Africa

How did stockfish - cod dried in Norway’s cold air - became a Nigerian staple?

By Abdirahman M Dirye

On November 13, Somaliland presidential election held peacefully; voters queued long lines in the capital Hargaysa to cast their vote for their favourite future leader, and it was a turning point for our small nation of Somaliland in limbo for decades since its inception in 1991. The elections by far was the fairest and freest election in the continent ahead of Kenya and sometimes South Africa—the North Africans had seen one or two presidents in their whole lifetime—Somaliland has chosen its fifth president and power has been transferred peacefully—the irony is that the president of Somalia Farmaajo who went to the UAE to cancel multimillion investment in Berbera seaport city to create jobs for multitudes of jobless youth aiming at the Med risky voyage, willy-nilly congratulated the nation he and his suffering people most hated after the world admired the vibrant democracy in action in full view of the entire world to see it! Somaliland is both an African and Muslim country, two characters widely believed to be inherently incompatible with democracy.
Muse's second speech disappointed the vampire vermin diaspora and his greedy backers who intended to use him as a tool for massive embezzlement as they did to the outgoing president, so far so good, he displayed the true leadership traits: aggressive, decisive, and effective. “You'll regret your votes, don't inflate your expectations on me! Sometimes I displease you” delivered Muse in front of his fans, in other words, Muse burnt bridges behind to rebuild a nation in dreams in tatters: economically devastatingly.
President-elect Muse Bihi won landslide victory of not less than 50 % of the total casted votes; it wasn't without controversy. The main opposition party Waddani called the result “widely rigged” but the ruling party responded “it's an unsubstantiated allegation!” Waddani presidential candidate following his days of silence and no-response-state, speculation what might happen to people of Somaliland if he boycotts the election outcome, had worried the people but he elaborated his stand on it “I am sacrificing my personal ambition for the sake of my nation to avoid bloodshed of my people” this historic address from a great minded leader Iro of Waddani opposition party reassuring the region of the Horn of Africa and the entire world that Somaliland at crossroad passed the last enormous challenge to face ever and will remain safe forever. This remark disappointed Somaliland's fifth column and other external arch foes awaiting a war breakout so that our girls rushed to everywhere in the world and become open game.

Iro's historic concession for the sake of his nation reminded me as a pessimist national when American senator regretted the massacred Jews in the Holocaust out of political negligence by the free world “if I could talk to Hitler, all this (the bloodbath of the Jews) could be avoided” expressed George the junior the former US president to Knesset of the Israeli parliament during his last visit to the State of Israel. Remember words matter. Imagine if Iro insisted on a rigid position about the election result regardless the harm his words can do to his people and the globalized world of which insecurity of one part affects the rest. Somalilanders walk a tightrope amidst of sleeping cells of criminality and live in fragile peace. A slip of a tongue can launch a deadly conflict but Somalilanders, unlike Somalis, know to smartly navigate the shark-infested sea safely.
The president-elect's first speech broadcasted on the national television was one of unity and reconciliation, to the election campaign polarized nation; it was a step in the right direction.

What can be expected of the president-elect?
In 2010, when the outgoing president Silanyo came office, I wrote an article about how he and his team will rule the country for the next seven years or more, much of what I said in the article proved prophetic! The massive corruption, and the mismanagement of the state contract, the nepotism and cronyism. But this time, I will try to view Muse Bihi the president-elect through democratic process as an individual who has pros and cos and politically matured with the passing time and I try to judge him fairly as much as I can with my ‘biased' eyes perhaps. Is he the man of 1994, the emotional, the sentimental at the behest of cruel statesmen who are much older or more seasoned ones than him? The answer emphatically is big NO. During the last five years, he endured power struggle and faced life tests when the president provoked him to know exactly who Muse Bihi is. His first speech in post-elections sounded very much unifying leaving no room for a doubt. “Not only Kulmiye (his ruling party) won but entire Somaliland has won). Said he. Before the elections many local politics commentators including myself thought of him as a troublemaker, vengeful who would take the country back to 1991 or even beyond when the wars were the norm. But so far so good; his conciliatory short address to the nation inspired his rivals and fans alike.

His old colleagues have high expectations in him that he'll lead the nation better than his aged predecessor victimized by his family and tribe who ruled Somaliland on his behalf using him as a rubber stamp. Muse Bihi will dismiss the vermin ministers, tackle the massive corruption the economic cancer that paralyzed the nation's economy: the ongoing looting of the nation's public purse, common theft of state money, enforce the rule of law, and fight militancy and radicalism, and form a lean government to wisely utilize the national budget, bring Buhoodle, the last remaining outpost, under Somaliland's control. In realpolitik, much of the electioneering slogans “the law is upheld” “no longer a pushover to anybody” are not fulfilled in the post-power games but will he keep his some of his promises? I really doubt if the Jeegaan dispute will arise.

