Africa

June 27, 2018 (KIGALI/JUBA) – Rwanda has deployed a contingent of 160 police officers, majority women, for a one-year peacekeeping duty under the United Nations mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

A contingent of female Rwandan police officers (New Times photo)

The group left the capital, Kigali for South Sudan on Wednesday.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Teddy Ruyenzi heads the group and it's the first time Rwanda has deployed a female-led contingent.

Speaking during the pre-deployment briefing, the deputy inspector general of police in charge of operations, Dan Munyuza stressed that protecting people in need requires sacrifice and selflessness.

“Police follows the guidance by the President Paul Kagame. He has guided us to another level of knowledge of skills-based policing. We have to continue aiming higher both at home and abroad in such peacekeeping duties,” he remarked.

“Policing goes beyond individual service to teamwork,” emphasized, while urged the deployed police officers to be defined by discipline, commitment, respect for each other and superiors in particular.

The deployed contingent was pledged by President Paul Kagame during the UN leaders' summit on peacekeeping operations in 2015.

Meanwhile the commander of the 160 police officers said more than a year was spent on training and preparing for South Sudan mission.

“As an FPU [Formed Police Unit] composed of mainly women, we were also trained on how to support the vulnerable groups like women, girls and children; you know in conflicts these are the most affected groups. Ideally, women and girls are more open when speaking to fellow women,” Ruyenzi told The New Times.

She further added “Beyond usual physical policing, we will also go an extra mile to be a practical voice in the fight against sexual and gender based violence that is most common in conflict zones.”

The deployed FPU contingent brings the number of contingents in various missions to seven with a combined 1120 police officers.

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June 27, 2018 (KHARTOUM) Chairman of Voluntary Return Commission (VRC) in East Darfur State Faris Madibo said thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have returned to the state.

According to the official news agency SUNA, Madibo said 5382 families, 1291families and 331 families have returned to Yassin, Shiariya and Asalaya localities respectively.

He pointed out that the IDPs returned from Kalma and Otash camps in South Darfur State as well as Zam Zam camp in North Darfur State.

Madibo called on the international community and aid groups to provide food, shelter, water, health and education services for the returnees, pointing to the VRC efforts to provide the basic needs at the voluntary return areas.

He added the government of East Darfur State is making efforts to transfer the IDPs to their original villages, pointing to the security situation in Darfur's five states is stable.

Earlier this month, Sudan's Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Ahmed Mohamed Adam stated that the government has no plan to forcibly evicting the camps, but has set a number of options for IDPs, including resettlement in the area where they are, or in another area according to their desire.

Since the signing of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur in July 2011, the government constructed several villages and vowed to support IDPs who return to their home areas.

However, IDPs representatives in several camps say they refuse to return to their areas before the disarmament of the armed militias and the evacuation of their land from the newcomers.

In a report released on 5 February, UNOCHA estimates there are about 386,000 returnees in Sudan conflict areas including Darfur and the Two Areas.

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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June 27, 2018 (KHARTOUM) – South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and SPLM-IO leader have signed an agreement providing to implement a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in the country ahead of the formation of an inclusive transitional cabinet.

The deal was signed at the Sudanese presidency in Khartoum by President Kiir and his rival Machar among huge diplomatic presence. Also, the text was co-signed by representatives of the different opposition groups.

According to the Sudanese foreign minister who read the text of the deal, the parties agreed that the permanent cease-fire will come into effect on Saturday. Also, the parties agreed to open the humanitarian corridors, release detainees, withdraw troops and militarily disengage.

The agreement calls on the African Union and IGAD to deploy protection forces and ceasefire monitors to observe the ceasefire implementation.

The transitional government also is invited to take the needed measures to form national army and security forces away from tribalism, and collecting weapons from civilians.

The initial draft proposed to have three capitals during the transitional period and to begin oil production by Sudanese worker and under the protection of Sudanese troops.

The deal seen by Sudan Tribune provides that the parties will continue discussions in order to conclude an agreement on Revised Bridging Proposal before to conclude Khartoum process.

On the oil issue, the parties agreed to start immediately works to resume oil production in the identified sites in Unity state (Blocks 1,2 and 4) and Tharjiath (Block 5).

However, it was indicated that the “security of oil fields is the responsibility of South Sudanese citizens” but they work in coordination with the Sudanese government.

(ST)

June 27, 2018 (ROME) - The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) regional refugee coordinator and special advisor for the South Sudan refugee situation, Arnauld Akodjenou on Tuesday briefed officials at the Vatican in Italy on the situation in war-torn South Sudan.

