Darfur News Update by Radio Dabanga (26 November - 2 December)

December 2, 2014 (SSNA) -- Fifteen people were killed in an attack on a vehicle by militiamen in South Darfur on 25 November. Others sustained injuries. The incident occurred in Wadi Tabbaldin, 15 km east of Manawashi. About 30 people, mostly Imams and Koran scholars, had visited the market in Hamada, one of the villages to which displaced people have begun to return, that Tuesday. On their way back to Manawashi, several militiamen ambushed their vehicle and opened fire, Sheikh Omer Mohammed Ahmed related to Radio Dabanga. The South Darfur State Governor will form a committee to investigate the incident, committed by “four unidentified gunmen”. Maj. Gen. Adam Mahmoud Jarelnabi added that the spread of arms among civilians “leads to the emergence of some crimes”. “But there is a significant improvement in the security situation,” he said, claiming that the security in the state and in Nyala city is better than four months ago. 

An Omda of Manawashi, Mubarak Abulgasim Adam Yaqoub, told Radio Dabanga that the attack on the vehicle on Tuesday had a political motive. Jarelnabi confirmed that the crime was a counteract against the voluntary returns, accusing entities which he did not name of being “unwilling to implement the voluntary repatriation”.

The head of religious affairs of the Association of Darfur Displaced and Refugees has condemned the attack. Sheikh Abdallah Mohamed Abdelrahman also pointed to the reported mass rape by army troops in Tabit, North Darfur, on 31 October, as an example of “the ongoing, widespread attacks on citizens and displaced all over the region”. He appealed to the International Union for Muslim Scholars and Muslims to stand by “their brothers in Sudan, and especially in Darfur”.

Sudan police raid church in Khartoum, churchgoers fined

Police forces raided the Evangelical church in Khartoum North this morning, and began demolishing the building. 37 young members of the parish praying in the church were detained. Pastor Yahya Abdelrahim Falo told Radio Dabanga how a police force in nine vehicles, accompanied by bulldozers, arrived at about 6 am on Tuesday morning. “They started to demolish the outer walls of the building. Others raided the church, where a group of young Christians were fasting and praying,” Rev. Falo said. He reported that the 37 arrested youngsters were divided into three groups, which were all fined for 'public disturbance' at different courts.

On 19 November, police and special forces confiscated the house of the senior pastor of the Evangelical church in Khartoum North. They demolished the youth house, showing a court order that ordered the vacation of the premises as investors had reportedly rented the place. In response, leaders from various churches in Khartoum, students, and other church members staged small protests. “Today we were crying and praying for the situation [to improve],” a witness told Radio Dabanga that day.

Since South Sudan’s independence in 2011, several Catholic and Protestant church buildings in Khartoum state were demolished or confiscated by the authorities. The secretary-general of the Sudan Council of Churches, Rev. Kodi El Ramli, told Radio Dabanga early September this year that the Council has received many complaints about harassment and discrimination of Christians. “They are systematically obstructed to visit their churches.”

More news from Radio Dabanga:

Rape victim waits full day for treatment in Central Darfur

ZALINGEI LOCALITY (1 Dec.) - Two militiamen raped a 12-year-old girl of the Hamidiya camp for the displaced in Zalingei locality, Central Darfur on Sunday. As the police was extremely slow with issuing the... FULL STORY

Militia attacks ex-rebel camp in North Darfur

KABKABIYA LOCALITY (1 Dec.) - Dozens of men were killed and wounded in Kabkabiya locality, North Darfur, on Friday, in an attack by militiamen on a military camp. Former rebels of the Justice and Equality... FULL STORY

Vaccination campaign in Darfur’s Jebel Marra

ZALINGEI (1 Dec.) - The Ministry of Health of Central Darfur state will start a ten-day vaccination campaign against yellow fever in Central and North Jebel Marra localities today. The two... FULL STORY

Sudan: Two raped, 20 wounded in militia attack on Omdurman district

OMDURMAN (1 Dec.) - Two women were raped and more than 20 people sustained injuries during an attack by elements of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on displaced people living at the... FULL STORY

Sudan's Al Bashir rejects merging of peace talks, tells Unamid to leave

KHARTOUM (30 Nov.) - The Sudanese government is seeking to achieve separate comprehensive cease-fire agreements for the war-torn areas of Darfur, and the Two Areas (Blue Nile and South Kordofan). It... FULL STORY

Ransom paid, abducted farmers released in Central Darfur

NIERTETI LOCALITY (30 Nov.) - On Thursday, militiamen released seven displaced farmers abducted two weeks ago in Nierteti locality, Central Darfur, after their families had paid a ransom of SDG 75,000 ($13,000... FULL STORY

Sudan, Darfur rebels fail to agree on peace talk agenda

ADDIS ABABA (28 Nov.) - The Sudanese government and the rebel groups in the peace negotiations in Addis Ababa have failed to strike an agreement on the Darfur conflict and establish an agenda since the... FULL STORY

Fever in North Darfur localities claims lives

TAWILA (28 Nov.) - Residents of a camp for displaced people in Tawila locality, North Darfur, have reported a rise in the number of deaths caused by a spreading unknown fever, along with a lack of... FULL STORY

More Darfuri students dismissed from Bahri university

KHARTOUM / MELLIT (28 Nov.) - Khartoum's University of Bahri dismissed another 10 students from study for two years on Thursday, putting the total number of expelled Darfuri students at 33. The Darfuri had... FULL STORY

'More than 150 killed' in West Kordofan tribal clash

MUGLAD (28 Nov.) - In renewed tribal clashes between two Misseriya clans in West Kordofan, 156 people were reportedly killed this week, and more than a hundred tribesmen sustained injuries. A... FULL STORY

‘Radio Dabanga has grilled and devoured us’: Sudan MPs

KHARTOUM (27 Nov.) - The Sudanese government has outlined ‘radical measures’ to attempt to jam and disrupt broadcasts by Radio Dabanga. On Tuesday, the Minister of Information and Communications,... FULL STORY

Sudan to up gold production by 64 tons

KHARTOUM (27 Nov.) - On Sunday, Sudan announced a 64-ton increase in gold production this year, up from 34 tons in 2013. This signifies an important advance in exploitation of gold and minerals in the... FULL STORY

Sudanese demonstrate worldwide against alleged mass rape in Tabit

INTERNATIONAL (26 Nov.) - On Tuesday, members of the Sudanese diaspora with went out in mass demonstrations in several countries including the USA, Canada, Australia, Norway, Sweden, and Israel, to... FULL STORY

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Washington, DC, December 3, 2014 (SSNA) -- The official representative of the Sudan People’s Liberations Movement/Army-in Oppostion (SPLM-IO) in the United States, the Honorable Reath Muoch Tang, has unvealed a number of resolutions which were passed by general assembly last month.

The meeting was attended by the SPLM-IO chapters in the United States.

In a press statement extended to the South Sudan News Agency (SSNA), the resolutions were unanimously passed on the 29^th of November 2014, in Omaha, Nebraska, United States, and the results were sent to the SPLM/A-IO consultative leadership in Pagak.

“The SPLM-in opposition Chapters in the United Staes of America, have held a very successful conference in Omaha, Nebraska, on November 29, 2014…with participants drawn from all over the continental United States,” Mr. Tang said in a statement.

“The conference has discussed at length all the issues that would be tabled at the SPLM/A consultative conference in Pagak, South Sudan,” he added.

The SPLM-IO US Representative, Tang, said all participants casted their votes without any political intimidation and declared the process democratic.

“The conference deliberations were conducted in a very frank and free democratic atmosphere that was devoid of coercion or intimidation as the participants deliberated over all the issues at stake in the ongoing peace process between the government of South Sudan and the SPLM/A in- opposition,” Hon. Tang revealed.

Details of the resolutitions have not been made public. However, a source close to the SPLM-IO leadership told the SSNA that the declarations are meant for the ongoing IGAD-led peace talks in the Ethiopia and the SPLM/A-IO’s consultative conference in Pagak, Maiwut County, Upper Nile State.

The source further disclosed that the decisions are part of an extensive list of strategies designed by the top leadership of the SPLM/A-IO.

New York, December 3, 2014 (SSNA) -- The United States Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Samantha Power, has on Wednesday met with South Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin, and warned him that UN's sanctions on anyone who impedes the ongoing peace talks or peace process will soon come to light, adding that warring sides must find a peaceful solution to the conflict, the Associated Press (AP) has reported.

