By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

February 16, 2013 (ADDIS ABABA) - Ethiopia and Britain have vowed to jointly exert more support to ensure durable peace and stability in the volatile Horn of Africa region after a meeting between the United Kingdom's deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg, and Ethiopian prime minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, on Friday in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

The UK's deputy prime minister, Nick Clegg (Flickr / creative commons)

According to government sources, the two sides discussed ways they could aid ongoing efforts to improve relations between Sudan and South Sudan, stressing the need for Juba and Khartoum to resolve all remaining issues outstanding from the South's independence and establish friendly relations to bring development to their peoples.

A year after landlocked South Sudan proclaimed independence in July 2011 taking with it 75% of Sudan's oil resources, the newest nation halted oil production over a transit fee dispute with Sudan. Although the two neighbours last September managed to resolve the deadlock over transit fees, oil production remains pending due to border and security issues.

With regard to Somalia, the Ethiopian premier said that Addis Ababa and London have reached an agreement to work jointly towards enabling last year's London conference on Somalia to contribute in ensuring peace and stability in the region.

With Ethiopia the current chair of the African Union (AU) and Britain the current president of the G-8, the two countries said they will work together on building democracy, improving human rights, as well as on socio-economic and political affairs in the Horn of Africa.

Clegg has also held discussions with Ethiopia's foreign minister, Tedros Adhanom, on a number of common concerns. “We had a very candid discussion, very honest one and very fruitful. And we hope this will take our partnership even to a higher level,” Tedros told local journalists.

After the meeting, Clegg described the meeting as “positive” and said it covered a number of issues. “We also talked about the importance of working together to enhance commercial opportunities,” he added.

(ST)

February 16, 2013 (RUMBEK) - The newly-appointed caretaker Governor of South Sudan's Lakes state, Major Gen. Matur Chut Dhuol has initiated a policy licensing all firearms in the region.

Matur Chuot Dhuol who was appointed as caretaker Governor of Lakes state in Janaury 2013, photograohed in Yirol West county on 27 January, 2013 (ST)

Dout, a military governor, recently appointed through a decree by South Sudan president, Salva Kiir, has imposed a fee of SSP150 ($80) on each firearm in the hands of individuals in the state.

The governor, while addressing the public in Rumbek, the state capital said the new policy is part of his security reform mechanism, applicable only to those who resist the forceful disarmament exercise.

“I said all firearms [have] to be registered [and] all youth who resist disarmament must register their arm with 150 SSP,” said the acting governor.

The new fee, he stressed, will enhance efforts by state authorities control guns, adding that it will be paid annually.

Dout, however, warned that those who fail to comply would have their gun removed and handed over to the South Sudan's security forces.

Almost a month since he took over office, the caretaker governor has initiated a series of security reforms in the state, known for its cycle of violence. Critics, however, accuse the new governor of using a military approach to governance, as opposed to the softer stance of his predecessor, Chol Tong Mayay.

(ST)

February 16, 2013 (JUBA) – The head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Friday, expressed deep concerns over reports of threats, intimidation, and attacks against journalists, civil society, and human rights activists in the country.

A group picture of South Sudanese journalists with their lawyer. (L-R) Ngor Garang, Dhieu Mathok, Molana Agok Makur and Dengdit Ayok (ST photo)

Hilde Johnson, said such practices, greatly undermine people's right to enjoyment of their basic rights and freedoms of expression in society

“UNMISS is deeply disturbed by reports of threats, intimidation, harassment and attacks against journalist, civil society and human rights activists,” said Johnson at a press briefing in Juba, the South Sudan capital.

Significant efforts must now be made by the government to address this trend and to ensure that people can enjoy basic rights, such as freedom of expression", she added.

South Sudan, Reporters Without Borders said in its latest world press freedom index, ranked at 124 out of 179 countries considered, falling 12 places from the previous year.

In recent years, journalists in the new nation, which still lacks media legislation, have complained of constant harassment and intimidation, mainly at the hands of the security agencies.

Last year unknown assailants gunned down a renowned South Sudanese writer and blogger, Ding Chan Awuol, at his home in Gudele, located west of the country's capital.

The government says that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of the writer, popularly known as Isaiah Abraham.

"…we urge the national authorities to expedite the investigation into the killing of Isaiah Abraham and bring the perpetrators to justice," said Johnson, who is also the Special Representative to the United Nations Secretary General.

In his new year's address, President Salva Kiir, expressed concern about cases of harassment, abuse and arbitrary arrests, meted against people said to be critical of government policies.

"There are those who are being threatened allegedly for using their voices, which sometimes are critical to the government policies. They have experienced harassment, abuse and arbitrary arrests. This is unacceptable. This is not what we fought for," partly read Kiir's message.

He added, "Reneging on the principles of our struggle now is disrespecting the memory of our martyrs who fought and died for our freedom”.

South Sudan attained self-rule in July 2011, after its population overwhelmingly voted for separation in a self-determination vote. The plebiscite was a key part a 2005-peace deal, which ended over two decades of north-south Sudan civil war.

(ST)

February 17, 2013 (KHARTOUM) - The United States is preparing a donor conference to support South Sudan to overcome the severe economic crisis the new nation has experienced since December 2011, said Princeton Lyman, US special envoy to the two Sudans.

Princeton Lyman (Reuters)

"We're going to host a conference soon to bring together donors to ask, how do we adjust our programmes and mobilise resources to make sure South Sudan can weather this delay," Lyman said in statement to Al-Jazerra English published on Friday.

Khartoum and Juba failed to implement a cooperation agreement providing to allow the exportation of South Sudanese oil through Port Sudan on the Red Sea.

Juba hopes to export its oil through the Kenyan port of Lamu on the Indian Ocean after the construction of a pipeline in 2014. Minister Stephen Dhieu Dau told a cabinet meeting on Friday that the World Bank and African Development Bank agreed to fund the project.

The American envoy said the economic situation in South Sudan however requires a quick reaction.

"A collapse would be calamitous not only for South Sudan, but for the whole region", Lyman said to show the emergency of the situation.

The outgoing envoy further appeared pessimist over the resolution of the disputed issues between the two countries after the independence of South Sudan in July 2011.

