Sudan: Resolving the Abyei Crisis
From: Yona Maro
The report calls for the resolution of the dispute over Abyei, a resource-rich region straddling South Sudan and Sudan. After the Enough Project traveled to the region and conducted interviews with member of Abyei’s two communities in December 2012, the urgency of resolving the disputed territory’s status and subsequently preventing violence during this year’s dry season became even more apparent.
[ Attachment 1: Download Resource (.pdf) ]
http://allafrica.com/download/resource/main/main/idatcs/00051578:13c89a9a93ce11f1446a13e853ff024f.pdf
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Agreement Between The Republic of Sudan and The Republic of South Sudan on Certain Economic Matters
From: Yona Maro
Agreement between The Republic of Sudan and The Republic of South Sudan on certain economic matters in Addis Ababa, 27 September 2012.
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Kenya, Sudan resume ties, resolve court row: minister
from Judy Miriga
Folks,
Kenya is treading on a tricky murky ground shrouded in smoky misty cloud.........These leaders have already put their neck on a rack of gross misconduct, in abuse of power, violation and crime against humanity, denying public legal rights and justice because of corruption and impunity.........as a result, which they will find it difficult and extremely hard and confusing to fix their mess.........They are continually endangering and deeping people's lives into extreme insecurity....... This is completely out of bound......and is unacceptable..........
Life, Water and Land are gifts from God........It is illegal and unconstitutional to take away public resouces and wealth, trading in a Ponzi Scheme and Hedge Funding without public's full consent........No one chooses to live in make-shift residential camps.........no one chooses to live as squarters refugees in their own Country.......no one chooses to be given food in hand-outs for survival........this is illegal, inhuman and unconstitutional...Life and nature is from God........United in Peace under Love, we can share God's gift amicably under Mutual partnership, and not under selfish criminal thieving .........You cannot steal God's gift from the poor......victims have become targets of the corrupt unscrupulous powerful..........These corrupt leaders are engaging in plunder of Economic Crime Against Humanity..........We the people of the world, must stand against all forms of abuse, violation and crime against humanity.......there is no security, our step of Faith is our security............People of the world, Let us all unite and condemn this behaviour in the strongest term........
This conspiracy of African Leaders against their people will not work and it is a Violation of Legal Rights and Abuse and Crime Against Humanity.
Wetangula has no authority, is not the boss or power over CJ Willy Mutunga. He cannot give a resolute statement like he has. It is illegal and unconstitutional and cannot be tolerated or accepted by good people of the world...........Going with Ali, Wetangula is trying to overrule CJ Willy Mutunga's statement that Al-Bashir will not be arrested if he steps in Kenya......what is Wetangula trying to show......that he owns wits of power???...........Are we celebrating corruption, genocide and Impunity ? This is an abuse.......This must not be let to happen........
In all these, where is public's Constitutional Rights, interest and security in all these frame of Political and Economic jungle of idiologies.......
Check it out and connect the dots..........The World is not safe, We are all not safe, wake up people........!!!
Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com
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Kenya, Sudan resume ties, resolve court row: minister
By James Macharia | Reuters –
NAIROBI (Reuters) - Sudan has lifted a package of punitive trade and political measures against Kenya after the countries defused a row over a Nairobi court order to arrest the Sudanese president, Kenya's foreign minister said on Friday.
The court this week ordered Kenya's government to carry out an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir if he sets foot in Kenya.
Sudan quickly announced the expulsion of Kenya's ambassador - and Bashir also initially ordered other reprisals, including the expulsion of all other Kenyans in Sudan and the cutting of trade, Kenyan Foreign Minister Moses Wetangula told reporters.
Wetangula said he and Kenya's Defence Minister Yusuf Haji met Bashir in Khartoum on Thursday night and managed to resolve the dispute.
"Sudan had set out a raft of reprisals against Kenya that would have had a negative effect on our economy and country ... We were able to stop these," Wetangula said, on his return to Nairobi.
Sudan had agreed to reverse its decision to expel Kenya's ambassador, said the minister. Asked whether relations between the two countries had returned to normal, he replied: "In a nutshell, yes."
He did not give details of what assurances he had made to patch up the disagreement, but signalled Kenya would stick to an African Union decision not to carry out the ICC warrant.
Asked if the government would arrest Bashir if he came to Kenya, Wetangula said: "If I was the one making the decision, I would not. I would advise the president not to arrest him."
"The Kenyan position is that of the African Union," he added.
The ICC has charged Bashir with masterminding genocide and other war crimes during his country's Darfur conflict.
As an ICC member state, Kenya is legally obliged to cooperate with the court and its arrest warrants. But the African Union has told its members to ignore the warrant, because of a perception the court is unfairly targeting African rulers and because it would destabilise Darfur.
Kenya has already been criticised by the ICC and foreign governments for failing to arrest Bashir when he attended a ceremony to enact a new Kenyan constitution in August last year.
Nairobi has since said it is appealing against the Kenyan court ruling that it carry out the ICC warrant.
Wetangula said Kenya would also have lost a key market for its tea, coffee and other products if the row had continued. Sudan bought tea worth $200 million from Kenya last year, but its exports to Kenya were negligible, he added.
Wetangula said Bashir had ordered that all flights by any airline taking off or destined to Kenya would not be allowed to fly through Sudan's air space.
Bashir had ordered all trade ties between Khartoum and Nairobi severed, and that all Kenyan nationals in Sudan - who he
estimated at about 1,000 - be expelled immediately.
Bashir had also instructed that all Kenyan troops serving in a United Nations peace force in Darfur be expelled from Sudan, said the minister.
"In this time when Kenya is engaging with the Somali government troops against al Shabaab, the last thing we need as a country is additional enemies in our basket," said Wetangula.
Kenya ordered soldiers into Somalia in mid-October to crush the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab rebels who it said had attacked its security forces and tourists inside Kenya. The militants want to topple Somalia's Western-backed government.
Kenya: Nation Among Most Corrupt Countries - Report
Bernard Namunane
1 December 2011
Kenya still ranks as one of the most corrupt countries in the world, the latest index shows.
According to the Corruption Perception Index 2011 released by Transparency International Thursday, Kenya ranked 154 out of 182 countries that were surveyed.
Kenya, which shares the same score as President Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe, is among 27 low scoring countries in corruption which include the Somalia (182), North Korea (182), Afghanistan (180), Sudan (177), Equatorial Guinea (172), Burundi (172) and Libya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola and Chad all taking position 168.
New Zealand (1), Denmark (2), Finland (2), and Sweden (4) are the least corrupt countries. Only Botswana (32) and Rwanda (49) are in the club of 50 countries of the world that have entrenched the war against corruption in their official ranks.
The survey results, which were released by the Berlin-based anti-corruption watch-dog, show that the publicly stated zero-tolerance policy fight against corruption by the Grand Coalition Government only improved Kenya's score of 2.1 per cent last year marginally to 2.2 per cent.
It also goes all the way to show that the implementation of the Constitution and the wide ranging reforms being put in place at the moment are yet to change the thieving ways of the past.
TI (Kenya) executive director Samuel Kimeu, who spoke during the simultaneous launch of the report in Nairobi, blamed the lack of political will and the slow pace of reforms in the Judiciary and Kenya Police Service for the poor scores in corruption.
"This is an indication that reforms catalysed by the new Constitution have not yielded dividends in the fight against corruption. The lack of progress in tackling graft can still be attributed to lack of political will and the slow pace of reforms in critical sectors, despite implementation of the Constitution," he said.
Weak institutions and a long culture of corruption were a running streak among the African countries that were ranked most corrupt and Mr Kimeu challenged the government to change the trend to pave way for economic growth.
"At the moment, in Kenya as in many countries in Africa, the political leadership remains the greatest obstacle to effective anti-corruption initiatives," he said
The results, which form the TI's annual ritual of Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), contribute negatively to the level of foreign direct investments (FDI), the credit worthiness of a nation, and the ability turn round an economy. It draws data from 17 sources provided by reputable institutions that measure the overall frequency and size of bribes in both public and private sectors.
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Kenya Among Most Corrupt Countries - Report http://allafrica.com/view/group/main/main/id/00014791.html
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"This year we have seen corruption on protestors' banners be they rich or poor. Whether in a Europe hit by debt crisis or an Arab world starting a new political era, leaders must heed the demands for better government," said Huguette Labelle, Chair of TI.
