South Sudan: Communique of the 60th Extra-Ordinary Session of IGAD Council of Ministers on the Situation in South Sudan (27.01.2018)

The IGAD Council of Ministers held its 60TH Extra-Ordinary Session on January 27, 2018 in Addis Ababa under the chairmanship of H.E. Workneh Gebeyehu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Chairperson of the IGAD Council of Ministers. The session was attended by H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Djibouti; H.E. Amina Mohamed Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic Kenya; H.E Ambassador Ahmed Isse Awad, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Somalia; H.E Dr. Matin Elia Lomuro, Minister of Cabinet Affairs of the Republic of South Sudan; H.E. Professor Ibrahim Ghandour, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Sudan;H.E. Sam Kutesa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda; and; H.E Hirut Zemene, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

H.E. Festus Mogae, Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC); H.E. Mahboub Maalim, IGAD Executive Secretary and H.E. Ismail Wais,IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan were also in attendance.

The Special Envoys of the AU, UN, EU and Troika (Norway, UK, US) as well as representatives of China, Co-Chairperson of the IGAD Partners Forum (IPF) were also present at the meeting and made statements at the opening session.

After listening to the Progress Report of the IGAD Special Envoy on the steps taken to date on the Implementation of the outcomes of the first phase of the High Level revitalization Forum (HLRF)of the ARCSS, preparations to convene the second phase of the High-Level Revitalization Forum of the ARCSS and following exchange of views on the matter;

The Council;

Takes note with appreciation the reports by the Chairperson of JMEC, H.E Festus Mogae and the report of the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan and endorses the recommendations therein.

Welcomes the progress made so far in the implementation of the High Level Revitalization of the ARCSS and in particular the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement on December 21, 2017.

Notes the achievements gained so far and the preparations put in place to convene the second phase of the High-Level Revitalization Forum and commends the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan and his task force for a job well done and while affirming the Council’s full support and commitment, encourages the Special Envoy to continue with his efforts, in collaboration with the partners until the process of the revitalization is completed in the shortest time possible.

Expresses its profound appreciation for the solidarity and firm commitment manifested by the AU, UN, Troika (Norway, UK, US) IPF, EU, and China to the process initiated by the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government in June 2017 to Revitalize the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS), and calls upon the partners to continue and enhance their political support, financialand otherassistance to the IGAD initiative.

Express its full support for the commendable task that CTSAMM has embarked upon based on its renewed mandate under the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and fully endorses the reports of violation incidents that CTSAMM has submitted to the IGAD Council of Ministers.

Condemns in the strongest terms the violators of the Agreement on the CoH of December last year and similar prior agreements, and holds them accountable for the loss of lives and human rights violations that they continue to cause in many parts of South Sudan and calls upon CTSAMM to proceed with urgency and carryout further investigations, identify individual violators and parties of the CoH Agreement based on which Council will take all necessary measure including targeted sanctions against individual violators and spoilerssuch as travel ban, asset freeze and recommend to the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) to carry out further targeted sanctions and other punitive measureson parties and individuals as appropriate.

Expresses its concern at the pronouncements made by high level government officials of the Transitional Government of the National UnitySouth Sudan and SPLM-IO (RM) against the letter and spirit of the CoH agreement and issued unwarranted attacks againstCTSAMM only because it issued reports on violations as per its mandate. Further reminded that CTSAMM was created by IGADto assist the implementation of the ARCSS. Council expresses its resolve that such acts shall not continue with impunity and individuals and groups shall bear consequences for their action of violation of the CoH Agreement Encourages the parties to cooperate with CTSAMM.

Notes with deep regret that in spite of the continuing efforts by IGAD, AU, and UN as well as the international partners, the people of South Sudan continue to suffer mainly because of the on-going violence and insecurity that has causedlarge scale famine and displacement of millions of the South Sudanese. In this connection Council welcomes the decision reached at the trilateral consultation convened the same day between the Chairperson of the IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the Chairperson of the AUC, and the Secretary General of the UN that has affirmed the determination of the three organizations to work closely together to inter-alia support punitive measures against any South Sudanese party that fails to perform its obligation and violates the political settlement that emerges from the HLRF.

Approves that the second phase of the HLRF convenes on February 5 to 16, 2018 in Addis Ababa between the parties to the ARCSS, delegates representing the government, political parties and oppositions including estranged groups and Civil Society organizations to engage in good faith in the spirit of compromise, putting the interest of their people and the nation first, discuss concrete measures to restore permanent ceasefire; full and inclusive implementation of the ARCSS; and develop a revised and realistic timeline and implementation schedule towards a democratic election at the end of the transition period.