"Both sides see the worst in each other's conditions. I think right now the problem is with Khartoum's definition with how to get its own security needs addressed", he said.

The envoy was alluding to Khartoum's demand that Juba should disengage with the Sudan People's Liberation Movement – North (SPLM-N) which fights against the Sudanese army in the Nuba Mountains area of South Kordofan and Blue Nile state.

American officials recently urged negotiations with the SPLM-N saying that Khartoum can resolve its security concern by negotiating with the rebels.

On Saturday 16 February, Sudanese president Omer Al-Bashir said that the two countries can resolve their differences under the African mediation if South Sudan implements the nine agreements he signed with president Salva Kiir on 27 September 2012.

Speaking at the summit of the Community of Sahel-Saharan (CEN-SAD) Summit held in the Chadian capital Ndjamena, Bashir reiterated his accusations that Juba harbours and supports Sudanese rebel groups.

He also charged Uganda of following Juba and harbouring "rebel elements" and Sudanese opposition adding it provides them with military training.

He urged the meeting to condemn these "acts of hostility and interference in the internal affairs of Member States".

(ST)

February 17, 2013 (RUMBEK) - A 28-year old woman, previously held in Rumbek Central Prison in South Sudan's Lakes state, has died after a member of the state's auxiliary force allegedly raped her.

Inmates attend classes in Malakal Central Prison, 12 December 2012 (ST)

According to state authorities, the deceased (name withheld), was pronounced dead at Lake state's civil hospital, with the post-mortem reportedly indicating she died from rape-related complications.

An official from the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID), on Saturday, confirmed the incident, saying they had arrested a member of the police auxiliary force unit, now in detention in connection with the crime.

“We have captured [a] 30-year-old man and now he is under arrest waiting to face justice,” said the officer, who preferred to remain anonymous.

He said prior to her release this week the deceased had been in prison for the last six months, but did not divulge further details on why she was detained.

A nurse at the state referral hospital said, the 28-year-old had died as a result of injuries inflicted on her genital area after the alleged rape incident.

CASES OF TORTURE

Dozens of prisoners interviewed by Sudan Tribune complained of being tortured by authorities operating at the correctional facility, with up to nine cases reportedly recorded in recent weeks.

Lakes state deputy director for prisons William Marial Agok says a series of measures have been put in place to investigate all reported cases of torture against prisoners, while those implicated will face justice.

“We have taken administrative measures against those soldiers who torture prisoners. [They] were served with warning letters and administrative measures are being undertaken,” Agok said.

One prisoner allegedly received 25 lashes from a prison warden, after the latter accused him of having participated in a cattle raid that took place in neighbouring Warrap state.

“The warden has been given a written warning [letter] and has been transferred to another section within the same prison,” said the deputy director.

Rumbek Central Prison, initially constricted to accommodate about 300 inmates, currently houses over 1,000 people, arrested in connection with various crimes ranging from murder, theft, adultery and other minor cases.

Sudan Tribune has learned that most of those in detention have not been tried as they lack defence lawyers, in a country where the justice system remains highly flawed.

Last year, a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report, deplored the poor state of South Sudan's prisons, characterised by overcrowding, poor hygiene and inhuman treatment of inmates. The report also raised serious questions about the country's judicial systems, saying the majority of prisoners lacked legal representation in courts of law.

(ST)

By Bonifacio Taban Kuich

February 16, 2013 (BENTIU) – South Sudanese citizens possessing dual citizenship in outside countries remain the impetus behind corruption practices in the new nation, a senior member of South Sudan ruling party (SPLM) has said.

Anti-corruption activists demonstrate in South Sudan capital Juba, June 11, 2012 (ST)

Franco Douth Diu, the SPLM secretary for Leer County in South Sudan's Unity state, told Sudan Tribune, that large numbers of the country's citizens have acquired citizenship outside the African continent, making the fight against corruption a difficult task.

“I think those [who] have dual citizenship should be reduced. This is another way of fighting corruption. We cannot have people with families in America, and all they do is come and collect money to as to make them [their families] enjoy life in American and elsewhere”, said Diu.

Under Article 45(5) of South Sudan's Transitional Constitution, a South Sudanese national may acquire the nationality of another country as shall be prescribed by law.

The SPLM official, during the interview, urged the country's leadership to institute a law that limits the number of people seeking dual citizenship in other countries, as a remedy to the fight against corruption.

Almost two years since it attained self-rule, South Sudan faces huge challenges in the fight against graft. The country's anti-corruption body, established through a constitutional provision, has failed to fight corruption in the young nation.

Since its formation in 2005, South Sudan Anti-Corruptions Commission (SSACC) has not implicated a single individual involved in corruption, despite the rhetoric statements from the country's leadership to stamp out the practice.

Diu, however, says both the south-ruling party and the political parties in the country take blame for failing to put in place tough measures against corruption practices.

Wal Mut Kuol, the Unity state chairperson for anti-corruption commission, admitted corruption is still rampant in the country. He further said over 65% of the people in South Sudan are corrupt, citing Warrap, Lakes, Jonglei and Unity state as the most corrupt states.

“The leaders empowered by the constitution or the head of departments in South Sudan are most corrupt people”, said Koul in a separate interview.

Kuol, on the other hand, lauded Unity state authorities for initiating a policy of screening staffs physically to detect “ghost” workers in the civil service, as well as fight the practice of nepotism in employment.

“Exactly what happens here in Unity State is tribalism, nepotism and very big embezzlement of public funds, which is wrong”, he remarked.

In May last year, South Sudan President, Salva Kiir wrote to 75 former and current government officials, asking them to account for about $4bn allegedly looted from the state treasury. To recover the fund, an account was opened in a Kenya-based bank.

However, the Unity state anti-corruption boss faulted the government for failure to make public the names of the 75 officials, a move he insists, remains a setback to the fight against corruption.

“If the war [against corruption] starts from the central government, [then] they should investigate or arrest people doing corruptions way. This will enable the rest of the states to fear”, he said.

(ST)

February 17, 2013 (BOR) - Top political figures in South Sudan's ruling party - the SPLM - have again accused the country's largest opposition party - the SPLM-DC - of supporting insecurity in collaboration collaboration with neighbouring Sudan, from which South Sudan seceded in 2011.