A woman carries water through a UN camp for internally displaced people in South Sudan's Upper Nile state (Photo: IOM)

The briefing came as rival South Sudan leaders returned to the negotiation table in an attempt to end four years of a brutal civil war, which has killed tens of thousands of South Sudanese and forcibly displaced millions in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir and rebel leader, Riek Machar on Wednesday signed an agreement providing to implement a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in the country ahead of the formation of an inclusive transitional cabinet.

Representatives of the different opposition groups also co-signed the agreement witnessed by the Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir in the capital, Khartoum.

The senior UN official told the Vatican News that the human cost of the conflict has reached epic proportions and risks becoming the worst humanitarian disaster in Africa, if nothing is done to end the civil war.

Early this year, UNHCR launched a funding appeal at the beginning to support refugees fleeing the worsening humanitarian situation in South Sudan and for people in need in the country during 2018.

But money received is far less than what is needed, Akodjenou said.

According to aid agencies, violence and insecurity have forcibly displaced 1 in 3 of the country's population - either within South Sudan or across borders while another 7 million people in the world's youngest nation are in need of humanitarian assistance.

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The ship is caught in the middle of a diplomatic row, so it's been unable to do rescue operations.

Nigerian artist Kareem Waris Olamilekan is inspired by Arinze and Michelangelo.

By Roger Alfred Yoron Modi

The latest IGAD “Revised Bridging Proposal” on the High-Level Revitalization Forum HLRF of the 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan ARCSS has made a number of provisions (references) on the questions of Federalism and the controversial issue of States number in the youngest nation.

On Federalism, the proposal provides that governance during the next Transitional Period shall be guided by the principles and considerations including “the urgency of responding effectively to the popular demand for a Federal system of government by:

· Accelerating the devolution of power and resources to local levels of government; and,

· Undertaking effective consultations and preparations for adopting a Federal system for South Sudan in the Permanent Constitution.”

It further acknowledges that ARCSS recognizes that “a federal system of government is a popular demand of the people of South Sudan, and that there is a need, consequently, to (a) reflect this demand by way of devolution of more power and resources to lower levels of government, and (b) initiate preparations for the adoption of a federal and democratic system of government within the Permanent Constitution-making process.”

The proposal added that “accordingly, the Ministry for Federal Affairs shall be strengthened in order that it may carry out… [its] mandate to support the consideration of the appropriate models of federalism for South Sudan, and to contribute to the processes for adopting a federal system of government within the envisaged permanent Constitution of South Sudan.”

Federalism: A Historical background and Related Matters in South Sudan

When the armed conflict erupted in South Sudan, the Peace and Security Council of the African Union AU, at its 411th meeting held at the level of Heads of State and Government, in Banjul, The Gambia, on 30 December 2013 responded by mandating the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan also known as the AUCISS.

The Terms of Reference ToR detailed in the Concept Note Relating to the Establishment of the AUCISS per the AUPSC Communiqué related to the subject of this article were to, inter alia:

· Establish the immediate and remote causes of the conflict

· Compile information on institutions and process or lack thereof that may have aided or aggravated the conflict resulting in violations of human rights and other abuses

· […] examine ways on how to move the country forward in terms of unity, cooperation and sustainable development.

· Make recommendations based on the investigation on: appropriate mechanisms to prevent a recurrence of the conflict, mechanisms to promote national healing and cohesiveness, particularly focusing on the need for all South Sudanese communities to live together in peace; and modalities for nation building, specifically focused on building of a functional political order, democratic institutions and post-conflict reconstruction, etc.

In their findings, the AUCISS noted that:

· “…claims for self-determination, expressed as federalism were made by South Sudanese as early as 1955 as Sudan prepared to receive the instruments of independence from the Anglo-Egyptian administration, which was achieved on January 1, 1956…”

· “…the failure to achieve internal self-determination in a united Sudan through a federal arrangement had led to the first civil war, which ended in 1972 with the signing of the Addis Ababa Agreement, which granted southerners autonomy and self-rule. Its abrogation in 1983 would lead to the second war, which ended with the signing of the CPA in 2005…”

On the system of government, the AUCISS “found that the Transitional Constitution creates three levels of government — national, state and local government — and that both national and state government enjoy a sphere of exclusive executive and legislative powers, while judicial power is national. The Commission concluded that the devolved system of government in South Sudan has both unitary and federal elements, and that it is essentially a ‘hybrid system', in part because states lack competence in judicial power and that national executive possesses limited control over states. This is expressed in the fact that the President is empowered to remove elected governors, and to dissolve state legislative assemblies.”

