spending — we are working to increase our value for money and using new approaches to implement our mandates more effectively and efficiently.

Peacekeeping missions deliver because they represent a convergence of interests that is the fundamental concept behind the United Nations. At a moment in history where new crises and conflicts emerge constantly, the stakes for peacekeeping are higher, and the consequences of failure are dire. The people of Bentiu, like the populations protected by missions around the world, today deserve a UN peacekeeping institution that is an effective tool of international peace and security. More than ever, today, UN peacekeeping needs global support.

The author is Under-Secretary-General for the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations.

May 28, 2015 (KAMPALA) - South Sudanese students from Greater Gokrial in Warrap state have discussed ways of ending three month of deadly conflicts between Gokrial west and Gokrial East counties.

The students, meeting in the Uganda capital, Kampala appealed to the two warring side in Warrap to immediately end their feud, embrace peace and reconciliation.

Paul Duwar Bak, the legal adviser for Greater Gokrial, said on Thursday that the students agreed to send representatives to the conflict-affected areas of Warrap state.

He said students were unhappy about ongoing killings among the youth in Warrap.

“Nevertheless, students condemned in the strongest term possible the ongoing inter-communal fights between the Apuk and Aguok clans,” said Bak.

In 2007, Warrap youth brokered a peace deal between the two area communities, but the accord collapse after last year's conflicts.

A resolution passed at the Gokrial youth gathering tasked students from Apuk and Aguok clans to join hands and ensure peace prevailed. This resolution came after a peace mobilisation team from the Greater Gokrial community converged in Kampala.

(ST)

May 27, 2015(BOR) – Two people were killed when suspected Murle raiders attempted to attack Pariak village in South Sudan's Jonglei state.

The raiders reportedly attacked herders at a grazing field near residential areas, killing one on spot while the other reportedly died at he tried to rescue the seized animals.

Malueth Machar, a youth who took part in the fight, said the attackers confronted the herders with the aim of confiscating cattle.

“We were herding the cattle in three different groups not far from one another. When I heard the gunfire in the group next, the firing was intense which increased spontaneously. I left the cattle and quickly ran toward that group. I joined the rest in the fight. One of us was already dead by the time I came,” Machar told Sudan Tribune.

“The rest of the attackers had already taken the cattle behind them and were firing at us in front with the cattle being driven away by the rest of their members”, he added.

Pariak village in South Sudan's largest state and its surrounding territories like Yol-thar, Panwell and Bangachorot are often frequented by suspected Murle raiders.

Garang Athiak, a village leader, said his area was always vulnerable to attacks due lack of forces needed to protect civilians. He urged the leadership of the Greater Pibor administration to speed up the process of reconciliation between Dinka and Nuer.

(ST).

May 28, 2014 (JUBA) – A United Nations peacekeeper was injured when shots were fired outside the UN compound in the Upper Nile state capital, Malakal on Thursday.

UNMISS troops from India patrol the perimeters of a compound in South Sudan's capital, Juba (AP)

“The mission is deeply concerned that despite reassurances given by both parties, such an incident occurred this afternoon and reiterates its strong call upon all the parties to respect the sanctity of UN installations and staff,” Stephane Dujarric, a UN spokesperson, revealed.

Meanwhile, senior UN officials warned of the renewed attacks against the civilian population, especially women and children, in the armed conflict in South Sudan

The UN special representative of the secretary-general on sexual violence in conflict, Zainab Hawa Bangura, her counterpart for children and armed conflict, Leila Zerrougui, executive director of UN women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN special adviser on prevention of genocide, Adama Dieng and his counterpart on the responsibility to protect, Jennifer Welsh issued the joint statement on 18 May.

“We are deeply concerned at reports of escalating violence against the civilian population in the context of the ongoing conflict in South Sudan, particularly against women and children,” it reads in part.

According to the joint UN statement, since the middle of April 2015, reports have indicated that serious violations and abuses of international human rights and humanitarian law have taken place and are ongoing, as fighting intensifies between forces of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and Sudan People's Liberation Army–In Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Unity and Upper Nile States.

“We are appalled at the large scale, widespread nature of the violations and abuses reported, including extra judicial killings, the abduction of women and children, rape and other forms of sexual violence, recruitment and use of children, looting and destruction of property,” reads the joint release also extended to Sudan Tribune.

Fighting has exacerbated an already dire economic and humanitarian situation by reducing humanitarian space and depriving people of essential humanitarian assistance.