Jeegaan or bi-tribal ‘holy' alliance of Habar Jeclo and Sacad Muse tit for tat or mere luck enabled Muse Bihi to secure power. Each tribe sends its candidate in every ten years. The outgoing president tested successfully with the ruling party having an icon of two hands in glove only death can depart us mood. This clannish structure, Silanyo's greatest legacy, born out of paranoia against a certain tribe will soon lose its taste and weaken the nation's resilience in the time of the enormous challenges ahead. ‘Hostile' tribe perceived by some sister clans need to build trust and love relationships extending peaceful hand to fearful smaller clans in Somaliland, heal the old wounds, and mend ties. Otherwise, Somalia's air forces and an army under buildup from Turkey and other Western countries that trains Somali cadets in and out of the country will relaunch deadly attacks against it when Somaliland is losing its highly trained ex-commandoes to unnecessary replacements.

Somaliland lacked effective leadership it had before the outgoing president fell sick therefore the socioeconomic hardships intensified immediately. During Siilanyo-led administration, the local currency lost 50% of its value against the dollar—5000 shillings during Silanyo's predecessor to 12,000 Somaliland shillings in his reign. Life toughened for millions of Somalilanders cursing the elder economist who under his leadership, life became out of the frying pan into fire. Millions of heads of camels perished in hellish famine in the East never seen before. IDPs knocked every door in Burco or elsewhere.

Will the president-elect Muse Bihi Abdi able to turn over apart from his honeyed remarks can't be harshly judged until time and space are given to him? Only time will tell but the status quo isn't sustainable because Somaliland soon or later heads into Somalia's style political disintegration unto fiefdoms and brutal sheikhdoms of midget presidents with nominal power over their claimed territories.

Dirye is a Somaliland Writer based in Hargaysa, email, mrdirye@gmail.com or twitter account @mrdirye

November 27, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudanese opposition said the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) on Monday has arrested two opposition activists without giving reasons.

In a statement seen by Sudan Tribune, the opposition umbrella National Consensus Forces (NCF) said the NISS arrested a member of the coalition general assembly and leading figure at the Unified National Unionist Party Mohamed Abdel-Wahab.

According to the NCF, Abdel-Wahab was detained after he was summoned to the NISS office in North Khartoum, holding the security authorities responsible for his health conditions.

The opposition alliance demanded the NISS to release Abdel-Wahab immediately, saying he suffers from diabetic foot ulcers.

Meanwhile, political activists said the NISS has arrested a d member of the opposition National Umma Party (NUP) Orwa al-Sadiq after he was summoned to the NISS office in Khartoum's twin city of Omdurman.

(ST)

By Steve Paterno

The IGAD mediators are already creating hurdles in their desperate attempts to revitalize South Sudan peace agreement.

First, they ran out of credible opposition leaders, hence, they have to either invent new such leaders or resuscitate the most irrelevant ones to bring them back to life. They are going just after about anyone, particularly those they find to be opposing the government and assigning them to stakeholders. It is so funny that it looks as if they are intending to conduct a referendum or some sort of a national dialogue.

Unfortunately, though, those mediators have just found out the armed militias they randomly collected hold as many divergent views among themselves than they share anything in common. Since there is no unified leader among those armed groups, the mediators attempt to hand pick a new single leader for these splinter armed groups is seriously backfiring. Each one of those warlords stands for himself. After all, it is IGAD, which propelled them as individuals to have high seat in the front table. Why give up such a suitable seat after the elevation?

As things stand, the IGAD mediators also found out that the armed groups have no real headquarters after they lost Pakak. The mediators are trying to establish Akobo as the headquarters of the armed militias, but the divisions among the groups are not making such attempt as an easy feat. So, some of those armed militias may just have to be accommodated at the hotels in faraway foreign lands.

Even more fraudulent in this process is that IGAD mediators went out of their ways and audaciously invented fake opposition groups. The case in point is that of Gathoth Gatkuoth Hothnyang. Hothnyang was formerly a general under Riek Machar's rebellion. He then split from Riek Machar, citing lack of leadership and direction. He went on to form his own opposition outfit known as Federal Democratic Party (FDP). As a result, he negotiated his way back to the government and subsequently joined SPLM-io under the leadership of First Vice President Taban Deng Gai. Since, then Hothnyang has been serving as Minister of Labor under the Transitional Government of National Unity. Despite these glaring facts, the IGAD mediators yet, picked Hothnyang out and want him to represent a different opposition group, which is virtually non-existence.