The AP also reported that the warning took place during a face-to-face meeting between Ambassador Power and Minister Marial.

Last week, South Sudanese president Salva kiir sent to the United State, a seven members team led by his Foreign affairs Minister, Dr. Dr. Barnaba Marial. The advance team includes the Minister in the office of president, Awan Wol Riak, Deng Deng Nhial, among others.

The team is tasked by the presidency to lobby the US government against the looming UN sanctions currently being developed by the UN Security Council.

The United States has publicly stated that it supports the sanctions.

In late November, South Sudan warned against sanctions, asserting that any imposition of sanction will derail the peace process.

South Sudan is in the midst of civil war after fighting broke out in December last year. A bout two million South Sudanese have fled their homes and tens of thousands of people have been killed.

Juba, December 4, 2014 (SSNA) -- The Republic of South Sudan has been ranked as one of the world’s most corrupt nations by the Germany-based corruption watchdog, the Transparency International.

In its report entitled, Corruption Perceptions Index 2014: Results, South Sudan is listed fifth corrupt country. On top of the list of most corrupt countries are Somalia, North Korea, Sudan, and Afghanistan.

The report also listed countries scores from 2012-2014. Based on the scores, South Sudan’s scores in 2013 and 20014 are 14 and 15 respectively; the 2012 score is recorded as “not applicable”.

The Transparency International ranking is based on how money influences elections, bribery, backroom dealers, among others.

South Sudan has been seeing rise in degrading by international organizations since fighting erupted in Juba last year.

In June, The Fund for Peace, a US-based research institution named South Sudan as the world’s most fragile state, citing fractured leadership, chronic instability, and the growing ethnic nature of the violence in the country.

The young nation also has a history of ethnic rivalry and social barriers.

Press release: For immediate release: 5 December 2014

Cape Town, December 5, 2014 (SSNA) -- 5 December 2014, marks two painful years without justice for the family of late Isaiah Abraham since his assassination on 5 December 2012 in Juba, South Sudan. Failure by the state to do justice is an attack on South Sudan’s Constitution 2011 and the universality of human rights. The South Sudan Human Rights Society for Advocacy (SSHURSA), in solidarity with the family and all human rights defenders, continues to remember Isaiah Abraham’s death. Today, remains the darkest day in the fight against dictatorship, abuse of rule of law and human rights by the state. Isaiah Abraham to the end of his life, was at forefront, challenging the evils destroying South Sudan. His courage remains our strength.

On 3 January 2013, the former National Minister for Infornmation and Broadcasting Barnabas Marial Benjamin announced that the government of South Sudan had arrested suspects over the murder. Two years on; no justice has been done. The state’s silence violates rights to fair trial under article19(4) of the Constitution. SSHURSA continues to raise these questions:

Who killed Isaiah Abraham? Who sent the killers? Where are the suspects? When are they going to be tried?

SSHURSA calls on the government of South Sudan to bring to justice the allegedly arrested suspects. Despite unfulfilled promises, the family of the late has been waiting without justice as the state continues to remain silent. Let justice be done for Isaiah’s family. SSHURSA also calls upon the public to continue condemning evils that are consuming South Sudan. The country should return to values for which South Sudanese sacrificed their blood. SSHURSA members pay deep condolences to the family of Isaiah Abraham. We pledge to continue standing by them till justice is done. SSHURSA urges all South Sudanese human rights defenders, civil society members, journalists and advocates for a democratic and human rights abiding South Sudan, to remain courageous and carry on the late’s spirit.

For more on this press release, contact SSHURSA’s Executive Director: Cell: +27 749 707 905. E-mail:info@sshursa.org,Cape Town, South Africa.SSHURSAis an incorporated non-political and non-profit making national human rights organisation, founded by South Sudanese lawyers and Law Students on 5^th June 2007 at Law Development Centre (LDC), Makerere, Kampala, Uganda. In South Sudan, its operations started since 2009, with its headquarters in Juba and co-ordination offices in other states. Its vision: a democratic and human rights abiding South Sudan. Its mission is tomonitor, document and publish human rights status in the country. It also trains general public on human rights, constitution, rule of Law, Transitional Justice and international humanitarian law. Its advocacy is geared towards creating an informed citizenry that ensures justice and good governance-oriented South Sudan. For more, see its website:  www.sshursa.org

Addis Ababa, December 5, 2014 (SSNA) -- The Spokesman for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Joe Contreras, said heavy fighting between South Sudan’s warring factions has resumed on Tuesday in Fangak County, Jonglei State.

Contreras admitted that the fighting has been going for more than a week. The UN Spokesman also stated that IGAD’s monitoring team has been on the ground as part of its peace monitoring mission.

“The fighting has been going on for over a week there,” Contreras said.

Contreras also called the latest fighting “the most sustained fighting in a single location since May,” according the Reuters News Agency.

On November 28, the South Sudan News Agency (SSNA) has reported heavy fighting in Fangak County with both sides using heavy artilleries after government forces launched successful attacks on rebels’ positions.

There is a widespread fear that fighting could escalate even more during the dry season.

Press release

December 7, 2014 (SSNA) -- The legal profession is one of noble professions in the world that has immensely contributed to the development of the world and helped shaped other professions. It has helped to promote and protect civil liberties and challenged government actions and inactions to the benefit and prosperity of humanity. The profession through her Bar Associations or Law Societies, have made significant contributions in advising governments to govern under the rule of law, observe human rights and advance democratic rule.

South Sudan Bar Association as a product of the legal profession is holding its first general elections in the history of the Association in the next few days. This election is timely because the Bar Association is the guardian of the public interest from individual actions and actions of all the agencies of the state. The Bar Association carries out oversight function to ensure that government decisions are taken in conformity with the law. It has a mandate to bring public interest cases against the government, individuals, corporate entities or Organisations.

It is an independent Association whose leadership must desist from being used by the government to fight its own political wars. Unfortunately, the Bar Association is a likely candidate to a political trap should its members fail to read the political crisis in the country. It risks falling into uninsurable risks that the SPLM and the government has descended into with no insurance company ready to exonerate it from the risks incurred.

There is no legal provision in the Advocates Act that a candidate must be a member of a political party to qualify for election into any of the positions to the leadership of the Bar Association. In fact any candidate who shows political affiliation by showing that he is from such a political party and preaching party politics to earn a win should be disqualified from running such elections because these are not party elections. If allowed to run, such candidate must fail the elections because he or she is for a wrong cause in the Association.

At its nascent stage as it is, the members of the Bar Association have to be very careful in electing leaders to those high positions as the association risks being used as political conduit to fight political wars rather than working towards the benefits of its members and the general public. Advocates must vote people with integrity and above all persons who will advance the interests of the advocates, the people of South Sudan and shape government to advance the rule of law and democratic values.

The advocates’ constituency must know that what happened to the Civil Society in Addis Ababa Peace talks where the civil society was submerged in the confusion of the two warring parties should not happen to the association. The Civil Society lost its ground when both parties dropped it from direct participation in the talks which affected the people of South Sudan whom the civil society was to represent their voices.

It is still fresh in our minds that as the lead counsel representing the advocates in that very important case in late 2012 and advising the advocates to pass a vote of no confidence on the entire Interim Committee of the Bar Association when they worked against the interest of the advocates, it is possible that the same situation might occur. We handled it well and our actions gave birth to the creation of a new order. We have been breathing for the last two years and made several achievements one of which is the birth of the structures of the Bar Association and the intended elections. A vote of no confidence and a censure are important tools that members must be ready to use any time as there are inevitable signs that electing people who have been presented as coming from a particular political party and receiving support from that party is a clear indication that such a candidate is not coming to work for the Bar constituency and the entire people of South Sudan who are victims of the absence of the rule of law but to further political objectives contrary to the objectives for which the Bar Association was established.

In conclusion, the election is timely and I urged that the Electoral Committee make sure the election is free and fair. It make sense to invite foreign observers such as the rule of law officers at UNMISS and inviting the Media Houses to cover the elections. It appears unnecessary but it sends a message for setting standards for the country which is staggering from these democratic values as such the lawyers must stick to the values of integrity to keep the profession intact.

Wish you free and fair election and a Merry Christmas.

By Mekonen Tefere

Addis Ababa, December 7, 2014 (SSNA) -- The Office of South Sudan Artist Association in Ethiopia (SSAAE) openly announced to the media that the event was successfully ended.