Affirms its resolve to speak with one voice and render all necessary support

to the people of South Sudan in their effort to restore peace in South Sudan through full and timely implementation of a revitalized ARCSS and in this connection underlines its conviction that the ARCSS remains the only viable option to attain peace in South Sudan.

Decides to remain fully seized of the situation in South Sudan and will redouble its effort towards the success of the High-Level Revitalization Forum.

Done in Addis Ababa, on January 27, 2018

RDC: Comite Laic De Coordination (CLC) – Communique (27.01.2018)

Opinion: President Kabila uses the argument of financial restraint to postpone the elections; Any tricks to stay I assume!

There was scheduled Presidential Elections in November 2016, as the end of the second official term of President Joseph Kabila would end on the 19th December 2016. However, we are in January 2018 and days away from February 2018. Still, there are no credible movement or changes within the leadership or the government to prepare for a genuine exercise of a new election. It’s unlikely that CENI will deliver, not matter sort of international pressure. That is proven by the first Press Conference in ages or years from the President himself who said this:

“The election budget is 1.2 billion dollars, and I say it quite often, the elections in this country are starting to cost us a lot more than even the development of the country. And at some point we will have to make a choice, will it be necessary to be cited around the world as the most democratic country, or is the development that counts?” he said” (…) “Today, we are nearing the end of enlistment operations in Kasai. We are more or less 46 million voters enlisted. The elections in this country is a vast operation,” said Joseph Kabila” (…) ““We must take the most courageous options and decisions not to fall or fall back into the situation with a budget of 1.2 billion for elections, while we have a total budget of 6 or 7 billions,” added the Congolese president” (Xuequan, 2018).

What is striking that he is using the defense of budget and funds. While his own Republic who had scheduled this ever since he won in November 2011. Could have planned funds ahead for a coming election. If they are a serious government and if it is such a big operations, why did the Kabila government plan it earlier?

A thing that the President should be careful about, is that United Kingdom has already spent funds on Electoral Operations and Electoral Organizations in the years ahead of the 2016 and still supports it with funding. This they do together with United States Aid (USAID). The Development tracker proves that the UK has already donated £6,6m in April 2015 to technical support to the National Electoral Body (CENI), from the same donors £3,5m in April 2015 to civic education, also in April 2015 gotten £2,5m to Election Observers through the Carter Center. In October 2016, the UK donated to promote woman participation in the Election a total of £1m. The DFID has already also pledged for supporting the Electoral Process in total £14,5m. This is just from one Nation to another. That is funds that is already spent and misused. While he is crying foul.

President Kabila should be careful playing with fire, especially since he is creating insecurity with his position. That someone is speaking of delaying election into April 2019. There was already rumored in August 2017 that it would either be in 2019 or 2020. So it is not to far off, after the new timeline was released in November 2017. That was a year after the term ended. Still, there was no international outcry, neither was anyone really supporting the CENCO initiative or trying to force Kabila out.

Kabila has been allowed to stall for time, to buy time and awaiting his next move. Since he didn’t change the Constitution like many other clinging to power Presidents. That was one of his foolish moves, since he really doesn’t want to step and give way for a legitimate President in the Republic. His term already ended 434 days ago or 1 year two months and 8 days ago.

So the saga continues and the postponed election will continue. If it is insecurity or lacking of funds continue. He will use that for his own gain, as reasons not to step down. That if there is coming militias or militants from Burundi, Rwanda or Uganda. While refugees are fleeing from the Republic to Uganda and Angola. Because of the insecurity in North and South Kivu’s, also in Kasai Province. This has not let go.

So I don’t expect any election in 2019 or following the timeline of November 2017. The CENI or Kabila administration has no plan to achieve a new Presidential Election, where Kabila has to step-down. I don’t expect a President who has already registered himself twice for the elections. That he uses expenses and that its a big operation as an excuse. Shows that since he first talked about it now, that he wants to make sure the world knows he is struggling. Even if he could have planned it together with CENI all through 2014 to 2016. Where the timeline could have been met and also fixed the succession. However, President Kabila had no interest of securing his own self leaving power. Therefore, nothing has happen.

Now he has extended his time and showed up in public for a press conference after using brutality and killing demonstrators. Had to show the world he cared and was working on solution. Even if he isn’t, it’s hard to believe he is doing anything when he is already 1 year and 2 months over his ended term. So the ones who has supported the DRC with financial aid between 2015 to 2017 for purpose of Elections, you have been tricked and given money for nothing. That is proven.

