Africa

There is a powerful wind of hope blowing across the Horn of Africa region, said UN chief António Guterres on Sunday, in Saudi Arabia to witness the signing of a peace agreement between Ethiopia and Eritrea, ending decades of simmering conflict.

Kenyan cake artist Tamima Mohamed has a passion for hyper-realistic designs.

A “lack of command and control” on the part of South Sudan’s government, just days after signing a new peace agreement to end years of brutal civil conflict, is one of the factors which led to the shooting of a United Nations peacekeeper on Saturday, the UN mission chief in the country has said.

September 14, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudanese presidency postponed for 24 hours the swearing-in ceremony of ministers of the National Reconciliation Government in its second edition, amid reports that some of the appointed ministers declined to accept the posts.

Members of Sudan's new cabinet take their oaths in Khartoum December 10, 2011 (REUTERS)

The Presidency of the Republic announced that the taking oath ceremony of ministers and ministers of state in the new government, which was scheduled at 8 pm on Friday, will be on Saturday.

"The swearing-in ceremony will be on Saturday so as to enable the appointed ministers who are outside the country to take part in the ceremony with their colleagues," said the official news agency SUNA.

The postponement intervened amid unconfirmed reports since the early hours of Friday, that the appointed minister of finance Abdalla Hamdok has declined the important ministerial post.

During the day, other rumours circulated in the social media that the appointed state minister for finance Nagi al-Sharif and the appointed minister of social security and development Samia Abu Kashwa have also refused to take part in the new government.

None of the three has issued a statement or stated publically about his decision on his participation in the lean government.

Hamdok is the only one residing outside the country in Addis Ababa. Currently, he is the Acting Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

Last week, al-Bashir dissolved the large government formed as part of the national dialogue process and the new lean cabinet was announced on Thursday as part of the government austerity efforts.

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By Duop Chak Wuol

Throughout the South Sudanese peace process, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) has been faced with serious political issues. These issues make it nearly impossible for the armed opposition to come up with a counterproposal that could force the government to accept a genuine peace. The armed opposition failed the people of South Sudan by accepting a pro-tyrannical peace deal that will only work in favour of Salva Kiir. The recently signed Sudan-mediated revitalized peace agreement is designed to empower Kiir's brutality, keep elites in control, and deny democratic reforms to take shape. This peace agreement is not just wrong; it is a looming disaster for the people of South Sudan.

Why is the Khartoum's power-sharing deal disaster?

There are many critical issues the East African regional peace mediators have ignored. However, the failure to address the root causes of the civil war, expansion of the government, the issue of 32 states, proposed legislative body, and the failure to replace the current National Constitutional Review Commission with an impartial and inclusive body are the main issues that the SPLM-IO should have paid close attention to. It is good to remind people that most of the SPLM-IO's fundamental reform provisions were deliberately rejected by the mediators in late August.

Kiir's regime and its regional allies are working hard to make sure this pro-Juba peace deal is materialized. For instance, during the signing process in Addis Ababa, the government, SPLM-IO, and other political parties were forced to agree that the National Constitutional Review Commission, which is currently being run by Kiir's loyalists, will only be restructured in the fourth month of the transitional period. The new provision stipulates that an internationally renowned constitutional entity will conduct workshops for parties to the conflict and that the parties would then use the outcome of the workshops to draft a new legislation to amend the constitution.

Why would the armed opposition and other parties accept to amend the constitution four months after the transitional period begin?

It is important to remind people that Juba's regime consistently refused to allow the proposed constitutional review committee to study and amend the current tyrannical constitution. There are also logical reasons to believe that four months are enough for Kiir to formulate a strategy that could impede the constitutional review process to carry out its mandates, let alone the fact that the requirement is stipulated in the final pact.