Such egregious acts call into question the credibility of the revitalization process. Therefore, the IGAD mediators need to review its approaches and adopt a more practical means in resolving the conflict in South Sudan. Unless they are not serious.

Steve Paterno is the author of The Rev. Fr. Saturnino Lohure, A Romain Catholic Priest Turned Rebel. He can be reached at stevepaterno@yahoo.com

November 27, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, (aka Hametti) Monday confirmed the arrest of Darfur tribal leader Musa Hilal accusing him of involving in a foreign conspiracy against Sudan.

RSF Commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, (aka Hametti) (SUNA photo)

Heavy clashes erupted on Sunday between the SRF and Hilal's Border Guards Forces (BGF) at his headquarters in Mistiriyha, North Darfur state.

Hametti told the official news agency SUNA that Hilal and three of his sons, as well as a number of his aides, were captured; stressing the RSF director of general supplies Brigadier Abdel-Rahim Gumma and a number of RSF elements have been killed during the clashes.

He pointed out that Hilal has been handed over to the competent authorities in Khartoum, accusing him of involving in a foreign conspiracy against Sudan.

According to the RSF commander, a foreign national holding advanced and modern communication devices was arrested alongside Hilal which affirms involvement of foreign parties in destabilizing security and stability in Darfur.

He stressed the government would proceed with the implementation of the disarmament campaign to defeat the outlaws, saying the RSF would continue to carry out its work to impose the authority of the state.

Hametti further underscored the situation in Mistiriyha is now stable and under full control, saying the RSF continues to carry out its duties.

Meanwhile, Sudan's State Defence Minister Ali Mohamed Salim on Monday confirmed Hilal's arrest, saying the security situation in Mistiriyha is stable.

He told reporters at the National Assembly that Brigadier Abdel-Rahim Gumma and nine RSF elements have been killed during the clashes, denying civilian causalities.

Last August, the Sudanese authorities launched a six-month disarmament campaign to eliminate illegal weapons in the conflict-affected areas in Sudan, particularly in Darfur region.

The higher committee for the collection of weapons and unregulated vehicles started the forcible phase of the campaign in all the states of Sudan on 15 October.

On 11 October, 10,000 RSF militiamen arrived in North Darfur to contribute to establishing security in the troubled state and support the mandatory phase of the disarmament campaign.

However, Hilal refused to cooperate with the disarmament campaign and also rejected a government demand to merge his BGF militia with the RSF.

The tribal leader announced his readiness to confront government forces militarily if they attempt to disarm his militia forcibly.

Musa Hilal was designated by the US State Department in 2004 as one of the top Janjaweed leaders running a terror campaign against civilians in Darfur. However, the security agencies gradually distanced their activities from the tribal leader who formed the BGF.

He was angered by the formation of the RSF because the government promoted Hametti who was one of his aides to command this new militia, a move that he considers as a direct threat to his tribal authority.

Hilal left the capital Khartoum in mid-2013 and retreated to his hometown of Mistiriyha along with his troops and continued blasting the government and the ruling National Congress Party.

In 2014, Hilal's troops seized control of western localities in North Darfur state including Saraf Omra, Kutum, Kebkabiya, Al-Seraif, and El Waha.

The tribal chief announced the establishment of administrations in these localities, naming his forces Sudanese Revolutionary Awakening Council (SRAC).

(ST)

November 27, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Reports emerging from North Darfur state on Monday say that Musa Hilal, a tribal leader and head of the Border Brigades Forces (BBF) has been arrested by the Sudanese government militia Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after the murder of one its commander on Sunday.

Musa Hilal BGF leader (ST photo)

On Sunday the official news agency, Suna reported the death of RSF director of general supplies Brigadier Abdel-Rahim Gumma in Mistiriyha, home area of Musa Hilal.

RSF spokesperson told Suna that Gumma had been killed when he went to Mistiriyha to investigate an ambush on two vehicles transporting BBF elements arrested within the framework of the forcible arms collection campaign

"A force led by Brigadier Abdel Rahim Gumma moved to the scene of the attack and killed all the outlaws, and captured a number of them. The commander of the mobile force was martyred along with nine martyrs," he said.