The Chairperson for ‘SSAAE’, Mr. Khor Deng Jang (aka ~ Khor DJ) briefed the press after the concert and urged the entire South Sudanese Community in Ethiopia to stand for peace and eliminate the tribalism.

“This concert is just a beginning, I believe we shall held other concerts in the near future in order to strengthening the relationship among the communities and promote the love sharing in our nation”. Khor DJ said after the concert. Meanwhile, the Deputy Chairperson for the Association, Mr. Lul Tuach Dojiok (aka~LTD) appealed to the up-coming Artists to register for the membership. LTD said that the entire members of the Association will convince the second meeting on Sunday, December 7, 2014 in Gerji at 10:00am and invite non-members who are not registered but Artists to join the meeting.

In a separate interview, the Peace Ambassador Gatwech Koak Nyuon opened the concert as guest of honor and urged [the] South Sudanese Community in abroad to support the Artists. “I personally urge the Diaspora especially the South Sudanese Community in Australia, US and Canada to help promote these Artists and invite them to extend their visit for further performance [in] overseas”. Ambassador Gatwech supplemented while speaking at the closing ceremony.

In another development, Mr. Owet, a native of Greater Equatoria Region who studied in Addis Ababa extend his gratitude and urged the communities to support the Artists. Meanwhile, Nyakong Mading Chol, Elizabeth Ariat Okello and Chuol Koang Thoan admitted that the Artists must be supported not because they are neutral in this conflict, but through the fact that they are agents of change.

An official of Maban Community from the Upper Nile State who talked in condition of anonymity said that he is convinced for the occasion and he would tirelessly work to promote the Artists.

Nearly 18 Artists had performed and more than 1,000 people mostly females dominated the show.

Paul Bayoy (aka ~ Paul B) the Secretary for the Association seconded the statement by the Chairperson of the Association.” We didn’t expect to receive such a huge turn-out from our fans, of course we will really host another concert very soon.” Paul said in exclusive interview on Saturday, December 06, 2014. 

Gatwech Hoth, the Head of Organizing Committees congratulated the entire organizers for their times and active participation.

Mr. Pal Tang Yuel (aka~Jadda) said that he was so amazed to be a member in the Association. “I’m so proud to be a member in this Association, I was committed and I will remain committing to make change in the young nation through the microphone”, Tang Yuel said before his performance on the stage.

Finally, Peace Ambassador disclosed that he will address [the] South Sudanese congregations in the ‘Hawulet’ Church on Sunday, December 7, 2014 on how the 12 months conflict in South Sudan should come to an end. Gatwech appreciated the Artists for initialized the event by playing the National Anthem and prayer. He also urged the warring parties to drop their demands and focus on peace, justice and development.

The Author can be reached on: mekonentefere@gmail.com

Darfur News Update by Radio Dabanga (3 - 9 December)

December 9, 2014 (SSNA) -- The peace negotiations on South Kordofan and Blue Nile states between the Sudanese government and the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, were suspended on Monday. The adjournment for an indefinite time happened four days after the peace talks on the Darfur conflict were suspended. The Darfuri Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and Sudan Liberation Movement led by Minni Minawi (SLM-MM) and the government also reached an impasse. In both negotiation tracks, the government delegations insisted on restricting the talks to reaching a cease-fire in the region, while the rebel parties sought more comprehensive agreements, including solutions for the issues of displacement. The head of the AU mediation team, Thabo Mbeki, decided to suspend the talks on Darfur after the UN Special Envoy for Sudan, Haile Menkerios, met with President Omar Al Bashir one week ago. Yasir Arman, Secretary-General of the SPLM-N, stated to Radio Dabanga from Addis Ababa that the next round may resume at the beginning of next year. 

Arman also called for the immediate release of Faroug Abu Eisa, head of the National Consensus Forces (NCF, a coalition of opposition parties), together with a consultant of the SPLM-N, and the chairman of the Sudanese Civil Society Initiative. They were arrested by Sudanese authorities after co-signing the 'Sudan Call' with opposition party NUP and the SRF rebel alliance in Addis Ababa on 3 December. The political declaration pledges to unite Sudan's opposition forces to achieve a democratic transformation of Sudan.

Meanwhile, the fighting between the Sudanese army and SPLM-N forces continues in South Kordofan. The army reported to have repulsed an attack on Balinja, southwest of Kadugli, on Monday, and that it inflicted heavy losses on the rebels' side. The military spokesman for the SPLM-N has claimed the opposite, after the army reportedly attacked the rebels.

Deadly attacks on Central Darfur camp continue

For more than a week, militiamen have been terrorising the displaced people living in a camp in Zalingei locality, Central Darfur, by killing people, firing over the camp for hours, and robbing camp residents. On Saturday, a committee of notables of Zalingei locality met with leaders of the Hamidiya camp for the displaced, in an attempt to relieve the camp of the attacks. That evening, however, a man was shot inside the camp. Two displaced men were shot dead the day before, in an attack on the market in the camp at 8 pm. Two others were abducted, the coordinator of the Zalingei camps reported to Radio Dabanga on Friday. Houses were raided and people robbed of their belongings. On 30 November, a 12-year-old girl collecting straw outside the camp was raped by two militiamen, a relative of the victim said. 

The coordinator explained that after the meeting between the native administration and the camp leaders one of the abducted camp residents was released. “Also a number of militiamen withdrew from around the camp”, where they had lingered. He still urged the UN-AU peacekeeping mission in Darfur to quickly intervene and protect Hamidiya, because the assaults continued. “On Saturday evening, three militiamen wearing military uniforms, stormed the camp’s Centre 8, and fired three bullets at an 18-year-old man […] again terrifying the people.”

More news from Radio Dabanga:

Suicide attempt by Beja veteran foiled in Port Sudan

PORT SUDAN (9 Dec.) - An ex-combatant of the Beja Congress attempted to kill himself inside a government office in the Red Sea state capital of Port Sudan on Monday. Mohamed Ali Shagai had demanded to... FULL STORY

Displaced killed, raped, beaten in South Darfur

BIELEL LOCALITY (9 Dec.) - Militiamen shot dead a resident of El Salam camp for the displaced near Nyala, capital of South Darfur, and injured another on Saturday. On Sunday, two women of the camp were gang... FULL STORY

Sudan Revolutionary Front, Dialogue Committee condemn detentions

ADDIS ABABA / KHARTOUM (8 Dec.) - The chairman of the Sudan Revolutionary Front, Malik Agar, strongly denounced the detention of Faroug Abu Eisa, head of the National Consensus Forces, and Dr Amin Mekki Madani,... FULL STORY

Brother of DRA head killed, hospital guard shot in Central Darfur

CENTRAL DARFUR (8 Dec.) - The elder brother of Dr El Tijani Sese, head of the Darfur Regional Authority, was killed in Zalingei, capital of Central Darfur, on Friday. On the same day, a guard of the... FULL STORY

Sudan, UNDP invest $217 million in wind energy

KHARTOUM (8 Dec.) - Sudan's Ministry of Water Resources and Electricity and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) agreed on the funding of a long-term wind energy project in the country... FULL STORY

Sudan security confiscates print run of El Mijhar

KHARTOUM (7 Dec.) - The print run of El Mijhar El Siyasi daily newspaper was confiscated by agents of the Sudan Intelligence and Security service (NISS) in Khartoum this morning. According to... FULL STORY

Student killed, women assaulted in North Darfur

KABKABIYA LOCALITY (7 Dec.) - Militiamen shot a secondary school student dead in Sareif Beni Hussein locality, North Darfur, on Thursday. On the same day, eight women were assaulted by gunmen in two... FULL STORY

Elbasri pushes ICC for probe into alleged Unamid cover-up

WASHINGTON (5 Dec.) - The former spokesman for the United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur, Aicha Elbasri, renewed her criticism about the team that investigated claims of... FULL STORY

West Darfur residents flee as herders threaten to attack

KEREINIK (5 Dec.) - Militant herders have threatened the farmers of villages in Kereinik locality, West Darfur, to burn their houses and killing villagers to avenge the deaths of two of their... FULL STORY

‘Sudan Appeal fait accompli for Khartoum regime’: rebel leader

ADDIS ABABA (4 Dec.) - A platform of Sudanese political, civil, and armed opposition groups agreed on a political communiqué entitled Sudan Appeal in Addis Ababa on Wednesday. The signatories will join... FULL STORY