This peace was pre-determined by the incumbent Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU). Everything in it was designed by Kiir to make sure he accommodates SPLM-IO's leaders in exchange for his cruelty to continue. What I find baffling is that the armed opposition keeps arguing that it accepts the agreement because it wants to end the suffering of South Sudanese refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The SPLM-IO is categorically wrong on this. Remember, the armed opposition did not cause the ongoing conflict. Its soldiers and supporters are technically living outside Juba and other government-controlled cities. The idea that it wants to end the war by abandoning its reform agenda without giving a reasonable explanation is absurd. The armed opposition fought for almost five years, claiming it worked for reforming the political system. It is now clear that the SPLM-IO is merely looking for ways to rejoin the very tyrannical system it once rejected. This is rather intriguing, to say the least.

There is a newly-found argument within the SPLM-IO that assertively claims that anyone who questions the viability of the peace deal is wrong or is against its doctrine. Even some of the armed opposition supporters went too far, calling on those who questioned SPLM-IO's peace strategy to either go to the bush or shut-up. This is, again, one of the fallacious arguments being disseminated by clueless armed opposition supporters who seem to lack critical thinking. For example, when Juba initially attached reopening of oil fields to Khartoum's peace agreement, every sensible South Sudanese knew that Kiir was not working for real peace; rather, he was looking for ways to have huge financial power before the SPLM-IO and anyone who opposed his leadership to strike a deal with him. He did this to make sure that he maintains an upper-hand, should the war resume in Juba when rebels rejoin his government. This issue was raised by many South Sudanese political analysts—nevertheless, the supposedly democratic movement of SPLM-IO suddenly became hostile to those who questioned its political dogma.

Do you still remember when in August 2015 Kiir signed the agreement with a list of reservations?

The SPLM-IO has been committing serious violations by allowing Juba's repressive regime to get whatever it wants. For instance, the armed opposition released Prisoners of War (POWs) and political detainees and abide by ceasefire agreements while the government keeps prosecuting POWs and political prisoners and keep attacking the armed opposition positions. Kiir also refuses to accept SPLM-IO's peace deal provisions he sees as a threat to his ruthless leadership. This systematic refusal of the armed opposition demands seems to work in Kiir's favour. For example, the most contentious issues in this peace agreement are the issue of 32 states, National Constitutional Review Commission, the consensus in the proposed incumbent government-dominated parliament, root causes of the civil war, security arrangements among others. Kiir is truly a calculating dictator. After he realized in Addis Ababa that the SPLM-IO would refuse to sign the final deal, he then instructed his negotiating team to come up with a smart way to lure the armed opposition and other political leaders to accept the agreement. He did this by downplaying that the issue of 32 states is not a big problem because a body proposed in the pact will be tasked to resolve it or the people of South Sudan will decide through elections. Kiir also traps the SPLM-IO by claiming that constitutional amendments will be conducted four months after the transitional period began. This is a monumental red flag that the armed opposition and other political leaders failed to examine. The armed opposition must tell the people of South Sudan why it puts too much focus on wanting to secure a peace deal while the government is simply working hard to destroy its existence.

Is the recent peace deal really the democratic agenda the armed opposition has been singing for nearly five years?

It is increasingly becoming more evident that the SPLM-IO is prepared to sign-up for any deal if it is given its shares in any proposed transitional government. This decision appears to be politically correct, but it can only be just if the armed opposition is simply fighting for its own viability, not on behalf of the people. For nearly five years, the SPLM-IO vowed to either reform South Sudan's political system or remove Kiir from power by all necessary means. Now the very central idea the armed opposition drove its existence from is surprisingly vanishing. The SPLM-IO did not sign a good deal. The Khartoum peace agreement is not a good deal. What the armed opposition signed is an accommodative pact — this is no different from exchanging your own freedom with an autocratic ring. Kiir is an experienced and cunning tyrant. This peace is not a real peace, but a rather all about awarding positions to the SPLM-IO and other political parties. Kiir wants these parties to abandon their political doctrines and rejoin this infamous Oyee's band. It is shameful and must be confronted by the people of South Sudan. The elites in South Sudan must be told by the people that they are working for their own bellies, not the people.