We continue to remind the political and military leadership of the SPLA and SPLA-IO of their responsibilities, in line with international law, including their responsibility to ensure the full protection of the civilian population, especially women and children, from violence and to spare them the effects of hostilities, the UN officials stressed.

“The Government of South Sudan bears the primary responsibility for protecting its population from serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. We therefore call upon the Government to exercise that responsibility,” the statement said.

“The SPLA and SPLA-IO leaders must immediately put a stop to ongoing violations and abuses, issue clear orders for the immediate release of children associated with their forces and prohibiting sexual violence crimes,” it further stressed.

They urged the UN Security Council, African Union, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), neighbouring countries and other relevant stakeholders, especially those involved in the mediation process, to reinforce engagements with the SPLA and SPLA-IO in order to de-escalate the current situation, prevent further violations of international human rights and humanitarian law and move the mediation process forward.

“It is the collective responsibility of the international community to take decisive steps to end the protracted suffering of the South Sudanese people, especially the women and children who are disproportionately affected by the recent clashes,” they argued.

Talks between the country's two warring parties are due to resume early next month.

(ST)

May 28, 2015 (KHARTOUM) - Darfur main rebel groups Thursday agreed on the need to exert more efforts to protect children in the conflict areas and to adhere to the existing international standards.

In this photo extended to Sudan Tribune, JEM's Gibril Ibraim, SLM Abel Wahid al-Nur and SLM Minni Minnawi pose for a picture at the Austrian Study Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution in Stadtschlaining, Austria, 27.28 of May 2015

Leaders of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), Sudan Liberation Movement - Abdel Wahid al-Nur (SLM/AW) and Sudan Liberation Movement - Minni Minnawi (SLM/MM) made their commitment in at the end of a consultations meeting held in Stadtschlaining, Austria, on 27-28 May.

As parties to the conflict we acknowledge that "we also bear responsibility for the protection of children in Darfur/Sudan. We therefore pledge to continue to make every effort necessary to prevent members of our Movements from perpetrating any grave violations against children".

"We hereby renew our commitment to adhere to the applicable international legal standards and norms including Security Council resolutions on children and armed conflict".

The meeting was attended by the leaders of the three rebel groups Gibril Ibrahim for JEM, Abdel Wahid al-Nur and Minni Minnawi for the SLM groups.

It was organised by the Austrian Study Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution (ASPR) in coordination with the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG-CAAC).

The joint statement stressed that protecting children is an individual and collective responsibility and should be part of an early engagement and not await a formal comprehensive peace agreement by all parties to the conflict".

The rebel groups also expressed readiness to engage in follow up consultations until a comprehensive peace agreement is reached.

The parties are prepared to remain actively engaged in follow-up consultations including with the participation of other actors until a comprehensive peace agreement is realized

In July 2010, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) signed a child protection agreement, which includes ending the recruitment of child soldiers in Darfur, with the Justice and Equality Movement.

(ST)

May 28, 2015 (JUBA) - South Sudan has announced its inability to generate enough revenues to fund the country's annual budget, amid allegations that government may halt paying for basic services.

Traders jostle to change money in South Sudan (Reuters)

Presenting a paper at an economic and development forum held on Wednesday, the deputy finance minister, Mary Jervase Yak said government was only able to generate a third of its budget.

The government, she added, now relies on borrowed loans to fund the remaining deficit.

“The government has been looking for both domestic and external loans to fund the budget”, Yak told the forum, saying government now borrow money from its central bank.

The ongoing war and the decline in global oil prices caused the fiscal deficit, she said.

“The parallel exchange rate has affected the pound that it depreciated by 50% against the US dollar during the last 12 months, as the fall in oil revenues has reduced the availability of foreign exchange in the market,” explained the deputy finance minister.

Prices of goods are yet to be increased in line with the depreciation, she added.

However, traders involved in exchange of foreign currencies in the black market say the rate of the dollar against the pound has doubled in the last few months, while residents asserted that traders have more than double increased consumer prices this year.

The deputy minister urged the forum to contribute expertise ideas and make recommendations on how the government would work to improve the nation's economy.

(ST)

May 28, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday has passed a resolution extending mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) until 30 November 2015.

UN peacekeepers in South Sudan with one of their helicopters (UNMISS)

It further authorized the peace keepers to use “all necessary means” to perform their duties and tasks in implementation of the mandate.

The resolution reaffirmed UNMISS mandate to protect civilians in South Sudan, monitor and investigate human rights abuses, create the conditions conducive to the delivery of humanitarian assistance as well as support the implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement signed by the warring parties in the country.

It said that the situation in South Sudan continued to “constitute a threat” to international peace and security in the region and urged all parties to the conflict to resume negotiations and reach a peace agreement.