In the first hours of Monday, reports from Mistiriyha claimed that Hilal had been killed. However different sources say Hilal was arrested and transported to El-Fasher

The detained tribal leader "is now flying to Khartoum in a military plane" a Sudan Tribune journalist said in a short message sent from the capital of North Darfur, El-Fasher.

Initially, the Sudanese authorities had to hold a press conference in Khartoum after his arrival but it has been cancelled without details.

Musa Hilal, the Mahameed tribal leader and head a tribal militia that took part in the counterinsurgency campaign, refused the merger of his BBF militiamen in the RSF which is now part of the Sudanese army.

Sudanese officials asked him to hand over the weapons of his militiamen but he also refused. He further declined tribal mediation to resolve the issue with the government.

The tribal leader was accused of seeking to get the support of the Libyan general Khalifa Haftar who controls the eastern parts of the north African troubled country. Also, he is accused of establishing contacts with Darfur armed groups.

More details to come during the day.

(ST)

November 26, 2017 (PARIS) - The leader of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) Gibril Ibrahim has called on the Sudanese opposition forces to take advantage of recent statements by President Omer al-Bashir hostile to the U.S. and Gulf countries to topple down his regime.

"By his request for protection from Russia and the establishment of military bases to protect from the United States, al-Bashir has blown the efforts of his government staff to normalize relations Khartoum and Washington and improve relations with the Gulf States," said Ibrahim in a meeting with Sudanese journalists and activists in Paris on Sunday

He further called on the Sudanese opposition take advantage of the situation created by Bashir's statements to overthrow the ruling regime, and considered it as a challenge for the opposition to "seize the opportunity to mobilize people and to take to the street against the regime.

He pointed out that the statements created a great "audacity" among Sudanese to express their rejection for his regime, pointing to what was written by Mubarak al-Kouda, a Sudanese Islamist figure, who called on the president to step down.

"If we do not use the situation properly and do a lot of work in the opposition to bring down the regime, we will miss a great opportunity for our people and we only have ourselves to blame," he stressed.

Sudanese were surprised by the sudden volt face operated by the President al-Bashir and many wondered what happened to trigger this change. Several explanation were proposed to explain his statements.

Ibrahim said they received reports sg that John Sullivan U.S. Deputy Secretary of State informed the government that Washington does not want to see al-Bashir running for presidency in 20202.

Al-Bashir does not want to leave office because his political immunity protects him against the arrest warrants of the war crimes court (ICC) in La Haye, he further said.

Sudanese foreign minister told reporters after al-Bashir return from Russia that the Sudanese president in his speech about Russian protection intended to highlight U.S. efforts at the UN Security Council to stop Sudan's gold exportation.

Al-Bashir returned to Khartoum on Friday evening from Russia after a two-day work visit where he met with his counterpart Vladimir Putin. During the meeting, he asked Putin to protect his country against U.S. diplomatic efforts against his country at the UN Security Council.

(ST)

November 26, 2017 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese President, Salva Kiir has warned officials at the foreign affairs ministry against nepotism and tribalism.

South Sudanese president Salva Kiir (AFP)

President Kiir made these remarks during the inauguration of a new conference facility at the foreign ministry in the capital, Juba Friday.

The conference facility was built with aid from the Chinese government.

“Any recruitment to the ministry must be opened to the public to provide opportunities to all qualified South Sudanese,” said Kiir.

“This thing [recruitment] should not be done under the table so that only sons and daughters of the ministers get the opportunity to be employed,” he added.

The South Sudanese leader also directed the foreign affairs ministry to downsize the numbers of foreign missions as well as service staffs.

“I direct the leadership of the ministry to reduce the number of diplomats as per the cabinet resolution to a manageable seize, considering our financial situation,” the South Sudanese leader said, citing the economic crisis facing the East African nation.

There are more than 1,000 people employed by South Sudan's foreign affairs ministry abroad and in the country, a senior ministry official said.

(ST)

November 26, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The Popular Congress Party (PCP) has criticized recent remarks by President Omer al-Bashir against the U.S. saying it casts spiky shadows on Sudan's foreign policy.

During his recent work visit to Russia, al-Bashir asked President Vladimir Putin to protect his country from the United States. He also accused Washington of planning to divide Sudan into five states.

Al-Bashir's surprising statements came a month after President Donald Trump decided to repeal 20-year-old economic sanctions on Sudan. Also, American and Sudanese officials agreed to resume talks on the remaining sanctions.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Sunday, PCP external affairs secretariat said they were surprised by the president's remarks, pointing out that the PCP as a partner in the Government of National Accord wasn't aware of these remarks.