The SPLM-IO's apparent deal with the government suggests that South Sudan's current tyrannical leadership could probably continue ruling for years. It must be made abundantly clear that the armed opposition has no legislative or constitutional power to amend the constitution. Kiir rules by decree and he loves it. Any attempt to deny him such a one-man rule is doomed to failure because he will have a legislative number to overrule any attempt to democratize the constitution. Constitutional changes are done through parliament or an established legal entity. This peace deal is simply an empowering of the existing Kiir's viciousness because the two important government branches, the National Constitutional Review Commission and the future transitional Parliament, will be controlled by Salva Kiir's fanatics. The SPLM-IO and some of its clueless supporters must stop waging a deceitful campaign to try to push people into believing that Khartoum's power-sharing deal is the real deal. The idea that reforms will be done after the armed opposition rejoined the government is simply a political blunder. This seemingly twisted assumption can only be accepted by uninformed individuals. If the SPLM-IO is fully committed to this questionable deal, then it must prepare for a third political tragedy. This is the 21st-century: the days of political cults are over.

The author can be reached at duop282@gmail.com.

September 14, 2018 (JUBA) - Several groups members of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance voiced their rejection of the revitalized peace agreement saying it only serves Sudan and Uganda interests and pledged to continue their struggle for a sustainable peace.

The media release announcing the rejection was signed by the National Salvation Front (NAS) of Gen. Thomas C. Swaka, Pagan A. Oketch, People's Democratic Movement (PDM) chaired by Hakim Dario, National Democratic Movement (NDM) led by Emanuel Aban and the United Democratic Republic Alliance (UDRA) of Gatwech K. Thich.

The NAS and PDM have already rejected the governance agreement pointing it does not respond to their demand for a genuine federal system. Also, Pagan Amum rejected the governance deal as the Chair of the SPLM-FDs but this time he appended his signature without the name of his.

"We, the undersigned leaders and our respective organizations would like to inform our people and the international community that we are not party to the Revitalized Peace Agreement signed on 12th September 2018," reads the statement.

The holdout leaders further vowed to continue the search for a just, inclusive and sustainable peace.

In addition, they called on the United Nations Security Council, the AU, TROIKA, EU and IGAD Plus "to take note of the shortcomings of the signed peace agreement, which now renders it unsustainable and subservient to outside regional interests than to those of the people of South Sudan".

Beside their demand for a strong federal regime, the non-signatories said the agreement failed to address the root causes of the South Sudanese crisis, to bring justice and accountability for war crimes and atrocities.

All these deficiencies make the "Revitalized Peace Agreement unsustainable, and is at a great risk of returning the country to another war as it did in July 2016," they stressed.

The IGAD leaders responded positively to the demands of the SPLM-IO and SSOA in terms of the disputed number of states and tribal boundaries, decision-making process in the meeting of the presidency, cabinet, and the legislative assembly as well as state and local governments. Also, they reviewed the procedures of the permanent constitutional-making process.

However, during the talks, NAS and PDM accused the mediation of brushing aside their demands for a federal system granting sufficient autonomy and adequate resources to the states vis-à-vis the federal government.

Observers say the mediation approach adopted by the IGAD this time was positive because the mediation team when it fails to reach a compromise between the parties used to refer the disputed matter s to the IGAD leadership which play the mediation at another sphere directly at the level of foreign ministers or the heads of state and government.

However, they say what is problematic, it sometimes allows the government to impose its point of view at the higher levels of negotiations when the matters are discussed by the ministers and leaders without giving the opposition the opportunity to advocate its positions.

During the Khartoum round of talks, the opposition reached the Sudanese president who sought to reflect their positions at the meetings of the heads of state and government. Also, Omer al-Bashir used to coordinate with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to press Kiir to make some concessions.

The Troika countries praised the role played by the IGAD in the resolution of the conflict but remained sceptical over Juba full commitment to implement the deal, based on the repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement and attacks on civilians and aid workers.

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September 14, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - South Darfur government and the hybrid peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID) have discussed ways to promote security and health situation in various localities, voluntary return villages and IDPs camps.

On Thursday, governor of South Darfur Adam al-Faki met with a delegation from the Mission headed by Head of the UNAMID in South Darfur, Burhan Mesk Nika.

