Haak Youth Association (HYA)

Date: 02/02/2015

Sub: Denouncing the statement published on 26/01/2015 on Juba Telegraph by self-claimed Mayiandit Youth chairman: Peter Chuol Phar Gatchang.

February 2, 2015 (SSNA) -- We the above mentioned body, would like to acknowledge/ the Nuer community in particular and entire South Sudanese in general about the statement that said we are supporting the regime of Salva kiir and his care taker governor of unity state Joseph Nguen Monytuil. Base on the false statement, issued by that individual, we strongly denied the statement that we are not supporting the genocidal government.

The statement was just a mere propaganda released by that opportunist, disgruntle beggar and blood sucker. Our position is that, we could not and will not support the dictatorial regime whose aim is to use our country resources for mercenaries (UPDF) who are now killing our people and try to invade our ancestors land for their political and economic interest. Therefore, all Haak youth association of Mayiandit County firmly stands behind the SPLA/SPLM-IO under the wise leadership of Dr: Riek Machar Teny

However the so called: Peter Chuol Phar Gatchany is not even a chairman of the association before and after, he is just a traitor who has self-interest and only working for his own personal benefit to have a position in dead regime of salva kiir.

Finally: We want to assure the public that the allegation that was published is not true and baseless.

February 2, 2015 (SSNA) -- South Sudan’s rights body, the South Sudan Human Rights society for Advocacy (SSHURSA), has welcomed the signing of the roadmap agreement between the government of South Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO).

The deal which was signed in the Ethiopian capital, Adddis Ababa, allows the two rival parties to participate in future peace talks scheduled to resume on February 19.

In a press statement obtained by the South Sudan News Agency (SSNA), the rights agency praise the deal saying it could pave the way for the establishemnt of the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGONU). SSHURSA raise doubts whether or not the new agreement will be respected by the parties to it.

“The agreement is intended to chart the way forward for the establishment of the Transitional Government of National Unity.Though the parties are yet to be seen true to their words, this agreement is hoped to shape the new political and social dispensation for peace among South Sudanese people,” the group said in the statement.

SSHURSA also said the leaders of the warring factions and their supporters should put the nation and the interests of people above personal grievances and interests.

Bellow is the full text of the SSHURSA’s press release:

_________________________________________________________

Press release, for immediate release: 2 February 2015

SSHURSA WELCOMES ROADMAP PEACE AGREEMENT AND URGES PARTIES TO PUT SOUTH SUDAN ABOVE SELF

The South Sudan Human Rights society for Advocacy (SSHURSA) welcomes the roadmap agreement of 1 February 2015, signed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; between the Government of the Republic of South Sudan (GRSS) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement or Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO).

The agreement is intended to chart the way forward for the establishment of the Transitional Government of National Unity.Though the parties are yet to be seen true to their words, this agreement is hoped to shape the new political and social dispensation for peace among South Sudanese people. SSHURSA, thus, congratulates South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and SPLM/A-IO leader Dr Riek Machar, for taking such a courageous move to sign the roadmap agreement. SSHURSA urges the two leaders and their supporters to continue putting South Sudan and the interests of its people above personal grievances and interests. It is hoped that such document could set up a clearer way nearing to signing of a negotiated final peace deal that may restore peace, harmony and needed reforms in South Sudan which may heal the wounded and embittered South Sudanese society.

SSHURSA takes congnisance of the following main issues being the highlights of the signed agreement:

Much as the agreement highlights issues that would give guidance to the discussion for the final agreement by the parties, SSHURSA however, warns that parties should not be carried away by external pressure but rather make real commitment and avoid mere sweeping statements which have no basis in addressing the root causes and fundamental reforms that South Sudanese people need. The respective leadership of the parties to conflict, should discuss issues that have been affecting South Sudanese people especially matters on governance, human rights and rule of law. This would largely require sincere direct efforts of President Salva Kiir and the leader of SPLM/A-IO Dr Riek Machar, to humbly discuss fundamental reforms without preferences to personal interests but that of South Sudanese people, for whom peace is meant to hold.