It stressed that its firm position which was also agreed on in the National Dialogue is that relations among nations are based on mutual respect in accordance with international treaties and covenants.

“Al-Bashir's remarks represent a new direction in the government foreign policy and it casts spiky shadows on the previous foreign strategies and policies which involved painstaking efforts to break the isolation imposed on the country” read the statement.

The PCP added al-Bashir's remarks were likely a reaction to the conditions dictated by Washington during the recent visit of the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan to Sudan.

However, the statement didn't elaborate on the conditions dictated by Washington on Khartoum, saying the PCP hasn't had the chance to meet with the American diplomat.

The statement underscored the need to implement the National Dialogue outcome in order to avoid foreign dictations and conditions.

“The country was adversely impacted by the previous foreign policies until the National Dialogue called for the establishment of an independent and balanced foreign policy agreed by all components of the Sudanese people and won the respect and appreciation of the international community,” read the statement.

The PCP, founded by the late Islamic leader Hassan al-Turabi, splinted from the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) since 1999 and joined the opposition ranks since that time but it supported the national dialogue process declared by al-Bashir in 2014 and participated in all its forums.

Following a heated internal debate over participation in the Government of National Accord which was formed in May, the PCP took part in the executive and legislative branches of the post-dialogue government.

(ST)

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

November 26, 2017 (ADDIS ABABA) - A newly-released report, entitled, “Promoting the African Internet Economy” has highlighted how the greater use of the internet and digitization of the traditional economy will spur economic growth in the African continent.

RCS-Communication Ltd. has selected a solution by Airspan Networks for a 4G WiMAX network deployment in South Sudan (itnewsafrica)

Many African countries, the report says, have made significant progress towards creating an Internet sector, with broad reforms that focus on increasing broadband availability.

“There have been further successes within countries in developing online platforms, fostering growth of local companies and increasing the incentive to go online,” says a new report launched by the Internet Society, a global non-profit dedicated to ensuring the open development, evolution and use of the internet on Saturday.

The report examines internet adoption and use by companies and governments throughout the region, identifying barriers that must be overcome to create an internet economy that delivers innovative services, job opportunities and income growth across the continent.

Both businesses and citizens can benefit from an internet economy. Businesses across all sectors gain access to a global marketplace of billions of people, and citizens in both rural and urban areas benefit from enhanced educational and training opportunities and access to new job possibilities.

The report also outlines what needs to be done for Africa to take full advantage of the digital opportunity offered by the Internet. It highlights local successes as well as broader challenges, offering recommendations for policymakers in Africa to adopt.

“The Internet economy presents a major opportunity for Africa. However, Africa needs a secure and reliable Internet infrastructure that users trust in order to bringing large and small businesses online, along with governments and other social services,” said Dawit Bekele, Africa Region Bureau Director for the Internet Society.

The Internet Society in collaboration with the African Union recently introduced internet infrastructure security guidelines for Africa to help the African Union member states strengthen the security of their local internet infrastructure, through actions at regional, national, Internet Service Provider (ISP) operator and organizational levels.

In Kenya, for instance, the internet economy represents 3.6% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and in other developing countries 1.3% of GDP comes from the Internet economy.

The McKinsey Global Institute predicts that in addition to contributions to GDP , the internet will deliver productivity gains across Africa. These productivity gains across six key sectors: financial services, education, health, retail, agriculture and government are projected to be valued at between US$148 billion and $318 billion by 2025.

However, a thriving internet economy in Africa could be put at risk by the increasing number of Internet shutdowns in the region. In 2016 alone, there were at least 56 shutdowns of the Internet around the world. These shutdowns affect individuals and organizations that depend on the Internet for their daily lives and have negative effects on the economy.

“In addition to the economic costs, Internet shutdowns also affect trust. If people don't know whether they will have connectivity, they can no longer rely on that connectivity to build Internet-based businesses. This will affect entrepreneurs in greatest need of digital-led innovation for their own future, and the future of the Internet economy in Africa,” added Bekele.

The Internet Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the open development, evolution and use of the internet. Working through a global community of chapters and members, the Internet Society collaborates with a broad range of groups to promote technologies that keep the internet safe, secure and advocates for policies that enable universal access.

(ST)

November 26, 2017 (JUBA) – At least 171,000 civilians and their host communities have benefitted from the recent expansion of HIV/AIDS services conducted by the United Nations migration agency (IOM).