Unamid’s exit from Darfur supported by Russia, opposed by displaced, rebels

KHARTOUM / NORTH DARFUR / ADDIS ABABA (4 Dec.) - Russia supports Sudan’s position on the departure of the UN-AU peacekeeping mission in Darfur. The Darfur displaced and the rebel movements voiced their strong rejection to Unamid... FULL STORY

Sudan: Farmers' fury at Al Bashir’s accusations of theft

EL GEZIRA (3 Dec.) - President Omar Al Bashir’s allegations that farmers of El Gezira state embezzled agricultural funds have sparked fury and anger among thousands of people in the state. During a... FULL STORY

Herders kill farmer, graze livestock on farms in Central Darfur

CENTRAL DARFUR (3 Dec.) - Militant herders shot dead a displaced farmer in Bindisi locality, Central Darfur, on Monday. Farmers in the adjacent Wadi Salih locality complain about livestock grazing on their... FULL STORY

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Press release

Re: Position statement on South Sudan Crisis

1. Introduction

December 9, 2014 (SSNA) -- The Nuer Council of Elders is a community based body created to oversee the interests of the Nuer Community in general. Therefore, the ongoing crises in South Sudan that targeted the community have concerned the Council. The Nuer has been systematically targeted by the regime in Juba and other areas in South Sudan for reasons known only to its leadership. As such, the Council seeks to find a lasting solution to end this declared massacre on one tribe. The Council is currently spearheading the community initiative to lobby and advocate for support to ensure that the root causes of conflict and Juba massacre are addressed in the IGAD led peace talks. This is meant to pave the way in reaching a consensus for an amicable and lasting peace settlement.

2. Briefing background

The politically motivated fight erupted on December 15/2013 in Juba, the capital and seat of the government of South Sudan. The city (Juba) was engulfed by fighting among the presidential guards in their barrack. In the same evening, the clashes spread to the SPLA HQS (Bilpam) between the army loyal to the president and the group which was resisting disarmament. In the following morning around 5:00 am, the war continued and reached the civilian areas whereby the army loyal to president Kiir (private army) began searching Nuer ethnic group from house to house mainly civilians were arrested eliminated. Soon, it appeared that in the whole town, Nuer civilians were being targeted, rounded up and massacred.

3. The essence of the position

The Nuer council of Elders being the voice of the community is determined to ensure that justice prevails for the sake of lasting peace. Therefore, we present the overall Nuer position as follow:

• The Nuer council of elders strongly rejects the resolution no 3 and 4 of the 28^th Extra Ordinary Summit of the IGAD Heads of state and Government of 7^th Nov. 2014 on the ground that the statement is contravening the spirit and position of the mediation. It is unacceptable statement. Because it is pre-empting and dictation the warring parties to freely dialoguing on behalf of their constituencies.
  
• This signify that the IGAD as mediating body, failed and deliberately ignore to address the fundamental issues mainly the Juba massacre for the last eleven months in seven rounds of negotiations.
  
• It is regretful that the aggrieved community (the Nuer) felt that none of the culprits/perpetrators have been held responsible and accountable for the massacre.
  
• We the Nuer council of elders pre-empt and condemn in the strongest terms possible any decision or action taking by the mediators intending to maintain the hand blooded president in the structure of the probable transitional government.
  

Now therefore, the council appeals:

• For IGAD mediators to revisit their approach and acquire a neutral status for credible mediation and satisfaction of the aggrieved community.
  
• To the concerned and peace loving international and regional bodies to put pressure on UPDF and other foreign forces to withdrawal from South Sudan.
  
• To endorse UN Security Council proposed imposition of arm embargo for South Sudan.
  
• To stop South Sudan oil flow since it is used for procuring the armament and funding of foreign troops in the country.
  
• To the regional and international concern bodies to hold accountable the perpetrators that violated the human rights in the current crisis in South Sudan.
  
• For IGAD Heads of state and Government to call upon Salva Kiir to resign for peace and stability to prevail in the country, in order to restore trust and confidence in the Government
  

Addis Ababa, December 11, 2014 (SSNA) -- South Sudanese rebels have on Thursday recaptured the Administrative Headquarters of Fangak County, Phom El Zaref, in Jonglei State, according to Brig. General Lul Ruai Koang.

In a press statement obtained by the South Sudan News Agency (SSNA), Gen. Koang stated that their forces took control over Phom El Zaref on the 10^th of December, adding that they have inflicted heavy losses on government troops.

“Our Resistance Forces under direct command of Brig. Gen. Chuol Nhial Kok and under overall command of Maj. Gen. Gabriel Tangiye on 10-12-2014 regained control of Phom El Zaref, the Administrative HQs of Fangak County in northern Jonglei State,” Koang said in the statement.

In addition, the SPLA-IO Spokesman vowed to release videos of Fangak battles.

“The videos will be released to boost the morale of our Forces and supporters in the country and around the world,” he added.

The rebels’ military Spokesman also stated that government forces are on the run on different directions and that the rebel forces are pursuing them.

“[Government] Foot soldiers fled in two directions with our forces in hot pursuit; one group towards Nyijuat in neighboring Panyikang County in Upper Nile State and Dor in the same county,” Gen. Koang asserted.

Koang further disclosed that the anti-government forces have killed 78 government soldiers, captured 6 PKM light machine guns, 60 AKM-47, 8 RPG-7, and destroyed 1 APC and 3 Toyota Land cruisers mounted with heavy machine guns.

The Spokesman for the SPLA-in Opposition further revealed that their positions in Renk country were systematically attacked by the SPLA-Juba forces.

“In a separate development, clashes erupted on 10-12-2014 in Gongbar north of Renk County. Salva's forces moved out of their defensive positions at Wei-Yar Adiu northwest of Nasir and attacked our forces at Dhurding, Koat-Chie Gew and Ketbek. All the attackers were repulsed,” Koang disclosed.

On November 28, government troops launched successful attacks on rebels’ positions and took control over Fangak's administrative Headquarters, Phom El Zaref.

Press release

Re: Nuer America Christian Mission Network Invitation letter, to Juba Nuer Genocide Memorial Service Event

Dear all:

Omaha, December 11, 2014 (SSNA) -- Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this upcoming respectful burial Memorial service for those who lost their lives in Juba, on Dec 15-19, 2013. May warm memories of your loved ones surround you and always.

In memory of our Hero and loved ones, we would like to invite all Nuer community and South Sudanese community members at large to come to memorial service. You will have an opportunity to remember and honor your loved ones. You will be with others who are felling the same sense of loss during this Holiday season. The candle light will be light after the service at 6:00pm. The service will be conducted at Trinity Lutheran Church in Omaha Nebraska, is located on 6340 N 30 St Omaha NE 68111 on Saturday December 20, 2014 at 11:00AM to 6:00pm. We are hoping to see you at our very special event.

South Sudanese Churches and Communities around the World and in the United States are going to hold a Memorial Services on the 20^th of December 2014.

The purpose of the Memorial is to pray for those who lost their lives (20,000) as a result of the Juba, Massacre carried out on Nuer Ethnic group by a brutal Dictator, Salva Kiir of South Sudan. The Juba Massacres against Nuer Ethnic Group took place on the 15^th-20^th of December 2013. This was a triggering event in the current civil war between the Government under Salva Kiir, and his former Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, who is currently leading an armed opposition against the regime.

The Republic of South Sudan obtained its Independence on the 9^th of July 2011 when her people voted overwhelmingly for the separation from the Republic of Sudan. The Comprehensives Peace Agreement (CPA) that granted Southern Sudanese a right to vote was made possible through the pressure from the United States Government, Norway, British (otherwise known as TRIOKA), to the Parties that negotiated the Peace. After obtaining her Independence, the United States, invested heavily in the capacity building in the Security Sector (Training of Military, Police, etc). The U.S through its U.S AID Program had built the first paved modern Highway (Nimule-Juba), linking South Sudan with its neighbor, the Republic of Uganda. The heavy investments by the U.S in the new Republic were made in order to promote good governance and the Rule of Law, which had been lacking in that part of the world.

But, despite the pressure from U.S and many other countries to the young government to push for democratic reforms, South Sudan’s President defied all the advised to democratize the Party (Sudan People Liberation Movement—SPLM) and the promotion of human Rights of the citizens. The country is now in flame due the dictatorial tendencies of the President to relinquish Power.   