The meeting also discussed arrangements to hand over the Mission's headquarters and camps in the Graida and Buram localities to the government in the next period.

During the meeting, al-Faki pointed to the stable security situation in South Darfur, saying it has positively impacted on the development and reconstruction projects.

For his part, Nika stressed UNAMID's keenness to support the government programmes particularly the national schools' competition which would take place in South Darfur in November.

He described the schools' competition as a good opportunity to enhance security, peace and peaceful coexistence in South Darfur.

Last year, the UN Security Council decided to reduce the UNAMID, admitting that the security situation has improved in the Darfur region.

The hybrid mission has been deployed in Darfur since December 2007 with a mandate to stem violence against civilians in western Sudan's region.

It is the world's second-largest international peacekeeping force with an annual budget of $1.35 billion and almost 20,000 troops.

UN agencies estimate that over 300,000 people were killed in the Darfur conflict since 2003, and over 2.5 million are displaced.

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September 14, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - The joint committee among Sudan, Chad and the United Nations on Friday has discussed in N'Djamena the voluntary repatriation of Sudanese refugees in Chad.

On 31 May 2017, Sudan, Chad and the UNHCR signed two separate tripartite agreements on the voluntary return of Sudanese refugees from Chad and Chadian refugees from Sudan.

Also, the three parties in January 2018 signed an operational plan for the repatriation of 20,000 Sudanese refugees from Chad to Darfur region during this year.

The Sudanese and Chadian sides were headed by the refugee commissioners Hamad al-Gizouli and Mahmoud Aseel with the participation of UN representatives in Sudan and Chad.

Sudan's Ambassador to N'Djamena Abdel-Aziz Hassan Salih told the official news agency SUNA the meetings aims at developing the detailed plan to repatriate the Sudanese refugees during the next period.

UN reports say the security situation in Darfur has largely improved but stress that the lack of infrastructures and services prevent the return of refugees and displaced persons to their areas of origin.

Chad hosts over 300,000 Sudanese refugees residing in the eastern region of the neighbouring country not far from the border with Chad.

The Sudanese army has been fighting a group of armed movements in Darfur since 2003. UN agencies estimate that over 300,000 people were killed in the conflict, and over 2.5 million were displaced.

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September 14, 2018 (JUBA) - The South Sudan ceasefire monitoring body Friday said it launched an investigation into SLM-IO claims of an attack by the South Sudanese government on its position in Yei River State Thursday, as the armed groups reported continued attacks on Friday.

According to the SPLM-IO, the government army on Thursday morning, in less than 24 four after the signing of the revitalized peace agreement, attacked their positions at Kendiri and Mangalatore in Kajo-Keji County of Yei River State. As a result of the fighting 17 SPLA troops were killed.

In a swift reaction to the allegation, the CTSAMM issued a short statement saying they received the complaint and started a probe on the reported attack.

"CTSAMM have received allegations regarding violations of the ceasefire agreement in the Yei area and an investigation into these reports is currently underway," said the ceasefire monitoring body in a rare prompt statement after a violation of the ceasefire agreement.

For his part, UK Special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan Chris Trott praised the monitoring mechanism for dealing quickly with the first allegation of violation after the signing the revitalized peace agreement a

"Pleased to see a swift response to these reports from CTSAMM. For the peace agreement to succeed swift monitoring, credible reporting (based on immediate access) and robust accountability are essential," Trott said in a message posted on Twitter Friday.

The mechanism further called on the parties to observe the signed agreements and to cease hostilities.

"CTSAMM would like to remind the Parties of their commitment to refrain from any form of hostilities as per the R-ARCSS," said the statement.

FRIDAY ATTACKS

In a statement on Friday, Lam Paul Gabriel, SPLM-IO deputy spokesperson said the "anti-peace" elements continued their attacks on their position in Lainya and Kajo-Keji counties of Yei River State.

The first attack occurred at about 7:15 am on the SPLM-IO positions at Mundu in Lainya county. the second attack was at 9:30 am on the SPLM-IO base of Mangalatore in Kajo-Keji County.