Mr Kimeu submitted that the dismal show by Kenya could be attributed to the failure by the government to tackle conclusively major scandals such as Anglo Leasing, Nairobi City Council cemetery, Free Primary Education funds, Ministry of Water scams, and Kazi kwa Vijana money.
TI-Kenya urged the government to ensure the scandals which run into billions of money have been speedily investigated and those involved, regardless of the status, be prosecuted and if found guilty be required to pay back the funds.
"The frequency with which resources for projects aimed at lifting the majority of Kenyans from poverty are being misused or stolen casts doubt on the ability of the state to protect the public interest and achieve its economic development plans," he said.
Sudan: Khartoum Suspends Southern Oil Exports
from Judy Miriga
Folks,
Al-Bashir is playing riddle mischief with peoples lives, he fakes war to South Sudan with the help of Museveni, this is crimes against humanity.......it is unacceptable and this must stop immediately. It is because he wants full control of Oil and Gas on his terms. People of the world must stand together to help South Sudan stability against invasion of Al-Bashir through the help of Al-shabaab.
Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com
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Sudan: Obama Renews Sanctions Against Khartoum
2 November 2010
document
President Barack Obama has renewed sanctions agains the Sudanese government in Khartoum.
The following is the text of a letter he sent to the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and the President of the U.S. Senate, announcing his decision:
November 1, 2010
Dear Madam Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)
Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date.
In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the Sudan emergency is to continue in effect beyond November 3, 2010.
http://www.un.org/
The UN provides water to the displaced in south Darfur. Sanctions against Sudan have been renewed, apparently as part of efforts to stop the violence in Darfur.
The crisis constituted by the actions and policies of the Government of Sudan that led to the declaration of a national emergency in Executive Order 13067 of November 3, 1997, and the expansion of that emergency in Executive Order 13400 of April 26, 2006, and with respect to which additional steps were taken in Executive Order 13412 of October 13, 2006, has not been resolved.
These actions and policies are hostile to U.S. interests and pose a continuing unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. Therefore, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared with respect to Sudan and maintain in force sanctions against Sudan to respond to this threat.
Sincerely,
BARACK OBAMA
Sudan: Bashir Urges Army to Crush All Rebellions
26 November 2011
Khartoum — The Sudanese president Omer Hassan al-Bashir has called on the armed forces to finish cleaning up all rebel pockets across the country particularly in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile.
Speaking before the National Congress Party (NCP) general conference Bashir said that rebellions broke out in these areas driven by mercenaries and foreign agents who put the country in crisis.
Sudan is battling forces from the Sudan People's Liberation Movement North (SPLM-N) in Blue Nile and South Kordofan, in conflicts that erupted this year.
Daily Nation
The SPLM-N used to be the northern sector of the South Sudan dominant party when the country was united.
Bashir again reiterated that Sudan will adopt Islamic Shari'a law but emphasized that this is not about penal code but establishing a "Quaranic society".
The Sudanese leader said that the entire world is undergoing changes and that people everywhere and not just in Sudan are looking for freedom.
"We want to free the will of the people from subordination and oppression....humanity needs [Prophet] Mohammad's guidance," Bashir said.
Sudan: Khartoum Suspends Southern Oil Exports
28 November 2011
Khartoum — Sudan suspended South Sudanese oil exports through its territory owing to dispute over transfer fees, the former's oil minister Ali Ahmad Osman announced on Monday.
Osman said that the exports had been halted since November 17. "The South Sudanese government has not paid $US727 mn, the pending amount since October," Osman said.
He added that Sudan will not allow any oil or petroleum to pass through unless they abided by the written agreement between the two states.
Sudan: UN - 60,000 Displaced in Blue Nile
25 November 2011
Damazin — The number of people fleeing from Sudan's southern Blue Nile state has reached 60,000 people, a report issued by the United Nations Office of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOHA) said on Friday.
The displacement comes as result of constant fighting between the Sudanese armed forces and the opposition Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) in the state since September 1, 2011.
According to the report, the continued confrontations are still forcing civilians to flee and exposing them to serious damage. The latest air strikes launched by the Sudanese Air Force (SAF) on November 12 have left several dead and many wounded.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said last week that about 1, 200 people had fled Blue Nile state to South Sudan's Upper Nile state.
Sudan & Kenya: Rights groups welcome arrest order against Bashir
from Judy Miriga
Folks,
Al-Bashir is the problem why Kenya's Devolution Counties are not taking effect. He was the key financier of Al-Qaeda and Al-Shabaab in Kenya…….the reason why the head of Al-Shabaab is in Kenya and the tail in Somali. He is the key financier for Somali Pirates and Co-network of Museveni with Menes Zenawi President of Ethiopia. Al-Bashir is the reason for conflicts in North, East and Central African Nations where there are destruction of lives, pain and long sufferings of the poor and destruction of youth stability and the middle class, drug and human traffickings, the reason for instability in Somali and Congo with genocide of millions of deaths in South Sudan.
Yes, Al-Bashir must be taken to ICC Hague…….and the Court is independent to delivering legal justice. Wetangula has no powers to stop the Law from taking its Judicial execution of service. Let the whole world unite with the Judicial freternity to save this sorry situation……..It is the right thing to do……..and Wetangula MUST be investigated without fail.....he could be knowing who is who in the Pirate masterminder in Indian Ocean, Migingo and River Nile.....
Foreign Ministry with leadership of Wetangula is already questionable and cannot be taken serious. Wetangula needs to be investigated first before anything coming from him or from his leadership can be trusted. Wetangula is the reason Al-Bashir cum Al-Shabaab and is the reason for Al-Bashir having hold and control in Kenya. Wetangula is the reason why Migingo was given to Museveni and the reason for Lake Victoria Fishing Industry was faked to Kakamega without proper trading agreement, and water from Lake Victoria and Migingo is being bottled in Uganda factories for export in Arab Countries without accountability and transparency as to who are the beneficiaries and stakeholders in these trading profits, yet the Kenyan Public pay taxes to the business community on top of their huge unscrupulous trading profits. Wetangula is the reason why Foreign Embassy's money is being misappropriated and some was transferred to personal property, paying college fees to foreign students who as lobbyist, transact and facilitate such shoddy deals under unclear program, he is the reason why The South Sudan Oil Wells with River Nile have been surrounded for special interest ........and now, we DEMAND that Wetangula be investigated urgently and expeditiously. .....It is because Wetangula might make an interesting witness at ICC Hague........for violation, Abuse and Crime Against Humanity.......including matters that touches on shoddy illegal and unconstitutional deals, pain and long suffering of humanity, drugs, pirating, human trafficking and organ trafficking.
Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com
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Rights groups welcome arrest order against Bashir
By Beauttah Omanga
Human rights organisations and lawyers welcomed court ruling on Sudan President Omar Bashir, and termed expulsion of Kenyan envoy an "over-reaction".
Lawyer James Mwamu and the chair of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Florence Jaoko described the ruling as historic, but demanded that the Government makes a commitment to comply.
Mwamu said Bashir should not react as if it was the Government that gave the arrest orders.
"The onus is now on the Government to effect the order," said the vice-president of the East Africa Law Society.
Jaoko, George Kegoro of the International Commission of Jurists and Senior Counsel Paul Muite termed Sudan’s reaction "very unfortunate", as it did not take into account separation of powers, saying local Judiciary was independent.
respect
Muite said the ruling was a milestone in restoring Kenyans’ faith the Judiciary. Mr Kegoro said the Sudan leader’s move to end ties with Kenya were geared at pre-empting similar moves by civil societies in other African countries.
"President Bashir has overreacted. We went to court as citizens in respect to our Constitution," said Kegoro.
Kenya to challenge warrant for Sudanese President
Monday 28th 2011
The Kenyan government will contest a warrant issued by a domestic court for Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir after failing to arrest him on a visit last year, the foreign ministry said Tuesday.
A Kenyan judge issued a warrant for the Sudanese leader on Monday after the government failed to execute an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant when Bashir visited Nairobi last August.
Bashir is wanted in The Hague-based ICC for alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide committed in Sudan's Darfur region, where the UN says at least 300,000 people have been killed in the eight-year conflict.
Kenya has ratified the ICC's founding Rome statute, which theoretically obliges it to execute the court's warrants.
Judge Nicolas Ombija said the court ruling meant that Bashir's arrest "should be effected by the attorney general and the minister for internal security should he ever set foot in Kenya".
But Foreign Minister Moses Wetangula said in a statement on Tuesday: "Since our judicial system provides for right of appeal, we shall carefully look at the judgement with a view to requesting the attorney general to expeditiously prefer an appeal in the matter."