IOM and partners help Jamam camp residents board buses to Kaya (photo credit: IOM)

“The expansion of services is a crucial development in South Sudan, where internally displaced persons, such as those living in the PoC [Protection of Civilian] sites, are among key populations that are considered to be at higher-risk of contracting HIV/AIDS,” said Salma Taher, IOM's Global Fund Project Officer.

Last year, according to IOM, along with tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS was one of the leading causes of mortality in the PoC sites, where people are often unable to access to health facilities outside the sites due to safety or weak infrastructure.

However, it stressed, since the roll out began at protection sites in Bentiu, Malakal and Wau, in July, IOM said it had tested 213 people, with 16 testing positive and enrolling in antiretroviral treatment.

With timely diagnosis and antiretroviral treatment, the life expectancy of HIV-positive patients has been proven to improve substantially, for about an additional 10 years, a recent study shows.

“The new comprehensive services are made possible for the broader public visiting the sites, rather than previously just services for pregnant mothers,” the agency further said in a statement.

It further added, “Moreover, HIV/AIDS awareness-raising campaigns are carried out, and hundreds of peer counselors are being trained across the country”.

Mental health and psychosocial support are also provided to people living with HIV/AIDS and those affected by gender-based violence.

This expansion of health services is a joint effort by the IOM, the UN Development Fund, and Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculous and Malaria.

(ST)

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council have strongly condemned Sunday&#39s attack allegedly perpetrated by the anti-Balaka group against a convoy of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic, in which one peacekeeper from Egypt was killed and three others were injured.

November 26, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - The hybrid peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID) said an agreement has been reached to form a tripartite committee to collect illicit arms from IDPs camps in South Darfur.

In a press statement on Sunday, the Mission said UNAMID chief, Jeremiah Mamabolo, and the governor of South Darfur, Adam El-Faki on Thursday “announced their agreement to form a tripartite weapons collection committee for South Darfur state”.

“To be comprised of representatives from the Government of Sudan, UNAMID and internally displaced persons' leaders, the initiative hopes to ensure a peaceful arms collection across the state” read the statement.

Last August, the Sudanese authorities launched a six-month disarmament campaign to eliminate illegal weapons in the conflict-affected areas in Sudan, particularly in Darfur region.

The Sudanese government in September notified the United Nations of the presence of weapons inside IDPs camps in Darfur, saying it poses a serious danger to camps residents.

Earlier this month, UNAMID called on the Sudanese government and the IDPs to work with the Mission “in a collaborative way in order to advance the weapons collection campaign.”

The call came after a show of force by the Sudanese government forces which surrounded some parts of the Kalma camp in South Darfur state before to withdraw on 2 November.

Also, the residents of Kalma camp rejected the government forcible arms collection in the camp and called to leave the operation for the UNAMID.

Last week, the UNAMID and the government approved a joint plan to collect illegal weapons from Kalma. The plan begins by launching a voluntary disarmament campaign.

(ST)

November 26, 2017 (JUBA) – Members of South Sudan's national dialogue committee have urged President Salva Kiir to release political prisoners to encourage reconciliation and forgiveness.

President Salva Kiir adresses a joint press conference on 9 July 2016 (Reuters Photo)

South Sudan has released about 30 political prisoners since Kiir declared amnesty in May to facilitate the national dialogue process, officials say.

“The steering committee is engaging the government to release all political prisoners, open up spaces for free media and freedom of speech and create an atmosphere conducive for a comprehensive national dialogue,” reads the committee's statement issued Sunday.

Efforts, it said, are also underway to engage the Juba government to honor the unilateral ceasefire declared by the president and which has had a positive impact in the country, but appealed to the armed opposition to reciprocate and declare a unilateral ceasefire.

The committee, formed by the president in May, is reportedly engaging the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the parties involved in the South Sudan conflict to negotiate a permanent ceasefire, deemed necessary for a successful dialogue.

In recent months, however, members of the national dialogue committee have visited diplomatic missions to engage the IGAD countries, IGAD special envoy to South Sudan, the African Union, United Nations, the Troika countries [Britain, United States and Norway] and the European Union to support the dialogue process.

“Initially, there was a lot of hesitation to support the national dialogue, but the progress made thus far by the steering committee has proved any doubt that it is an independent body that is determined to reach out to all South Sudanese and is willing to for an inclusive, credible and impactful dialogue,” further reads the statement.

It added, “This has enabled a steady support for the national dialogue by the region and the international community”.