Politicians at a meeting of parties in Bor on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2013 (ST)

The chairperson of Jonglei's land commission, Lual Deng, a member of SPLM, described the SPLM-DC as an enemy of South Sudan, citing incidents from 2010 when rebel fighters caught by the government claimed they were sent by the opposition party.

The SPLM-DC, which split from the SPLM in 2009 ahead of elections the following year, is regularly forced to dismiss such charges.

The allegations resurfaced at a meeting of political parties on Saturday to discuss good governance in Bor, the capital of Jonglei state, which was also attended by the United Democratic Party (UDF) and South Sudan National Congress Party (NCP), which was established after two countries split in two.

Both nations accuse the other of backing rebels in their territory.

Deng accused the SPLM-DC of being "an enemy of South Sudan" pointing to the allegation that rebel fighters caught in 2010 in Pigi County and Paloc County of Upper Nile state were backed by the opposition. This has always been denied by the SPLM-DC, which is led by Lam Akol, a former Sudanese foreign minister.

In eyes of many South Sudanese, Akol has never shaken his association with Khartoum after he was part of a group that split from SPLM in 1991 at the height of the two-decade civil war.

Akol and Riek Machar, who is now South Sudan's vice president and deputy chairman of the SPLM, rejoined the movement ahead of a 2005 peace deal paving the way for secession.

Speaking at the event on Saturday, Deng told the meeting that the SPLM-DC would not win any more seats in government until they loose their association with Akol.

The Commissioner of Bor County, told the meeting that Akol was using the print and broadcast media in Khartoum of preaching bad messages about South Sudan in Sudan.

Tut Chot, who chairs the SPLM-DC in Jonglei state, described opposition parties as a “mirror to the government”.

SPLM-DC, chairperson in Jonglei, Tut Chot Rial, talking in the meeting, Feb. 15, 2013 (ST)

Both the UDF and NCP representatives at the meeting accused SPLM government of elections fraudulently winning the 2010 general elections.

GOOD GOVERNANCE

The meeting, which was called to discuss good governance, resolved that this could be achieved by building strong state institutions which were able to offer better services.

Jonglei's minister for local government, Diing Akol Diing explained in a seven page letter describing the political position of SPLM-led government, that the realising good governance consisted of three elements; choosing the leaders through free and fair elections; equal participation of citizens in both politics and civic life; and application of the rule of law to the all the citizens equally.

“Democracy is the means for the people to choose their leaders and to hold their leaders accountable for the polices of the conduct in the offices”, Ding those at the meeting, citing South Sudan's transitional constitution as an example of this.

"In democracy, people are sovereign; they are the highest form of political authority. Power flows from the people to the leaders of the government who hold power temporarily.

"Political parties are vital in democracy, as the constitution in article 36 (1), permitted formation of multi-parties in South Sudan", he continued.

The deputy governor, Hussein Maar, told the gathering that political parties should segregate the citizens on religious, tribal or other grounds.

He said the oldest democracy in the world, referring to Ancient Greece, used to have slaves, and discriminate against women and other groups, but “today, it is people who controls their leaders, not other way around”.

(ST)

February 17, 2013 (BENTIU) - The Mongolian president, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, visited his country's troops who are serving as the United Nations peacekeepers in South Sudan Unity State on Friday.

Mongolian president Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj (center) arrival at Unit State February 17, 2013 (ST)

The Mongolian president was welcomed by South Sudan president Salva Kiir Mayardit and the UN special representative Hilde Johnson upon his arrival at Juba International Airport on Friday afternoon before heading to Unity state to see the Mongolian element of the United Nation Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

President Elbegdorj's visit is also aimed to strengthen Mongolia's diplomatic relations with South Sudan, which became independent in 2011.

Addressing Mongolian troops and UN workers in Bentiu, Elbegdorj urged his soldiers promote peace and contribute to the development of South Sudan, which is one the world's poorest as well as being the world's youngest nation.

Through an interpreter Elbegdorj told his troops continue "contributing to world peace" by fulfilling the tasks "given by the UNMISS and supporting the government of South Sudan".

"You must perform your duties very well to contribute your contribution for the peace building process for the South Sudan”, said Elbegdorj.

The president said the Mongolian army had contributed to UN peacekeeping forces for more than 10 years and sending a total of 10,000 troops to serve as UN peacekeepers.

Hiruy Amanuel, the chief of political affairs representative at UNMISS, said that Elbegdorj's visit was the first to South Sudan by both a head of state outside of Africa.

His visit is also the first from a country contributing troops to the UN Mission, Amanuel said, adding that the mission is deeply honoured by this visit.

Amanuel said: “When the national of one country work in another country in a peacekeeping operation it is natural to expects beneficial effects for the relations between two countries, UNMISS very much hope that the experiences of Mongolians in South Sudan and your visits in particular will generate curiosity and interest in both countries and serve as catalyst for the launching of development of relation between two countries, between states and regions, between cities, between schools and medical institutions should such link be pouch the present of Mongolia contingent in South Sudan will be more than a contribution to a UN operation.”

UN peace keeping forces arrived in Sudan in 2005 after a peace deal reached between former rebels - the SPLA - and Sudanese government at Naivasha Kenya.

Later after South Sudan independent in July 2011 a new mandate was signed between UN and South Sudan government to continue its mandate of protection of civilians.

(ST)

February 17, 2013 (JUBA) - South Sudan on Sunday defended its decision to remove 118 senior military officers from active military service and place them on reserve docket, a move seen as an attempt to transform the security sector, according to its minister of information and broadcast.

A SPLA officer keeps an eye on crowds gathered for Southern Sudan President and elections candidate Salva Kiir's last election rally in Juba, Friday April 9, 2010. (AP)

The order, which drew mixed reactions from the general public, includes senior officials serving in the civil administration.

The presidential decree issued on Thursday saw the names of the governor of Unity state, Taban Deng Gai, governor of Eastern Equatoria state Louis Lobong Lojore, governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal state Rizik Hassan Zachariah and the governor of Upper Nile state, Simon Kun Puoc removed from the active military files where their names continued to appear.