"We urge Juba regime as one of the key partners to the signed Revitalized ARCISS to restrain its forces from violating this agreement signed on 12/09/2018 in Addis Ababa," Gabriel called on the government of President Salva Kiir.
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"We also call upon CTSAAM to keep investigating these broad daylight violations by some elements within the SPLA," he said.

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Only 5.5% of Ugandans are physically inactive - less than any other nation.

The portrait photographers examine how African-Americans are perceived in art, the workplace, and through their physical appearance.

September 13, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - The rebel Sudan Liberation Movement/Army led by Minni Minnawi renewed its commitment to not recruit or use of children as part of an action plan released in 2014.

Rebels of the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA), loyal to leader Minni Minnawi (file photo/AFP)

"The leadership of the SLM/A reiterates its unequivocal obligation to fully adhere to the International norms and standards to protect children against violations, including recruitment, use of child soldier, sexual violations, abduction, killing and maiming," said Minnawi in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

In a command order to the field commanders in Darfur region, the group leader said that all the SLM/A members are prohibited from recruitment and use of child soldiers.

Also, he ordered to disseminate it among the fighters, stressing that any failure to comply with this order will be met with disciplinary measures.

In December 2013, the SLM/A Minnawi issued a command decree to adhere to international norms and standards protecting children and the Sudan Child Act of 2010.

On 6 August 2014, the group released a formal operational mechanism and established an implementation committee to raise awareness about the Movement's prohibition of child soldiers and to work with relevant organizations to reintegrate child soldiers into society.

Since 2009, several armed groups in Darfur region issued command orders prohibiting the recruitment and use of child soldiers.

In December 2008, the UNICEF said that more than 6,000 child soldiers were involved in western Sudan's region.

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September 136, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's ruling National Congress Party (NCP) Thursday announced the members of a new government which includes 20 ministers and 27 state ministers.

Members of Sudan's new cabinet take their oaths in Khartoum December 10, 2011 (REUTERS)

The full list of ministers and state ministers was made public after the dissolution of the large national consensus government which was formed after the National Dialogue Conference in May 2017.

Most of them were members of the former government but changed their positions. Only Defence Minister Awad Ibn Ouf, Foreign Minister El-Dirdeiry Ahmed, Presidential Affairs Minister Fadul Abdallah Fadul maintained their positions.

Among the new ministers appears the name of Abdalla Hamdok as the finance minister. Currently, he is the Acting Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) which is based in Addis Ababa.

However, it is not clear if he accepted this tough job, while rumours circulating in the social media about his rejection of the position.

President al-Bashir last Sunday removed his second Vice President Hassabo Mohammed Abdel-Rahman and replaced him with North Darfur's ex-governor Osman Yousef Kibir. Also, he separated the positions of the first vice-president and prime minister.

He promoted the minister of Electricity and Water Resources Moatez Mousa to the position of Prime Minister.

Also, the former Minister Information Ahmed al-Balal is now appointed Interior Minister.

The former government included 31 ministers and over 40 state ministers.

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September 13, 2018 (JUBA) - The South Sudanese government forces in Yei River State have been accused of launching fresh attacks on the SPLM-IO positions in Kajo-Keji County, hours after the signing of the revitalized peace agreement,

Lam Paul Gabriel

"This morning the 13/09/2018 at about 7:00 am, the regime's forces in Agana resumed their attacks on our defensive positions at Kendiri and Mangalatore in Kajo-Keji County of Yei River State," said Lam Paul Gabriel, SPLM-IO deputy spokesperson

The attack comes as the South Sudanese President Salva Kiir pledged to fully implement the agreement particularly to end violence and allow unfettered humanitarian access to civilians in the conflict-affected areas.

Gabriel said their fighters have successfully defended their positions pointing they killed 15 "15 enemy soldiers" and captured 17 AK-47.

"The SPLA IO calls upon the CTSAMM and UNMISS to investigate these continues violations by the regime," he added.

The South Sudanese army was not reachable for comment on these accusations.

