Troika statement on South Sudan (31.03.2017)

UK, US and Norway call on all parties in South Sudan to commit to a ceasefire immediately.

LONDON, United Kingdom, March 31, 2017 – The members of the Troika (Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States) reiterate their strong support for the combined efforts of the African Union (AU), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and United Nations to end the conflict in South Sudan, and join in their recent calls on all armed parties, including the Government of South Sudan, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition, and other armed groups, to commit to a ceasefire. The Troika welcomes the recent commitment by President Kiir to IGAD leaders to announce a unilateral ceasefire by government forces, and it calls upon him to ensure that his order is carried out immediately and in full effect.

The Troika underlines that the dire humanitarian crisis in South Sudan is the direct result of the conflict and demands that all parties cease violence against humanitarian workers and obstruction of humanitarian assistance. Military offensives and the obstruction of lifesaving assistance must stop immediately in order to end the suffering and severe food shortages inflicted upon millions across South Sudan.

The Troika reiterates that there is no military solution to this conflict and that a durable end to the conflict will require a political process involving all the principal parties. An inclusive national dialogue, deemed credible by the South Sudanese people, could provide a means to redress root causes of conflict and build a true national consensus. As President Kiir committed in announcing the planned national dialogue, it should supplement, and not replace, the core elements of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.

The Troika endorses the ongoing efforts of AU High Representative Alpha Konarée and UN Special Envoy Nicholas Haysom to encourage all parties to end fighting and engage in peaceful dialogue. It also fully supports Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission Chairperson Festus Mogae’s work towards a truly inclusive and effective process to implement the Agreement. In addition, the Troika endorses the work of the UN Mission in the Republic of South Sudan, and the deployment of its Regional Protection Force. Lastly, the Troika notes the importance of breaking the cycle of impunity, and encourages further progress by the AU toward the rapid establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan.

 

The SPLM/SPLA(IO) Proposes Establishment of a Humanitarian Coordintion Mechanism for South Sudan (30.03.2017)

DRC: Kasai-Oriental Crisis continues with the killings of the UN Experts and Interpreter Tshintel; still the deaths of innocent civilians buried in all the mass graves should worry the world!

That the Democratic Republic of Congo State Official Lambert Mende today confirmed that the UN Experts taken hostage earlier this month, we’re found in a shallow grace in Kasai-Oriental, he confirmed that the UN Staff Michael Sharp and Zaida Catalan, we’re found together with their interpreter Betu Tshintel. This happen on the 28th March of 2017. That is worrying sign, but the province has already been hit by dangerous violence that been deadly to villages. So that the men and woman from the United Nations lost their lives while reporting to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

That the death of Michael Sharp, Zaida Catalan and Betu Tshintel, is a sad view of the dire situation in the province, as this is proof of the killings and the armed interference in the daily life.

17 Mass Graves in Kasai-Oriental:

The violence in the former province of Kasai, shaken by the rebellion of the militiamen of Kamuina Nsapu, was invited to a meeting of the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva on Wednesday 22 March. While the Congolese authorities confirm overflows, the indictment of seven military personnel for crimes against humanity and an investigation into two mass graves in the former province of Kasaï, the United Nations, on their part, are worried about the The alleged existence of at least 17 mass graves in the central and eastern Kasai, as well as barriers to access to these sites and the exercise of their mandate” (RFI, 2017).

Congolese Policemen killed:

A Congolese National Police (PNC) has revised down on Monday, the number of policemen killed on Friday, March 24 in an ambush strained by the alleged militiamen Kamuina Nsapu. According to Colonel Pierrot Mwana Mputu, spokesman of the Congolese National Police, thirty-nine policemen were killed in this ambush” (…) “From Kinshasa to support the police units in Kasai province and on two trucks of troop transport police near Tshikapa, the policemen were ambushed by the militias claiming Kamuina Nsapu, at the village of Kamuesha, 77 km from Tshikapa,” said Colonel Pierrot Mwana Mputu, in a message read on Monday 27 March in the evening on national television” (…) “These policemen, who left Kinshasa on the morning of March 24, were buried by their executioners in a false commune instead of the massacre, said the same source” (Radio Okapi, 2017).