The move followed the removal in January of some 35 top-level military officers, seen as the biggest shake-up to army leadership since independence, with president Salva Kiir issuing an order removing the senior officers and placing them on a reserve list. Kiir has since appointed replacements for the officers who were previously serving, most of whom were rebel commanders during the war with the north.

SECURITY REFORM

Senior officials attribute the changes to government policy aimed at transforming the security sector and other institutions in order to provide services effectively and efficiently.

Insiders say the move is part of broader reforms planned and it is expected that once the army has been overhauled, the government will move on to the security forces, police, public services and eventually the cabinet.

South Sudan's minister information and broadcasting service, Barnaba Marial Benjamin, said the president was acting within the law and according to public demands to transform the national army away from perceptions of it as a guerrilla movement to a professional body.
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“The president was not acting outside the law. He was exercising the powers conferred upon him by the transitional constitution. The changes were meant to basically promote growth in the system. It means giving responsibilities of managing the affairs of this country to the fresh group, people with new ideas which needs to be tried since we are living in the fast moving and developing world”, Marial said.

He said there were still many other opportunities in the country in different areas in which the removed army generals could participate in to help the new nation to grow.

“There are a lot of opportunities which these general will exploit. Some of these generals have administrative background, they have security background, they have business background and they have agriculture background. It will be an opportunity to utilise their knowledge in establishing and managing private security firms in accordance with the parameters of the law. Doing so will bring a positive change in the economy of this country. In fact everybody would be happy to hear that all these retired generals have started producing millions of metric tonnes of food in the next harvesting season which they could not have done while in the active service”, Marial told reporters on Sunday.

However, members of the general public remain sceptical about plans to reassign some of the officers who were removed due to perceptions associated with their performance and competence while serving in the army at different levels.

Meanwhile, Marial has dismissed claims of an alleged coup plot purportedly fermented by some of the generals as one of the reasons behind the president's decision to embark on security reforms.

“The president still trusts them [the generals]. He has hope in them and they should show good examples in accepting the changes. I know the president may be planning to assign some of them. Others have actually been assigned. Those who have requested to go for studies will be facilitated so that they can go and get the knowledge they might need to help them while trying to settle and fit into the society”, he explained.

Marial also said that removed officers should feel proud that they had witnessed the birth of the new nation and the achievement of the objectives for which they fought so hard for during the country's protracted civil war with the north, adding that he encouraged them to support good governance and accept the changes with good grace.

LONG AWAITED DEMAND

Tut Chuol Lam, a native of Languchuk in Upper Nile state currently visiting Juba, described the president's decision to introduce changes in the military was in line with public opinion on the matter.

“The decision of the president is in the right one. It is one of the long awaited demands of the public. There are those who are not fit to serve in the army but they have been there just for the sake of money. There are a lot of opportunities but which cannot be identified when we focus on why so and so were removed from the army. The new officers should not sleep. Time is up for them to do a lot. They need to make a difference. [They should] start from where their predecessors have left and prepare the ground for those who will [come] after them, as it was for those they have replaced”, Lam told Sudan Tribune on Saturday.

He said he was aware of the different views generated by the changes, but added the majority supported the president's decision as being good for the country.

In discussions with those opposed to the move, Lam said most of those complaining about the changes were “either affected themselves directly or some of their close family members or relatives”.

He said the decision had caught some by surprise and there was now speculation over what will happen to the officers if they are not immediately re-assigned elsewhere.

From my analysis, it likes some were taken by the surprise and have started speculating about what will happen if these groups are not assigned immediately. Some individuals have expressed views indicating that the changes were made due to the exhibited lack of discipline, lack of competence like physical strength to remain in the active military services, corruption and other malpractices during their period of service”., he explained.

Bol Wek, a native of Warrap State in Juba said the president was acting in response to public demands to improve the general security situation and reduce the size of government institutions, of which the armed forces are part of.

“I see these changes as answers to demands of the general public. We have had members of the general public who elected the president repeatedly complaining about security situation in the country and the size of the government,” Wek told Sudan Tribune on Saturday. .

“There have been talks about the need for transformation in all the institutions of government in order to build a strong nation,” he added.

There is speculation the Kiir is planning a major cabinet reshuffle to improve service delivery and governance. The move is believed to be facing strong resistance from senior members of his own party - the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) - who stand to lose their positions.

(ST)

February 17, 2013 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudanese Navy and Royal Saudi Naval Forces have conducted their first joint maritime military exercise.

FILE - A Sudanese navy patrol boat patrols the waters close to where the Iranian Kharg replenishment ship and the Corvette Admiral Naghdi are docked in the Red Sea Sudanese town of Port Sudan on October 31, 2012. (ASHRAF SHAZLY/AFP/Getty Images)

The disclosure was first made by the Commander of the navy base in Port Sudan, Admiral Magdi Sayed Omer who told Al-Sudani daily newspaper that “the joint exercises will continue until next Thursday”.

He added that the drill comes in the framework of enhancing maritime diplomacy and Red Sea security.

Omer stressed that the current maneuvers are the first of their kind and will form a starting point for joint efforts aimed at securing the Red Sea and strengthening relations between Sudan and Saudi Arabia.

Later the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) spokesperson Colonel Al-Sawarmi Khalid Sa'ad told state news agency (SUNA) that the purpose of the joint exercise is to train the naval forces in both countries on combating the different kinds of smuggling.

Col. Sa'ad added that Sawarmi said that this is the first exercise of its kind between Sudan and Saudi Arabia stressing that they will continue in the future.

He said that Sudan received two Saudi ships along with an unspecified number of Saudi special forces and marines.

Sudan's controversial decision to allow two Iranian warships to dock at Port Sudan last October angered its Arab Gulf state neighbours, raising questions about the level of military cooperation between the two countries.

The arrival of the Iranian warships coincided with the bombing of Khartoum's Al-Yarmook military factory rumoured to be linked to Tehran, with the Sudanese government accusing Israel of the attack.

Khartoum's links with Tehran have been met with suspicion, particularly in the Gulf.

The Saudi pro-government Al-Riyadh newspaper blasted Khartoum over the Iranian warships, questioning the logics behind the relationship between the two countries in a heavily critical editorial published that month titled “The fall of masks between Iran and Sudan”.

“Bashir's government resorting to a state that is in political and security odds with most Arab countries has no logical justification,” the newspaper said.