(ST)

September 13, 2018 (JUBA) - United Nations chief António Guterres Thursday welcomed the signing of the revitalized peace agreement in South Sudan and called for an international mobilisation to ensure its full implementation.

President Salva Kiir and his main rival Riek Machar, as well as the other opposition groups, appended their signature on the final Revitalized Agreement of Resolution of the Conflict South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in Addis Ababa concluding a difficult process that mobilized the IGAD leaders for nearly two years.

In a statement released by his, Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq, the Secretary-General welcomed the peace agreement saying it is a positive and a significant development. he further applauded the regional and international efforts for the success of the process.

Further, he called for an international mobilization to ensure the full enforcement of the peace pact and called to immediately cease hostilities in the restive nation.

"The road ahead remains challenging and the international community must remain seized of the situation in South Sudan throughout the implementation of the RARCSS," he said

He further expressed the United Nations readiness, in close coordination with the IGAD and the African Union, to assist the parties in implementing the peace agreement.

Guterres seems opted for a different approach from the Troika countries which chose to keep the pressure on the South Sudanese government during the upcoming 30-month transitional period until the full implementation of the peace agreement.

President Kiir who is accused of continued attacks on the armed groups despite the signing of a cessation of hostilities in December 2017 repeatedly asserted his willingness to embrace peace and to fully implement it.

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September 13, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - China has agreed to write off a portion of Sudan's debt that was incurred through 2015, its envoy here said today.

Speaking at a press conference in Khartoum on Thursday, the Chinese ambassador Li Lianhe disclosed that this deal was reached as part of recent cooperation agreements signed between the two countries.

Earlier this month, the Sudanese President Omer Hassan al-Bashir held talks in Beijing with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jingping in which the latter pledged to assist Sudan in alleviating its economic distress by granting loans of up to 600 million yuan (88 million dollars).

Bashir implored upon Jingping to direct financial institutions dealing with Sudan to take into account the country's dire financial position by cancelling some of the outstanding debt and offering flexible repayment plan on the remaining balance.

The Chinese official said he expects his country to forgive all of the loans extended to Sudan in line with Jingping's pledge made at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing in early September in which he announced $60 billion in debt relief and financing package to African nations.

Sudan owes China more than $2 billion and has failed to honour a previous agreement that delayed debt payments for five years.

The Chinese envoy also announced the formation of a joint committee to enhance cooperation with Khartoum in all fields and to address problems that hinder joint cooperation.

He pointed out that China extended grants and interest-free loans to Sudan in order to contribute to its economic development and signed a number of agreements in the fields of agriculture, industry and customs to support bilateral relations.

Lianhe also affirmed his country's interest in promoting cooperation between the two countries in the field of oil.

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September 13, 2018 (ADDIS ABABA) - Before his return to Juba, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir was received by the Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed who is also the IGAD Chair to discuss the implementation of the just signed peace pact.

President Kiir, SPLM-IO leader Riek Machar, SSOA Chair Gabriel Chang Changson, and FDs leading member Deng Alor signed the revitalized peace agreement which was the subject of disagreement until the last moment.

"Prime Minister Abiy held a discussion with South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit on the ways of effectively implement the newly signed peace deal," said the official Ethiopian News Agency on Thursday after the meeting.

Speaking after the meeting, he further stated that Ethiopia will continue its effort to the peace and stability of South Sudan adding that peace agreement would benefit his country also because it would stop the flow of refugees

"Efforts have been carried out over the past years to end the conflict in the country but now, constructive diplomatic approach make the peace deal fruitful as all neighbouring counties took their share in resolving the conflict," he added.

In his opening statement during the 33rd extraordinary assembly of IGAD leaders, Abiy congratulated the parties and lauded their commitment to peace, stability and development of South Sudan.

He pointed to the reconciliation processes that are taking place between the Horn of Africa countries and stressing that South Sudan parties have to implement the revitalized agreement in good faith in order to achieve a lasting peace in South Sudan.

He emphasized that South Sudan stability will consolidate the IGAD regional economic integration agenda.