Bashir had attended a ceremony in Nairobi to mark the adoption of Kenya's new constitution.
After he left the country a free man, the Kenyan chapter of the International Commission of Jurists, an association of legal professionals that promotes human rights, approached the courts to issue a warrant.
Bashir is the subject of two arrest warrants issued by the ICC for atrocities committed in Darfur in western Sudan. The first was issued in March 2009 for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The second was issued in July 2010 on charges of genocide.
Kibaki to chair talks on Sudan plea
By Luke Anami in Bujumbura
Sudan’s application to join the East African Community (EAC) now hangs in the balance following the diplomatic row between Khartoum and Nairobi ahead of the bloc’s Heads of State Summit in Bujumbura.
Signs of a showdown were displayed on Tuesday when some ministers openly opposed Sudan’s inclusion ahead of Southern Sudan application.
Uganda’s First Prime Minister and Minister for East Africa Affairs Eriya Kategaya said it would be wrong to admit a country whose political leadership is under scrutiny for violations of human rights .
"Sudan does not share a border with any member of the EAC partner States. It will be wrong to admit it before that of South Sudan," Kategaya said.
"If you look at several issues like their democracy, the way they treat women and their religious politics we feel they don’t qualify."
Minutes after arrival
The seriousness of the matter was underlined when President Kibaki, minutes after arrival in Bujumbura, went into a briefing session with East African Community Minister Musa Sirma, his Foreign Affairs counterpart Moses Wetangula, and Attorney General Gitu Muigai.
"The AG and the EAC minister are briefing the President this afternoon before the meeting tomorrow. The issue of Sudan will form part of the agenda at the Heads of State summit," EAC PS David Nalo said in an interview with The Standard.
Interestingly, Kibaki will chair the summit that will determine Khartoum’s application after taking over leadership from Burundi’s Pierre Nkurunziza.
Prof Muigai was busy preparing a brief by the time we went to press.
Briefing the media last week, EAC Secretary General Richard Sezibera said Sudan President Omar al Bashir in June wrote to Nkurunziza expressing his country’s interest in joining the bloc.
South Sudan made its application this month. "We received South Sudan’s application some weeks ago,"Dr Sezibera said. "But the Heads of States will discuss Sudan’s application first, before agreeing on any move," he added.
Nairobi Star (Nairobi)
Kenya: Arrest Omar Al-Bashir If He Steps in Nation - Court
Jillo Kadida
29 November 2011
A judge yesterday obligated the Attorney-General and Security minister to arrest Sudan President Omar Bashir should he set foot in Kenya. In an order seen to shame government officials who feted Bashir as a state guest during the constitution promulgation on August 27, 2010, Judge Nicholas Ombija decreed he must be arrested and sent off to The Hague to answer to charges of crime against humanity in relation to the Darfur crisis.
And should the state fail to execute the warrant, the judge said, the International Commission of Jurists Kenyan Chapter - which sought the court order - should go back to court and seek another order to compel the state to perform its duty under the international laws. Bashir has been indicted by the International Criminal Court for genocide crimes committed in Sudan.
The court also issued two warrants of arrest which have never been enforced. The jurists' organisation said it was forced to move to court after the government invited Bashir to the ceremony on August 27, 2010.
Despite two warrants hanging over his head and two requests made by ICC to the Rome Statute member states to apprehend Bashir and hand him over so that he can face the law, the Sudanese President walked into the country and out without any trouble. The question of his arrest was never raised. Instead Kenyan officials gave excuses as to why they did not apprehend him.
Among the excuses given was that the African Union had requested for suspension of the warrant and Kenya being a member of the Union could not go against these wishes. The Kenya government cited strategic interest in the neighbouring country. Foreign Affairs assistant minister Richard Onyonka said arresting Bashir may have risked disrupting peace in Sudan. "Apart from being an immediate neighbour, Sudan's stability is vitally linked to Kenya's continued peace and well being," he said.
Onyonka said Kenya has an obligation, both as a neighbour and as a mediator in the peace agreement, to keep talking with the leadership of Sudan's power-sharing government to ensure that peace is sustained. He said the Kenya government also invited Salva Kiir, the Sudan vice-president who is now Southern Sudan's leader, to attend the promulgation.
Kiir could not attend because government protocol does not allow the president and vice-president to travel abroad at the same time, Onyonka said. "We must have a peaceful resolution to the issues of Sudan and Kenya is going to make sure that we achieve the results," he said. "If it means negotiating with both parties we shall."
Transport minister Amos Kimunya said at the time: "It is important, as Kenyans, for us to appreciate that Kenyan interests must come first, regional interests come second and international interests come third." Under the Rome Statute any member state is under obligation to arrest any individual accused of committing crimes against humanity irrespective of his or her state, where the crimes were committed or their social status.
Yesterday judge Ombija said having ratified the Rome Statute which created the ICC, Kenya is under duty to apprehend any war criminal. He said the international law forms part of Kenyan law and is recognised by the country's constitution. This means the government's failure to arrest Bashir amounts to violation of its duty. The ICJ Kenyan Chapter blamed the Kenya government for failing to arrest Bashir when he visited the country.
According to ICJ, the Kenya government, in utter disregard of its obligation under international law, failed to arrest Bashir despite the existence of two warrants of arrest issued by ICC. The government however opposed the case and issuance of warrant saying ICJ does not have powers to institute the case. It said the request for provisional warrant of arrest against Bashir ought to be made by ICC first.
In one of its letters, the ICJ called for arrest of Bashir in the event he turns up for the Igad Conference scheduled to be held in the country which was later moved to Ethiopia for fear that he will be arrested. A statement from the ICC Registrar, Silvana Arbia, had said: "The International Criminal Court requested the Republic of Kenya to inform the Chamber, no later than 29 October, about any problem which would impede or prevent the arrest and surrender of Omar al-Bashir in the event that he visits the country on 30 October, 2010."
--- On Tue, 11/29/11, Judy Miriga wrote:
From: Judy Miriga
Subject: This is Good News ...... Kenyan court issues arrest warrant for Sudan’s Bashir
Date: Tuesday, November 29, 2011, 10:37 AM
Folks,
This is good news. Let us watch how it plays........It is only those guided through wisdom who will provide the driving force towards constitutional justification to balance Human Rights......It is only those whose conscious uprightness, will guide them to do what is legally right, who will provide the Revolution needed for Human Rights Oppression and Realistic Justified Freedom to Liberty from hypocritical unscrupulous International Corporate business interest. It is only those whose uprightness to Reform the change we all need, who will be the true advocates for fair Socio/Economic and Political landscape challenges towards common Mutual progressive development agenda for sustainable stability in a level playing field.
It is of such actions of the likes of Justice Nicholas Ombijah who will provide Treasure for African Wealth and which will value, provide dignity, honor and virtue to security of life........A New Vision which is capable to generate Faith we can all believe in and Trust........
Our God will never leave or forsake us, He is an awesome God, He is true to his promises.....and to those who believe, .......God promised us life and good health, He did not promise us fear, pain, long suffering or despair and failure......we must all remain strong standing on God's Promises getting involved in our own special ways to bring the change we all want, so we can be United under Peace in Love and caring for one another........Let us all strive to see God answering our Prayers in each one of us in all our diverse situations........
Kudos to Justice Nicholas Ombija, and may God continue to protect you, give you strength and wisdom to overcome temptation that will come your way, so justice may finally be achieved by the oppressed black, people of African descent.......and more specifically to Kenya…….Thanks to God, wickedness and evil spirit does not come from God, it comes from Satan, and Satan is a liar..........
Justice Nicholas Ombija, you are the best, and you are the winner.........keep on keeping on and God in His Mercy, will see us all through.......This is the way to go people…….This is how we can bring change that we all want…….!!!
Cheers......!!!
Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com
Kenyan court issues arrest warrant for Sudan’s Bashir
By Judy Ogutu
Sudan President Omar al Bashir risks being arrested and handed over to the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague if he sets foot on Kenyan soil.
This follows an order by a High Court Judge sitting in Nairobi to have the Sudan leader arrested.
Justice Nicholas Ombijah issued a warrant for his arrest on Monday following an application lodged by the International Commission for Jurists (ICJ) Kenya Chapter.
"The court hereby issues a warrant of arrest against Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir as urged by the applicant. The order should be effected by the Attorney General (AG) and the Minister for Internal Security should he ever set foot in Kenya," he ruled.