Causes of the current conflict

The cause of the current conflict in South Sudan started early last year (2013) when Dr. Riek Machar, the SPLM first vice Chairman, declared his intention to contest for the SPLM Chairmanship in the then upcoming National Election to be held in 2015. Salva Kiir, who doubled the Chairmanship of the Party and the President of the Country, responded to this by issuing a presidential decree withdrawing delegated powers from Dr. Riek Machar. Sooner thereafter more presidential decrees followed dismissing Dr. Riek Machar as Vice President, dissolving the cabinet and suspending the SPLM Secretary General and subjecting him to criminal investigation over corruption charges. Dr. Riek Machar and his group on December 6th called a press conference in the SPLM House in which they outlined the main differences and called on the SPLM Chairman Salva Kiir Mayardit to convene the Political Bureau in order to set the agenda for the anticipated National Liberation Council. Dr Riek Machar also announced the public rally the group would hold on Saturday December 14th on Dr, John Garang Memorial Grounds. The SPLM General Secretariat also scheduled that day for the opening of the session of the National Liberation Council. The NLC meeting, however, started as scheduled on Saturday morning which was attended by all the Members, including Dr. Riek Machar and his group. When his turn came to addresses the delegates, Chairman Salva Kiir apparently referred to Dr. Riek Machar ostensibly to put him in unfavourable light among the membership of the NLC and to discredit his demands for democratic reforms in the SPLM. This perhaps prompted Riek, Rebecca Nyandeng, and others to boycott the Sunday meeting incensing Salva Kiir into frenzy.

On Sunday afternoon as the meeting of the (National Liberation Council-NLC) was winding up, President Salva Kiir Mayardit, the Commander in Chief of the SPLA, ordered Major General Marial Ciennoung, the commander of Tiger Battalion to leave the meeting venue in Nyakuron back to his H/Qs and to disarm his troops, mainly Nuer soldiers. Marial went and implemented the orders. However, after dispersing the troops, he ordered the Dinka elements rearmed. The ensuing argument between him and his deputy, a Nuer, attracted the attention of some Nuer soldiers who happened to be nearby. A fistfight ensued between the storekeeper and some Nuer soldiers. The rest of the fighting in other parts of Juba, which lasted for one full week, was the presidential militia recruited for that purpose from the President’s home State of Warrap & Aweil, were terrorising and butchering the Nuers, other Dinka elements presumed to be supporters of Riek Machar simply because they were Nuer. 

On Monday, President Salva Kiir called a press conference. Clad in complete military attire (the uniform put on that day by the Tiger Battalion), the President declared it was a coup and that the loyal forces have crushed it and were now pursuing the remnants. The linkage of the fighting among the presidential guards to an attempted coup against the state carried by the president’s press briefing makes an incredibly clumsy story. The absurdity of the coup story comes out clearly, with the deployment of the presidential militia hailing mainly from Warrap and Northern Bahr el Ghazal, who indeed are killing unarmed Nuers soldiers, civilians including women and children in Juba, on the presumption that they were Riek Machar’s supporters, that Salva Kiir inadvertently has pushed this young country into the current situation. In Juba, many innocent Nuers, some of them government official, members of the NLC, but the majority are civilians women, youths, students and persons from other ethnicities have been executed either in their own houses or are taken under guise of being arrested and killed in ghost houses run by the National Security and Intelligence Service elements in the town. Their bodies buried in several mass-graves secretly by night.

Salva Kiir and his group in the Government have been informing the world that the current conflict arises out of a failed coup attempt, orchestrated by the former Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, and his group who are senior SPLM Political Bureau members, despite the fact that all evidences point to the contrary. The Opposition under Dr. Riek Machar, on the contrary, has been defining the conflict to have resulted from Salva Kiir’s rejection of democratic changes in the Party and from the massacre of innocent South Sudanese men, women, and children, who were targeted on an ethnic basis; which in turn caused the cycle of revenge killings that has continued in the three States of Greater Upper Nile Region.

The coup story has since been dismissed by the courts in South Sudan, when the Chief of Military Intelligence testified in court that he could not connect the accused with any coup plot (as reported by Global Voices on 29/03/2014). The Ugandan President, Yoweri Musevni, whose forces are fighting a long side Salva Kiir’s soldier, had also admitted that there was in fact no coup. As a result, the Political detainees were released from their detention because of the lack of evidences from the Government to charges them for Treason. The massacre of innocent men, women and children (that followed) on the other hand, has been confirmed by several rights groups; including International Crisis Group (ICG) which puts the figure of the murdered at 10,000 killed from the 15 – 18 of December, 2014. The communities have also documented those killed by name and county and their figure is over 20,000.

Thank you very much. Our bless you all.

Sincerely,

Date: 12/9, 2014

By Mekonen Tefere

Addis Ababa, December 12, 2014 (SSNA) -- In a Panel Discussion organized by Mekane Yesus Management and Leadership College - Department of Gender and Development Studies on ‘Gender Based Violence’, Mr. Gatwech Koak Nyuon appeared with black T. Shirt and appealed to the Gender Experts to approach the Ethiopian Government to ratify law that shall grand full rights to the rape’s victims on health, legal action and safety.

The discussion witnessed a huge attendance from experts, Academicians, students, Government officials, NGOs and some stakeholders from different part of Ethiopia. Thousands of people gathered to lay down some strategies, which shall reduce the violence against women.

The turnout was triggered by the case of 16 years old teenager who was rape to death last month.

Five suspects were so far arrested, but under further investigation. 

Gatwech suggested that the rape victims have to be given priority in term of treatment. “It should be good for the government to recognize the rape victims to be treated freely in every Hospitals in Ethiopia”, he said. Gatwech added that should a ‘toll free call’ has to be created for rape cases alone, that hot-line should serve as 911 in United States and would be helpful indeed.

Peace Ambassador said that he was very disturbed to learn about the case of Hanna Lalango, a 10th grade teenage girl who was kidnapped in daylight while she was heading home from school last month.

“The kidnappers threatened Hanna with a knife and kept her somewhere until it got dark. All five of them took turns raping her! One of the suspects kept her in his house and continued to rape her for five days.” A gender Expert and UNICEF Policy Advisor elaborated while presented a paper to the audiences.

Gatwech also suggested that the term in prison should be increase on the criminal who committed rape so that such an ideology should declineGatwech also added that Introduction to Gender Studies should be introduced at primary level as a subject if possible.

In his last remark, Peace Ambassador reminds the Ethiopian communities to pray for South Sudan and try anything they can to bring the senseless conflict to an end.

The Author can be reached on: mekonentefere@gmail.com.

Press release

December 13, 2014 (SSNA) -- Bor district is a former administrative district in Jonglei State, South Sudan. The capital is known as Bortown, which had been divided into several districts, is now divided into counties and payams. Jonglei is a largest state in South Sudan nearly 11 counties in the country at large by side of the land and population. There are six tribes in Jonglei including Dinka Bor, Nuer-lou, Anyuak, Murle, Kachiepo, and Jie. It is a large state that doubling Unity State and Warrap State by side of the land.

In 2005 the Former Bor district was created three counties including Bor, Duk, and Twic during the preparation of independent of South Sudan. This is known as Greater Bor Community including 3 counties and 12 payams, which is a Greater Bor of Jonglei.

Twic County, Duk County, and Bor County known as Greater Bor in their own territory along the Nile River Bank from Horn of Chuei-Keer Buma to Horn of Chuei-Thon known as Duk-Padiet. The history of Greater Bor Community is known as Dinka-Bor is largely occupied the Nile territory of swam-land with no single hill in the area. Bor County itself has five Payams including Kolnyang Payam, Anyidi Payam, Makuach Payam, Baaidit Payam and Jalle Payam. Twic Countyhas five Payams including Lith Payam, Kongor Payam, NyuakPayam, Ajuong Payam, and PakeerPayam. Duk County has two Payams including Duk-Padiet and Duken known as Greater Bor Community in their living territory of Jonglei State. These counties and payams made up the Greater Bor Community that dominates the Jonglei State.

Within the Bor County there are two sections known as Gok and Athooc. The South of Bor County known as Gok including Kolnyang Payam, Anyidi Payam, and Makuach Payam. The North of Bor County known as Athooc including Baaidit Payam and Jalle Payam.