SSHURSA also specifically welcomes the provision on justice, accountability, reconciliation and healing. This should come with establishment of truth and reconciliation commission whose main function should be to expose the truth of the past and ongoing human rights violations. The commission should be a forum to avail both victims and perpetrators an opportunity to face each other in exposing the truth of violations which may devise ways of reconciliation. This can ensure long term healing from the continued bitterness among South Sudanese communities. This process of truth telling, combined with reforms in the governance and service delivery sector, and traditional justice mechanisms, may ensure long-term stability in South Sudan.

Much as SSHURSA welcomes formation of hybrid judicial body, however, it warns that given the composition of current justice sector in South Sudan, with personnel being submissive to the executive armed of government amidst incompetence, the prospects of justice without reforms in the sector, risk being manipulated and project a significant failing from start.

SSHURSA also warns that a hybrid judicial body that would target prosecuting only low ranking officers among the parties, leaving the big fish who could possibly have been the main commanding perpetrators and ordering authorities; and plus the usual controversial effects of prosecution in postconflict society such as South Sudan, also risks throwing South Sudan into further perpetual instability.

SSHURSA further warns that any advocacy for justice, truth and reconciliation that does not centre itself on the traditional justice mechanisms and centred on victims’ interests, risks being seen as a forum meant for international and regional employment which is likely to be detached from the victim-based approach. This shall have missed the much needed meaningful exposure of truth that may provide closure among the victims and pave way for reconciliation and healing among the postconflict South Sudanese communities. This approach, a scenario absence of which posits a significant challenge to the future stability of South Sudan.

SSHURSA appeals to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, African Union and other international actors on South Sudan’s conflict resolution initiatives, to rethink their strategies. They should instead, further encourage South Sudanese parties to the conflict and other involved actors, to meaningfully discuss root causes of the conflict and reach consented compromises which would bring about meaningful stability back to South Sudan.

Finally, SSHURSA urges the parties to conflict to adhere to the spirit of cessation of hostilities which they had long signed but failed to respect. Neither side nor foreign support base, would win the war militarily and the parties, should instead, listen to the voices of the suffering South Sudanese people in South Sudan and refugee camps in neighbouring countries. SSHURSA continues to warn neighbouring states to reconsider their military support that has been fueling conflict in South Sudan hence subjecting the country to more human rights abuses by the warring parties. These countries should know that, a collapsed and instable South Sudan could be an apple of regional instability in the long run, thus, concerted efforts needed now than later to work for stable South Sudan.

Signed: SSHURSA Executive Director

For contact on this statement: sshursa2007@gmail.com/info@sshursa.org; Uganda: +256 786106698, Kenya: +254 712 268 536, South Sudan: +211 955 300 382.

About SSHURSA: SSHURSAis an incorporated non-political and non-profit making national human rights organisation, founded by South Sudanese lawyers and Law Students on 5June 2007 at Law Development Centre (LDC), Makerere, Kampala, Uganda. In South Sudan, its operations started since 2009 with its headquarters in Juba and coordination 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. SSHURSA also trains general public on human rights, constitution, rule of law, transitional justice and international humanitarian law. All geared towards creating an informed citizenry that ensures justice and good governance oriented South Sudan. Visit us at: www.sshursa.org

Press Statement

By: Equatorian South Sudanese Communities in Exile and the Diaspora

February 2, 2015 (SSNA) -- On behalf of the larger, silent and suffering majority of the People of Equatoria, we the undersigned sons and daughters of Equatoria South Sudanese Community in Exile and the Diaspora, hereby express our bitter concern and categorically reject the statement by a lobby group of Equatorian beneficiaries of the government in Juba. We accordingly underscore the following to set the record straight:

1. It is out of question that this group of self-interest lobbyists, hiding under the auspices of the current Vice President and three governors of Western Equatoria State,Central Equatoria State and Eastern Equatoria State are feeling unsettled with the rapidly changing political landscape under the weight of the IGAD-mediated peace talks in Addis Ababa, fearing that the political landscape might change to their disadvantage. This lobby group has been rallying a group of their supporters and beneficiaries of nepotistic practices and their extended family members in a desperate bid to maintain their status quo and continue milking the ailing cow that is South Sudan.

