Africa

The United Nations envoy on conflict prevention has said that the international community and the Government of Burundi would find a common ground for implementing the Security Council resolution that proposes the deployment of unarmed UN police officers through continued dialogue.

A currency shortage in Zimbabwe brought on by an economic crisis has pushed banks to limit amounts that can be withdrawn forcing depositors to sleep outside banks to increase their chances of accessing their money, writes the BBC's Shingai Nyoka.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned today’s attack against peacekeepers of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), which resulted in the death of one Congolese girl and injuries to 32 ‘blue helmets.’

November 7, 2016 (NYAL) – Two children have died and over 30 people admitted following a Cholera outbreak in South Sudan's Unity state's Nyal and Ganyliel payams of Payinjiar county, health officials said.

A child receives an oral cholera vaccine dose in the South Sudan capital, Juba (Medair Photo)

The county health director, Stephen Gatliah described the situation on ground as “worrying”, owing to the lack of Cholera treatment kits.

Of the suspected cases, he said, 21 people tested positive in Nyal and 11 were confirmed to have Cholera in neighbouring Ganyliel.

Gatliah warned of possibilities of the disease escalating in coming weeks, due to the complete absence of Cholera treatment kits.

“It is sad that today, we have lost two kids simply because we do not have no enough health treatments kits for Cholera,” he explained.

Local and international non-governmental organizations on the ground also confirmed the disease outbreak in the two payams located in Payinjiar.

The county health director, however, says lack of Cholera treatment materials could jeopardize efforts to fight the water-borne disease.

He appealed to humanitarian relief agencies to quickly intervene.

“We are appealing to the international organizations and United Nations agencies to quickly come and rescues lives of innocent civilians on the ground,” he told Sudan Tribune.

Meanwhile, county officials have attributed the spread of the disease to traders conducting business with people across the river.

For the last three weeks, Cholera has affected thousands of people in South Sudan, as aid agencies redouble efforts to treat patients by creating more awareness among the population living in UN camps.

(ST)

November 7, 2216 (JUBA) - Ten civilians were wounded in an attack by unknown gunmen in Bentiu on Sunday, as they attempted to target government soldiers in the capital of Northern Liech State

Soldiers from the South Sudanese army (SPLA) on guard in Bentiu, the capital of South Sudan's Unity state on 12 January 2014 (Photo: Reuters)

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York that shots were fired last evening in Bentiu by unknown gunmen attempting to attack soldiers of the Sudan People's Liberation Army at a checkpoint located in close proximity to the UN base.

"As a result, ten civilians were injured. UN peacekeepers immediately responded to the incident causing the assailants to flee" Dujarric said.

The wounded received medical treatment and are in stable condition, he added citing a report from the UNMISS

(ST)

Oct 06, 2016 (YAMBIO) – Ellen Margrethe Løj, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) paid a farewell visit to Yambio over the weekend before leave the country at the end of November.

The new head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Ellen Margrethe Loj (Photo: UN/Staton Winter)

Speaking to the press after a meeting with government officials, the SRSG said the purpose of her visit to Yambio was to fulfil a promise she made to visit all the South Sudanese states and to see how UNMISS staff and UN agencies are operating. The visit aimed also at assessing the cooperation between UNMISS and UN agencies with the Government of Gbudue State, as several reports say UNMISS patrols was denied access to different areas in the state.

Løj said that, as she is ending her mission as head of UNMISS, she thought of visiting all the states to speak to the citizens, to promote peace and to stop gun fire to give peace a chance which will end suffering of the South Sudanese for over 20 years now.

She added that they had a fruitful meeting with the Acting Governor of Gbudue state Victor Edward Kpiawandu who pledges support to all UN agencies and UNMISS staff to operate freely without hindrance.

Since several months, armed groups have intensified their operations in the state. As a result the state government barred UNMISS access to the conflict affected areas because of deteriorating security situation.

After conducting meeting with the Government Officials, she met with UNMISS staff, UN agencies to thank them for the tireless work they are offering to the people of South Sudan adding that, despite the challenges and killing of humanitarian personnel they should continue to deliver service to the needy people.

Meanwhile, the Acting Governor Kpiawandu appreciated the SRSG's visit to Yambio even if her last visit before her departure by the end of November. He said the Government of Gbudue State will continue to support UN family and both sides should improve their communications strategy in order address issues arising.

He further urged the outgoing SRSG to consider people of South Sudan and to lobby for peace in South Sudan and continuous international support to the needy people of the South Sudan.