The Largest Payam in Jonglei State

Kolnyang is one of the largest payam within Jonglei State, evenly the whole South Sudan at large according referendum source of voting in 2011. Kolnyang is largely more overwhelmingly and congesting payam than other payams in South Sudan among 86-payams in entire nation. This is where some of the citizens were referring Kolnyang Payam should be county itself, rather than a payam in Bor territory. Kolnyang Payam is miss-represented in term of leaderships within the state of Jonglei. They are largely living from this distant from Jemeze-Town and until Malual- Chat near Bortown.

Kolnyang Payam is combination of two major branches of the communities known as (Juor-Hol and Juor-Mac) in Bor County. Juor-Hol is including Gualla, Adol, Jiir, Abang, and Thonye-ke Malual-Chat. Juor-Mac is including the sub-communities of (Chuei-Keer-Buma) Gol, Thonye-ke Pariak, Awan, Nyicak, Kuot, Pador, Mac-Ayil, Biong-ke-nai, and Nyara.

Chuei-Keer Buma of Bor County

Chuei-Keer Buma is located in Horn of Bor South sharing the border with Mundri of Central Equatoria and until Goi near Pan-pandier village. The members of Chuei-Keer Buma within Kolnyang Payam are voice their communities and the leaders of Jonglei to have their own payam in Bor County because of their populations, which makeup payam if there is no Kolnyang County of Bor. The issue and concern is population of Kolnyany Payam in Bor County is more double other payams need two payams, so that the leaders can work closely to their local peoples. Juor-Mac known as Chuei-Keer Buma was includes to Kolnyang Kot during the SPLA-Movement of taxation, but Chuei-Keer Kot was stand alone in many years in Borland.

In June 2012 Chuei-Keer Buma was exceeded total of 19,450 populations during election of their village leaders in South Sudan. The representatives of Bor County were said that if any sub village reaches the total of 3,000-4,000 must be represented by two leaders. So, in 2012 the election was conducted by local representatives of Chuei-Keer Buma and their total of populations was reached of 19,450. Some of Bor citizens were describes Chuei-Keer-Buma is supposed to be payam since day one, as many people knows that Chuei-Keer is a Buma of high population.

Chuei-Keer Buma has sub villages along the Nile River Bank from Bang-Achurot, Malou, Anuet, Pan-wiel, Dotwong/Yolthar, Pariak, and Goi along the Nile Bank and outward to Chuei-Keer territory of their old town. Chuei-Keer Buma is sharing the border with Mundri of Central Equatoria marking the Jemeze-Town as the border between the Bor and Mundri people.

The people of Chuei-Keer Buma are kindly appeal to Governor of Jonglei and Bor Commissioner to uphill this case of Chuei-Keer Payam that will make a different and will help the local people to make their own development. It is easy for local people to meet with their own leaders, than largely combination of biggest payam.

Matter of Resources

Chuei-Keer-Buma is applying the doctrines of Jesus Christ as it said, "Give to Chuei-Keer Buma what belongs to Chuei-Keer-Buma, and give to others what belongs to other payams." this message is completely amazed to people who thinking about the resources inadequate in the state or counties. It is pointless to say that there are no enough resources, while resources should be distribute according to populations in the areas. Resources are not the issue to keep Chuei-Keer Buma to have their own independent payam in Bor County. Some of Bor citizens were assuming that if there are more counties and payams will cause inadequate of resources. It is totally wrong. Bor people were confined themselves rather than create more accessible of leadership will help the local people in their living territory, as a demand of Chuei-Keer Buma.

Chuei-Keer Buma along with Greater Bor community is asking the leaders of Jonglei and the communities to implement Kolyang with two payams. There are no resources that even reach to local people, while some proclaims about resources as problem. Chuei-Keer Buma ideal to have payam because of the side of the population in the area.

The people of Chuei-Keer Buma are appeal and request the Governor of Jonglei and Bor Commissioner, to uplift this case to make two payams that will make a different and will help the local people to make their own development.

Petition Letter to Jonglei State, Bor County, Bor Leaders, and Bor Citizens:

1)      Hon: Governor of Jonglei State

2)      Hon: Deputy Governor of Jonglei State

3)      Hon: Judiciary System of Jonglei State

4)      Hon: Commissioners of Jonglei State

5)      Hon: Commissioner of Bor County

6)      Hon: Leaders of Bor Counties

7)      Hon: Traditional leaders of Bor

8)      Hon: Leaders of Kolnyang Payam

9)      Hon: leaders of Faith in Jonglei

10)   Hon: Chuei-Keer Buma Leaders

The Members of Chuei-Keer Buma in the Government of South Sudan

The Members of Chuei-Keer Buma in Government of South Sudan from civilian servant and military level. We are here to request your attention to lift up his structure of payam, so that the community will make a good leadership and good development. This will help our local people defend themselves in danger environment and enforce their own security without rely on top.