2. The shameless lobbyists should be aware that Equatorians in particular, and South Sudanese in general, are closely monitoring their moves and know who the members of the group led by the Vice President and three-mentioned state governors, cabinet ministers and members of parliament are. These are people addicted to accumulation of ill-gotten wealth who are desperate to maintain the ill-famed government in Juba.

3. Equatorians are not so myopic as to neglect the root causes of the conflict in South Sudan and the thousands of innocent citizens massacred in cold-blood by state sponsored militia. Equatorians are fully aware that what drives the lobbyists is the sheer quest to continue basking in opulence with their extended family members in foreign cities, while at the same time fearing the imminent accountability for pillaging the resources of the country.

4. It should be realized that the real interest, the real cause and hope for Equatoria rests in the current movement against Salva Kiir Mayardit and his corrupt cohorts in Juba. Barely two months ago, Equatorians met in a caucus at Pagak in Upper Nile State to evaluate, deliberate and present the position of Equatoria regarding the future governance of South Sudan. Earlier, under the auspices of Equatoria South Sudanese Community in America (ESSCA), Equatorians came out with a position paper which detailed in no uncertain terms the wishes and aspirations of the people of South Sudan, with Equatorians being part and parcel of them.

Conclusion:

These clearly expressed positions of Equatorians should not be contradicted by selfprotecting and self-seeking millionaire vice president, governors, cabinet ministers and military generals. Surely these unpopular politicians have everything to gain from a failed government and everything to lose from a well-established government that we have been working and consulting to establish by addressing the root causes of the poor governance and the conflict. When it matters most for them, they rally Equatoria behind them, but when all is sweet and green for them Equatoria matters less.

However, this time around we will not allow self-interests to prevail over the common interest, wishes and aspirations of the majority of our people. Therefore, the ongoing peace, which we want to be real peace-building and development planning process should not be deterred and should not be watered down by disguised ill-intentions of a few politicians. Equatoria should not be used as a Trojan horse for execution of sinister plans of these politicians!

Signed (in alphabetical order):

Dated: 02 February 2015

By Mekonen Tefere

Addis Ababa, February 4, 2015 (SSNA) -- The South Sudanese government announced on Wednesday that it has received an assurance from the rebel leadership that they would release Isaiah Chol Aruai, the chairman of the South Sudan bureau of statistics, after he was abducted off a humanitarian aircraft.

“Contacts have been made and the rebels’ leadership has given assurances that comrade Isaiah Chol and his colleagues will be released today," Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomuro said Wednesday.  

In August 2014, Gabriel Yien Gach was reportedly pulled out of NPA’s vehicle and killed by some unknown groups in Maban County. Six other Nuer -UN workers were targeted in Maban County by government allied militia to Juba’s regime.

In October the same year of 2014 - Mark Diang, a United Nations worker, who works for World Food Programme was kidnapped at Malakal airport, in Upper Nile state.

Chuar Juet Jock, a south Sudanese residing in United States of America added that the movement (SPLM-IO) was forced to revolt and at the same time accepts to fight for injustice. “Indeed these people need to be investigated thoroughly, but after proper investigations, they should be released if innocent.”

Chuar Juet who is also an entrepreneur and computer scientist added that the movement fights for change not for revenge against individuals. “We can't follow the footsteps of Kiir tribal regime…the government must tell us the Mark Diang and Gabriel Yien Gach whereabouts.” Mr. Juet elaborated. 

Another high-ranking rebel official who talked in condition of anonymity said that the detention of Isaiah Chol Aruai is a result of his wrong doing of things. “Mr. Isaiah Chol Aruai ordered the election to go ahead to legitimizes president Kiir and suspend census, this is an act of selfishness.” The rebel commander said in exclusive interview. 