The editorial accused the Sudanese government of “conducting naive policy”, saying it had turned the country, despite its enormous potentials, to a marginalised nation that is unable to attract Arab or foreign investors.

The Sudanese army spokesperson told media at the time the arrival of the warships had nothing to do with the destruction of the Al-Yarmook facility, saying the visit was pre-planned before the airstrike and aimed at sharing military expertise.

Khartoum also denied reports that suggested the arms factory was producing Iranian weapons.

Last November, Sudanese foreign minister Ali Karti publicly criticised the government for allowing Iran's naval warships to dock in Port Sudan, saying the government's actions were hurting its relations with its Arab Gulf state neighbours.

He also denied that the country received any request from Tehran to forge an alliance aimed at protecting the Red Sea.

(ST)

February 17, 2013 (KHARTOUM) - A Darfur rebel group announced, from the venue of peace negotiations in Doha, they are finalising discussions with Sudanese government delegation on the file of justice and reconciliation.

A picture from a Youtube video released by JEM-MC showing a military demonstration of their troops organised Darma, North Darfur in 2011.

The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) faction led by Mohamed Bashar signed a ceasefire agreement with the Sudanese government on 24 January and engaged talks on justice and reconciliation, compensation and return of internally displaced persons and refugees, power and wealth sharing, and final security arrangements.

"We are finalizing discussions on the chapter of justice and reconciliation and we agreed to refer two issues to the Steering Committee to make new proposals on it as we failed concur on it", said Nahar Osman a political adviser of the leader of JEM-Bashar in a telephone interview with Sudan Tribune on Sunday.

He further added they want a special mechanism for the Special Court for Darfur in order to make its function more transparent, also they want to review the procedures of amnesty and release of prisoners.

UN Human rights independent expert for Sudan, Mashood Baderin, warned in statements released at the end of his visit to the country on 10 February that Darfur conflict related crimes are currently being tried in the ordinary courts and that human rights officers have been denied access to these trials.

Nahar however stressed that Sudanese government showed seriousness in the negotiations and took into account may of the observations they expressed on the text of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD).

"If talks continue with this spirit, we will certainly make significant progress in the upcoming days", he added.

He further said that they now intend to tackle the chapter of compensation to amend some details. He gave as example that the DDPD provides that every family receives $250 to cover its transport fees before to return to their village .

"The use of (family) as standard for the distribution of this financial aid is not correct because sometimes families are composed of more than 25 members", he said.

Nahar however stressed that the most important thing remains the security of returnees. He added that the refugees and displaced persons cannot regain their villages and be exposed once again to the attacks carried out by militia groups in the region.

The rebel official said in the next round of talks they want to focus on issues dealing with the rights of Darfurians in justice and dignity, adding the last thing they want to discuss is the power sharing and security arrangements which are related to the movement.

The DDPD, which is a framework document prepared by the joint mediation as basis to achieve peace in Darfur, was endorsed by the Sudanese government and the former rebel Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM) on 14 July 2011.

JEM-Bashar, which accepted the DDPD, is discussing three point in the document besides two other points related to their participation in the national, regional institutions and the integration of their troops.

Doha will host next April a donors conference where the Darfur Regional Authority hopes to collect 6 billion dollar for recovery and development projects.

(ST)

February 18, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), one of several rebel groups fighting a decade-long war against Khartoum in Sudan's western region of Darfur, today claimed that they have detected and documented infiltration of Islamist rebels from Mali.

Malian soldiers sit aboard a vehicle as they enter Bourem northen Mali on February 17, 2013 (Getty Images)

JEM spokesperson Jibril Adam Bilal said in statements that the Sudanese government "tried to mislead the revolutionary resistance forces and the public when it allowed the entry of fugitive Malian militias for the purpose of resettling them and then using them in the ongoing war in Sudan".

Bilal claimed that these militias were integrated into government militias known as Abu-Taira and were moved on Sunday south of North Darfur state's Kutum area and were led by two army colonels and a captain named Adam Osman.

"We were able to take pictures of them in different places and we will not let them disappear from our sight until we put an end to them" the JEM official pledged before stressing that Darfur will be no less dangerous to them than Mali was after they became part of Khartoum's militias.

Several Darfur rebel groups in recent days have alleged that Malian Islamist rebels, fleeing airstrikes on their positions and advances by ground forces from France and other African forces, entered Sudan to seek refuge.

Western governments fear that al-Qaeda-linked fighters will cross African borders as a flight to safety and to regroup.

But Sudan's army spokesman Colonel al-Sawarmi Khalid Sa'ad told state media this week that an unspecified number of rebels based in South Sudan had entered South Darfur state via Sudan's remote border with the Central African Republic.

"These forces have nothing to do with the claims from the Darfur movements," he said.
(ST)

February 18, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese president Omer Hassan al-Bashir met on Wednesday with several members of Zain Telecom's board of directors for discussions that focused on difficulties facing their investments in the country.

Sudanese president Omer Hassan al-Bashir meeting with Zain Telecom directors February 13, 2013 (Al-Anba newspaper)

The Kuwait-based Al-Anba daily said that Zain was represented by Assad al-Banwan who serves as the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Mobile Telecommunications Co KSC (Zain), Deputy Chairman Abdul Aziz Al Nafisi along with Board members Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi and Jamal Al Kandary.

The newspaper said that Zain's delegation briefed Bashir on the status of their investments in Sudan and ways to remove obstacles preventing its growth. They however, expressed their understanding of the economic situation facing Sudan and the ability of the government to overcome it.

Bashir on his end expressed appreciation for Kuwaiti investments in his country and pledged to overcome all impediments facing it.

In recent years Zain began experiencing an unfavorable business climate caused by the erosion in the value of the local currency against the dollar and move by the government to raise sales taxes on telecom companies to 30 percent from 20 percent and a profit tax to 30 percent from 15 percent.

Furthermore, Sudan's central bank prohibits foreign companies from repatriating their profits abroad and in the case of Zain this has been ongoing for several years.

Sudan is in the midst of an economic crisis resulting from South Sudan's independence in July 2011. The newborn nation contained 75% of the oil wealth that existed under the formerly-united country.