ICJ Kenya Chapter had applied for the same on the basis of an order for his arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The organization rushed to court soon after Bashir’s visit in Kenya on August 27, 2010 during the promulgation of the country’s new Constitution.
On Monday, the judge said: "Al Bashir came to Kenya on August 27 and the Kenyan authorities in utter disregard of their obligations under the international law and laws of Kenya failed to enforce the warrant of arrest."
Bashir was the first head of state to be indicted by the ICC, which is accusing him of genocide and war crimes in Darfur. He has denied the charges, saying they are politically motivated.
About 2.7 million people have fled their homes since the conflict began in Darfur in 2003, and the UN says about 300,000 have died - mostly from disease.
Sudan's government says the conflict has killed about 12,000 people and the number of dead has been exaggerated for political reasons.
In its application before court, ICJ Kenya had expressed fears that should he come to Kenya, the government will not effect the warrant of arrest which would be in total disregard of the law.
On Monday, the Judge ruled that according to the Constitution, any treaty or convention ratified by the government shall form part of the laws of Kenya.
On March 15, 2005, Kenya ratified the Rome Statute under which the International Criminal Court is established.
The Rome Statute, the Judge added, was in conformity with the Constitution of Kenya and the country was obligated to arrest him being a member state to the Rome Statute.
The State had opposed the application by ICJ Kenya chapter, saying it lacked locus standi (legal authority) to file the same. It was also its contention that the application was mute and moribund.
The judge overruled them saying it indeed had the locus standi.
"I am satisfied that the applicant (ICJ-Kenya) has the necessary locus standi. The application succeeds," he stated.
The International Centre for Policy and Conflict (ICPC) on Monday welcomed the decision.
In a statement signed by its Deputy Director and Programmes Director, Mwaura Nderi, it said if the government does not execute the order it would be failing in its obligations as set out in the Rome Statute.
TRIBUTE TO THE SILENT VOICES OF SOUTH SUDAN HEROES
From: ouko joachim omolo
Colleagues Home & Abroad Regional News
BY JOSEPH ADERO NGALA
NAIROBI-KENYA
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2011
As the world welcomed the birth of South Sudan, we should not forget people and heroes who played a critical role in bringing peace and stability between the north and south. In particular we want to pay tribute to some of the silent voices such as Father Carroll Houle MM, Renato Kizito, Comboni missionary, Michael Schultheise, Jesuit priest, emeritus Bishop Taban Paride, and late father Bill Knipe MM.
Others are Father Tom Tesconia MM, who spent a night in my house tying to negotiate with one war Lord from South Sudan, Rev Sam Kobia, former secretary General of World Council of Churches who was my co-chairman during the negations when the two faction split. We also pay tribute to Father Tom Mantica, MM.
As Father Carroll Houle once said “Peace is a process- it is something you cannot see its results immediately. It requires resources, commitment and cooperation between churches, religious communities and the government”.
Among Sudanese church personnel who contributed much to the liberation by shedding their blood include Father Lino Sebit from Torit Catholic Diocese. Lino was ordained priest on 20th April 1997,and just a little more than a year after being ordained to the priesthood, he was arrested in Khartoum along with Father Hillary Boma and 23 others, and falsely accused of having participated in series of bombing in the capital a month earlier.
He was held with Father Boma for a year, beaten and tortured before being released. The case was reported as clear violation of human rights by the UN, the US department both priests were taken to Germany for recuperation.
Father Hillary has never been able to return to Sudan. Lino returned 2000 to take on the role ass vocation director and Vice rector of Kocoa minor seminary, Prior to his appointment as Vice Rector he served at Narus in the parish of St Joseph the worker.
Although he was physically and psychologically health, he had been permanently affected by the experience of torture and imprisonment. He died on September 29, 2008, apparently from complications related to malaria from suffering he had experienced ten years earlier.
This makes his death a form of martyrdom, since his captivity and torture were motivated by the Khartoum government’s antipathy to the church and desire to silence her objections to its oppressive policies and activities.
Earlier in 1960 Father Santurino Lohure a diocesan priest of Torit diocese shed his blood for the liberation of the people of south Sudan. After his death Father Lepoldo Anyua took his place but was later killed and all their remains have been returned back to the diocese for formal burial. Father Saturino Lohure who was to be made bishop but he preferred to support the Sudanese rebels to assist them spiritually and give them courage and guidance, he later became a member of parliament of Khartoum before dictatorship and later escape in exile.
The journey to south Sudan war was long and treacherous one, one that saw millions of Sudanese loose their lives and properties. Organizations that worked tirelessly towards peace in South Sudan include People for Peace in Africa, a voluntary organization that does not have full time staff all staff but has good will.
Since Father Joachim Omolo Ouko, a member of the Apostles of Jesus joined People for Peace in Africa in June 2000-within that short period he has done a lot towards peace in South Sudan. His heart is more in South Sudan than his country Kenya. Many people have been confusing him as a Sudanese. He has reported about Sudan since then and participated in peace negotiations and healing, both in Kenya and inside Sudan.
The joy however, is that after decades of brutal and marginalization, the people of South Sudan have finally gained their independence. The historic event during the formal declaration of independence in Juba was culmination of bigger struggle saw-by some estimates-up to two million people consigned to early graves as thousands of others fled to exiles in neighboring countries including Uganda, Kenya Tanzania, Zaire, Ethiopia.
After People for peace in Africa started the process as other organization got involved, headed by Father Carroll Houle, native of Minnesota who felt that there was an need to star t organizing workshop for Sudanese Women and the youths, he felt at that time that the only way to have dialogue he influenced a number of religious congregations to start assisting both the wearing factions of Sudanese people liberation movements.
While Father Houle is one of the silence voices in our mist, we should not forget those people who contribute like Father Edward Dougherty MM, the current Maryknoll Superior general, Father Tom McDonald who inspired many Sudanese by giving trauma and healing workshop in Torit diocese on Palm Sunday together with Father Joachim Omolo Ouko AJ a courageous Kenyan priest who has ventured into many dangerous spots of Africa.
Father Ouko who gets his courage from Jesus Christ who suffered in liberating God’s people is convinced that such challenges are for the glory of God. Like Father Ouko, Father Ken Thesing MM, who worked with refugees in South Sudan after signing of the comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) courageously, prepared many for resettlement.
Also not to be forgotten is Ambassador Bethwel Kiplagat, a friend of People for Peace in Africa who actually approached us to start the faction negation a man many people hailed as a really ambassador for peace if there is anything to go with he is the man that could claim a lot mileage on Sudan. He brought the issue on Sudan to be known beyond the boundaries.
With prayers things became rather very easy tension was reducing as fate would have it, was here in Kenya that at last the war-wearing Sudanese people agreed to sign the CPA that finally brought about a semblance of peace to that war-ravage country, the political divorce that saw the birth of the 54th Africa country.
Despite Euphoria, security and the ‘Curse of oil’ will continue to hang over the worlds 193rd state like the Sword of Democle as it learns to take the first baby steps of nationhood.
A Kenya writer puts it that-a plethora of unfinished business will almost certainly continue to plague the new state. The difficulties birth of the new state following the inevitable split between the Arabanised and Islamist north and the largely Christian and animist south, was mixture of sadness and joy that the south was finally free from oppression and trauma of splitting Africans erstwhile largest nation. The midwives will certainly have to be wakeful to ensure they don’t throw away the baby with the bath water before giving it back to the mother.
In many meetings and interview with Dr John Garang in the bush and before he died l don’t believe he would like to see Sudan divided however he kept that as his personal weapon until he died. But the split come in because the south always had demanded for the separation even when l co chaired the factions split with Rev Sam Kobi already here were some sign in our negotiation that most of the factions were queued for separation.
During our negotiation with factions the history of the SPLA was brought on the table by both faction both main SPLA and the Nassir faction for us to understand the dynamics one of the them was to learn how the SPLA was formed- in 1972 when there was ceasefire after the President Gaffar Muhammed Numeriry agreed to grant conditional autonomy to the south.
Many of the current Minsters including President Salva Kiir was there when the agreement was repeatedly flouted, and war at Dr John Garang’s side when they told their people that time had come to go back to the bush to make one last heave for freedom.
The Commander of the south forces was passed from Major Kerubino Kuanyin Bol to Dr John Garang with the word uttered on May 13, 1983 that is well known to all member of the SPLA. ‘’Garang the son of my mother have you come?’” Major Kerubino posed.