He added that, she should put in her handing over note to remember Western Equatoria citizens for promoting agriculture which feed people in the whole of Sudan during the 21 years of struggle. And that the Western Equatoria is a fertile land which needs investors and training to the farmers to produce more food locally than importing food from outside.

The issue of road construction was on the top of the issues raised to chief of UNMISS as to repair major roads and feeder roads to reach the farmers to bring food to the town.

Minister of Education, Gender, Child and Social Welfare Pia Philip said, UNMISS should consider that engaging youth is a productive activities if UN wants to end conflict or support the people of South Sudan.

“If UN needs to help the people of South Sudan they should embark on productive activities for the youth because the more youth are idle they will continue to create problems and enter the bush for looting on roads, killing and rape," Philip said.

(ST)

November 7, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan's Minister of Interior General Ismat Abdel Rahman Zein al-Abdin on Monday said his ministry is ready for the worst scenarios after various protests against the government austerity measures.

Interior minister Ismat Abdel-Rahman (SUNA Photo)

Sudanese government on Thursday lifted fuel subsidies and increased electricity price in a bid to stop the surge in inflation and control the fall of Sudanese pound in the black market. The step created limited protests in various places across Sudan.

In a press statement, the Minister of Interior pointed that police is not sure how the protests might develop, adding that the situation now is stable.

“We would not raise the state of alert to 100% until we see how things are going to develop,” he said.

Zein al-Abdin said that police received information that some people are planning activities that he did not disclose; underlining that police cannot raise the state of alert from this early stage.

“This time the situation is different from September 2013,” he stressed.

In September 2013 following the government's decision to lift fuel subsidies, demonstrations broke out in several Sudanese states. Rights groups said that at least 200 people were killed but the government put the death toll at 85.

At the time, Police failure to stop the protests, led to the intervention of the security apparatus and the use of bullets against protesters.

The minister of interior went to say that people understand the motives behind government's decision to lift fuel and electricity subsidies, adding that government has also increased salaries.

On Monday small-scale protests continued for the second day in several towns across Sudan, including the capital Khartoum, Atbara, Wad Madani and Nyala. Opposition groups called to keep the protests.

(ST)

November 7, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - The independent doctors union, Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors (CCSD) on Monday said the third day of their renewed strike (Sunday) was a complete success.

On 6 October, Sudanese doctors staged a strike and refused non-emergency treatments to patients to protest the poor working conditions, lack of medicines and protection of doctors after increasing attacks on medical staff by frustrated patients and their families.

On 13 October, the CCED called off the strike following government pledges to introduce a bill to the parliament to protect doctors, improve training conditions for registrars and improve work environment in hospitals.

However, the CCSD last Tuesday announced resumption of a two-day strike every week during November, saying the government didn't honour its commitments.

In a report released on Wednesday; the striking doctors said that 60 public hospitals have participated in the strike on Tuesday. They also warned against attempts by the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) to intimidate the doctors and bread the movement.

In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Sunday, the CCSD expressed commitment to continue the strike to meet the doctors' demands, pointing to the large support rendered by doctors to the CCSD as their sole representative body.

It added that the strike would enter its fourth day on Monday, saying that 9 doctors from the CCSD's central committee and subcommittees are being detained for the seventh day while several others have been summoned by the NISS.

(ST)

November 6, 2016 – South Sudan's main opposition party, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement for Democratic Change Party (SPLM-DC) have elected a new leader to replace its founding chairperson.

Onyoti Adigo Nyikec (mcclatchy)

This comes after Lam Akol, the party's founder, resigned in August.

He served as Agriculture minister in the Transitional Government of National Unity.

Akol formed an armed opposition party, known as the National Democratic Movement, to remove President Salva Kiir from power.

However, in a vote marred by boycotts, SPLM-DC elected Onyoti Adigo, formerly leader of the minority in Parliament, to replace Akol.

Onyoti vowed he would work for the interest of all party members, including those who opposed his election to increase support base.

The party's secretary general, Deng Bior absented himself from the poll process, citing improper preparations prior to the voting day.

“The extraordinary convention of the party has no agenda and it should be cancelled,” he told reporters in the capital, Juba Monday.

But attempts by the secretary general to halt the process failed as acting party leader, Donald Gideon Azomuna insisted that discussions focuses on electing a new chairman to replace Akol.

“Deng Bior and those who boycotted the meeting will be dealt with by the new chairman and their issue will soon be resolved,” said Azomuna.

The SPLM-DC is the only entity that defeated ruling party in six constituencies during the country's 2010 general elections. The party did not win outside the Shilluk area, from where both Akol and its new chairperson hail.

(ST)

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

October 7, 2016 (ADDIS ABABA) – A member of South Sudan's armed opposition (SPLM-IO) said they released dozens of Kenyan aid workers held in Akobo state.