Kabila warned about Kamwina Nsapu:

It is with this message that he urged the base of the PPRD of the federation of the Eastern Kasai to enroll massively and to arm itself morally in order to face the elections at all levels and to win them. He welcomed the resolve of the PPRD, MP and all Kasaiens to prevent any insurrectionary attempt to put the country in chaos and delay the momentum of its development given by the Head of State And moral authority of the MP, Joseph Kabila Kabange. He warned the pockets of resistance of some militias operating under the label of Kamwina Nsapu, whose ruling family has agreed to lower arms and work for peace in this space. “All those who commit crimes under the Kamwina Nsapu label will be treated like criminals and will have to answer for their actions,” he said. This exchange took place in the presence of the governor of this province and federal president of the PPRD Kasai Oriental, Alphonse Ngoy Kasanji and other cadres of this party. Deputy Prime Minister Shadary visited Mbuji-Mayi on March 15 from Mwene-Ditu, Lomami province, to pacify the province in the face of the threat of ex- Militia Kamwina Nsapu. This mission was notably crowned by the surrender of this militia to the authorities, it is recalled” (ACP/FNG/KGD, 2017).

That the death of the UN Experts and the interpreter are bad enough, it is sad that innocent men and woman dies in the DRC. No matter where they come from and how they got there. Still, the deaths of locals, the Congolese citizens in Kasai-Oriental by either the rebels Kamwina Nsapu or the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC). The battles and skirmishes of these in the province, proves the who’s deaths that matters.

That the UN Experts are known men and woman who has connections abroad and inside power. They are important in that sense, but still the FARDC massacres and the Kamwina Nsapu rebellion, as the alleged mass graves, together with the killings of Policemen in short time span. This has all been revealed in the matter of this month, March 2017. This proves that the Kabila Government, the Central Government of Kabila, have forgotten to govern or to rule with care of their citizens. That the government are using their army to kill their own and instead of only fighting the rebellion, they are also killing off their own. The rebels killings is bad as it is, but the FARDC isn’t creating a better situation.

All of these unknown men and woman dead in recent months in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a tragedy, that is created by the Central Government, as the postponed elections and unwillingly to leave the power. That the Policemen dies, the citizens and foreigners in a region lost to rebels, who knows and has skills to take life. Certainly, this is a deadly area and is in the deepest crisis. A crisis that has been created and as a reaction to the volatile situation that President Kabila wanted to leave, so that he can come in as the savior and save the Kasai-Oriental. However, the foul play is in order and without consideration of the villages, the citizens and the strength of Kamwina Nsapu. Therefore, the MONUSCO, the United Nations and other Organizations doesn’t have the skill set or manpower to silence the guns.

The Kasai-Oriental crisis, is much bigger than the deaths and murders of UN Experts and Interpreter, FARDC and MONUSCO cannot handle Kamwina Nsapu, that is proven by the massacres, that either is provoked by the rebels or created by the army. No matter what it is the innocent people who dies in the bloodshed. The Congolese men and woman, the Congolese Authorities that doesn’t act upon the war-crimes and let it escalate. The world wasn’t really caring about 17 reported Mass Graves, but a two UN Experts, will make many cry havoc, more than a dozens policemen. Because Zip-Codes matters in this cynical world, as if the innocent civilians of Kasai-Oriental hadn’t deserved a better fate, than being prey to either Kamwina Nsapu or the FARDC. That the MONUSCO couldn’t intervene or act in mercy of civilians proves the lacking mandate of yet another pack of Blue Helmets. Peace.

Reference:

ACP/FNG/KGD – ‘Emmanuel Shadary réaffirme la volonté de la MP de respecter la Constitution’ (27.03.2017) link: http://www.faapa.info/en/2017/03/27/emmanuel-shadary-reaffirme-la-volonte-de-la-mp-de-respecter-la-constitution/

RFI – ‘RDC: l’ONU soupçonne l’existence d’au moins 17 fosses communes dans les Kasaï’ (23.03.2017) link: http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20170323-rdc-onu-fosses-communes-enquetes-kasai

Radio Okapi – ‘Kasaï : 39 policiers tués dans une embuscade à Kamuesha (Police)’ (28.03.2017) – link: http://www.radiookapi.net/2017/03/27/actualite/securite/kasai-39-policiers-tues-dans-une-embuscade-kamuesha-police#sthash.PWiIjaHw.dpuf

Joint communiqué of the African Union, the United Nations, the European Union and the International Organization of La Francophonie on the situation in the Kasaï provinces, Democratic Republic of the Congo (28.03.2017)

They express deep concern over the grave situation in the Kasaï provinces, as illustrated by reports that, between 23 and 24 March, about 40 members of the Congolese National Police were killed, during an ambush by the Kamuina Nsapu militia on the road between Tshikapa and Kananga.

WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, March 28, 2017 – The African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and the International Organisation of La Francophonie continue to follow developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) closely. They express deep concern over the grave situation in the Kasaï provinces, as illustrated by reports that, between 23 and 24 March, about 40 members of the Congolese National Police were killed, during an ambush by the Kamuina Nsapu militia on the road between Tshikapa and Kananga.

The four partner organizations condemn this despicable act and express their condolences to the families of the victims. They further condemn all other acts of violence and violations of human rights that have recently taken place in the Kasaïs.

The levels of violence as well as reports of human rights violations witnessed in some parts of the DRC require an urgent response from the country’s political leaders. In this context, they urge the defence and security forces to exercise restraint in the efforts to restore order in the Kasaïs, and encourage the continuation of the recently-initiated dialogue between the Government and the Kamuina Nsapu militia, in order to find a peaceful solution to the situation in the Kasaïs. They reiterate the need for a credible investigation to shed light on human rights violations and ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable. In this regard, they welcome the steps announced by the Government and look forward to their follow-up.

The four organizations underscore the urgency to fully implement the 31 December 2016 political agreement facilitated by the National Episcopal Conference of the Congo (CENCO), including the appointment, in line with the relevant provisions of that Agreement, of a Prime Minister from the Opposition. Such progress will help facilitate the country’s stabilization, the restoration of law and order in areas affected by violence and the holding, within the envisaged timeframe, of the elections that should conclude the transitional period agreed to by the Congolese stakeholders.

Dr. Riek Machar: “IGAD Turns its back on South Sudan Peace Agreement” (26.03.2017)

South Sudan: Humanitarian Coordinator Condemns Killing of Six Aid Workers (26.03.2017)

Statement attributable to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Ms. Marta Ruedas, on Sudan opening a new humanitarian corridor for food aid into famine-struck South Sudan (26.03.2017)

Leaked U.S. Concept Note describes the wished changes in the UN Peacekeeping Operation Missions!

The United States delegation to the United Nations have leaked a document on planned discussion for the United Nations Security Council that are to be commenced in next month (April 2017). These notes are clearly setting the course and wish for the goals and ambition of the discussion in the UNSC. This concept note is supposed to be a Peacekeeping Operation Review. That would lead to certain decisions by the Member States and the Council Members.

The reason why the United States delegation to the UNSC about the Peacekeeping operation:

As of January 31, 2017, there were 99,034 uniformed personnel – including 85,408 troops and 12,786 police – serving in the 16 peacekeeping operations overseen by the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations, with an approved budget of $7.87 billion. UN peacekeeping is a vital aspect of the organization. However, a significant number of PKOs have mandates conceived years – in some cases decades – ago that are no longer supported by a political environment conducive to achieving the Council’s aims. It is crucial that missions contribute to increased safety and security, but they can also create a subsidized and unsteady peace that can quickly become a dependency that discourages long-term solutions. The UN becomes trapped in these frozen conflicts and peacekeeping missions that were initially conceived to provide temporary security to allow space for political solutions to take hold instead deploy for years without clear mandates or exit plans”.

Because of the cost, the longevity of the peacekeeping operations as they are creating a vacuum between the government hosts, the peacekeeping mission and the hostile forces. This is a consuming and makes it hard to generate any sort of sustainable peace, as the peacekeepers keeps a buffer and stops the need for a strong foundation of central government and their own security forces. They can always trust on the Blue Helmets to appear when needed and serve the citizens.

The United States has certainly ideas as this is their core idea for the discussion in the UNSC: “We encourage Council Members to consider whether current peacekeeping operations continue to be the best suited mechanisms for meeting the needs of those on the ground and achieving the Council’s political objectives, or if changes are needed”. So the US Mission to the UN wants the Peacekeeping Operations to achieve the political objectives and not be a stalemate operation that keeps the upkeep of unstability and uncertainty in the host nation. That is certainly a noble quest, but with that the UN Peacekeepers need to revise their missions, their mandate and their will of force, as their peacekeeping missions has been done in such diplomatic ways.