1.      Hon: Machar Gai Agaau

2.      Hon: Makeer Deng Mach

3.      Hon: Majier Mayom Ngong

4.      Hon: Ayom Mach Jok

5.      Hon: Mabiei Nhial Mabiei

6.      Hon: Mach Yout Mabiei

7.      Hon: Deng Mabior Deng

8.      Hon: Kor Kucha Thon

9.      Hon: Thony Aret

10. Hon: Malith Manguek Nyok

11. Hon: Mawut Buk Deng

12. Hon: Deng Buk Deng

13. Hon: Mawut Maciek Kuot

14. Hon: Mach Jok Mach

15. Hon: Makeer Yout Mabiei

16. Hon: Chol Aciek Ngong

17. Hon: Moses Gol Mabior

18. Hon: Gai Ngang Achok

19. Hon: Woui Awar Lual

20. Hon: Ajak Aboul Mach

21. Hon: Majur Aderek Dautong

22. Hon: Chol Garang Nyok

23. Hon: Panchol Nyok Garang

24. Hon: Kuol Laul

25. Hon: Thon Aciek Mabiei

26. Hon: Thon Kucha Thon

27. Hon: Kang Mach Thon

Community Leaders of Chuei-Keer Buma

1.       Gol: Marial Malil and Aguot Chol

2.       Awan: Pandak Mach and Mach Kucha

3.       Thonye: Manguek Thomam and Madol Mach

4.       Nyicak Garang Athiek and Garang Manguek

5.       Mach-ayil: Lual Teir and Deng Kurdit

6.       Nyara: Kur Mareng and Makuch Arem

7.       Biong: Tur Garang

Chuei-Keer Buma in Western Worlds

Gol in United States

1.       Aciek Ayol Akol

2.       Aguot Majok Aguot

3.       Ayuen Awan Adet

4.       Bior Garang Akon

5.       Bol Ariem Jok

6.       Bol Ariem Dut

7.       Chol Majok Aguot

8.       Deng Biar Deng

9.       Dut Jok Acuoth

10.   Garang Aciek Dut

11.   Madit Makuach Borthok

12.   Madit Ngong Anyieth

13.   Majur Makor Gai

14.   Makeer Madol Jok

15.   Makoi Malual Makoi

16.   Matiop Garang Nyok

17.   Panther Ayuen Lual

18.   Joh Lueth Chol

Gol in Canada

19.   Yout Alier Nhial

Awan in United States

20.   Ajak Jok Mach

21.   Ajak Awar Lual

22.   Ayuen Aciek Aguot

23.   Akech Garang Aciek

24.   Akol Riem Garang

25.   Aluak Majok Akuch

26.   Awar Ayuen Awar

27.   Dit Majok Akuch

28.   Dut Jok-Kuch Aguek

29.   Jok Lol Jok

30.   Joh Aderek Dautong

31.   Kor Lukuach Malual

32.   Madit Chola Garang

33.   Mabil Beer Chol

34.   Nyap Riem Garang

35.   Panther Kuol Deng

36.   Riak Deng Riak

37.   Riak Mayen Joh

Awan in Canada

38.   Aboui Maluak Deng

39.   Athel Manyok Gai

40.   Aciek Marial Deng

41.   Ayor Sodit Gai

42.   Dautong Athel Manyok

43.   Maluak Athel Manyok

Awan in Australia

44.   Ajok Kucha Mach

45.   Gai Manyok Gai

46.   Majak Aderek Dautong

47.   Ayor Dot Reng

Nyicak in United States

48.   Abeny Gai Mayen

49.   Ajak Makeer Ajak

50.   Anai Kelei Malith

51.   Arem Mayom Ngong

52.   Ayuiu Mach Dhol

53.   Ayuen Aloh Dot

54.   Ayol Joh Mayen

55.   Ayuen Deng Anyang

56.   Bior Mach Ngong

57.   Bukdit Mawut Buk

58.   Bukthii Mawut Buk

59.   Deng Mayen Deng

60.   Chuti Ngong Anyieth

61.   Kon Gai Mayen

62.   Kuer Bol Kuer

63.   Leek Mach Dhol

64.   Machol Mach Gai

65.   Madol Mach Dhol

66.   Malou Mach Thon

67.   Manyok Aciek Mabiei

68.   Mamer Nyok Abil

69.   Ngor Anyieth Mayom

70.   Thon Aloh Dot

71.   Thuor Alier Ayom

72.   Yai Makeer Ajak

73.   Yout Mach Thon

Nyicak in Canada

74.   Chol Dautong Agoot

75.   Mabiei Mach Yout

76.   Majur Dautong Agoot

Nyicak in Australia

77.   Ayol Aboul Gai

78.   Mabiei Nhial Mabiei

79.   Mabior Kut Wai

80.   Majok Alier Thon

81.   Mading Jol Ahok

82.   Madol Makeer Mabior

83.   Mamer Jok Makuei

84.   Nyok Alier Mabiei

Mach-ayil in United States

85.   Ajak Akai Machot

86.   Anyang Ateny Ngang

87.   Jok Aguot Mach

88.   Thon Ateny Ngang

Nyara in United States

89.   Ajak Mabut Ajak

90.   Ajak Malual Jok

91.   Alier Majok Nyok

92.   Bol Akon Nyou

93.   Chol Dakbai Ngong

94.   Mabut Malual Jok

95.   Majok Deng Alier

96.   Kuol Ding Deng

97.   Nyap Malual Jok

98.   Riakthii Akienym Riak

Nyara in Canada

99.   Riakdit Akienym Riak

100. Deng Ngang Deng

Biong Ke Nai in United States

101. Deng Aluong Deng

102. Deng Nguncey Deng

103. Makeer Akau

104. Makeer Makuei

105. Angu Ayor Mading

106. Akech Majok Ngang

This is our pleasure to people of Jonglei State and Greater Bor Communities as we are informing them due to our overwhelming and overpopulating in South Sudan among the 86-payams. We are deeply making our request and honor to our leaders from the top to bottom of the Government of South Sudan to Buma level to do this as will of interest of the Chuei-Keer Buma to have their own payam.

This petition letter was prepared by sons and daughters of Abii Community of Chuei-Keer Buma.Thanks go these gentlemen for their contributions in this frame work. Majak Aderek Dautong, Bior Mach Ngong, Arem Mayom Ngong, Chol Dakbai Ngong, Jok Mach Aguot and Dut Jok Acuoth. We deeply thank all Jonglei citizens and entire South Sudanese in their leaderships.

Framed and inked by Manyok Mabiei

The Lou Nuer Community Elders

Re: IGAD, UNIMISS, and the International Peace Facilitators

Waat, December 14, 2014 (SSNA) -- December 15, 2014, marked the heart fall anniversary for the 20,000 innocent Nuers who were murdered by Salva Kiir Mayardit’s Gelweng- Private tribal army in Juba Capital City of South Sudan. While this incident has created general impact to the Nuer people at large, we intend to send our condolences to the families who lost their love ones. Our praying and hearts will always be with them.

The Greater Lou Nuer Community elders in Central Lou Nuer,  want to enlighten the IGAD peace mediators that, talking about peace with Salva Kiir Mayardit still calling himself the President of South Sudan is the Biggest Insult to our Nation. We want to remind the IGAD and the International Peace mediators that Salva Kiir Mayardit have lost his legitimacy as Country’s president on December 15, 2013, and immediately at the time he ordered his Dinka Private army to kill innocent Nuer people simply because they are Nuer, and failed to apologized to the Nuer community as country’s leader.

Our message to IGAD and the rest of the world is to understand that NO PEACE is going to come to our Nation with Kiir still a leader in the Country. If you mean for peace to come back to South Sudan nation, you should instead focus on removing Kiir from the country’s leadership, and have Museveni of Uganda return his army to his Country. You failed to do this and continue to dismay our conscience by talking about peace that does not make any sense to use as people who Kiir and Riek are leading. Our point here is for Kiir to step down from his leadership, otherwise, forget about those nonsense peace talks.

We understand that Dr. Riek Machar is a politician, who might be influence or convince by you or the world to agree with Kiir’s peace negotiation, but unless he bring back the 20,000 Nuer alive for us to follow him to Kiir’s Government.

If Dr. Riek will agree with your peace negotiation and choose to go back to Salva Kiir’s Dinka Government as Prime Minister, YOU MUST understand that we are not part of that peace. We will continue to fight both Kiir and Riek until they get out of that leadership together, and we will select another leader to lead our Nation.

We are the fathers and the Mothers of the Nuer White Army in Central Lou Nuer, and therefore, our ultimate goal is that all South Sudanese regardless of their tribal affiliation enjoy to live without fear from anyone in South Sudan their Nation. We offered our White Army children to sacrifice their lives in order to fight to free the Nuer from the Dinka manmade disaster over the Nuers. We will fight until the last man to defeat Kiir from his power.

By Mekonen Tefere

Addis Ababa, December 15, 2014 (SSNA) -- Speaking to the press on Sunday, December 14, 2014, the Nuer Christian Mission Network (NCMN) deputy chairperson Evangelist Yien Chagor elaborated that the commemoration day will take place on time per plan and as it happened in Juba.

South Sudan witnessed heavy loss of human lives, properties and physical infrastructures since December 2013. Meanwhile 1.5 million had been displaced and thousands of citizens reportedly had been killed. The International Crisis Group (ICG) said on its report published on April 2014 that Human rights abuses and other atrocities had been committed by both warring parties.

Evangelist Yien added that the event would start by 08:00am to late afternoon on Monday, 15 December 2014 at St. Mathew Anglican Church, Arat Killo. “We invite everybody, media houses and International Community to come and witness the commemoration.” Evangelist Chagor supplemented after the Church services at St. Mathew Anglican Church in Addis Ababa. He mentioned that community would use the day for fasting, prayer, lighting candles, and songs from Nuer hymnal as part of mourning.

In another development, the representative of Nuer Students Union in Mekane Yesus Seminary - Mr. Stephen Bol Pal disclosed that they [students] would first organize mourning at Seminary level before the public mourning kick-off at St. Mathew Anglican Church. The Seminary President Dr. Belay Guta welcome the move instead urged the Seminary’s communities to share the commemoration with South Sudanese students. “I appeal to the entire Seminary community to come and mourn with our South Sudanese brothers”. Dr. Belay said in the public gathering.   

William Deng Ker Chagor, the Deputy Chairperson of the Students Union confirms that they [students] had printed Black Polo T. shirts with some wordings and a picture of a dead mother dragged by her son. “This black T. shirt indicates the blood of innocents Nuer who were targeted and killed in Juba.” Tot Jock Jith, the secretary for Students added.

Finally, Evangelist James Ret Lew, the Chairperson for Nuer Christian Mission Network calls for justice on those who committed the atrocities.

The author can be reached on mekonentefere@gmail.com.

Press Release

Washington, DC, December 15, 2014 (SSNA) -- Today, December 15, 2014, marks the first anniversary of the Juba massacre of ethnic Nuer people ordered by President Salva Kiir Mayardit. This day will go down to the history of South Sudan and will be remember by all generations to come.

The office of the SPLM/SPLA-IO Representative in Washington, DC, would like to seize this opportunity to convey a message of condolence to the Nuer community Worldwide as they are commemorating this day in an honors to their love one who were murdered in a cold-blooded by the presidential militias in Juba.

Therefore, the SPLM/A Resistant Movement's Chairman and commander in Chief, Dr. Riek Machar, and the entire Leadership of the SPLM/SPLA-IO, is standing with you the families, victims, and injured in mourning this day with you. The SPLM/A-IO will also make sure that the Killer Salva Kiir, is held accountable for the inhuman actions he has committed against the Nuer Nation and all the perpetrators must be brought to justice

God bless you and South Sudan.

Signed:

For immediate release

Addis Ababa, December 15, 2014 (SSNA) -- As we are going to commemorate the bloody Sunday which will fall on Monday 15th December 2014, the office of SSAAE is hereby condemning the Nuer massacre in Juba, Bentiu and Malakal, which left more than 20,000 innocent Nuer civilians dead in less than a week time (cool blood).