It added:

“With respect to the third tier of government, it was established that functionally, local government are linked to states, which have the constitutional mandate to create and finance local government units. States receive a share of 15% of national revenue while the national government retains 85%.

“The Commission (AUCISS) also established that there is disconnect between the legal framework on decentralization and practice, and that several aspects of decentralization have not been implemented or are dysfunctional. Practice distorts the delicate balance of power between national and state government in the sense that national government intervenes in the functioning of state governments in ways that appear to lack constitutional sanction. Equally, the relationship between states and local government is problematic: states exercise de facto control over local government and provisions on election of certain local government officials have not been respected. Local government, which is a key center of service delivery, faces serious financial, human and physical resource constraints, resulting in lack of capacity to deliver services.”

The AUCISS recommended that in view of existing gaps between the constitutional text and its implementation, political actors should commit to give full effect to TCRSS, 2011 (during the transitional period) until a new one is adopted.

It further recommended that “consideration should be given to repealing provisions that empower the President to remove elected governors, to dismiss or suspend legislatures and to summon or prorogue the National Assembly. These changes can be effected through minimal reforms pending the outcome of the constitutional review process.”

On the question of Federalism in contemporary South Sudan, the AUCISS found that “demands for federalism in sections of society is essentially about service delivery, guarantees for autonomy to decide on local priorities, and management of diversity (in the context of fear of domination).”

Those who oppose federalism, according to the AUCISS, argued that, if adopted, federalism could divide South Sudanese. The Commission noted that the majority of those in this category who expressed themselves prefer that the decentralized system established by the TCRSS, 2011 be retained in a future constitutional dispensation.

“They emphasize that focus should be on working the current system with a view to fostering development and delivering services to the people: Things should remain as they are. Because you need more time to educate people to know for instance different languages … so you need resources … the communities can [then] choose which one is better when you train them,” partly read the final report of the AUCISS, presumably quoting a source as well.

“What emerged from the views gathered by the Commission, as well as commentary on the subject is that the issue has been politicized, and that the debate appears to be coloured by historical narratives of exclusion and inclusion. Equally, there is misunderstanding in a significant portion of the population as to what federalism entails. Some, including those who advocated for change, appeared unaware that the current system in South Sudan includes elements of federalism,” the AUCISS report added.

“There are those who believe that federalism means separate existence or segregation, which evokes painful historical antecedents for some. One respondent told the Commission that in the federal arrangement he envisions, ‘we want to be left to live alone, us in our area and the xx in theirs' referring to two ethnic communities. Some of those advocating for ‘segregation' told the Commission that inter-ethnic relations were irreparably damaged by atrocities committed during the conflict, and that it would be difficult to co-exist side by side. For the Commission, these sentiments underscore the need for genuine reconciliation at the communal level, irrespective of the system of government adopted.”

The AUCISS report observed that “it is however notable that despite this divide among ordinary South Sudanese, there is emerging political consensus among the negotiating parties in the IGAD-led mediation process that a new constitutional dispensation to be established should be based on principles of federalism taking into account the context and the views of ordinary South Sudanese.”

Though AUCISS process was “delinked” from the IGAD-led mediation, the South Sudanese parities and stakeholders including the government finally acknowledged in the August 2015 signed ARCSS that they are “cognizant that a Federal system of government is a popular demand of the people of South Sudan and of the need for the TGoNU to reflect this demand by way of devolution of more power and resources to lower levels of government, and to initiate that a federal and democratic system of governance that reflects the character of South Sudan and ensures unity in diversity be enacted during the permanent constitution making process.” (See ARCSS Preamble)

Further, ARCSS in Chapter Six Article 1(2), set the parameters of the permanent Constitution to be made to include initiating of a federal democratic system of government that guarantees, amongst others, the supremacy of the people of South Sudan, good governance, constitutionalism, rule of law and human rights.

It provided that the TNLA shall within the first six (6) months of [the] Transitional Period enact a legislation to govern the constitutional making process, but this remains far from reality as there is no such a legislation up to date.