Information and Broadcasting Minister Michael Makuei Lueth announced on state television that on Tuesday that the government had contacted the rebel leader Riek Machar and his chief negotiator Taban Deng Gai to inform them about the development and to ask that the officials be released on humanitarian grounds.

Peter Domach from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia said that the release of these people would account to weakness of Dr. Riek Machar. “These people pretend not to allied with government in Juba, but to me they are spying...we must arrest them until the government return Gabriel Yien Gach and Mark Diang.” Domach said sadly.

Kailech Malual from Nairobi said that Isaiah Chol and his colleagues should be kept captive until further truce. 

In a report published on Wangdunkon media on February 4, 2015, Cde. Gatdiet Peter calls upon the government of South Sudan to answer whereabouts of Mark Diang and Gabriel Yien Gach. The statement entitled: Where Is Mark Diang (WFP), Gabriel Yien Gach (NPA) and others before asking for Mr. Isaiah Chol Aruai?

Another refugee in Khartoum told the reporter that the release of Isaiah Chol Aruai and his colleagues would mean that Dr. Machar and Gen. Taban Deng Gai are acting for personal leadership not for pursuing the objectives of the movement. He added on the phone.

Brussels, February 5, 2015 (SSNA) -- The European Union (EU) has expressed its dissatisfaction over the handling of the African Union Commission of Inquiry which was tasked to look into the atrocities committed in the ongoing civil war.

The Commission was due to release its finding last month; however, some leaders of the East African leaders with backing of South Africa asked the Commission to delay the publication.

In a statement released to the media by the European Union External Action spokesperson, Catherine Ray, the EU said it opposes the delay of the publication of AU Commission of Inquiry’s findings, saying crimes with impunity are not allowed.

“The EU believes that the publication of the Commission of Inquiry’s findings and its recommendations on accountability are necessary to ensure that such violence against civilians cannot be undertaken with impunity,” Catherine Ray said in the statement.

The European Union also appreciates IGAD’s role and calls for the involvement of the international community in peace negotiations.

“The EU supports the IGAD-led process and encourages a closer involvement of the international community,” she added.

Mrs. Ray also said that collective international sanctions may be necessary.

Juba, February 6, 2015 (SSNA) -- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) has warned that South Sudan food insecurity is going to get worse by the end of next month unless something is done.

The warning comes as South Sudan’s civil war enters its second year.

The world body, UN, said that Upper Nile, Unity, and Jonglei states are the hard-hit areas, adding that lack of cultivation has also contributed to shortage of food productions.

“Missed crop cycles in conflict-ravaged parts of the country mean we’re now expecting household food stocks in the worst-affected counties to run out by March 2015 – much earlier than in a normal year,” Sue Lautze, the FAO Representative in South Sudan said in a statement.

Lautze suggests that continuation of humanitarian aid and investments in local economies could minimize the hunger, perhaps contribute to the recovery of the overall economy.

“We have to continue to invest on two tracks: one, provide humanitarian aid to prevent the most affected areas from sliding into greater crisis and, two, boost food production and local economies in the more stable areas, so they can support recovery in other parts of the country,” Lautze added.

The United Nations estimates 2.5 million people are already facing food shortage and another 3.9 million people have foods that could only last for months.

Waat, February 7, 2015 (SSNA) -- A group calling itself the leadership of Lou Nuer in the Republic of South Sudan has announced that they have tangible evidences which show Uganda and South Sudan have prepared their military forces and ready to attack Lou Nuer areas at any time.

The statement which bears the signature of the Leadership of Lour Nuer in South Sudan and seen by the South Sudan News Agewncy (SSNA) warns Kampala and Juba of serious consequences. The document also promises Kampala and Juba of what it describes as a merciless defense.

“Let the Genocidal Salva Kiir and his accomplice Yoweri Museveni attack us, we are more than ready and well prepare to teach them a lesson they will never forget. This is going to be a bloody end for them and they must know it before their death-sentence mission,” the statement reads in part.

“We are ready for a merciless defense,” the declaration warns.

The document also asks soldiers of the two countries to think before they set foot in the Lou Nuer land and calls on the international community to be aware of Juba-Kampala actions.