“Take over the command from here Chagain my work is finished give me something to drink and let’s celebrate the start of the revolution. Kerubino was one of the war veterans whose fighting record stretches back to the 1950s were not fortunate enough to live to witness the achievement of the dream.
With my experiences of reporting Africa what Salva Kiir should now do is not to antagonize the north even as he builds bridges with other neighbors. He should be careful not to go the way of Eritrea after it split with Ethiopia, nor follow the example of East Timor.
South should use its independence to nurture mutual ties based on respect with the north as soon as possible. For starters, Kiir should not chase away northerners who wish to remain in the south and vise verse.
He should also borrow a leaf from Rwanda’s book and seriously consider joining the East African Community to create an even bigger trading bloc for the benefit of the entire region. No doubt the Sudanese have learnt their lesson and seen the futility of war. And, therefore, pending disputes like that of Nuba Mountains whose inhabitants fought a bush war alongside SPLA for secession but who are now remaining in the north, must be solved amicably.
South Kordofan, Darfur and Blue Nile conflict hotspots and oil rich enclave of Abyei must not be used by enemies of Sudan to re-ignite animosity and fresh fighting. North and south should exploit diversity for the common good.
Peace in Sudan will definitely benefit the entire region immensely. And to give the devil his due, US should consider lifting sanctions against Khartoum whose leader agreed to let go the south albeit unwillingly.
People for Peace in Africa (PPA)
P O Box 14877
Nairobi
00800, Westlands
Kenya
Tel 254-20-4441372
Website: www.peopleforpeaceafrica.org
CEPO Press Release on South Sudan Independence
from Yona Maro
Community Empowerment for Progress Organization CEPO hails the independence of South Sudan, congratulates the Government, civil society and the international community for their contributions, as well as the martyrs and wounded heroes who died in the struggle. Challenges now lie ahead. They are:
Political Development: It is high time for the South Sudan political parties to sit together around a table for consodilating their differences through any possible means such as South-South political parties dailogue for the sake of gaining political unity of purpose. Additionally, drawing constructive and genuine fighting over “marginalization, oppression, lack of rule of law, violation of human rights and instutional racism and discrimination”.
Remembering the independence of South Sudan from the rest of sudan is due to dictorship in its various forms, lweak constitutional goverance and lack of inclusive approach in leadership and development. CEPO is urging every poltical party in the Republic of South Sudan to prioritise upholding democracy and good goverance as a paramount goal to be achieved.
The hard questions before the Republic of South Sudan political parties are, how well are they prepared politically for upholding political popularity in governance and leadership? And secondly, how much committed are they as political parties to the principle of respect and fulfillment of democratic transformation, human rights and rule of law with full political will?
Our failure to learn from the mistakes of the previous governments of Sudan, will place the government in the new state of south Sudan eminently for repeating Khartoum mistakes.
Economic Development : How much are we ready to follow clear policy-guided-work for achieving better and balance development. It is logical that we in the new born state should be careful enough to learn from experiences of post-conflict and independent states in economical development in order for us to avoid the human mistakes committed during economical development in those countries. Our key possible challenges are fighting corruption in its various forms in all institutions both governmental and non-governmental and lack of or weak relevant financial resource mobilization strategies with poor institutional accountability. Following the current situation prior to our newly born state which is characterized by fragile statues. It is important for our government of the Republic of South Sudan to immediately start running the government on the principle of clear policy-guided work. The transition of the south Sudan development plans into action is the first milestone for confirming commitment for policy-guided-work.
Further, answering the question “what are the policies of the government per each service sector institutions for attracting support both financial and human resource for transition of those plans into actual tangible services?” Is a key aspect of economical development. The fighting against all forms of corruption, HIV/AIDS and promotion of gender mainstreaming should be intensified and also turn as citizens’ individual civic duties and responsibilities with genuine assistance from the state and the international community.
Security sector reform: The genuine transformation of the security sector institutions from being unprofessional to professional under the principle of security sector institution accountable to the public needs immediate attention right from the day one after the independence. Any instability in the security sector management is an immediate factor that may take us back to square one where we are coming from to the independence. Therefore, the transparency and accountability among the security sector institutions is necessary. For improvement of justice and accountability, there is a need to have citizens-security sector consultative interactions that are heading to achievement of peace, stability and protection of civilians lives and properties
Hence, it is of benefit for the new government of South Sudan to build the security sector on the concept of protecting the civilians lives and properties including creating suitable environment for popular or inclusive national building regards to all aspects of development
The communal/local clashes or any violence are well managed when the security sector is clearly structured and organize on the bases of transparency and accountability. Accountability and transparency principle of the security sector is easily realized, when the security institutions are not intervening into issues and challenges in irresponsble and unlawful manner. For instance, if the security sector institutions relation with the media and civil society is not based on culture or attitudes of dialogue and information sharing, it will hard for ensuring popular or inclusive national building.
Civil society: Finding ourselves in fragil eviroment, it makes us not to be able to escape being frageli. It will be of no meaning if we are not able to play our role for making our government accountability to the people and failed to make the voice of the people far from the government not being heard by the various governmental and non-governmental agencies.
Being a civil society in the fragil state, it will be better for us to focuse at the following thematic areas;
1. Promotion of rule of law for ensuring justice and accountability.
2. Focusing on developmental projects.
3. Democrtic goverance with inclusive political participation.
4. Enhancing capacity building among the rural community memebers for promoting self-relaince.
CEPO stands ready to assist the Government of Republic of South Sudan and the people of South Sudan to face these challenges head on in collaboration with other civil society organisations.
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CHALLENGES AHEAD OF NEW SUDAN AS KIIR FORMS HIS NEW GOVERNMENT
Colleagues Home & Abroad Regional News
BY FR JOACHIM OMOLO OUKO, AJ
NAIROBI-KENYA
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2011
Indeed July 9, 2011 will be a day that the new dawn is born not only for South Sudanese but the entire African continent and the rest of the world. On the eve of the event, according to Barnaba Benjamin Marial, the information and broadcasting minister, prayers, concerts and sports events will be conducted in the build up to the July 9 independence celebrations.
Citizens across south Sudan will be encouraged to go to churches or gather in public squares to light candles and say prayers, to herald the birth of the new nation. Dancing and festivities will take place in villages across the country.
The government announcement comes less than week after the Catholic Church initiated nine days of prayer based on the theme; “tolerance and harmonious inter-ethnic and inter-religious relationships”. Many bishops from the south Sudan did not attend the 17th AMECEA Plenary Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya because of the occasion.
According to the information minister, bells and drums will be sounded at midnight on July 8 the eve of the Independence Day, to mark the historical transition from Southern Sudan to the ‘Republic of South Sudan’.
Over 3,500 representative, including kings, chiefs and elders from across the 10 states of the semi-autonomous region, leaders from the business community, civil society, women groups and youth movement are expected at the celebration.
Also earmarked for the historic event are foreign dignitaries, which will include some 30 African heads of state, foreign ministers, leaders of regional and multilateral organisations, as well as foreign ministers. Kenya Citizen-Royal Media TV crews are already in Juba and will cover the events live.
James Wani Igga, the long time friend of People for Peace in Africa and the speaker of South Sudan Legislative Assembly (SSLA) has been earmarked to proclaim the independence of the new nation, thus becoming Africa’s 54th and the world’s 193rd country (according to UN membership).
President Salva Kirr is expected to sign the new transitional constitution, once Sudan’s flag is lowered and that of the new Republic of South Sudan is raised. The president will then take the oath of office as the first President of the Republic of South Sudan.
Also expected to grace the event will be a 21-gun salute, a parade of 1,500 people, comprising officers from the military, including the army, police, prison service, wildlife service and fire brigade.
People to be honoured on that day include Joseph Lagu, a former President of High Executive Council for South Sudan and now a Special Advisor to president Kiir. Like Kenyan constitution, Lagu says that cabinet members should not be part of the parliament if the doctrine of separation of powers should have much sense.
Also to be remembered is late Samson Lukare Kwaje who died some time back this year in Nairobi, Kenya. He was a senior member of the SPLM’s Political Bureau, the highest political organ of the former rebel movement that now governs South Sudan.
He was the Minister of Information for the newly established Government of South Sudan from 2005 to 2008. Dr. Kwaje was from Pojulu ethnic community from Central Equatoria. He served as the spokesman of the SPLM and its military wing the SPLM/A during the Second Sudanese Civil War Second Sudanese Civil War prior to the creation of the Government of South Sudan following the signing of CPA on 9 January 2005 by the late SPLM leader, Dr. John Garang and President of the Government of Sudan, President Omar al-Bashir.