Also, Chapter Six, Article 8 of the ARCSS provided that: “The TGoNU shall review the ongoing permanent Constitution-making process and reconstitute the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC). In order to ensure quality of participation and inclusiveness in the reformulated Constitution review process, the composition of the reconstituted NCRC shall include but not limited to representatives of the TGoNU, Political Parties, faith-based groups, women's bloc, youth, ethnic minorities, representatives of the private sector, CSO groups, academics and other professionals. The process of appointment shall be as defined in the reviewed and enacted legislation governing the constitution-making process.”

ARCSS enshrined that the NCRC shall be appointed by the Executive after adequate consultation with all key stakeholders including but not limited to the Political Parties, Civil Society Organizations and Faith-Based groups for their views to prepare a Draft Constitutional Text, and that the Commission shall, inter alia, carry out wide consultation with the people and conduct civic education and prepare the Draft Constitutional Text.

At added that the permanent constitution shall be completed not later than eighteen (18) months following the establishment of the Transitional Period and shall be in place to guide the Elections toward the end of the Transition.

In fact, were it not for the resumption of conflict in July 2016 and significant lack of implementation of the provisions of ARCSS, these subjects of Federalism and Permanent Constitution Making would have been by now largely or entirely resolved and put to rest.

On the Number of States

On the controversial issue of number of States, the “Bridging Proposal” provides for that “immediately upon the signing of this Agreement, the revitalized TGoNU shall, taking into account the decision of 55th Extra-Ordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, January 30-31, 2016, appoint an Independent, ad hoc Boundary Commission (IBC) whose function shall be to review the establishment of new states and their boundaries and to make recommendations for addressing the consequences of these changes.”

After the signing of the ARCSS in 2015, government increased the number of States in South Sudan from (10) to thirty-two (32). “Even though this was deemed to be in violation of the ARCSS, it was agreed that an inclusive mechanism be established to determine the number and boundary of States during the Transitional Period until the matter is resolved within the Permanent Constitution-making process,” the Bridging Proposal noted.

The Proposal further provides that the IBC to be formed shall consist of 15 persons “with the necessary skills and knowledge to undertake its functions: 12 South Sudanese, at least five of whom shall be women, and 3 representatives of the regional guarantors of the Agreement. The IBC shall be chaired by a Judge of the Supreme Court of South Sudan.”

It says that the IBC shall complete its work within 180 days, and shall make recommendations on adjustments to be made to the number and boundary of States during the Transitional Period. Thereafter, it added, the IBC shall be dissolved. The proposal also enshrined that the 180 days tenure of the IBC may be extended with “good cause.”

“To enhance its efficiency, the IBC shall establish three teams, each consisting of five representatives, to be deployed at locations it will designate,” the latest proposal says, stipulating that the recommendations of the IBC shall be binding.

Observations and Recommendations

It is worth noting that the ongoing HLRF is not a new peace process but an attempt to give new life to the 2015 ARCSS which remains largely unimplemented mainly due to the resumption of armed conflict in July 2016.

It was in its response to the conflict and new circumstances that emerged in South Sudan that the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government in a Communiqué on 12, June 2017 at its 31st Extra-Ordinary Session mandated the IGAD Council of Ministers “to urgently convene a High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) of the parties to the ARCSS including estranged groups to discuss concrete measures, to restore permanent ceasefire, to full implementation of the Peace Agreement and to develop a revised and realistic timeline and implementation schedule towards democratic election at the end of the Transition Period.”

Today Wednesday, pursuant to the IGAD Communiqué of last week, the South Sudan parties signed a deal in Sudan dubbed “Khartoum Declaration of Agreement between Parties of the Conflict of South Sudan.”

The Khartoum Declaration, inter alia, says “An Agreement on the ‘Revised Bridging Proposal' shall be concluded as soon as possible and before closing the current Khartoum Round of Talks.”

However, there is still a chance for the South Sudanese parties to reach a comprehensive peace agreement within the next few days.

For the same Communiqué which mandated President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir to facilitate a second round of face-to-face discussion between President Salva Kiir and SPLM/A-IO leader Dr. Riek Machar within two weeks, to: “a. discuss and resolve the outstanding issues on governance and security arrangements including measures proposed in the revised Bridging Proposal of the IGAD Council of Ministers; and b. discuss measures to be taken to rehabilitate the South Sudanese economy through bilateral cooperation between the Republic of South Sudan and the Republic of Sudan,” also decided that the Sudanese President shall inform President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya of the outcome of the discussion between the parties.

The Igad Assembly of Heads of State and Government also decided that President Uhuru will facilitate a third round of face-to-face discussion between President Kiir and Dr Machar in Nairobi “to facilitate the revitalization process and report the outcome and way forward to the upcoming Ordinary Session of the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government.”