Those recently arrested worked for non-governmental entities in rebel-controlled areas.

The opposition movement's move against the Kenyans appears to be in retaliation to Kenya's move to deport SPLM-IO spokesperson, James Gatdet Dak to South Sudan.

Goanar Gordon Yien, secretary in the office of the chairman told Sudan Tribune that 72 aid workers arrested by SPLM-IO field commanders and governors have been freed.

Yien said the aid workers were freed after the former vice-president, Riek Machar, ordered their release, saying they were innocent and had nothing to do with Dak's deportation.

Machar's spokesperson was picked from his residence in Nairobi on Wednesday by uniformed and non-uniformed wearing officers claiming to be Kenyan authorities.

On Thursday last week, Dak was flown to the South Sudan capital and imprisoned. Although not much is known about his situation, opposition officials fear he could be killed.

“We heard he is safe but for us we are not sure .We are concerned about his situation. We can't trust Juba government”, said Yien.

He urged the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) and East African regional bloc (IGAD) member states to put pressure on Juba government for his immediate release.

Dak, who is also a United States citizen, was deported after he posted a statement on Facebook welcoming United Nations Secretary General's decision to dismiss it's peacekeeping boss in South Sudan, Lt. General. Johnson Mogoa Kimani.

Opposition officials in Addis Ababa alleged that First Vice president, Taban Deng, proposed names of 15 South Sudanese opposition figures to be deported to Juba.

The plan, sources said, was to bring alive politicians they accuse of spreading war messages. It was also intended to discourage war mongers residing in Kenya.

(ST)

November 7, 2016 (JUBA) – Nearly a dozen people were injured in a grenade attack, which occurred in South Sudanese capital, Juba on Sunday night.

A picture showing a grenade explosion (garrysmod.org)

Eyewitnesses said the injured were rushed to Juba teaching hospital.

The motive of the incident remains unknown.

On Saturday, 11 people died when a gunman shot at a group of people watching football in the South Sudan capital. 16 others were wounded.

The incident occurred at Gure, an area south-west of the South Sudan capital.

No suspect has been apprehended in connection to the Saturday incident and no group or person has claimed any responsibility for the attack.

Meanwhile, Police have launched a joint operation to arrest the attacker.

(ST)

November 7, 2016 (KHARTOUM) - Small-scale protests continued for a second day on Monday in several places in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum and elsewhere against government's decision to lift fuel and electricity subsidies.

Sudanese government on Thursday lifted fuel subsidies and increased electricity price in a bid to stop the surge in inflation and control the fall of Sudanese pound in the black market.

On Sunday night, dozens of people staged demonstrations in the capital of al-Jazeera state, Wad Medani and chanted “Freedom. Peace. Justice. Revolution is the choice of the people” before they were dispersed by police and security services.

In one Khartoum neighbourhood, al Deim, protesters on Sunday marched on side streets chanting anti-regime slogans.

On Monday, students from the University of Khartoum (UofK) on Monday took to the streets to protest against price increase before riot police used tear gas and batons to disperse them.

Also, engineering students from Wadi El-Neel University in Atbara, 320 km. north of Khartoum on Monday afternoon staged a demonstration that roamed a number of the main streets in the city.

Hundreds of high school students took to the streets in South Darfur's capital, Nyala to protest against the rise in fuel and electricity price.

A number of students told Sudan Tribune that riot police excessive tear gas to disperse the demonstrations, saying the decision to raise fuel and electricity price has increased the suffering of their families.

They demanded the ministry of finance to reverse its decision immediately.

A reliable source told Sudan Tribune that the government has deployed large military troops on the main streets of Nyala with armored trucks roaming the streets to prevent further protests.

Meanwhile, the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) has continued its arrest campaign and detained the Secretary General of the Sudanese Congress Party (SCoP) Mastoor Ahmed on Monday just hours following the arrest of the party's former chairman Ibrahim Al-Shiekh.

However, SCoP chairman Omer al-Digair told Sudan Tribune on Monday that his party wouldn't abandon its national responsibility, saying they are exercising their constitutional right to peaceful expression.

He vowed they will continue their peaceful resistance until achieving victory for the Sudanese people, stressing that he is not afraid of detention.

In recent months, the SCoP has challenged the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) and organized political activities in public and open places calling on the citizens to resist the regime and take to the streets in protest against the deterioration of living conditions at all levels.

It is noteworthy that the NISS this week arrested several SCoP's officials including its deputy chairman Khalid Omer Youssef , chairman of the Central Council Abdel-Qayoum Awad El-Sid, deputy chairman Khalid Omer Youssef and deputy Information Secretary Abdalla Shams al-Koun.