Officially launched in May, the national dialogue initiative is both a forum and process through which the people South Sudan shall gather to redefine the basis of their unity as it relates to nationhood, redefine citizenship and belonging, as well as restructure the state for national inclusion.

The South Sudanese conflict, which broke out in December 2013, has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced over two million civilians.

(ST)

November 25, 2017 (KHARTOUM) - Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir reiterated his accusations against the United States of and accused Washington of planning to divide his country into five states.

Sudanese were surprised to hear al-Bashir on his first visit to Russia asks President Vladimir Putin to support his country against American plans against the Sudan.

Last October, Washington lifted economic sanctions on Sudan and the two countries engaged discussion on the removal of the east African country from the list of states sponsor of terrorism.

During his recent work visit to Russia, the Sudanese president gave in a long interview to the Russian government-controlled RIA Novosti. Its full text has been published by the Arabic service of Sputnik (Voice of Russia) which is described as a "Russian propaganda" outlet.

Asked about his demand for protection during his meeting with Putin, al-Bashir said we wanted to highlight "the big U.S. pressure and conspiracy" on Sudan in Darfur crisis and the huge pressure exerted on his government to separate the South Sudan.

"Now we have information that the American quest is to divide the Sudan into five countries If we do not find protection and security. America took the world leadership and devastated the Arab world. (See) what happened in Afghanistan, what happened in Iraq, what happened in Syria, what happened in Yemen and what happened in Sudan," said al-Bashir.

"Sudan's division was under American pressure and conspiracy. The plan is to destroy Sudan and divide it into five countries. This is the American plan," he stressed.

Al-Bashir's visit to Russia coincided with the end of a tripartite summit in Moscow where Putin got the support of the Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Turkey's Tayyip Erdogan for his plan to bring peace in Syria. Also, it took place four days after a meeting the Russian president held with the Syrian President al-Assad in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

Abdel Bari Atwan, the editor-in-chief of the London-based electronic Arabic daily Rai-al-Youm, said Bashir's sharp criticism of the U.S. foreign policy in the Arab and Islamic world is in line with the Turkish rapprochement with Moscow.

"Bashir's statement was not a fortuitous coincidence, nor a slip of the tongue," he wrote in an editorial widely circulated in the social media. According to Atwan it was a deliberate response to a heated statement by the Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman where he threatened to wage war against Iran opening the door for more U.S. intervention of the region.

In his interview with the Russian media, al-Bashir stopped at his offer to establish a Russian military base on the Red Sea coast, adding he wants to reequip the Sudanese army with the Russian army.

He further confirmed that the Sudanese army has requested Russian fighter jets and may buy S-300 air defence system to replace the old Soviet surface-to-air missiles.

“We requested Su-30 (fighters) because they cover the Sudanese airspace, as well as Su-35. We have no intentions to carry out aggression abroad, we want to protect our country,” al-Bashir said.

(ST)

The unprecedented violence of the Sinai attack will harden local opposition to those behind it, writes regional expert HA Hellyer.

November 25, 2017 (KAMPALA) - South Sudanese rebels have called for investigations into the killing of civilians in Kajo-Keji and Mundri, following the recent clashes in the area between the rival forces.

The deputy rebel spokesperson, Lam Paul Gabriel claimed government forces targeted civilians in operations against the armed opposition troops.

“The SPLA-IO [Sudan People's Liberation Army-In-Opposition] condemns these atrocities committed by the government towards civilians. We are calling upon Human Rights Watch, the IGAD [Intergovernmental Authority on Development], United Nations and the international community to investigate these incidents and bring those responsible to justice,” said Lam.

According to the rebel official, government forces stationed in Jale, an area within Kajo-Keji county “slaughtered” four civilians in a territory which borders Afoji in Moyo district and Jale in South Sudan.

One of those during the attack, he told Sudan Tribune, was a Ugandan national.

“This came as a result of the national dialogue committee's visit to the West Nile region of Uganda to convince the refugees to go back to their home in South Sudan, claiming there is peace,” said Lam.

Sudan Tribune could, however, not independently verify the rebels' claims.

Lam further said 15 civilians, including five women and three children were allegedly killed by government forces in Mundri county.

He calls on the international community and regional leaders to hold the government accountable for the killings in the war-torn East African country.

Over a million people have fled South Sudan since conflict erupted in December 2013 when President Salva Kiir sacked Machar from the vice-presidency. Tens of thousands of people have been killed and nearly two million displaced in South Sudan's worst violence since it seceded from Sudan in 2011.