So, despite all these, and the (limited?) mandate of the HLRF itself, there is still a chance for the South Sudanese parties to engage honestly and constructively so as to come up with a comprehensive peace agreement through the framework of the IGAD-led process.

This point is even reflected in the last week's Communiqué that called upon the South Sudanese Parties and Stakeholders “to make further compromises and expeditiously conclude the HLRF process.”

Back on the issue of Federalism, it is worth recalling that in their joint Position on the HLRF in February, the 9 parties/movements known as South Sudan Opposition Alliance SSOA called for adoption of “a FEDERAL system of governance during the [next] Transitional period through effective division of powers and resources between the federal, state, and local government.” The SSOA argued that “other aspects of federalism that require detailed study shall be tackled by the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) as stipulated in [the] TCRSS (Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan) 2011 and ARCSS 2015 that shall be convened during the Transitional Period.”

On their part also, the SPLM/A-IO has been at the forefront calling for the adoption of Federalism in South Sudan for years now.

Therefore, in an effort to improve on the IGAD Bridging Proposal with the view of finding radical solutions to the South Sudan crises and issues raised in this article, the author hereby makes the following observations and recommendations:

1- Article 7 of the Bridging Proposal on the “The Question of the System of Government, Federalism” should be improved. Specifically, Article 7(1) which, based on the ARCSS, provides that “…there is a need to reflect… [the popular] demand [of Federalism] by way of devolution of more power and resources to lower levels of government.” Here, the parties and stakeholders should agree and insert a provision specifying the “power and resources” to be devolved to lower levels of government. For example, it's been indicated that States receive a share of 15% of national revenue while the national government retains 85%. The author suggests that an affirmative action making a substantial rise (of at least 40%) in the allocation of national revenue to the lower level of government be provided for in the Bridging Proposal. The resources should be directed toward building institutions and human resource (personnel) in the states so that they are able to deliver to meet the needs of their people without failing the devolved system. Wide discussions over the matters should be held during the Permanent Constitution Making Process.

2- Also should be improved is Article 7 (2) of the Bridging Proposal which says “the Ministry for Federal Affairs shall be strengthened in order that it may carry out…[its] mandate to support the consideration of the appropriate models of federalism for South Sudan, and to contribute to the processes for adopting a federal system of government within the envisaged permanent Constitution of South Sudan.” Here, it should be stipulated how the ministry shall be “strengthened” and by who. And is it in terms of allocation of a budget? A list of specific mandate? These should be provided for explicitly in the final Agreement.

3- On the number of States, Article 5 (5) (1) of the Bridging Proposal provides that the revitalized TGoNU shall appoint an Independent, ad hoc Boundary Commission (IBC) to review the establishment of new states and their boundaries and to make recommendations for addressing the consequences of these changes. However, the Proposal failed to specify which organ of the revitalized TGoNU shall make the appointment. Is it the Council of Ministers, the Legislature of the revitalized TGoNU, or both? And how, through what procedure? These should be explicitly provided for in the Bridging Proposal (Agreement).

4- Also, Article 5 (5) (3) of the proposal provides that the 180 days tenure of the IBC “may be extended with good cause” without mentioning which body (organ) holds the authority to make that extension. Is it the President? Is it in consultation with one or all the three Vice Presidents? Is it the Council of Ministers, the Legislature of the revitalized TGoNU, or both? And how? The Bridging Proposal (Agreement) should make explicit provisos on these.

Conclusion

Since the ARCSS being revitalized set the parameters of the Permanent Constitution to include initiating of a federal democratic system of government and the Bridging Proposal has acknowledged that, taking note of ARCSS that a federal system of government is a popular demand of the people of South Sudan, the author does not intend to open the matter for renegotiation.

Instead, the next government and all with good intentions should invest resources and the expertise to help enlighten South Sudanese on the different types of Federalism so that when the time comes for Permanent Constitution making the people will be able to actively participate and decide on the appropriate system of Federalism for the young nation.

A genuine reconciliation among communities is also key for South Sudanese to be able to move forward from the belief that federalism means “separate existence or segregation, which evokes painful historical antecedents.” There are provisions for such reconciliation in the current TCRSS

Finally, the author agrees with the view of AUCISS that “whether a system is denominated ‘federalism' or ‘decentralization' or ‘devolution', it is the ‘content' of the system (in relation to adequate devolution of resources, decision-making power and guarantees against undue interference in devolved units by the center) as well as commitment to the implementation of the constitutional text that matters.”