For his part, Kiir praised the instrumental role played by the Ethiopian government to ensure peace in South Sudan.

"I ask him (Abiy Ahmed ) to push and help us in the implementation of peace agreement so that we implement it in proper way,” he said.

The role and involvement of the IGAD countries under the leadership of the Ethiopian government in the revitalization process has been unanimously applauded by the region and the international community.

The IGAD said determined to continue to supervise and monitor closely the implementation process. Also, countries like Sudan and Uganda who were suspected or rejected in South Sudan by a party or another are now fully involved in the 30 month peace implementation process.

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A selection of the best photos from across Africa and of Africans elsewhere this week.

September 12, 2018 (JUBA) - The IGAD countries Wednesday welcomed the signing of the revitalized peace agreement in South Sudan but reiterated their demand for a significant change from the parties in its implementation on the ground before to support it.

The United Kingdom, United States, and Norway, immediately after the signing of the pact for peace between the warring parties, issued a statement in Addis Ababa hailing the efforts and the collective commitment demonstrated by the IGAD countries to end the five-year conflict.

However, the three countries cast doubt on whether the revitalized agreement would be fully implemented this time, based on the repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement and attacks on civilians and aid workers.

" We remain concerned about the parties' level of commitment to this agreement, and to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed in Addis Ababa in December," said the statement

To illustrate their scepticism, the Troika countries mentioned the situation in Wau saying attacks continued despite the ceasefire, ceasefire monitoring teams were denied timely access. Also, the humanitarian assistance was blocked.

Further, the statement said 13 aid workers have been killed since the recent progress of peace talks in Addis Ababa and Khartoum.

Based on this tough assessment, the Troika said in order to remove these doubts and convince them of the parties' serious commitment to the deal and to support it there must be a significant change in "their approach".

"This must include, but not be limited to: an end to violence and full humanitarian access; the release of political prisoners; and a real commitment to effective and accountable implementation, demonstrated by supporting robust security and enforcement mechanisms, checks on executive and majority power, and the transparent use of resources for the benefit of all South Sudanese," emphasized the Troika countries.

"Without progress in these critical areas, we remain concerned the agreement will not deliver the peace that the people of South Sudan deserve," they further said

Last July, the Troika) and the European Union threatened to stop their support for the activities and institutions tasked with the implementation of the South Sudan peace agreement.

They said they cannot continue indefinitely support ARCSS implementation activities and institutions if they are unable to contribute to peace.

"We look forward to a prompt and inclusive revitalization process that would allow us to consider the commitment of further resources. The JMEC has a vital role to play in the delivery of the urgent goals we have set out above. However, JMEC and other ARCSS institutions must be strengthened and adapted to deliver results in the new context," stressed a statement released on 26 July.

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September 12, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - The State Security Court on Wednesday has sentenced the former Head of Political Security Department at the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) Abdel-Ghaffar al-Shareef, to seven years in prison.

The court convicted al-Shareef under Article 59 of the 2010 National Security Act pertaining to “misuse of powers and exploitation of position for the purpose of achieving material or moral benefit or causing harm to others” and sentenced him to 7 years in prison beginning on 22 February 2018.

Also, the court ordered al-Shareef to pay 4.593.148 ($110,000 dollar) Sudanese pounds and $54.600 fine.

The court also convicted the former security officer under Article 71 of the 2010 National Security Act pertaining to “disgraceful behaviour that is incompatible with the dignity and due respect of the job” and ordered him to pay 2,800,000 Sudanese pounds ($67,000) and $10,000 fine.

The judge guaranteed the convict the right to appeal the sentences within 15 days before the military appeals court.

It is noteworthy that al-Shareef has been detained on corruption charges including money laundering, treachery, bribery and unlawful and suspicious enrichment. However, the judge decided to refer all these charges to a civil court.

Earlier this year, the NISS launched an anti-corruption campaign and arrested dozens of government officials, bankers and businessmen.

The campaign was seen by many as part of an internal struggle among the various power centres within the regime of President Omer al-Bashir.

(ST)