On Wednesday, the government deployed large police units and security forces on strategic buildings and streets in the capital Khartoum in anticipation of popular protests against the measures.

In September 2013 following the government's decision to lift fuel subsidies, demonstrations broke out in several Sudanese states. Rights groups said that at least 200 people were killed but the government put the death toll at 85.

(ST)

November 7, 2016 (EL GENEINA) - The Governor of West Darfur State, Fadl al-Mula al-Haga, has vowed to impose the state authority, rule of law and fight against all forms of crime in his state.

Addressing the residents of “Beidah” locality, 80 km south-west of the state capital El Geneina on Monday, al-Haga pledged to provide security in all parts of the state, stressing that West Darfur state is able to achieve many service projects such as health, education, water and roads projects.

He further announced his government plans to promote the national dialogue recommendations, protection of the agricultural season and repairing the social fabric and peaceful coexistence among the components of society.

The governor called on the citizens to pay attention to their children's education as the only way to create a better society.

Last August, al-Haga has been appointed governor for West Darfur State replacing Khalil Abdallah. It was the second dismissal of West Darfur governor by President Omer al-Bashir during a three-month period as result of the deteriorating security situation.

Earlier this month, at least 20 people were killed and dozens injured in Mara area, 60 km north of El Geneina town on the Chadian border.

Also on 23 May, armed men belonging to a militia launched a revenge attack on a mosque in the town of "Azrna", 10 km east of El Geneina, killing eight people and wounding several others. Following what, the local authorities deployed further troops in anticipation of a possible deterioration of the security situation.

For his part, “Beidah” locality administrator, Osman Youssef, confirmed that they will implement all the state government decisions which ban riding of motorcycles and wearing of Kadamool (a turban which covers the face) besides holding arms as well as enforcement of emergency measures in the border areas.

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

(ST)

November 6, 2016 (GULU) - South Sudanese living in the Northern Ugandan district of Gulu find it a struggle to cope with daily activities in Kanyagoga, a town suburb which currently houses hundreds of refugees, predominantly from the war-hit nation.

South Sudanese refugees arrival at Kiryandongo settlement camp 16, 02,2014 (ST)

35-year old Rachael Ajak Dhieu says living in Gulu is not easy, while comparing her current situation to life in hell, yet she cannot return to her native country due to the ongoing conflict between rival forces.

A mother of six, Ajak and her family survive on what her husband earns from teaching in various primary schools located in Gulu town.

“I don't have any job or [receive] funding. Nothing, but at least the kids go to school through my husband's support,” she narrates.

Ajak left South Sudan when civil war broke out in December 2013, and is less optimistic of returning to the young nation anytime soon.

The 35-year old mother of six regularly attends counseling sessions provided by a local counselor at Kanyagoga, a village in Gulu town.

The counselor, Florence Atoo admits relation between South Sudanese and local communities have improved in the recent times.

“South Sudanese and the host community in my area have a fine relation. They have no issues with rent, they even chat with neighbours because they are used to them unlike in the previous days when they used to quarrel,” she told Sudan Tribune.

Atoo admitted that good relations between South Sudanese and their neighbours will enable them survive without any setbacks.

“I don't have any problem with them because they are good and peaceful since we are all the same people with one historical background,” stressed the counselor, who has been helping South Sudanese in her area acquire land as well as houses for rent.

For Chandra Lucy, Gulu town was chosen as a home for safety purposes.

“There is nothing I see here in Gulu like disturbing, fighting, beatings, breaking of doors or even being called out at night,” she says.

Chan Reec, another resident of Kanyagoga, described as wonderful the relationship between South Sudanese the host communities.

But just like other South Sudanese families, Reec's family members often interact with the locals, despite the language barriers.

Majority of South Sudanese came to Kanyagoga more than three years ago.

(ST)

As the conflict in South Sudan grinds on, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned today that 31 per cent of the country’s population, or 3.7 million people, are facing a severe food security risk, despite the end of the lean food season and start of harvests – a major increase from the one million who were in a similar situation at this time last year.

South African opposition leader Julius Malema challenges apartheid-era law and repeats calls to occupy white land.

Liberia's telecoms authority denies reports the country's internet access was disrupted by a large-scale hack attack.

Nigerians pay tribute to army commander Lt Col Muhammad Abu-Ali who was killed by Islamist militants.

Nigeria police deploys 100 female officers to camps for displaced people, following reports of sexual abuse.

Shirley Chisholm was the first black woman elected to US congress, and the first to seek the presidential nomination.