“Urges all parties to engage in an open and fully inclusive national dialogue seeking to establish lasting peace, reconciliation, good governance, including through the full and effective participation of youth, women, diverse communities, faith-based groups, civil society and the formerly detained SPLM leaders, encourages the efforts of IGAD and the United Nations to reach a peace agreement between the parties, and further urges them to ensure that child protection provisions are integrated into all peace negotiations and peace agreements,” partly reads the resolution.

The Council also urged the African Union to release and make public a report by its Commission of Inquiry on atrocities committed in South Sudan by the warring parties.

It condemned the recent upsurge of violence between forces loyal to president Salva Kiir's government and the armed opposition faction led by former vice president, Riek Machar.

The international body further called on the parties involved in the current conflict to desist from further violations of human rights and abuses such as the ongoing targeting of civilian populations including children, women and elderly.

It also called on the warring parties to desist from attacking and harassing UNMISS personnel and their facilities and provide unhindered access to humanitarian workers that provide relief assistance to the vulnerable populations.

(ST)

May 27, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudanese lawmakers on Wednesday ratified the United Nations Convention on Protection and Promotion of Cultural Expression, 2005, months after its introduction in parliament.

The move came shortly after the chairperson of parliament's specialised committee for information, telecommunication and culture, Thomas Wani kundu presented his report to the assembly.

“The convention is consistent with the transitional constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011 and other domestic laws of South Sudan,” Kundu told MPs after reading chapters of the document.

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO) Convention came into force in 2007. It provides principles for respect of human rights, fundamental freedoms, principle of sovereignty, equal dignity for all cultures and openness, among other provisions.

After deliberations, MPs moved a motion to ratify the UN convention.

The word's youngest nation became the 133 state to ratify the convention. With 64 tribes with different cultures and norms, South Sudan is regarded one of the most diversified countries in the world.

(ST)

May 28, 2015 (NYAL) – South Sudanese armed opposition forces under the command of Gen. Khamis Abdulatiff have advised residents in the capital, Rumbek to vacate the town within three days.

General Khamis Abdulatiff (holding a stick) with some of his forces (courtesy photo)

In a statement extended to various media outlets Tuesday, the rebels said their fighters had occupied Lakes state and its surrounding areas, claims Sudan Tribune could not independently verify.

“We have siege the town and all its exits, but we are not ready to harm civilians in Rumbek town,” said Gen. Abdulatiff, adding that, “We asked for immediate evacuation of civilians to safer places.”

He said his forces recently exchanged fire with government forces at the border between Lakes and Unity state.

“I do not want innocent civilians to become victims of the crossfire. The mission of my force is to free the people of South Sudan from oppressive regime especially those from Lakes state whose historical background was buried by the current regime,” he said.

Last year, Lakes state's Dinka youth declined to join the military forces recruited to fight against rebels led by former vice-president Riek Machar, who are mainly from the Nuer ethnic group, leading to increased tensions within the government in Juba.

Fighting between South Sudanese government troops and the armed opposition forces has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced nearly two million in the country.

In April, a group of activists and civil society groups in Rumbek added their voices to calls for removal of governor Matur Dhuol claiming he had failed to effectively run the state.

(ST)

May 28, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The media department in Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) stressed that it will not tolerate any “harmful” stories published by newspapers that goes against the values, morals and traditions of the society.

The head of Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), Mohamed Atta Abbas Al-Moula (Photo: Reuters)

The NISS does not explain why it seizes runs of newspapers or suspends them and often times summons journalists for interrogation on reports they publish.

On Thursday, officials from NISS and the Sudanese Journalists Union (SJU) held a meeting to discuss the aftermath of this week's decision to seize print runs of 10 newspapers and suspend four others over a story related to children sexual abuse on school buses.

According to a press statement by the NISS, the SJU called during the meeting for upholding the values of freedom and professionalism and resorting to the law.

They also demanded lifting suspension on the 4 newspapers as soon as possible.

But the NISS defended its actions and emphasized that it was done in accordance with the law.

The NISS media officer also described as “inaccurate” a statement carried by Sudan News Agency (SUNA) on Thursday which claimed that the NISS promised to end the suspension of the 4 newspapers.

The SJU issued a sharply worded statement on Monday rejecting the confiscation and suspension of newspapers while the informal Journalists Network called for a strike.

After the security apparatus lifted pre-publication censorship, it started punishing them retroactively by seizing copies of newspapers that breach unwritten red lines inflicting financial and moral losses on these media houses.