(ST)

November 25, 2017 (JUBA) – The United States embassy in South Sudan has described as “false” reports that the Troika had allegedly agreed to exclude the South Sudanese armed opposition leader, Riek Machar from the High-Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) initiated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

Last week, a senior armed opposition official claimed members of the Troika (the United Kingdom, US and Norway) decided to exclude the South Sudanese rebel leader from the preliminary meetings of the HLRF.

Manawa Peter Gatkuoth was quoted saying the Troika “officially” informed them that Machar would not be invited to the preliminary meetings for the peace process, which is aimed at revitalizing the 2015 peace agreement between the rebels and government.

He said Machar would not attend the first meetings of the upcoming high-level forum aimed at revitalizing the August 2015 peace agreement in South Sudan, adding that the rebel leader would be represented at the meeting by members of the opposition group.

But the U.S embassy, in a 24 November statement, stressed that those that have a stake in South Sudan's future must be represented at the HLRF and commit to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

“We continue to make this point to all parties, including the government and Riek Machar, as part of our full support for IGAD's revitalization efforts,” partly reads the embassy's statement.

South Sudan's cabinet Affairs Minister, Martin Elia Lomuro also told reporters in Juba on Monday that President Salva Kiir held a meeting with members of the Troika and discussed the revitalization process. The minister said the meeting discussed the participation of the South Sudan armed opposition leader through a representative.

In June, a summit of IGAD heads of state and government decided to convene a meeting of the signatories of the South Sudan peace agreement to discuss ways to revitalize the peace implementation. During the June summit, it was agreed that all groups be included in the discussion aimed at restoring a permanent ceasefire.

The South Sudanese government, however, warned that the revitalization forum by IGAD, the regional bloc which mediated the 2015 peace accord, should not be another platform for negotiations of the peace deal between the two factions to the conflict.

Over a million people have fled South Sudan since conflict erupted in December 2013 when President Kiir sacked Machar from the vice-presidency. Tens of thousands of people have been killed and nearly two million displaced in South Sudan's worst violence since it seceded from Sudan in July 2011.

(ST)

November 23, 2017 (JUBA) - The High Court in South Sudan has, in a new directive, instructed courts and advocates to not receive cases.

South Sudanese judges (photo RSS ministry of Justice)

The notification takes effect from 1 December to 1 January 2018.

"The General Public and the advocates are hereby notify that from 1st December, 2017, the courts has directed to not receive cases and will start from 1st January 2018,” reads the 23 November, 2017 notice signed by High Court judge in Juba, Duoth Kulang Bichiok.

The public, in the notice, were also advised not to make petitions of the civil case (suits) and criminal case except remand persons.

The directive does not, however, provide any explanation and no explanatory statement was released by the judiciary to the public.

The notice comes barely a month after the Supreme Court judge, Justice Marino Pitia resigned over “lack of judicial independence”.

Pitia, in a letter to the president, cited lack of independence of judges and justices, security of tenure of the office of the judges and justice, lack of financial independence of the judiciary and poor administration, among other issues.

According to the judge, independence of the judiciary in the young nation has become a “mockery” and “pasquinade” over the years and faulted the executive for “interfering” in the country's judicial matters.

(ST)

November 25, (El-Fasher) - A traditional gold prospector on Thursday was killed by three gunmen in North Darfur state.

Workers break rocks at the Wad Bushara gold mine near Abu Delelq in Gadarif State, Wad Bushara on 27 April 2013 (Photo: Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah)

The incident occurred in Hashaba gold mine in the locality of Kutum on Thursday evening as three gunmen opened fire at the gold prospector Adam Abdallah Adam.

A relative of the victim by the name of Ibrahim Essa told Sudan Tribune Saturday the gunmen had threatened the victim before to shoot him, saying gold prospectors managed to capture the culprits and handed them over to the authorities.

He added a security force including the police and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has arrived from Kutum and received the perpetrators, saying we demand the government to bring an RSF unit to protect the gold mines.

Last August, the Sudanese authorities launched a six-month disarmament campaign to eliminate illegal weapons in the conflict-affected areas in Sudan, particularly in Darfur region.

On 11 October, 10,000 RSF militiamen arrived in North Darfur to contribute to establishing security in the troubled state and support the mandatory phase of the disarmament campaign.

The RSF militia was originally mobilised by the Sudanese government to quell the insurgency that broke out in Sudan's western region of Darfur in 2003.

Earlier this year, the Sudanese parliament passed RSF Act which integrates the notorious militia in the Sudanese army and provides that its commander is appointed by the President of the Republic.

(ST)