Kabila is stalling and using all tricks in the book. Expect Kabila to have more trouble with militias and insecurity, as he is the only key to stop the violence. Even if he initially sponsor it or has connections to the ones who make sure it happens. That is what is very ill about the whole situation. Peace.

Reference:

Xuequan, Mu – ‘ DR Congo: President Kabila calls on politicians to choose between elections and development’ (27.01.2018) link: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-01/27/c_136927896.htm

AU, IGAD and UN Consultative meeting on the Republic of South Sudan – Joint Statement (27.01.2018)

South Sudan: Easter Front Army letter to IGAD – “REF: EFAM position doc. on high level revitialization on ARCSS” (26.01.2018)

South Sudan: Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Deng Alor Kuor to Amb. Telar Ring Deng – “Subject: Urgent Recall to the Headquarters for Consultations” (25.01.2018)

South Sudan: Ambassodor to the Russian Federation Hon. Telar Ring Deng resignation letter (25.01.2018)

IGAD Council of Ministers (CoM) statement on the reports of violations of Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in the Republic of South Sudan (25.01.2018)

The Council of Ministers of IGAD (Council of Ministers) have received reports from Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM) that there have been violations of the 21 December 2017 Agreement on Cessation and Hostilities, Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Access (ACOH) since its entry into force on 24 December 2017. CTSAMM has also submitted two very disturbing reports about the issues of Sexual and Gender Base Violence (SGBV) and Child Soldiers, which were the result of long-term investigations.

It is deplorable that the conduct of the Parties amounts to not only a failure to comply with the Articles of the ACOH, but also serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian laws. These violations have been perpetrated by the SPLA-IG and SPLA-IO (RM) and SPLA-IO (TD) against their own people, and include the killings of civilians, inflicting serious mental and physical injuries on people, rape, sexual violence and looting.

A CTSAMM report indicates that between February and December, 2017 a large number of Sexual and Gender Based Violations were committed by uniformed members of Government security forces in the Juba area including gang rape. These cases are verified, and represent only a proportion of the crimes committed, as many incidents go unreported due to fear of reprisals and shame.  It is deplorable that military personnel can carry out such acts, and the Council of Ministers calls on the Government of South Sudan to take immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice, and report on their progress in this respect within one month of the publication of this statement.

The continued employment of Child Soldiers by the Parties is of great concern to the Council of Ministers. CTSAMM has verified the existence of Child Soldiers in the Republic of South Sudan.  The Council of Ministers calls on CTSAMM to continue to monitor this.  The Council of Ministers understands from CTSAMM that recent reports from the field indicate the use of Child Soldiers by both the SPLA-IG and SPLA-IO (RM) in the Yei area, and by the SPLA-IO (TD) in several other areas of the country.  The Council of Ministers urges these Parties to take immediate action to demobilize all Child Soldiers and return them to their homes. The Council of Ministers calls upon CTSAMM to investigate and report on these cases as a matter of urgency.

The Council of Ministers was deeply distressed by the attack on Koch by SPLA-IO (RM) forces on 24 December 2017 – the day the ACOH was to enter into force.  It is a tragedy that 15 civilians (including 3 children) lost their lives in this senseless action which is a clear violation of the ACOH and International Law.  The Council of Ministers condemns this attack, and urges the SPLA-IO (RM) to cooperate with CTSAMM to further investigate the incident in order that those responsible can be held accountable.  The Council of Ministers urges the SPLA-IO (RM) to provide this information of the responsible individual(s)/group(s) to CTSAMM within one month from the publication of this statement.

The reports provided by CTSAMM indicate a high level of tension in areas of Central Equatoria.  The Council of Ministers calls on the SPLA-IG and the SPLA-IO (RM) to reduce the tension by complying with all provisions of the ACOH in these areas.

In Western Equatoria CTSAMM found that SPLA-IG forces had carried out unauthorized movement in the area south of Mundri, stealing properties from civilians in the Bangolo area.  Reports indicate that this movement led to a clash with SPLA-IO (RM) forces which has yet to be verified, but the very fact of the movement goes against the ACOH and these parties shall freeze all troops in place.  Unauthorized movement and patrolling are prohibited acts. The Council of Ministers calls on the SPLA-IG to ensure that all its forces fully comply with the ACOH.

CTSAMM reports on alleged violations in the Leer and Rubkuay areas of Unity State indicate a high level of tension that could very easily break out into yet more violence.  SPLA-IG has threatened to re-take Rubkuay unless it is vacated by the SPLA-IO (RM) and this is in itself a clear violation of the ACOH Article 3 sub article 2(i). The Council urges the SPLA-IG to keep their troops frozen in place and not to carry out any offensive military operations.