Roger Alfred Yoron Modi, a South Sudanese journalist, is the former Managing Editor of the Juba Monitor Newspaper and former Chief Editor of Bakhita Radio. He can be reached via his email: rogeryoron@gmail.com

In Burundi, opponents of constitutional reform supported by the Government have faced torture and execution amid a “continuing environment of threats and intimidation”, senior UN investigators said on Wednesday.

These Senegalese fans have brought the party to the World Cup in Russia, with vibrant colours, energetic music and passion.

The United Nations Secretary-General has welcomed an agreement signed on Wednesday by the President of South Sudan and his former Vice President, which it is hoped will lead to an “inclusive and implementable” peace deal to end years of civil conflict in the world’s youngest nation.

June 26, 2018 (NAIROBI) – South Sudan's armed opposition faction (SPLM-IO) has warned its members and the public not to get news on the ongoing peace process through “fake” channels.

Mabior John Garang de Mabior (File photo MC Clatchy Newspapers)

“The SPLM/SPLA (IO) is a popular movement and our members will be aware of any final decision that is made,” the group said in a statement signed by its chairman for information, Mabior Garang.

In the 26 June release, the armed opposition movement appealed to members to only rely on information from official channels.

“We further call on our members to make their thoughts known to the leadership through our popular structures,” it further stressed.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir and SPLM-IO leader Riek Machar on Monday pledged during a closed-door meeting to make the needed concession for the sake of peace in the war-torn country.

The armed opposition faction, however, said it remains confident in the face-face talks between South Sudan President Kiir and Machar, which is part of the comprehensive Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) peace process and “not a separate initiative.

“The SPLM/SPLA (IO) shall leave no stone unturned in the search for a just and honourable peace for our people, through a negotiated settlement,” the statement added.

South Sudan rival parties have achieved some progress in Khartoum peace talks and are expected to sign a framework agreement for a detailed deal to be signed at the end of the talks within two weeks.

Sources close to the process said discussions resumed on Wednesday on a draft framework agreement proposed by the Sudanese facilitators focusing on three areas; the first for a comprehensive ceasefire and the deployment of IGAD and African Union monitors.

The second issued to be discussed concerns the issue of three capital cities in the country during the transitional period (Juba- Malakal-Wau) so that government organs work from the three cities.

The third point provides that Sudan in coordination with South Sudan would take in charge security and repair of oil wells in South Sudan.

South Sudan has been experiencing a civil war since mid-December 2013. Tens of thousands of people have been killed and more than two million displaced.

(ST)

Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa vows to find "criminals" behind attack at his rally.

June 26, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan has welcomed the positive developments between Addis Ababa and Asmara following the arrival of the high-level Eritrean officials to Addis Ababa.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was personally on Tuesday at the Bole International Airport to welcome the Eritrean Minister of Foreign Affairs Osman Saleh and President Isaias Afwerki's Advisor Yemane Gebreab.

The visit comes six days after the announcement by President Afwerki that he would send a delegation to Addis Abba "to gauge current developments directly and in depth as well as to chart out a plan for continuous future action”.

Speaking in a meeting held at the House of Peoples Representatives with the visiting delegation, Abiy reiterated his pledge to end the conflict over the border area and to implement the peace agreement between the two countries.

"With the government of Eretria, we want from the bottom of our hearts that the disagreement that has reigned for years to come to an end. We would also discharge our responsibility," he said.

"On behalf of the Government of Sudan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to give a great welcome to the contacts between the two countries and hope it marks the beginning of a new phase in the relations between the two neighbouring countries," reads a statement issued in Khartoum on Tuesday.

Khartoum further expressed its confidence in the ability of the two countries to restore bilateral relations and achieve the interests of the two peoples and to promote security, stability in the region.

The Sudanese government, during the past years, tried several times to broker talks between two neighbours on the implementation of the Algiers peace deal. But, in vain Asmara requested the withdrawal of the Ethiopian troops from the disputed border area of Badme first.

Sudan hopes to create a regional economic organization and to open border for trade and people between the three countries.

The statement said the Sudanese foreign minister has been briefed about the visit by his Ethiopian counterpart.

(ST)

June 26, 2018 (JUBA) - The United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres on Tuesday condemned the killing of a peacekeeper from Bangladesh, who was supporting the delivery of humanitarian aid to vulnerable civilians in war-torn South Sudan.