South Sudan's oil production represented more than a third of Khartoum's revenues and its largest source of hard currency, leaving the government struggling for alternatives since the South's independence.

Last June, the government devalued the official foreign exchange rate as part of measures to compensate for the loss of South Sudanese oil.

It also raised taxes, allocated more funds for social spending and increased the pump prices of fuel by about 50 percent to reduce petroleum subsidies.

(ST)

February 17, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese army resumed air and ground attacks in Blue Nile state forcing over 8,000 civilians to flee their villages, Yasir Arman, the secretary general of the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), said on Sunday.

According to Arman, the attacks took place on Sunday morning in Muffa village and surrounding areas, 21 kilometres south-west of Kurmuk near the Ethiopian border. He underlined that the military operation had begun on 14 February.

He further said that around 8,000 people were forced to move to the Ethiopian and South Sudanese border, adding that some other civilians reached the Gouz village in south-west Blue Nile on Sunday morning.

The Sudanese army did not issue a statement about the attacks or possible raids on the positions of SPLM-N fighters in Blue Nile state.

The SPLM-N secretary-general pointed out that such attacks “resulted in the displacement of more than 70% of the inhabitants of the rural Blue Nile, and as of now, nearly 200,000 from the civilian populations are refugees in Ethiopia and South Sudan”.

Arman, who is currently in the United States to meet congressmen and civil society groups, further called on the African Union (AU) and United Nations Security Council (UNSC) “to discharge their responsibility to protect civilians and to open access for humanitarian assistance”.

The AU mediation team has called on the Sudanese government and the SPLM-N to meet in Addis Ababa on 15 March to hold direct political talks to end the conflict in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan states.

The two parties failed to implement a humanitarian agreement they reached last August following a proposal made by the UN agencies, AU and Arab League to provide food in the rebel-controlled areas.

Arman said the latest attacks come in line with the “scorched earth policy” already implemented by the government in Darfur. He also blamed the international community for not taking a tougher stance with Khartoum on humanitarian access to affected civilians.

“If we do not call that a war crime, what do we call it in international humanitarian law?” he asked.

Khartoum says it wants to control the humanitarian operations in the region and accuses the SPLM-N of intending to benefit from food aid to feed its troops. However, the tripartite initiative provides that food distribution will be controlled by African and Arab monitors.

(ST)

February 17, 2013 (BOR) - South Sudan's vice-president, Riek Machar, visited Jonglei state's Akobo county on Sunday following clashes that killed over 100 people on 9 February, receiving a negative reception from some angry residents.

South Sudan's vice-president Riek Machar and Jonglei governor Kuol Manyang Juuk arriving at Bor airport from Akobo county on 17 February 2013 (ST)

Machar visited the area to call for calm and express condolences to the families of those who were killed in the attack, which has been blamed on an armed group from the Murle tribe in Pibor county, but his government has been criticised for its slow response and failure to protect civilians after the they were disarmed last year.

The Akobo community is increasingly frustrated over the failure of the government to protect them from such attacks, submitting a petition of demands to the governor's office on 12 February last week in the aftermath of the raid which killed 118 people and 14 soldiers, according to local officials.

Akobo residents say that the neighbouring Murle tribe was not properly disarmed in a campaign that began almost a year ago, leaving them vulnerable to attack. They have called for the whole state to be universally disarmed to stop the cycle of violence.

A senior member of the community in Akobo told Sudan Tribune on Sunday that there was “no use” in the vice-president visiting “us after hundreds were killed, that will not bring them back”.

Preferring to speak anonymously, the community leader said: “We told [Machar] that [the] South Sudan government is not protecting us and that since we were disarmed, we are now exposed to threats from our neighbouring Murle communities, little has been done about it by the government”.

The attack on 9 February has been blamed on armed Murle youth and elements of a rebel group led by David Yau Yau, who rebelled against the South Sudanese government for a second time last year.

“We are visiting Jonglei particularly Akobo west where the incident of over 100 people were killed in a cattle raid by the criminals coming from the Murle land so we have visited the place to give our condolences to the population there and in expressing our condemnation for what had happened”, said Machar.

“We really called for calm in the area and we will also be visiting Pibor to talk to [the] Murle so that they can caution these criminals if [they] have the way to access them”, he continued.

Machar said that the criminals who carried out the raid were affiliated with Yau Yau's rebellion but expressed hope that “the population will see the importance of having peaceful coexistence with their neighbours such as Nuer and the Dinka”.

He said the government was urging Murle chiefs and elders to isolate the rebels and “bring them to book so that justice is served”.

Up until Machar's visit, the Juba government had remained silent on the incident, which took place in Akobo county two weeks ago. Jonglei's governor, Kuol Manyang Juuk, was among the political figures who accompanied the vice-president.

Akobo has suffered a series of attacks by either militia or suspected Murle criminals since the signing of the Jonglei inter-communal peace agreement in May last year.

(ST)

• UPDATE - Jonglei government condemns violence in Akobo
• ICRC steps up medical efforts in Jonglei's Akobo county
• Jonglei: Hundreds feared dead or missing in Akobo county attack

Background

• Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR)
• Jonglei Disarmament Campaign / Operation Restore Peace 2012-To date
• Jonglei Peace Process
• Social Firearms and Ammunitions Control Bill

Access to Justice for All

Press Statement for Immediate release.

17th-Feb-2013

South Sudan Law society in partnership with the Civil Society Resource Team on the Constitution and with support from Justice Africa, Cordaid and IKV Pax Christi has concluded a three day dialogue on the constitution and the constitution review process in Bentiu, Unity State. The dialogue brought together participants from all nine counties in the State. The dialogue commenced on Wednesday 13th and ended on 15th of February 2013 at Traditional Authority Hall (COTEL), in Bentiu. The dialogue was officially opened by the Unity State Deputy Governor.

The Bentiu Dialogue is part of the on-going CSO constitution process whose main objectives are;

• To enhance the participation of the citizens of South Sudan in the constitution making process
• To promote civic education and the sharing of information on the constitution
• To enable a coordinated effort of lobbying and advocacy for a people driven constitution
• To prepare citizen's at state level for the National Constitution Review Commission's consultations

The project is premised on the conviction that the process of constitution making is equally as important as the final substance and it is therefore necessary that the people are included in this process. The dialogues are facilitated by members of the Civil Society Resource Team on the Constitution.