The Bank of South Sudan (BOSS) has also been upgraded to Central Bank for the Republic of South Sudan ahead of independence. Already Kenya Commercial Bank and Equity among other banks are in South Sudan.
Despite the fact that people will celebrate however, Salva Kiir is faced with a lot of challenges. Currently his government is investigating what happened to millions of U.S. dollars released to build grain stores in each of South Sudan’s ten states.
The total cost of the money missing from grain orders that were paid for but not received and stores that were funded but not built is estimated to be over 2 billion U.S. dollars – similar to the region’s annual budget.
Finance ministry contractors were asked in 2009 to create 132 emergency grain stores costing over 90 million Sudanese Pounds ($34 million). Only 46 were built according to the South Sudan Legislative Assembly (SSLA) select committee.
The fact that the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) is a rebel movement, the first challenge Salva Kiir will be faced with is putting into place qualified and learned army. He is also to work very hard to ensure that SPLM leadership is not tribally dominated and motivated as it is now.
Although SPLM Commander Edward Lino is likely to be named the head of army, the fact that he is a Dinka, and again that the army is dominated by Dinka puts yet another big challenge for Kiir. Edward Lino was the first head of the SPLM/A nucleus in Khartoum and now in Abyei.
It explains why on December 22, 2008 when Kiir appointed Nhial Deng Nhial as Defence Minister it generated a lot of controversies and speculations. None Dinkas viewed it as unconstitutional, nepotistic and tribally-driven.
Lino was born in Abyei on February 1946 from Abieng- went to Khartoum University, Faculty of Law but did not finish because he was arrested and detained with other colleagues for political activities. After the Addis Ababa Agreement in 1972, he went to the South where he was employed in the Ministry of Culture and Information as Assistant Editor in Nile Mirror Newspaper where he was again arrested and detained without trail.
Another challenge Kiir is faced with is to name Dr Riek Machar as his Vice President. Kiir being a Dinka while Riek is a Nuer poses many challenges. The occurrence of 1991 failed coup, its subsequent alleged Bor Massacre and their aftermath since then have generated political debate among South Sudanese.
Machar was commander of his home province, and then became Deputy Commander of the SPLA. In August 1991 he split from the Group of the SPLA-Nasir (named after the headquarters of the group in the town of Nasir, SPLA-United) along with Lam Akol the SPLA and wanted to remove Garang.
As per June 2010 the new government announced new government officials. They included the SPLM Secretary – General Pagan Amum and Southern Sector SPLM Secretary Dr Anne Itto who were appointed Ministers of Peace and CPA Implementation and Cooperatives and Rural Development respectively. The all-inclusive cabinet also consists of Ministers from the National Congress Party (NCP) and other South Sudan political parties.
Below is the list of new Government of South Sudan Ministers:
1. Mr Kosti Manibe Ngai Minister of Cabinet Affairs
2. Pagan Amum - Minister of Peace and CPA Implementation
3. Nhial Deng Nhial- Minister of SPLA and Veteran Affairs
4. Deng Alor Kuol- Minister of Regional Cooperation
5. Dr Cirino Hiteng Ofuho - Minister in the office of the President
6. John Luk Jok - Minister of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Development
7. Gier Chouang Aloung - Minister of Internal Affairs
8. Michael Makuei Lueth - Minister of Parliamentary Affairs
9. David Deng Athorbei- Minister of Finance and Economic Planning
10. General Oyay Deng Ajak - Minister of Investment
11. Mrs Awut Deng Acuil - Minister of Labour and Public Service
12. Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin - Minister of Information
13. Dr Luke Tombekana Monoja - Minister of Health
14. Dr Samson Lukare Kwaje –was then Minister of Agriculture and Forestry
15. Mr Anthony Lino Makana - Minister of Roads and Transport
16. Dr Michael Milli Hussein - Minister of Education
17. Mr Stephen Dhieu - Minister of Commerce and Industry
18. Minister of Environment (NCP to nominate their person)
19. Mrs Jema Nunu Kumba - Minister of Housing and Physical Planning
20. Mr Madut Biar Yel - Minister of Communication and Postal Services
21. Mr Garang Diing Akuong - Minister of Energy and Mining
22. Mrs Agnes Kwaje Lasuba - Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare
23. Dr Anne Itto Leonardo - Minister of Cooperatives and Rural Development
24. Mr James Kok Ruea - Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disasters Management
25. Mr Paul Mayom Akec - Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources
26. Mr Joseph Ukel - Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology
27. Minister of Wildlife and Tourism (NCP was to nominate their person)
28. Mrs Nyalok Tiong Gatluak - Minister of Animal Resources and Fisheries
29. Ms Mary Jervas Yak - Minister of Human Resources Development
30. Mr Makuac Teny Yok - Minister of Youth, Sports and Recreation
31. Mr Gabriel Changson Chang - Minister of Culture and Heritage
32. Dr Priscilla Nyanyang - Minister without Portfolio
People for Peace in Africa (PPA)
P O Box 14877
Nairobi
00800, Westlands
Kenya
Tel 254-20-4441372
Website: www.peopleforpeaceafrica.org
PUBLIC DISCUSSION – South Sudan Independence: The Way Forward
from Yona Maro
PUBLIC
DISCUSSION
“South
Sudan Independence: The Way Forward”
June 24, 2011
2pm-5pm
Juba Grand Hotel
PANELISTS
H.E. Riek
Machar - Vice President of the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS)
Ambassador
Nakaha Stanislas - African Union (AU) Liaison Officer in Southern
Sudan
Hala Elkarib
- Director of the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa
(SIHA) Network
Anis Haggar
- Chairman of the Haggar Holding Company
MODERATORS
John Tanza
Mabusu & Charlton Doki
Co-Hosts of
VOA’s “Sudan In Focus” program
PROGRAM
2:00
pm Guest Arrival / Registration
2:30 pm Opening Remarks
Introduction
of Broadcasting Board of Governors
Introduction of Panelists
2:45 pm Independence
– Role of the government in building a new nation
H.E. Riek Machar (opening statement, 5 minutes)
Panel Discussion
Audience Questions
and Comments
3:10 pm Lessons
Learned – Examples of post-conflict nation-building in Africa
Ambassador
Nakaha Stanislas (opening statement,
5 minutes)
Panel Discussion
Audience Questions
and Comments
3:35 pm Citizens
– Rights and obligations in a new society
Hala
Elkarib (opening statement,
5 minutes)
Panel Discussion
Audience Questions
and Comments
4:00 pm Prosperity
– Developing a successful economy based on trade and investment
Anis Haggar
(opening statement, 5 minutes)
Panel Discussion
Audience Questions
and Comments
4:25 pm Closing
Remarks
4:45pm VOA
Raffle – Give away
5 Self-Powered Dynamo Radios
Sudan: Press Release on South Sudan soft border
from Yona Maro
Community Empowerment for Progress Organization
South-North Sudan Civil Society Organizations
Soft Borders Workshops
Under the Theme: Soft Borders for Peaceful Co-existence
April and May, 2011
Juba-Khartoum
Funded by CPA/ Assessment and Evaluation Commission
For Immediate Release;
Community Empowerment for Progress Organization-CEPO is a civil society organization operating in Southern Sudan. CEPO is registered by the Ministry of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Development, Government of South Sudan and is registered by State Ministry of Social Development Central Equatoria state.
CEPO in collaboration with the Comprehensive Peace agreement Assessment and Evaluation Commission have organized two days south and north Sudan civil society organizations role on soft borders workshop. The workshop was under the theme “soft borders for peaceful co-existence” in Juba from 21st -22nd April, 2011 and .
The workshop brought 34 Sudanese civil society and media and presses houses leaders from both the southern and northern Sudan bordering states to Juba. The workshop witness presentation of brainstorming papers by academia, UNMIS civil affairs regional sector, media and civil society experts from both south and north Sudan
The Immediate Objectives: To organize two days workshops for civil society from south and north Sudan in order to;
To promote the concept of soft borders and come as a tool of peaceful co-existence between south and north
To discuss the role of the civil society in the post referendum negotiations
To influence decision makers views on soft borders
Expected out comes:
Hold a press conference in order to publicize the outcome of the workshop as well as work to influence decision makers
Action plan for civil society engagement in the post-referendum negotiations
Developing an activity list for civil society activities between the time of the event and 9th July, 2011
The workshop recommendations are as follow
For the post-referendum negotiating parties
9th July, 2011 as approaching, is a prime commitment and speedy negotiations for durable borders issues resolutions between the emerging states
Agreements on peaceful mechanisms for demarcating the borders must be reached for settling any future borders disputes
Borders issues discussions must base on the principle of genuine political, social and economic bilateral relations between the two states
There is a need to agree upon a framework for resolving the outstanding CPA issues
For the AUHIP and International community representatives
More pressure without any tolerance upon the post-referendum negotiating parties’ commitment for finalizing agreements over issues on timely manner is paramount before the 9th July, 2011.