UN peacekeepers from Bangladesh work in Juba, Sudan (Reuters).

In a brief statement released, the UN chief offered his deepest condolences to the bereaved family and to the government of Bangladesh.

“The Secretary-General recalls that attacks against United Nations peacekeepers may constitute a war crime,” stressed the statement, adding that the UN chief reaffirmed his “unwavering support to the brave men and women serving in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in their efforts to protect civilians and stabilize South Sudan," it noted.

UNMISS named the fallen “blue helmet” as Military Liaison Officer, Lieutenant Commander Ashraf Siddiqui, who was part of a convoy being led by Nepalese peacekeepers, providing protection to humanitarians who were travelling from Yei to Lasu.

Several shots were fired at their vehicles by unknown gunmen, said the statement, and the peacekeeper “was hit and died from his injuries shortly afterwards”, said the UNMISS Spokesperson.

“It is a tragedy that he lost his life in such an appalling act of violence, while working to help those in need and to protect the lives of others”, said the UN Special Representative and head of UNMISS, David Shearer.

“Peacekeepers and aid workers should be able to carry out their work freely and safely and not be subjected to the kind of senseless attack we have witnessed today,” he added.

South Sudan has been experiencing a civil war since December 2013. Tens of thousands of people have been killed and millions more uprooted or pushed to the brink of starvation in a conflict characterised by mass rape and the killing of civilians.

Since 2011, UNMISS has reportedly lost 56 personnel deployed in the young nation.

(ST)

June 26, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - A Sudanese court Tuesday overturned a death sentence against a young woman convicted of killing her husband in self-defence as he tried to rape her, giving her five years in prison instead.

Noura Hussein (Photo Amnesty International)

On 10 May, a court in Omdurman sentenced Noura Hussein, 19 years, to death after her husband's family refused to accept a financial compensation requesting the capital punishment.

However, an appeal court in Khartoum decided to commute the verdict to five years beginning from the date of her arrest on 3 May 2017 and the payment of the blood money, 337,500 Sudanese pounds.

The decision comes after an international campaign carried out by Sudanese activist to draw the attention over women rights and the abolition of the death sentence in Sudan.

Amnesty International welcomed the quashing of the death sentence and called for a legal review in the Islamic penal code in line with the international standards of human rights which prohibit this cruel punishment.

“The Sudanese authorities must take this opportunity to start reforming the laws around child marriage, forced marriage and marital rape so that victims are not the ones who are penalized,” said Seif Magango, Amnesty International's Deputy Regional Director for East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes.

Noura had been married against her will three years ago. But, the marriage ceremony took place last year in April 2017. It was reported that the husband brothers and a cousin helped him to rape her for the first time.

Sudanese activist call to raise the minimum age for marriage to 18. The law authorizes to marry children over the age of 10 years.

(ST)

June 26, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's Foreign Ministry said the fourth meeting of the consular committee between Sudan and Egypt would kick off on Wednesday in Cairo.

In press statements on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary Abdel-Ghani al-Nai'im said the meeting will review the implementation of previous meeting's decisions regarding facilitation of movement and residence of citizens of both nations in the other country besides a number of other related issues.

He pointed out that the Sudanese delegation would include representatives from the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Education alongside other bodies.

According to al-Nai'im, the meeting comes in preparation for the meeting of the Egyptian-Sudanese Higher Committee (ESHC) chaired by President Omer al-Bashir and President Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi which will be held in October in Khartoum.

On 18 January 2004, Sudan and Egypt signed the Four Freedom Agreement. It was signed in Cairo by former president Hosni Mubarak and Sudanese president al-Bashir.

The agreement guarantees to citizens from the two countries freedom of movement and residence, right to work and own property.

Egypt under Mubarak feared a massive influx of refugees or even terrorists from Sudan if the accord was implemented.

However, the opening of the Eshkait-Qustul border crossing between the two countries in 2014 was seen as proof for the ability of the two nations to overcome all obstacles to develop bilateral cooperation.

The tumultuous relations between Sudan and Egypt experienced last December a new crisis over media attacks against al-Bashir after a visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Sudan. Also, Sudan accused Egypt and Eritrea of supporting rebel groups to attack Kassala state on the eastern border.

But the main differences remain the dispute over the border triangle area of Halayeb and the construction of Ethiopian Grand Renaissance Dam that Sudan backs.