The attendance of the Bentiu meeting was 100 participants, drawn from the following categories of society;

• Community leaders
• Parliamentarians
• Religious Leaders
• Women groups
• Youth
• Local authorities
• Academics,
• NGOs and CBOs

Methodology and facilitation

• The principles of good governance and democracy were outlined and an overview of the content of the Transitional Constitution given.
• Participants were given an opportunity to put forth what they believe should be incorporated in the Transitional Constitution.
• The views of the participants were recorded and will be subsequently submitted to the National Constitution Review Commission for possible inclusion in the permanent constitution.
• The facilitators have been trained to role playing, small group problem solving, simulations etc. Lecture-based civic education was minimal.
• The programme acknowledges the fact that participatory methods are more effective in informal learning processes

Main Discussion Issues were;

• An outline and analysis of the key features of the transitional constitution
• The Constitution as a Power Map - with analysis of the power dynamics and power balance between three arms of the government.
• The set-up , role and responsibility of the local government, councils and state governments with a keen analyses of federal and Unitary Political structures
• Parliamentary and Presidential political systems
• Human rights and citizens obligations with an emphasis on the rights of minority groups such as women, youth and people with disabilities
• Limitation of powers , Checks and balances and Resource Management among others

Thanks,
Peter Gai Manyuon,
Information and Communications Officer, SSLS

SUDO - UK

URGENT: Implementation of Amputation Sentence in Khartoum, Sudan

February 18, 2013

Doctors in Al-Ribat University Hospital in Khartoum implemented a sentence of amputation on a man convicted with Brigandage (Haraba) after the convicted had exhausted all appeal stages. This is the first time in thirty years that this penalty has been implemented in Sudan.

Al-Sudani newspaper issued in Khartoum on Friday February 15, stated that the convicted had blocked the road in March 2006 stopping a car on its way to the market in West Kordofan, and threatening the passengers with a Kalashnikov rifle he was carrying.

According to Sudanese Penal Code which is based on Shari'a laws, article 167 Haraba (Highway Robbery) of the Penal Code 1991 states:

Whoever threatens the public or troubles the security of the roads by menaces intending to commit an offence against human body, honour or property, provided the act is committed:-

(a) Out of town, in land, sea or air or in town where help is difficult to get.

(b) By use of arms or any instrument capable of causing harm or threat to cause such harm is said to commit Haraba.

Article 168 states the punishment of Haraba as follow:

Whoever commits Haraba shall be punished with: -

(a) Execution or execution and thereafter crucifixion if his acts resulted in murder or rape.

(b) Amputation of the right hand and left foot if his act resulted in grievous bodily harm or theft of property which amounts to the required minimum (Nisab) for theft punishable with amputation (Sariqah Hadiya).

(c) Imprisonment by way of banishment for a term which may not exceed seven years in cases not covered by paragraphs (a) and (b).

SUDO UK condemns amputation and considers such penalties as cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments. In addition they are inconsistent with Sudan's obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

SUDO UK urges on the Sudanases Government to:

• Amend articles within the 1991 Penal Code to bring it into line with international human rights standards ratified by the Sudan
• Monitor all courts in Sudan to ensure accordance with international human rights law and the rule of law.
• Guarantee respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout Sudan in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards

SUDO UK calls on all doctors to refuse to carry out amputations in line with The UN Principles of Medical Ethics relevant to the Role of Health Personnel, particularly Physicians, in the Protection of Prisoners and Detainees against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, adopted by General Assembly resolution 37/194 of 18 December 1982 and applicable to all health professionals, which state that it is against medical ethics for health personnel to be in any relationship with detainees “the purpose of which is not solely to evaluate, protect or improve their physical and mental health”.

http://www.sudouk.org/updates/updates/2013/amputation.html

February 17, 2013 (JUBA) – The governor of South Sudan's Western Equatoria state has warned citizens against any attempt to overthrow the legitimately elected government in the country through a coup d'état.

Western Equatoria state governor Joseph Bakosoro, 12 October 2012 (ST)

Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro raised rumours about an attempted coup d'état in Juba at the recently concluded Greater Equatoria conference held in the capital.

“This rumour is affecting people's initiatives and the potential to develop the new country,” he said.

The Greater Equatoria region in the new nation comprises of Central, Eastern and Western Equatoria.

Bakosoro, the only independent candidate elected as governor during the 2010 gubernatorial election, also questioned why the Greater Eqautoria populations have remained silent over coup rumours, which have been circulating widely in the country since last year.

“We hear there are conspiracies to overthrow the legitimate government of the Republic of South Sudan. My question is, as Equatorians, have we raised our voice to denounce the rumours?” he asked.

“Do we have any decisions or say in our region? Can we come up vigorously and boldly to counter any rumour of potential aggression against our government?”

Last year, amidst widespread rumours of an attempted coup, South Sudanese president Salva Kiir warned that the international community would not recognise anyone who overthrows his democratically elected government. A number of senior military officials allegedly behind the plot were subsequently arrested and detained. The army, however, said the arrests had nothing to do with the alleged coup plot.

In his remarks, the governor also urged the Equatorian population to defend the truth and take the current leadership to task on the fate of Abdalla Raham Sule, a South Sudanese opposition leader arrested and detained for rebelling against the government.

“Have we raised any motion to ask the government about the case and fate of Abdalla Rahan Sule? It is time to talk and defend the truth,” he said.

While addressing the two-day conference in Juba, the governor said the government should consider insecurity as its major threat and leave no stone unturned in its efforts to curb conflict.

He said any individual or group of individuals attempting to create conflict in South Sudan should be dealt with according to the law.

“There is need for justice for all without fever,” he emphasised.

The Western Equatoria governor further reminded the Equatorians of their contribution during South Sudan's liberation war, saying the long struggle by the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/ Army (SPLAM/A) succeeded largely because of the “enormous” contribution made by Equatorians.

“With this excellent reputation, let us all unite and be alert that Equatoria is not used [by] trouble-makers to cause turmoil, Bakosoro said, while appealing to citizens to give peace a chance.