The Association wants the root cause of the conflict to be addressed thoroughly. We want all those who are responsible for Nuer Ethnic cleansing to be held accountable before the law. The association reiterated the chairman’s statements saying, "we're south Sudanese artists' but we cannot sit while our people (innocent Nuer) got killed in the senseless war.” It's our responsibility to call on justice to prevail and whoever has a hand on the death of more than 20,000 Nuer civilians must face the law.

We call on international human right watch to quickly present their report to UN Security Council so that resolutions on atrocities committed are passed forthwith.

In conclusion, all the members of SSAAE are hereby passing their condolences to the families of the victims of 15th December crises.

It's our wishes that peace will prevail once again in our beloved nation. We'll yearly commemorate the death of our innocent people who were brutally killed on the pretext of the fake coup.

May God bless South Sudan and keep us united forever!

Signed:

You can reach South Sudan Artists on: paulruotbayoch@gmail.com

By Mekonen Tefere

Addis Ababa, December 16, 2014 (SSNA) -- Evangelist Yien Chagor urged the congregations to preach love instead of hatred among the young nation. Yien who is due to graduate in 2015 in Theology at Evangelical Theological College (ETC) briefed the participants about what it means for the commemoration.

“Today it marked the first anniversary of Nuer massacre in Juba”, the Nuer Christian Mission Network (NCMN) deputy chairperson an Evangelist Yien Chagor said at the opening of the commemoration day at St. Mathew Anglican Church.

More people [Nuer] from the entire Addis Ababa gathered at the venue for mourning from 8am- till 5pm. The number of congregations who participated in the service was unknown.

Some observers from Ethiopian community disclosed that the number of people should exceed three thousands while some of permanent well known elders from the Nuer communities had joined the event. These elders were; Hon. Gabriel Yoal Dok, Hon. Mathew Mathiang Deng, Hon. Jooyul Yol, Hon. Maluit and many more.

Speaking to the media after the commemoration, Hon. Gabriel Yoal call on International Community to quickly act on the people who committed the atrocities on innocents Nuer civilians in Juba last year. “Those who committed the atrocities must be brought to justice.” Hon. Gabriel Yoal warned.

Deng Duol Pur, a finalist student from Mekane Yesus Management and Leadership College – Department of Accounting and Finance warned that the young nation (South Sudan) should suffer from debt in the near future. A statement that he referred to the economy in which the country invests its resources on military equipments to fight the rebel led by Dr. Machar.

South Sudan bought some weapons from China early this year and the Country is paying the bill for Uganda People Defense Force (UPDF).

Meanwhile, some officials from SPLM-IO including the former first secretary for South Sudan Embassy to Addis Ababa, David Dang Kong who defected last month to Sudan People Liberation Movement – In Opposition (SPLM-IO) witnessed the event and pay the tribute to the deceases.  

Peace Ambassador Gatwech Koak Nyuon was among the guests who witnessed the ceremony. He was given a chance to make a presentation. He appeals to the Christian communities to pray for both warring parties in order to reconcile and give peace a room to reign in South Sudan. “I personally appeal to International community to consider any sanction on individuals who hinder peace for self benefit.” Peace Ambassador Gatwech added in a separate interview after the commemoration.

The author can be reached on: mekonentefere@gmail.com.

SPLM-IO Youth League Chapter in Egypt

By: Sirir Gabriel Yiei Rut

Cairo, December 16, 2014 (SSNA) -- On Behave of the SPLM/YL Chapter in Egypt I would love to congratulate the demonstrators, Widows, Widowers, Orphans and the entire survivors of 15-Dec-Genocide in Juba. Without forgetting those who also turned up for the evening memorial prayers.

It was good decision for all of us to bring to the attention of all South Sudanese and international community the enormity of the crimes against humanity, the despicable carnage, the pogroms, the ethnic cleansing going on in south Sudan today.

I would also thank the Egyptian government who humbly shows their sympathy on our situation during our demonstration. May they always keep that spirit of humanity in their hearts?

As you are reading this, the massacre is on-going with outrageous ferocity and wicked intent aimed at wiping the Nuer off the face of the earth. We continue seeing our brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters in thousands every week, and every month.

We have watched our daughters and wives publicly molested and butchered, pregnant women’s stomach cut open and the feotus removed and killed, bosom feeding mothers have their bosom cut off and allowed to bleed to death. Hundreds have been burnt alive, and the world is silent.

Innocent and law abiding citizen whose only crimes have been their ethnicity on tribal basis continue to die and face the threat of extinction every day. Rather than bringing us peace and security, the silent support of some international bodies has increased the advantage of our oppressors over us.

Today our persecutors are Dinka tribe who are leading the current” Hukuma Kuchum -el-Bet” loosely translated as ” Government of self-services base on one ethnicity”.

One common theme in south Sudan since 15/12/2013 is that Nuer life is not sacred; almost nobody is even brought to book for the spilling of innocent Nuer life. Nuer murderers operate with impunity and event enjoy tacit support of the south Sudan government. In the market places, in the streets, the blood of the Nuer are spilled every month.

How long shall the world remain silent in the face of continued injustice?

We don’t usually think of history as being shaped by silence, but as the renowned English philosopher Edmund Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for a good man to do nothing.” We live in a world plague by dictatorship today. That evil dictator has made its way to south Sudan and the Nuer are the primary victims. It is time for the International community to get up, say enough is enough, and crush this dictator.

The tribes in south Sudan are seemingly complicit with the dictator groups, because they have not shown the will to combat and destroy it. Rather they have made deals with the dictators groups in the past, and offered collaboration to this terrorist organization.

Must the world watch in silence?

I plead for you to come to our aid now lest we perished. Nuer are on the verge of being extinct, and we have no support in south Sudan. The Nuer story greatly parallels the Jews experiences; we are very industrious, religious and live in migrant communities. As a result of our commercial success. We are despised and mistreated by the host communities. This hatred has led to taunt, discrimination, pogroms, ethnic cleansing and civil war in which the rest of Sudanese ganged up to subjugate the Nuer. Politicians from other ethnic groups have used anti-Nuer sentiments to whip up support for themselves, and get their people to commit dastardly act of violence against Nuer. Just like the Jews we have suffered enough today we say enough is enough.

We, the members of “SPLM YOUTH LEAGUE” a network of South Sudanese youths representing Egypt wish through this medium to bring to your attention the horror, and state of fear we have now and still bear for more than 11 months.

The people of south Sudan always and consistently turns a blind eye to the injustice and continues violence meted out against Nuer. The government controlled print and electronic media refuses to publish or at best under reports the horrific fun of blood-letting going on in the country as carried out by the Dinka against primarily Nuer.

Today as these horrendous massacre persist, the dictatorial government or regime is busy with the issue of oil subsidy while a section of the country perished. The world press focuses on oil while human blood, the blood of the Nuer wet the streets of Juba, Malakal, Bor, Bentiu and the all four states of Bhar el ghazal.

HISTORY OF MASSACRE.(city/town):

And the list goes on. By the time you read this more would have died. The situation is getting out of hand and the south Sudan government has shown that it lacks the will and the capability to protect the life and the properties of Nuer people who are still serving with them in the same government.

The government of Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit has tried relentlessly to undermine the premeditated, consistent, calculated ethnic cleansing as war of  power hunger between Dr.Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon and the government this has been the attitude of the government who through its unjust structural policies has continued in her agenda to punish the Nuer. The Nuer are now both politically and ethnically endangered species in south Sudan. Once a vibrant powerful ethnic group in south Sudan.

The Nuer will be a minority in the new geopolitical structure of south Sudan. We cannot continue to watch as the security situation in south Sudan continues to deteriorate. South Sudan is a strategic young nation of the eastern Africa. The world must act now to avoid another civil war in the style of Rwanda and Khartoum. Now is the time to act before the anger of the youths in the UN camps as vindictive as they will take matters in to their own hands.

Today by writing to you, I am voicing to pursue a peaceful resolution of this carnage.

The Nuer are asking for the international community and the UN to intervene.
We want federalism, supervised by I GAD and the international community for the people to choose for themselves if they want to be a part of the current leadership or joint another healthy party.

We demand federalism where each state protects its citizenry from further slaughter. Since their lives and properties are not granted by the south Sudan government.

Regards,

The Author is famous writer on South Sudanese Issues and He is the Chairman of SPLM/YL chapter in Egypt. He can be reached at sirirgabrielyiei3@gmail.com.