IGAD must reconfirm its role and commitment for ensuring a durable peaceful bilateral relation between the two states on the condition of full respect for principles of human rights, rule of law and protection of citizens’ lives and properties
In the case of less time for competition of the post-referendum negotiations agreements, a legal and political framework for continuing the post-referendum unresolved issues must be agree upon
African Union and World Security Council should keep the bilateral peaceful co-existence between the two states in relation to borders as an agenda of serious focus
Security, peace and protection of citizens lives and properties at the borders and elsewhere between the two states must be clearly and strongly with mandatory roles and responsibilities be stipulate in the New United Nation Mission Mandate after the 9th July 2011
World Security Council must ensure that the borders patrolling responsibility is handle by united nation its new mission mandate with full powers for intervening and resolving borders frictions or clashes in best peaceful form
Recognition, acknowledgement and support of the civil society role in promoting soft borders between the two states is necessary
For Civil society and the Media
Peaceful co-existence at the borders must remain as top agendas of advocacy and lobbying for building sisterly states
Promoting peace, human rights and rule of law education among the borders communities for maintaining genuine protective borders co-existence is paramount
Campaign for genuine and non-violent border demarcation under the principle of mutual understanding must be strengthen and maintain as an agenda
Increasing pressure on the post referendum negotiating parties for resolving the issues non-violently in timely manner
Keeping the citizens well informed about the post referendum negotiations agreements and issues unresolved equally under the principle of peace sustainability
Promotion of political and legal accountability in the two states as fragile states in terms of genuine bilateral relation must be a priority
Lobbying for financial and technical support for the civil society role engagement in soft borders and CPA outstanding issues
CEPO is task to initiate a “Civil society working group”-CSWG on soft borders between the two states. Among the mandate of the CSWG is the observation of the borders security and peace
James Hitler
CEPO Communication officer
Tel: +249 128 520 228
+249 957 102 049
+256 477 102 049
+249 900 842114
Skype: hitjames1
People of South Sudan – Your Opinions on the Transitional Constitution
From: Yona F Maro
Attention People of South Sudan!
The Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly Wants To Hear Your Opinions on the Transitional Constitution.
The Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly (SSLA) would like to invite civil society, interest groups, political parties and anyone with public interest in the South Sudan Transitional Constitution to submit comments and questions to a meeting of the constitutional review clusters. This is a unique opportunity for you to express your opinions about the South Sudan Transitional Constitution directly to your elected representatives. Two sessions will be held:
Parliamentary Cluster on Bill of Rights on Monday, 6 June 2011; 10:00 AM
• Human Rights
• Rights of South Sudanese citizens
• Rights of Women and Children
• Religious Freedom
• Freedom of Expression
Parliamentary Cluster on the Executive and Legislature on Tuesday, 7 June 2011; 10:00 AM
• Establishment of National Government
• Powers of the President
• Powers of the Legislature
What: SSLA Public Forums on Transitional Constitution
When: Monday, 6 June 2011 and Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Where: Nyakuron Cultural Center- Meeting Room
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
* All media are welcome
For more information, contact:
International Republican Institute (IRI)
+249(0)909094953
Kenya, Sudan, Uganda: SOUTH SUDAN AND LUOS
From: Paul Nyandoto
Papa Likondi,
I have never seen an animal who write and read and uses internet and has even gone and opened an e-mail account as you have did. men you have made it very high, you are even better than the animals mentioned in George Orwell`s book ( the animal farm). But this thing you are now talking about luos. Does it concern only luos or it affects also Bantus. Because in Africa there had been allot of Bantu movements even from South Africa up to Nairobi long time ago. Do not forget that it was the Masais who are nilotics who gave nairobi such a beautiful name, since a lot of Bantus were being done by Arabs and never thought of any nomenclature. I would advice luos to remain in Kenya, Acholis to remain in Uganda, the southern Sudan luos or nilotic brothers to remain there and the nilotic in Democratic republic of Congo, Ruanda, Tanzania also to stay put, such that they can make the greater luo empire. I definitely think that from that empire Africa can also have a proud history, since we are already tired of the old history like slaves, slavery, slave trade, colonialism, corruption, tribalism, thieves, cannibalism: MEN it is just dirty past, nothing to make Africans be proud of the continent, because even Gold or oil in Africa is just benefiting non Africans. An African man hardly make enough to buy diamond for his loved one at a time when Africa is the largest diamond producer..
Paul Nyandoto
- - - - - - - - - - -
>>> Papa Likondi >>>
We are aware that the Luos ran away from South Sudan when there was war at the beginning of the 18th Century. Now that the war is over and they have been given freedom by the North, I think they should start packing their belongings and go rebuild their country.
The Land they occupy now, around Lake Victoria belongs to the Banyore who were squeezed in some rocky place in Western Kenya. We are willing to occupy our ancestral land Kisumu City any time they leave which any case should not be later than 14rh February 2012.
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THE AFRICAN UNION APPLAUDS THE SUCCESS OF THE REFERENDUM IN SOUTHERN SUDAN
fromYona F Maro
PRESS RELEASE
Addis Ababa, 8 February 2011:
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Jean Ping, congratulates the people of Sudan and their leaders on the occasion of the official announcement by the South Sudan Referendum Commission, on 7 February 2011, of the results of the Referendum on self?determination in Southern Sudan.
The Chairperson, recalling the solemn declaration on the Sudan adopted by the AU Summit of January 2011, expresses his conviction that with the completion of this referendum, Sudan has decisively overcome its tragic history of division and its exceptional legacy inherited from its past. In recognition of the Sudan’s unique political circumstances, Africa recognized the right of self?determination for the people of southern Sudan, and supported the free and fair exercise of this right. Indeed, the AU will be keen, at the end of the interim period, on 9 July 2011, to welcome into its ranks the 54th member state of the Union.
The Chairperson applauds the leadership and unswerving commitment to peace of President Omar Hassan al Bashir and First Vice President Salva Kiir Mayardit that have made possible this triumph. He further expresses his gratitude to the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission, its Chairman Professor Mohamed Ibrahim Khalil and Deputy Chairman Justice Chan Madut, for the extraordinary efforts they deployed to ensure a successful outcome of the referendum, which was held in a timely, credible and peaceful manner.
The Chairperson welcomes the immediate acceptance of the results of the referendum by the Government of Sudan and its readiness to proceed expeditiously to conclude all necessary steps to ensure the speedy and peaceable establishment of the independent state of Southern Sudan.
The Chairperson is confident that the Sudanese parties will successfully conclude all outstanding matters necessary for the completion of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and will soon agree on all post?referendum issues necessary for the establishment of two viable and mutually supportive states. In this regard, he reiterates his unwavering support to the work of the African Union High?Level Implementation Panel led by former President Thabo Mbeki, for its facilitation of the negotiations between the Parties.
Sudan: Second MM report on Sudan Referendum
From: Yona Maro
Dear all
Please find attached the second MM report of referendum in Sudan, Media Coverage: Findings and Conclusions. Period 16 December 2010– 15 January 2011.
This report contains the main findings concerning media coverage of the referendum campaign, of the silence period as well as of the voting days. This is the second report to be produced on media monitoring activities conducted by SMEC1. Monthly reports will be published in February and March with a final report in April 2011.
Feel free to use it as it suits you in your media and for your information.
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Page 3
Sudan Media and Elections Consortium – Media MonitoringTABLE OF CONTENTSFOREWORD1EXECUTIVE SUMMARY2II. MEDIA AND 2011 REFERENDUM4A. SUDAN MEDIA SECTOR:AN OVERVIEW OF THE MAIN ISSUES AND CHALLENGES4B. MEDIA BACKGROUND TO2011 REFERENDUM5II. MONITORING MEDIA COVERAGE OF REFERENDUM: MAIN FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS81. GENERAL MEDIA OFFER92. REFERENDUMCOVERAGE ON TELEVISION AND RADIO123. REFERENDUMCOVERAGE IN THE PRINT MEDIA164. THE REFERENDUM MORATORIUM AND VOTING DAYS PERIODS20ANNEX I – LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS21
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MM_Report_2_26jan.pdf
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Sudan: Vs: Bashir backs south’s independence :-)
From: Paul Nyandoto
Basir was drunk when he mentioned that. If not then he is afraid of ICC (Hagua) thing or he is now scared by the wave of change taking place in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya etc. It looks that all his fellow dictators friends in Northern African arabic states are going to be kicked off. The man is just too scared, where will he run to incase the same danger starts in Sudan and ICC is also behind him?.