“We have been monitoring the forces of Kiir and his Ugandan father since Mid-December of last year, they tried to attack our areas three times before but they failed to show up because they know what is waiting for them,” the statement added.

The leadership of Lou Nuer in South Sudan also calls on the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), African Union (AU), Troika countries, and the United Nations (UN) to be aware of Museveni and Kiir actions.

Ugadan troops have been fighting alongside SPLA forces loyal to South Sudan's President, Salva kiir Mayardiiit.

On November 5, 2014 the SSNA obtained a carefully designed wide-raging Ugandan military war plan against South Sudan’s rebels. In the text, the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) asked South Sudan’s rebels to either surrender or be wiped out.

The presence of Uganda military in South Sudan angers rebel forces, with Uganda President Museveni refusing to withdraw its soldiers claiming that South Sudanese President Kiir has asked Kampala for a military protection.

Washington, DC, February 7, 2015 (SSNA) -- The Troika’s countries, namely the United States of America, Norway, and the United Kingdom released a joint statement expressing their disappointment over the failure of peace talks between South Sudan’s warring factions in Ethiopia.

“The members of the Troika are profoundly disappointed by South Sudan’s leaders’ failure to reach a comprehensive peace deal at recent talks,” the Troika said.

The five members’ bloc also accuses President Kiir and rebel leader Dr. Riek Machar of pursuing their own interests over the suffering people of South Sudan.

“Ignoring the untold suffering of their people, South Sudan’s leaders have refused to make the necessary compromises to reach a peace agreement for the people of South Sudan who deserve and expect nothing less,” Troika added.

Peace negotiations collapsed on February 1^st after Kiir and Machar failed to reach an agreement over power sharing. The two leaders were only able to sign a deal which allows them to conduct future peace talks.

Juba, February 9, 2015 (SSNA) -- The United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary General and Emergency Relief Coordinator (USG/ERC), Valerie Amos, told reporters in Juba that roadblocks are established in South Sudan and that UN aid convoys are being stopped.

Mrs. Amos said people who are running roadblocks are asking humanitarian workers to pay so that they can be allowed to reach their destinations.

“Roadblocks are just being suddenly established and demands being made of humanitarian workers that they pay to allow the convoys to go through," Valerie Amos told reporter in South Sudanese capital, Juba.

“This is reflection of the fact that the command and control mechanisms that should exist are breaking down,” she added.

It is unclear which side of the conflict set up roadblocks. 

On the 6^th of February, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) warned that South Sudan food insecurity could get worse by the end of March.

Amos also disclosed that many humanitarian aid workers risk being kidnapped and have seen their supplies and equipments looted.

About two million people have fled their homes and hundreds of thousands more fled to the neighboring countries, according to the United Nations.

Peace negotiations between the warring factions have been ongoing in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. However, the talks lead to little or no success with fighting still raging.

Addis Ababa, February 9, 2015 (SSNA) -- A senior official of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in Opposition (SPLM-IO) has announced that the Equatoria Region has been labeled as a military zone, effective February 10, 2015.

The official also urges civil population to leave all government-controlled cities.

In a press statement extended to the South Sudan News agency (SSNA), the leadership of South Sudan’s rebels said that the government of South Sudan has repeatedly violated the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CHA) which was signed on January 23rd, 2013.

“From the 10th February, 2015 Equatoria region is effectively declared a military zone until the current regime is changed,” Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, the SPLM-IO Chairman of National Committee for Political Mobilization said in the statement.

The document which bears the signature of Pierino, has harshly accused Juba of undermining peace talks by refusing to withdraw foreign forces and urges anyone who lives in any government-controlled city to leave.

“The government of South Sudan and its allies has been violating this agreement by refusing to withdraw foreign forces that continued to undermine the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the new nation,” he added.

Prierino further reveals that IGAD which is mediating the peace between the two warring factions has members who back Kiir’s regime and that achieving peace is near to impossible. Even though Pierino did not name any country by name, it is in record that Uganda, a member of IGAD is supporting Kiir.