The mass confiscation has emerged as a new technique of punishment by the NISS which tend to accuse affected newspapers of disseminating news that adversely affect the national security of the country.

Last February, it seized copies of 14 newspapers from printing press without giving reasons.

Sudan's constitution guarantees freedom of expression but laws subordinate to the constitution such as the National Security Forces Act of 2010 contains articles that can be potentially used to curtail press freedom and instigate legal proceedings against newspapers and individual journalists.

Sudanese journalists work under tight daily censorship controls exercised by the NISS.

Journalists say that NISS uses seizures of print copies of newspapers, not only to censor the media but also to weaken them economically.

(ST)

May 28, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – Saudi Arabia's King Salman Bin Abdel-Aziz and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad will be present at the swearing-in ceremony of Sudanese president Omer Hassan al-Bashir in Khartoum next Tuesday, according to a news report.

Sudanese president Omer Hassan al-Bashir (L) walking with Saudi Arabia's King Salman Bin Abdel Aziz in Riyadh on 25 March 2015 (SPA)

The government-sponsored Sudanese Media Center (SMC) website quoted an unnamed official in the preparatory inauguration committee as saying that Egyptian president Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi, Eritrean president Isaias Afewerki, Ethiopian Prime minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Chadian president Idriss Deby and South Sudan president Salva Kiir will also be present.

Previously, the government in Juba announced that VP James Wani Igga will represent Kiir in the ceremony.

If the visit by King Salman materializes, it will be the first by a Saudi monarch to Sudan since 1976 when late King Khalid made a state visit lasting four days for talks with then president Ja'afar Nimeiri.

This will also be King Salman's second international visit since he assumed the throne last January following the death of his half brother King Abdulla.

The Saudi King has snubbed planned appearances in Egypt for an economic conference in March and in Washington this month for a summit with US president Barack Obama.

Relations between Khartoum and Riyadh appear to have normalized after the former distanced itself from Iran which was a cause of concern by the Arab Gulf states.

Hours after Bashir's visit to Riyadh last March, it was announced that Sudan has joined the Saudi-led military operations against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Last week, the Sudanese leader made a brief and unannounced visit to Riyadh for talks with his Saudi counterpart. It was followed by a short trip to Qatar as well.

Sudanese officials have expressed strong hope that Saudi Arabia and other Arab Gulf states would generously reward Khartoum for shifting alliances away from Iran.

But a Gulf diplomat speaking to Reuters last month downplayed these hopes.

"There is no trust in the Gulf for Omer al-Bashir...The leaders in the Gulf think that Bashir can betray them at any time, so they won't give him aid until he shows he is serious about joining them and leaving Iran," the diplomat said.

In April, the Saudi ambassador in Sudan denied local media reports that his country provided any cash assistance to Khartoum.

(ST)

May 28, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudan's warring parties in the ongoing conflict will resume negotiations early next month, the spokesperson for the presidency said Thursday.

President Salva Kiir (L) and rebel leader Riek Machar (R) attend the signing a ceasefire agreement during an IGAD summit on the South Sudan crisis in Addis Ababa on 1 February 2015 (Photo: Reuters/Tiksa Negeri)

President Salva Kiir, Ateny Wek Ateny said, directed chief negotiator, Nhial Deng Nhial and two members of his delegation to travel to Ethiopia on 8 June for resumption of peace talks with representatives of the armed opposition faction.

“The decision was reached during a consultation visit by the Ethiopian and Kenyan foreign ministers who visited South Sudan on Wednesday during which two foreign top diplomats met and held a meeting with President Salva Kiir and some of the senior members of his administration,” he told reporters in the country's capital, Juba.

The meeting, the presidential spokesperson said, discussed whether the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) could use the Arusha model during the upcoming negotiations to see if it's the best approach to resolve the conflict since signatories to the Arusha agreement were also involved in the regional-led talks.

The president, Ateny said, expressed his government's earlier push to have members of the Troika nations participate as observers in the peace talks, instead of playing active roles in the IGAD-led initiative.

“The president welcomes participation of the five African members in the mediation and appreciates the support of the Troika countries in the peace process, but expressed government's desire for them to continue playing positives role as observers,” he added.

Observers, however, say South Sudan's latest position on Troika nations may have been reinforced by resolutions made during the just concluded Great Lakes conference.

In March, the East African regional bloc proposed an IGAD-Plus structure that will bring in other African regions, including South Sudan development partners such as the African Union, the United Nations, China and the Troika, the key funders of the peace talks, which comprises of the United Kingdom, United States of America and Norway.

(ST)