Paul Nyandoto
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sent by "Chakubuta Mulengwa"
By Africa correspondent Ginny Stein, wires
Sudan president Omar al-Bashir has pledged his support for a new southern state in his first public statement since the south of the country voted overwhelmingly to split from the north.
While the poll is yet to be officially declared, provisional results have shown almost 99 per cent of southerners voted to secede.
Many feared the north would not let the oil-producing south go without a fight.
President al-Bashir said he accepted secession has become a reality, and that rather than being sad about the outcome, he would go to the south to join in the celebrations.
"Secession has become a reality and it has been accepted," he said.
"Ninety-nine percent of southerners have chosen secession. But we're not going to mourn. I repeat what I have said before: We will go to the south to celebrate with them.
"Secession is not the end of history. It is a new beginning,"
Initial results are now due to be announced in Khartoum at the end of this month.
Mr Bashir, who led a war against the south for a decade-and-a-half before signing the peace deal, had already told senior southern officials that he would respect the vote's outcome, during a rare visit to regional capital Juba shortly before the referendum.
Sudan: Information to Southern Sudan Referendum Voters
Folks,
The purpose for the Referendum is so that Peace and Liberty can finally be found by the Southern Sudan after 40 years of War between the North and South of Sudan.
Therefore SEPARATION which is the Secession, is paramount. The symbol of an OPEN PALM means separating for PEACE. That is what the Southern Sudan MUST VOTE FOR.
Quote....A. {Darfur is a region in western Sudan whose population is predominantly Muslims. The neglected region has been steeped in civil war since rebels belonging mostly to African ethnic groups took up arms against the Sudanese government in 2003}.
Quote....B. {They have also yet to find common ground on the disputed oil district of Abyei which had supposed to be holding a simultaneous vote on its own future that has been delayed by disagreements over who should have a ballot.
Saraya said that the North now needs to adopt a "new way of thinking" that will help it face the new post-secession challenges "to maintain stability, and to develop radical solutions to the problems that will likely get more complex".
He criticized Bashir's speech last week that pledged to transform constitution in North Sudan to a fully Islamic one after the South secedes.
"Not included in this new way of thinking is for the Sudanese president to stand in the midst of the current crisis to announce a few days ago that the constitution would be amended and that the Sharia'a [law] will be the source of legislation in the event of secession of the south".
"This means that the Sudanese president continues to believe that the Caliphate state in the Sudan is more important than unity, and that with the secession of the south he got rid of the force which hindered the establishment of a religious state in the Sudan. Not only does [this speech] makes unity hopeless but pushes southerners further toward secession, and deepens the rifts between the two countries after the referendum". Saraya said that Bashir's defense of the video showing a Sudanese woman being lashed further encourages division and weakens Sudan's international standing}.
Watch the video carefully and pass on the information.
The voting card MUST NOT BE FOLDED top/bottom, but MUST be CAREFULLY FOLDED sideways ..... so that the ink from the THUMB does not rub against THE UNWANTED BOX or the ink should not touch each other in the two CIRCLES......THUS disqualifying the vote.
Watch the video attached here under and circulate the message to reach voters as far and wide, so people make informed choices.
Thanks,
Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com
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Extremely Very Important, Play the Video.......
Click the link here down.....
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2010/12/sudan-referendum-2.html
Caught on camera: Woman whipped in public
Australia 7 News - Tue Dec 14, 5:20 pm ET
http://news.yahoo.com/video/tech-15749651/23517984;_ylt=Ar7iYkg2EOnoELXez4UPPMP_SpZ4
SUDAN: Land Grabbing in Sudan
Ndesanjo Macha
Contributor profile · 3400 posts · joined 19 April 2005
Henry's data visualization of land grabbing in Sudan: “I read an article this morning about “land grabbing” in Africa by foreign countries. When I read the amount of land being acquired by foreign investors in Sudan, I thought to my self, “that is horrible”. Then I took a closer look at the numbers. It really doesn’t seem to be that much.”......"They are few but are BUSY doing MultiNational Business getting wealthier from [PROPERTY THEFT], stealing from the poor...Shame aint it not?"...."Thurst For Blood Money"..
Global Voices Online » Technology - Tue Dec 28, 12:34 pm EST
WORLD -- December 30, 2010 at 9:00 AM EDT
In Sudan, a Smudge Could Affect Outcome of Vote
By: Larisa Epatko
As Sudan prepares for a vote in January on whether the south will split from the north, one of the African nation's challenges is how to inform an electorate with a high illiteracy rate on how to vote.
An estimated 4 million southern Sudanese have registered to vote in the Jan. 9 referendum on southern secession, in a country that has an adult illiteracy rate of 85 percent, said NewsHour special correspondent Jeffrey Kaye. He recently returned from a reporting trip to southern Sudan.
Coming up with appropriate symbols to represent unity or separation took some time. After rejecting symbols such as corn, animals and Arab garb, the final ballot now displays two hands clasped to signify unity and a hand held palm out to represent southern secession, said Kaye.
Even how the ballot is creased has become fodder for conspiracy theorists, he said. If the ballot is folded a certain way, the finger print indicating the voter's choice could smear onto the opposite side, potentially disqualifying the vote. So education on the referendum now includes how to fold your ballot.
Uganda & Sudan: Arm militia to contain LRA in Western Equatoria…..(Engineered and Framed Lie)
These Army militia of Uganda is Museveni's strategy to disorganize South Sudan elections.
Museveni has all along been the problem in the Lake Victoria and River Nile Region.
He represents the West Special Interest/Super Rich, who are after Africa's Gold and Diamond mines and Fishing. They have sponsored Museveni to do their dirty jobs, including wiping out Luo Tribesmen, taking them to CONCENTRATION CAMPS so he can do EXPANSIONISM on behalf of these Western Investors-Cum-Invaders in Africa.
China and Libya and Al-Bashir are his New Found Partners/Comrades in League.
It is therefore a PLAIN TRUTH, that these BIG PLANS from MUSEVENI's Militia Arrow Boys are what sent Moi and others to meet urgently with Museveni. And knowing that his boys have been reinforced with SOMALIA's Al-Qaeda and Al-Shabaab through Kenya, is the reason Museveni jetted to Somali after meeting with Moi........ Connect the DOTS ......People.........
So when you hear these foreign NGOs attacking LRA, whereas Museveni is the problem of LRA of Kony, sending them to concentration camps, and stealing their land, just like they want to take away the land of Southern Sudan, know these NGOs have something cooking for their masters..........They are cooking hard to cook stuff..... they MUST be exposed..........These are the very problem going to attack Southern Sudan during the Referendum......they are pre-empting what they intend to do....they are the ones to WATCH......
These Super Rich people are in League with China, Libya, Al-Bashir, Moi, Kibaki and Museveni, AND have taken Lake Victoria Fisheries, Lake Victoria Mining, Osienala Project with Migingo, and are working in COHORT. These are the reason they do not want South Sudan to succeed in their REFERENDUM.
Some of these NGOs activities on the ground could be factors that cause problems (Invasion of Africa; catalysts for their rich masters wanting to take Africa for free) in those conflict zones. They need to be investigated and reported. The fake NGOs are conflict dudus working with corrupt African leaders that are instigating reasons for war in peaceful Africa.......
Africa Must be Free people........Africans MUST wake up.......No more WAR...... we want PEACE, RESPECT, DIGNITY and LIBERTY....
Friends, Sympathizers, Leaders of the World, hear us. We must unite for Unity of purpose, and we need urgent help to block such wicked intentions of the likes of Museveni. NGO money must not be used to destabilize peace in South Sudan or Africa. We must AVOID or BLOCK these kind of WICKED PLANNED AGENDA OF DOOM. We must stop Museveni and Al-Bashir.....they are the problem of South Sudan.
North Sudan Army are the ones who attacked South Sudan recently.....they and Museveni Arrow Boys are the ones to watch keenly and have independent International Armed Forces to supervise and instil peace in that region.
Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com