The United States delegates outcome of the review:

While no product is envisioned, we encourage the Council to apply the lessons and methods discussed in this meeting to our regular mandate review process to ensure that conditions still justify the missions and that political processes conceivably lead towards realistic, achievable solutions”.

That this is a quest and wishful thinking for the US mission, the United Nation needs votes and make sure the Members would strike agreement on the possible idea of changing the Peacekeeping Operations. The Blue Helmets are clearly on the loosing end of the stick, as their missions are not seen as fruitful, more like a costly operations not creating the effect and stage the peaceful transition in the host nations.

The UNSC and the Members should be hopeful to change the political climate and use the force to create the peace they are to make. If they weren’t peacekeepers than they wouldn’t be an issue, as if they we’re regular army on a territory, they should keep their citizens safe and the borders. The Peacekeepers has a mandate and mission, still they haven’t always been able to comply with that. Also, they have obligations not only to the United Nations, but to the host nations regime. Therefore, if the UNSC wants a bigger mission or extend their mandate, they still have to negotiate with the host nations.

The US Mission and the UNSC have to work on it and it is about time, as the AMISOM, MUNISCO, UNAMID, UNMISS and MINUSMA, who all should need a change of mandate and level of force if they should be properly creating the peace and make way for the central government. Peace.

Theji Da Adwad Deng Letter: “Resignation from SPLM-IO and Declaration for Rejoining the SPLM Mainstream (IG)” – 23.03.2017

Joint statement on behalf of the Government of Uganda and UNHCR: ‘Breaking Point’ imminent: Government of Uganda, UNHCR say help for South Sudan refugee inflow urgently needed (23.03.2017)

This year alone, more than 172,000 South Sudanese refugees have fled to Uganda, with new arrivals in March averaging more than 2,800 daily.

GENEVA, Switzerland, March 23, 2017 – The Government of Uganda and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi today jointly appealed to the international community for urgent and massive support for the thousands of South Sudan refugees who continue to arrive to Uganda every day, fleeing brutal conflict, compounded by the limited availability of food.

Uganda currently hosts more than 800,000 South Sudanese refugees. Among them are some 572,000 new arrivals who have poured into Uganda in desperate need of safety and help since 8 July 2016. With present rates of arrival, that figure will surpass a million before mid- 2017. This year alone, more than 172,000 South Sudanese refugees have fled to Uganda, with new arrivals in March averaging more than 2,800 daily.

“Uganda has continued to maintain open borders,” said Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Prime Minister of Uganda. “But this unprecedented mass influx is placing enormous strain on our public services and local infrastructure. We continue to welcome our neighbours in their time of need but we urgently need the international community to assist as the situation is becoming increasingly critical.”

“We are at breaking point. Uganda cannot handle Africa’s largest refugee crisis alone,” said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. “The lack of international attention to the suffering of the South Sudanese people is failing some of the most vulnerable people in the world when they most desperately need our help.”

Chronic and severe underfunding has reached a point where critical life-saving help risks becoming dangerously compromised. Transit and reception facilities are rapidly becoming overwhelmed. Significant challenges are being faced in providing refugees with adequate food rations, health and educational services, and sufficient clean water; a dire situation further compounded by the onset of heavy rains. Currently, UNHCR urgently needs more than a quarter of a billion US dollars to support South Sudanese refugees in Uganda in 2017.

Uganda’s approach to dealing with refugees has long been among the most progressive anywhere on the African continent. Upon receiving refugee status, refugees are provided with small areas of land in settlements integrated within the local host community; a pioneering approach that enhances social cohesion and allows both refugees and host communities to live together peacefully. In Uganda’s Mid and South-West, land for these settlements is provided by Government. In northern Uganda, where the vast majority of South Sudanese refugees are being hosted, the land has been donated by the local host community, an outstanding display of generosity towards people fleeing war and conflict.

As a result Uganda was chosen as a role model for pioneering a comprehensive approach to refugee protection that complements humanitarian responses with targeted development action, benefiting both refugees and the communities hosting them. This was adopted as part of the New York Declaration on Refugees and Migrants at the UN General Assembly last year, and is now also being rolled out in other displacement crises – offering hope to millions of refugees worldwide. However, in the face of severe underfunding and the fastest-growing refugee emergency in the world, Uganda’s ability to realise a model that allows refugees to thrive now risks being jeopardized – and the future of the new comprehensive refugee response framework thrown into question.