“Unfortunately for the peace talks in Addis Ababa, those who mediate the talks-the IGAD has members who are complicit in the state failure in South Sudan and human right violations in the armed conflict,” Pierino recalls.

The SPLM-IO leader expresses disappointment over IGAD’s decision to put more focus on power sharing and reunification of the SPLM, saying that demand for political and governance reforms and justice for the victims of Kiir’s genocide remains one of the critical points in the ongoing peace negotiations.

The SPLM-IO senior official also reminds the international community that Kiir’s government is still beheading people in their houses in and around Juba, condemns what he calls government policy of targeting and killing the members of Nuer, equatorians, pertit, balanda, shilluk, murle, and other members of minority communities, and urge United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to investigate and bring culprits to justice.

By Mekonen Tefere

Addis Ababa, February 9, 2015 (SSNA) -- The Office of South Sudan Artist Association in Ethiopia (SSAAE) announced to the media that the concert, which was conducted Saturday, 07 February 2015 at Biah Hotel in Gambella Region successfully ended.

The Chairperson for ‘SSAAE’, Mr. Khor Deng Jang (aka ~ Khor DJ) briefed the press after the concert and praised the relationship between South Sudan and Ethiopia. He appreciated the Ethiopian communities in Gambella who help organized the concert and facilitated everything they want during the event.

“I really appreciate the local communities and the government of Ethiopia particularly the Gambella Regional State for allowing us to organize the show,” Khor Deng Jang reiterated.

"The term ‘Tut-kernyang’ means grey-pink bull in Nuer language. This refers to a bull, which was given to Ethiopian elders who visited Ngundeng in Waat" according to Nuer elders who participated in concert.

“The concert attracted more than 5,000 people,” Killany Gatkek Tut one of the musicians added.

Ngundeng Bong is a Nuer prophet who is believed to stay around 1830-1906 in Greater Akobo, Jonglie State, South Sudan.

Nuer believe to have special connection with Ethiopia than any other South Sudanese tribe, a claim which has been told for decades, perhaps centuries by Nuer elders.

Lul Tuach Dojiok (aka ~ LTD) the deputy chairperson of Association amazed by huge turnout. ” We didn’t expect to receive such a huge turnout,” a word he referred to more than 5000 people who attended the concert.

Oral facts indicated that ‘Ngundeng’ gave a bull to Ethiopian elders who came to visit him in his pyramid located in Nyirol County, Jonglie State.

The Association calls upon South Sudan's warring factions to reach an amicable solution during the next round of talk which is due to take place this month.

Juba, February 10, 2015 (SSNA) -- The United Nations Under-Secretary General and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Valerie Amos, calls for a collective UN action to impose arms embargo against the Republic of South Sudan, asserting that it can make it harder for people to fight if there are no guns.

The call comes just days after UN said illegal roadblocks are delaying humanitarian aid to needy people.

“Anything that takes weapons off the streets, out of countries and out of communities will help us because ultimately for us it’s about bringing peace,” Amos told the Guardian Newspaper (UK).

“If there are no weapons, it’s harder for people to fight, peace will come sooner and we can get more aid to the people who so desperately need it,” she added.

Last week, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned that South Sudan food insecurity is going to get worse by the end of March unless something is done. Amos also said South Sudan’s government does not want to admit hunger figures of 2.5 million people facing severe food shortages.

Juba/Addis Ababa, February 10, 2015 (SSNA) -- Heavy fighting between government and rebel forces broke out in the capital of South Sudan’s oil-rich Unity State, on Tuesday with both sides using heavy artilleries, the South Sudan News Agency (SSNA) has learned.

Fighting has been raging since early Tuesday with both sides accusing each other of attack.

South Sudanese government said rebel forces have attacked their positions in and around Bentiu and accuse the anti-government fighters of violating the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CHA) which was signed in January last year in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

“The rebels are shelling our positions in Bentiu. This is a violation of the cessation of hostilities agreement, and we will act in self-defence,” South Sudan’s Defence Minister, Kuol Manyang Juuk, was quoted by AFP as saying.