(ST)

June 26, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - Vice Chair of U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Sandra Jolley and her accompanying delegation on Monday visited North Darfur State to learn about the situation of religious freedom and conditions of displaced persons.

Sandra Jolley (Photo USCIRF)

Jolly who is a leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or (the Mormon Church) has worked for decades in Nevada advocating for women rights and families.

Following her meeting with the acting governor of North Darfur State Mohamed Biraima, Jolley expressed keenness to promote freedom of belief, religions and relations among peoples within the framework of world peace.

For his part, Biraima stressed North Darfur enjoys peace and stability, pointing to their respect for all religions and religious minorities.

According to Ashorooq TV, Biraima reviewed his government efforts to address effects of war, collect illicit arms and secure voluntary return of displaced persons as well as efforts to combat illegal migration and human trafficking.

He called on the U.S. and the European Union to support Sudan's efforts to combat negative phenomena, urging the former to lift his country's name from the terror list.

Last January, the U.S Department of State named Sudan among “Countries of Particular Concern” for severe religious freedom violations. This group comprises nations that violate religious freedom in a “systematic, ongoing, egregious” manner.

In October 2017, Washington decided to lift economic sanctions on Sudan in line with a five-track framework reached by the two countries in December 2016. Khartoum, accordingly, authorized humanitarian access to civilians in Darfur and unilaterally declared a cessation of hostilities in Darfur, the Blue Nile and South Kordofan states.

The two countries agreed to resume talks on the normalization of bilateral talks and the lift of remaining sanctions particularly Sudan's designation as a state sponsor of terrorist groups. The measure is crucial to get a debt relief and allow Sudan to get international aid to build its economic infrastructure.

In November 2017, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, John Sullivan, was in Khartoum to launch the second phase of the normalization process and pointed to the need for reforms on human rights and religious freedom. Also, the two countries agreed to engage in written exchanges for Sudan's removal from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism.

(ST)

June 26, 2018 (KHARTOUM) - South Sudan rival parties have achieved some progress in Khartoum peace talks as they are expected to sign a framework agreement for a detailed deal to be signed at the end of the talks within two weeks.

President Salva Kiir and SPLM-Io leader Riek Machar pledged in a closed-door meeting Monday with Presidents Omer al-Bashir and Yoweri Museveni to make the needed concession for the sake of peace in the war-ravaged country.

Sources close to the process said discussions have resumed today on a draft framework agreement proposed by the Sudanese facilitators including three points, the first for a comprehensive ceasefire and the deployment of IGAD and African Union monitors.

The second point provides to have three capital cities in the country during the transitional period (Juba- Malakal-Wau) so that the government organs work from the three cities.

The third point provides that Sudan in coordination with South Sudan would take in charge security and repair of oil wells in South Sudan.

The Sudanese foreign minister al-Dirdeiry Ahmed said the parties have reached an agreement dubbed "Khartoum Political Declaration" that will be announced Wednesday.

Speaking at the Higher Academy for Strategic and Security Studies in the Khartoum suburb of Suba where the talks are taking place he added: "this political declaration paves the way for a final agreement to achieve security and stability in South Sudan".

For his part, Machar said that Khartoum Political Declaration is based on the principles agreed in the meeting with Ugandan President Museveni, President Kiir and President al-Bashir.

OPENING BORDER

Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir announced the opening of the border with South Sudan saying it would facilitate the movement of citizens and the flow of trade between the two countries.

He further stressed Sudan's readiness to provide anything that contributes to the achievement of peace in South Sudan.

"If peace is achieved during the two weeks, you will find us in everywhere with you in support of the South Sudanese citizens," he said.

President Kiir said he looks forward to reaching a peace deal to end the suffering of the South Sudanese people.

He further praised the efforts of President al-Bashir to end the four and half year conflict in South Sudan.

OIL DEAL

In parallel to the peace talks, Sudanese and South Sudanese petroleum ministers signed an agreement to resume oil production in South Sudan.

According to the deal, Khartoum will provide the oil workers and gears needed to repair and pump the oil from the fields.

The parties agreed to operate all the oil fields in Block 5A in the central part of Unity region.

In line with the signed deal, Khartoum will transfer to Juba all the information related to oil exploration in South Sudan.

(ST)

For the first time in decades, Robert Mugabe is not on the ballot - and more than 20 people now want to fill his shoes.

The UN chief on Tuesday condemned the killing of a peacekeeper from Bangladesh, who was supporting the delivery of humanitarian aid to vulnerable civilians in South Sudan.