CTSAMM also reports that there is limited free movement in the area due to road blocks and checkpoints.  This is a violation of Article 10(f) of the ACOH. The Council urges the SPLM-IO (RM) and SPLA-IG to allow free movement of civilians and unhindered humanitarian access.  The two Parties must ease tension in the area and immediately disengage their troops in close contact as they are obliged to do under the ACOH.  The Council of Ministers directs CTSAMM to monitor the situation and report back.

The IGAD Council of Ministers has noted that the SPLA-IG and SPLM- IO Parties have violated articles 2(1, 2, 4 and 5), article 3(1, 2(f and g)), article 3 (2 ( f, g and i), 4 and 5)), article 3(3, 4 and 5), article 5(1, 2 (a and b), article 6(a, b,c, e, and i), article 10 (a) and Article 13 of the ACOH.  These continued violations by the Parties undermine the intent and purpose of the ACOH which is to bring peace and stability to South Sudan. The IGAD Council of Ministers is dismayed to learn that some Parties to the ACOH who seem to ignore not only the letter but also the spirit of the ACOH.  The people of South Sudan have suffered enough and need peace and stability.

The IGAD Council of Ministers expresses its sincere condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and suffered the worst types of abuse as a result of the senseless conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. The Council of Ministers commends those Parties and individuals who have shouldered their responsibilities under the ACOH and are working hard to see it implemented.

The IGAD Council of Ministers urges all parties in South Sudan to immediately and fully comply with the ACOH and fully observe their obligations. The Parties are called on  to acknowledge the occurrence of violations, including but not limited to resumption of hostilities in various forms, killings, sexual violence, recruitment and deployment of child soldiers, and looting. The Parties are urged to provide full and unhindered access to the areas they control for CTSAMM and fully cooperate in the investigation process. The Parties must understand the CTSAMM reports highlight important issues that require them to take action in order to stop violations taking place, and to ensure that they do not reoccur.

The Council calls on CTSAMM to continue with its mandate to monitor and investigate the situation in the Republic of South Sudan. The Council of Ministers calls the International Community to support the efforts of CTSAMM in a manner that helps alleviate financial and other impediments in full-filing its mandate.

Finally, the IGAD Council of Ministers emphasizes that the reports submitted by CTSAMM since the signing of the ACOH do not indicate that the ACOH has not been violated elsewhere. In fact CTSAMM is currently following up reports and undertaking investigations in Upper Nile, Jonglei, Unity State, Greater Bahr el Ghazal and Greater Equatoria to verify and determine if ACOH is not complied with.

The Council of Ministers also reaffirms its full commitment to take appropriate action against those violating the ACOH.   The Council of Ministers demands all Parties who have reportedly violated the ACOH to undertake their own investigation and submit to CTSAMM a full report including the names of those officers responsible.  The Council of Ministers expects these reports to be submitted within one month from the publication of this statement, and makes it known to all that it will take any appropriate action in the case of non-compliance.

Done on the 25th day of the month of January 2018.

Opinion: The Liberation Day can only be celebrated with Mzee and with no one else!

The NRM Day, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) day, the Liberation Day. The day that the National Resistance Army liberated Uganda. Are in the making and being prepared so that the President can hold his speech and be crowded by his soldiers, his Crime Preventers and who ever he has bought out from obscurity in the recent months.

So the news today, was rare or unique. It is more of the same. That other people are not allowed. It is just like when he hold the State of Nation Address, all channels and broadcast on TV and Radio had to send his speech. The same can surely also happen in this instance. Because the only man who is clearly free and can be opinionated is Museveni. The rest have to follow his suit and his orders. The State House commands. So that the President and his men, are now putting orders on how they are celebrating the 32nd Liberation Day isn’t surprising. It follows a pattern of control from above, from His Excellency, who cannot be that excellent, when he has to micro-manage every detail and get everyone in-line for every event. Every function and every order, has to be rubber-stamped by him. It’s just his despotic mind, who speaks democracy, but orders everyone around and wants everybody to accept his hollow mind. That is just the way it is, so when Daily Monitor says this today:

“The government has cautioned the opposition and any other groups against any plot to hold parallel liberation day celebrations. The caution was sounded by the minister for presidency Esther Mbayo during a press conference at media centre ahead of the celebrations slated for Friday January 26, 2018. She said every time government organizes a national function, there are groups that threaten to organized parallel arrangements. She said this will not be tolerated this time round. “I am just warning whoever is organizing to stage a parallel function to desist from it because the long arm of the law will catchup with him,” minister Mbayo said. She said there will be only one national function accepted that day and it will be held at Boma grounds in Arua Municipality. “So whoever wants to stage parallel arrangements should stand warned,” Mbayo said” (Jumbe, 2018).