The two-decade civil war, ended through a 2005 peace deal, and was largely fought by the Arab Muslims in the north and Christian South Sudanese. An estimated 2.5 million people reportedly lost their lives in the south, with nearly four million displaced.

Meanwhile, the governor strongly advocated for the creation of a standing committee at the conference, saying previous meetings have not yielded results due to the absence of such a body to monitor, support, supervise and evaluate the resolutions of the Equatoria conference.

(ST)

February 18, 2013 (JUBA) - South Sudanese president Salva Kiir Mayardit has described secession from neighbouring Sudan as an “irreversible reality” and that the new nation will never move away from being a neighbour of Sudan, according to a senior government official.

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir (Reuters)

“I tell our people that the objective for fighting all these times has been achieved. Our secession from Sudan is no longer a dream. It is an irreversible reality. We should from now [on] focus on how to build and promote strong cooperation and ties with our neighbours, including [the] Republic of Sudan. Our strategic focus should be to create and promote the vision of two viable states living side by side”, the president said.

The presidential aide, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the president made the remarks at a high-level meeting with Mongolia's president, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, during which he is reported to have called on the international community to persuade Sudan to resolve the various post-partition disputes.

“We have done everything possible in our capacity as government so that we could resolve any dispute with the Republic of Sudan through peaceful dialogue. We made a lot of painful decisions, some of which our people did not like. The reason for making all decisions was to avoid being the source of conflict. It is our commitment not to return the citizens of our two countries to war because we know war is not in the best interest of the citizens. They (the citizens from both Sudan and South Sudan) need peace and stability but the other side did not show similar interest”, Kiir told his visiting guest, who is in South Sudan to visit his country's peacekeeping troops.

“IMPOSSIBLE DEMANDS”

Relations between South Sudan and its northern neighbour remains tense, although last September the two heads of state signed a number of deals aimed at breaking the deadlock over post secession disputes.

However, both countries continue to face challenges on how to implement the deals, with both governments blaming each other for the agreement's slow implementation.
Juba accuses Sudan of making “impossible demands” on border security issues, including disarming their former comrades fighting the Sudanese government in Blue Nile and South Kordofan.

The SPLM government in Juba denies backing the SPLM-North rebels and sees Sudan's emands part of ongoing attempts to deny South Sudan use of its territory and infrastructure to transport its crude oil to international markets via Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast.

South Sudan's information minister, Barnaba Marial Benjamin, agreed with the president's statements, saying there were some people fighting the government because they still think they are part of Sudan.

“The president is right in all he said [...] We have some people today who have taken up arms to fight and kill innocent people just because they accept to be used by Sudan. They do not see that [the] people they are killing are their own people. They are still affected by the hangover (from the two-decade civil war) and some myths that make them feel they are still part of Sudan”, Marial said on Monday.

PROXY WAR

He cited the conflict in Jonglei, accusing Sudan of using Murle militia chief David Yau Yau to fight a proxy war.

The armed insurgency in South Sudan's most populous state has threatened to destabilise the east of the new nation, with fighters loyal to Yau Yau accused of cattle raiding, abductions and civilian attacks.

Yau Yau first rebelled against South Sudan's ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) in May 2010 after losing his bid to join the Jonglei State Assembly in parliamentary elections.

After accepting an amnesty offered by Kiir in 2011, Yau Yau re-joined the SPLM government, allegedly in exchange for a house, cars and cash. He was also made a general in the South Sudanese army (SPLA) as part of the deal.

However, in April last year Yau Yau defected to Khartoum in order to launch another rebellion in Jonglei's Pibor county.

“What is Yau Yau fighting for? What can he say is the reason of killing innocent civilians in Jonglei? The government of the Republic of South Sudan as a sovereign state has a responsibility to protect its citizens from anything because they are citizens of this country,” Marial said.

“He came and was promoted to the rank of general, while in fact he was just a civilian. He was put in a hotel, given a vehicle and some money, but what did he do? He quietly decided to run to Khartoum and came back to destabilise the area”, he added.

Marial said the Mongolian president had come to see where troops from his country serving for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have been deployed and made a visit to troops on the ground in Bentiu and Rumbek.

“These are the areas where troops have been deployed. He (the Mongolian president) also had good bilateral discussions with the president. They discussed the role of the international community in helping the two countries resolve the dispute”, Marial said at the briefing with journalists.

(ST)

By Bonifacio Taban Kuich

February 18, 2013 (BENTIU) - A majority of members of the Unity state parliament passed a "vote of no confidence" against the assembly's Speaker, Simon Maguek Gai, on Monday, accusing him of not abiding by South Sudan transitional constitution.

Simon Maguek Gai (Hirondelle)

In the vote, which the MPs called a week ago 28 members out of the 48 parliamentarians, who are all from South Sudan's ruling party - the SPLM - voted to impeach Gai for actions contrary to constitution of Unity state and national laws.

The Speaker boycotted the parliament on Monday forcing the MPs to vote outside the Unity state Legislative Assembly in Bentiu. It is alleged that he told security personnel and assembly's secretary to hide the key's of the building.

The MPs who voted to remove Gai say that he illegally passed a controversial policy in July last year to reduced civil servant salaries without putting it to a vote. For over a year South Sudan has suffered from a n economic crisis since it stopped exporting oil through Sudan as part of a transit fee dispute.

They also accused the speaker of;

• appointing clerks who were unable to perform basic tasks; not publishing the legislative agenda;
• grounding three government vehicles and hiring them out to MPs;
• failing to form a parliamentary committee to review revenue collection;
• diverting funds allocated for the operation of the assembly into his own businesses by lending money to some MPs at an interest rate of 30%;
• and that all bills passed by the assembly had not been compiled and submitted to the Unity state governor for him to sign.

James Nguany Chakuoth, the chief whip of SPLM members in the state assembly tried to persuade the 28 SPLM MPs to attend a meeting of the SPLM caucus in the state to discuss the matter. He said that Unity State's Governor, Taban Deng Gai was not in position to support the removal of speaker.

There vote has created considerable political pressure for Speaker Gai to be sacked.

In the state transitional constitution article 65 (1&3) and the conduct of business section 12 & 13 (B) read together with section 15 (1) gives the state legislature right to elect and remove any office holder in the assembly.

(ST)