Meanwhile, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in Opposition (SPLA-IO) dismiss Juuk’s claims, saying Juba government is relying on lies and that the accusations Minister Juuk labeled against the opposition forces are ‘pure lies’.

“What really happened is that Juba soldiers with their foreign allies first attacked our outposts; they came and attacked us thinking they will flush us out of our positions,” Captain Peter Keer Mayoi who said he participated in the fight told the South Sudan News Agency by  satellite phone in Unity State.

“These are pure lies, they should blame themselves not us because we were just responding to their attacks...now Kuol Manyang Juuk is lying because we defeated his soldiers back to where they came from,” he asserted.

Fighting erupted in December of 2013 between different units of presidential guards after months of political chaos among senior leaders of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) party.

President Kiir accuses his main-rival, Dr. Machar, of planning a coup. Machar denies the allegation saying Kiir premeditated the alleged coup in an attempt to try to get rid of his rivals.

Juba, February 13, 2015 (SSNA) -- South Sudanese government has on Friday postponed elections originally set by South Sudan’s National Elections Commission to take place on the 30^th of June this year.

South Sudan’s information Minister, Michael Makuei Lueth, said council of ministers has taken unilateral action by postponing elections and extending president’s term to two years. The resolution also applies to all elected positions.

"We have passed a resolution extending the tenure of the president and the parliament, including all elected positions," Makuei told AFP news agency.

Makuei argues that the extension will give his government enough time to negotiate with rebels without pressure.

South Sudan's parliament is expected to vote on the cabinet’s resolution.

The decision to delay elections is welcomed by the rival Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in Opposition (SPLM-IO); however, the SPLM-IO said Kiir’s government does not have any mandate to lengthen its own term.

Juba, February 13, 2015 (SSNA) -- South Sudan will export 4.6 million barrels of Dar Blend crude oil in March, down two hundred thousand barrels (just over 4%), compared to February delivery of 4.8 million barrels; a government official  with full knowledge of South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mining next month oil delivery told the South Sudan News Agency (SSNA).

The official disclosed that South Sudanese government is anxious about the decline of oil output and current market price.

“We have been noticing decline in our crude oil production, this is clearly a concern for us as [a] government,” the official who spoke on condition of anonymity told the South Sudan News Agency (SSNA).

“Next month, we will export about 4.6 million barrels of dar blend crude oil,” the source added.

Crude oil is currently being produced in Upper Nile State’s oil fields, mainly in blocks 3 and 7.

Late last year, South Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin, denied reports of drop in oil output.

South Sudan depends heavily on oil revenues and the price of crude oil has plummet.

In May 2014, South Sudan borrowed $200 million from a Chinese oil company and delayed repayments on domestic loans, putting the young nation’s economy viability into question.

Pagak, February 14, 2015 (SSNA) -- The Military Governor of newly created Adar State, Major General Saddam Chayot Manyang, has announced the appointment of members of his military cabinet.

The newly created Adar State, also known as Northern Upper Nile, is the first state to establish the deferral government which was adopted by the Sudan People’ Liberation Movement/Army-in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) during its December 2014 conference in Pagak.

The newly appointed members of Adar's military government are: James Majiok - head of Local Government and Laws Enforcement, Kun Minylang - head of Finance, Mary Nyawech - Head of Gender, James Khor Chuol Lengdit - head of information, Gatbel Gach Wuol - Head of Agriculture and Forestry, and Gatong Nyak Gatluak as head of political organization.

The SPLM/A-IO repeately said federalism is one of its main objectives in its war against South Sudan's government.

Addis Ababa, February 13, 2015 (SSNA) -- The leadership of South Sudan Democratic Army/Movement (SSDA/M) Cobra Faction has abandoned a peace deal which it signed with South Sudanese government in 2014.

The group accuses Kiir’s government of “ethnically motivated practices and killings.”

“…this regime has killed our people, it dishonor its commitment to the peace agreement with Cobra forces,” the statement reads in parts.