This is the memo, the gist and the story. That the Minister Mbayo is warning and coming with stern signals of how to behave. The public can only have one key celebration, nothing in Kololo or on another field. The only one matter at Boma Ground in Arua. The rest has to cease, where the President is, is the only place to be liberated, the others have to follow orders and be under the spell of the President. No freedom, no celebration in Kampala, Jinja or Mbarara, no no, only celebrate in Arua at Boma Ground.

The Liberation Day celebration only matters at the function of the President. If he isn’t there, it doesn’t matter. It is not about liberation, if the supposed liberator isn’t there. The kingpin of the NRA has to be at the function if it supposed to have any value. President Museveni have to show up and be graceful, spill his beans and everyone got to listen to his wisdom. If not, they are not liberated. The liberation was for him and his men, not for the republic. The people was just tools for his liberation. Therefore, a party is only a party, if he started or joined the party. Peace.

Reference:

Jumbe, Benjamin – ‘No parallel liberation day celebrations shall be allowed – govt’ (26.01.2018) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/No-parallel-celebrations-shall-be-allowed-govt/688334-4276634-ioin6/index.html)

Urgent livestock vaccination campaign in South Sudan in jeopardy without more support (24.01.2018)

Keeping animals alive and healthy is vital to combat hunger – Donor appeal.

JUBA, South Sudan, January 24, 2018 – The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is seeking $7.5 million to roll out a critically needed emergency livestock vaccination campaign in South Sudan.

FAO aims to protect nearly 9 million animals (30 percent of the country’s livestock) – scaling up from 6 million in 2017 – to combat increasingly frequent outbreaks of animal diseases. To date, FAO has only a quarter of the funds it needs ($2.5 million out of $10 million).

Keeping animals alive and healthy is vital in a country where most of the population relies on livestock for their very survival, and half of the population is grappling with acute hunger.

“In most parts of the country, FAO and its partners are the main provider of vaccinations. We are trying to reach as many animals as possible now. If we wait for two more months, the rains will start taking over; half of the country will soon be completely cut off or extremely difficult to access, and a huge number of animals risk being trapped in an impossible situation,” said Serge Tissot, FAO Representative in South Sudan.

“We vaccinated 300,000 animals so far against prevalent diseases such as black quarter, haemorrhagic septicaemia and anthrax, in Aweil state, in the north-west of the country. Famers there told us that their cattle have been sick for months, and we reached them just in time to check the situation, provide necessary heath care and start vaccinations to protect their livestock against major diseases. Yet, unless more funds come in, we are unable to reach other farmers facing the same fears – losing their livelihoods,” added Tissot.

“When my animal got sick, I used some herbs from the bush because there are no drugs in this area. But this didn’t help. The animal lost weight and its coat doesn’t look ok. Now it has stopped eating. I’m afraid it will soon die,” said Kiir Mawein, a cattle keeper from Aweil.

People in rural areas are forced to feed herbs to their sick animals or to go into the nearest town – often a trip of several days on foot – only to find out that there are no veterinary drugs, or that they are too expensive.

The $7.5 million that FAO still requires would not only cover vaccination costs but would also build three new cold chain hubs in remote areas. This would help to address some major setbacks when it comes to delivering animal health care services and medicines in South Sudan: distance, hot climate (average temperature is 30°C, up to 45°C during the hottest months), lack of infrastructure and health services.

“For people in South Sudan, cattle means life. They “chase away hunger”, as farmers put it. They don’t only provide an important source of nutritious food, but also act as a safety net; when faced with an emergency, farmers can turn to selling one of their animals to cover other urgent needs,” added Tissot.

To build resilience and ensure a better delivery of animal health care services, FAO has set up a network of community-based animal health workers.

To date, 1,000 community-based animal health workers have been trained and are carrying-out routine check-ups and vaccinating livestock as part of FAO’s Emergency Livestock Response Programme.

Supporting a sustainable community-based animal health workers’ system has significantly contributed to delivering adequate animal health care as well as preventive and emergency vaccination campaigns.

In 2018, FAO aims to train an additional 1,000 community-based animal health workers to spread the reach of veterinary services. FAO also continues to work with women groups to reinforce small-scale businesses – supplying and selling animal products like milk and other milk products.

FAO’s work in South Sudan is possible thanks to support from: USA, European Union, Denmark, Canada, Japan, Norway, World Bank, UK, Switzerland, the Netherlands, South Sudan Humanitarian Fund and Kuwait.