“As such, we condemn the regime’s tactics which promote ethnic conflicts between the neighboring communities,” it added.

The Cobra faction made it clear that it has officially joined armed struggle against South Sudan’s government and calls on all South Sudanese to “rise against the regime in Juba."

In May 2014, Cobra faction signed an agreement with Kiir's government in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. The pact gives the Greater Pibor power to rule itself. However, many South Sudanese Observers said the treaty was a smart move on the government's side, stressing that kiir was simply looking for any deal that could minimize, perhaps silence Cobra's rebellion.

Juba, February 16, 2015 (SSNA) -- South Sudan’s National Alliance (NA), a South Sudanese political block which comprised of at least fourteen different political parties, has welcomed the suspension of 2015 general elections initially scheduled by South Sudan’s National Elections Commission to take place on the 30^th of June this year.

In its official statement obtained by the South Sudan news Agency, the NA said it welcomes government’s decision to postpone elections and reveals that it has been lobbying for the annulment of elections and that it has also launched a legal challenge against the conduct of elections.

“The government [has] announced on Friday that it was recalling Parliament on Tuesday the 17^th instant so as to amend the Constitution in order to extend the terms of office of the President and Parliament for two more years as from the 9^th of July 2015; this decision has proved beyond doubt that this government is only concerned about continuing in power by all means,” the statement reads in part.

The NA criticizes government’s decision to extend its own terms, arguing that the decision violates the constitution and does not represents any democratic value.

“The hullabaloo about elections had nothing to do with upholding democratic values but all about getting the legitimacy through fake elections to continue hanging to power; no government in a democratic state has power to extend its own life! Otherwise, if this were to be the case, sitting governments would have continued in power through extending their term of office ad infinitum,” it added.

The announcement comes just days after South Sudanese government annulled the elections.

The joint - statement is signed by Dr. Lam Akol - Chairman of the SPLM-DC, Komelio Kon Ngu – Chairman of NUDF, Sebastian Uchan Kich – Chairman of the UDF, Abdalla Deng Nhial – Chairman of PCP, Paskalina Philip – Chairperson of SDAN, krumah Anai Kelueljang – Chairman of SSNYP, Andrew Philipson Abili – Acting Chairman of NJMP, Santino K. Anyieth – Deputy Chairman of PURE, Ismail Suleiman Saeed – CPSS central committee member, martin Aligo Abe – Secretary general of UDP, Abbas Bullen Ajalla – Secretary General of UDSF-M, Badit Dak Wie – Secretary General of SSD-Front, Juma Saeed Worju – Secretary General of SSNP, and Peter Lomude Francis – Representative of USSP.

Juba, February 17, 2015 (SSNA) -- The head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Ellen Margrethe Løj, who visited Jonglei State’s capital, Bor, declared that the protection of civilians in South Sudan is the UN’s top priority.

The UN mission top official in the war-wracked South Sudan states that it is the community of nations mandate to protect civilians and that the UN peacekeepers must make sure civilians are protected.

“It is a critical part of the Mission’s mandate to protect civilians, both inside the UN camps and outside. Our troops must ensure safety and security beyond the camps, out in the communities,” Løj said.

Mrs. Løj, who is also the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in South Sudan, applauded more than 1,200 Ethiopian peacekeepers presently stationed in Juba, Bentiu, and Malakal cities.

“I am convinced that the Ethiopian Contingents will be in the front line in this regard,” she added.

At least 112,000 civilians are currently under the protection of United Nations Mission in South Sudan, according to UN estimate.

Juba, February 18, 2015 (SSNA) -- A British humanitarian aid worker who works for the Carter Center in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, has been gunned down by unknown gunman at the Center’s compound.

South Sudanese government said the incident has indeed occurred and that the shooter still on the loose.

The killing happened barely a day after South Sudanese information Minister, Michael Makuei Lueth, called white people “blood-sucking mosquitoes” and threatened to “shutdown” the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

The identity of the deceased man has not yet been made public.

Carter Center is a US-based human rights organization founded by Former US President, Jimmy Carter.