BLACK KUSH

A sad day in Abyei

2011-08-03T08:05:00.004+02:00

Within weeks of their deployment, four Ethiopian UN Peacekeepers had died in a landmine explosion in Abyei. It marked the beginning of a long struggle for the peacekeepers. This had occured in an area controlled by Khartoum armed forces.

In the world today where countries had signed to the Ottawa Protocol banning the use of landmines, Sudan has indescriminately planted thousands of mines in Abyei after their occupation. It was in complete desregard to international law.

Sudan had signed the treaty banning the use of landmines. The UN must summon the Sudanese Ambassador and condemn the use of these landmines. This has added more to the woes of Khartoum, and Bashir is going to pay one day . . .

Condolence to Ethiopia, president and people . . .

Peace in Darfur?

2011-07-15T13:58:00.002+02:00

Darfur Peace Agreement signed? Why am I having this feeling that Sudan had been there before . . .

A deja vu . . .

How the Arab World lost Southern Sudan

2011-07-15T10:40:00.002+02:00

This article by Lamis Andoni shed light on some of the most critical issues facing the Arab governement: their failures to embrace diversity in the region.

The division of Sudan into two states is a dangerous precedent. The Arab world has to draw the right lessons from if it wants to avoid the break-up of other Arab states into ethnic and sectarian enclaves.

The birth of South Sudan is first and foremost a testimony to the failure of the official Arab order, pan-Arabism, and especially the Islamic political projects to provide civic and equal rights to ethnic and religious minorities in the Arab world.

Read here from Al Jazeera

South Sudan flag raised at the UN HQs

2011-07-15T08:45:00.002+02:00

Security Council Recommends Recognition of South Sudan

2011-07-14T12:38:00.004+02:00

Things are moving very fast for the new nation. The UN Security Council has recommended to the General Assembly the recognition of South Sudan as an Independent State.

World leaders queue to gree the South Sudan Vice President Dr Riak Machar at the Security Council Meeting.

Stamps out and a new country code: +211 for South Sudan

2011-07-13T14:30:00.002+02:00

New Currency Out: The South Sudan Pound

2011-07-13T14:08:00.002+02:00

Free at last: South Sudan is Independent!

2011-07-11T13:07:00.002+02:00

9 July 2011 - In his inaugural speech as the President of the Republic of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit today urged South Sudanese to make their cultural and ethnic diversities a source of pride and strength, not conflict.

Speaking after he swore an oath as president of Africa’s newest state, Mr. Kiir said the emerging republic would promote security, justice, liberty and prosperity.

“In order to develop our country and deliver on the important aspects of our national development plan, it is critical that we must wipe out corruption,” he said.

Government dignitaries present at the event included Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar Teny, Legislative Assembly Speaker James Wani Igga, President of the Supreme Court Justice John Wol Makec and the widow of Dr John Garang de Mabior, Rebecca de Mabior.

Also attending the celebration were hundreds of foreign heads of state and regional organizations, including the European Union, League of Arab Nations, Inter- Governmental Authority on Development and African Union.

Other dignitaries included UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and UN General Assembly President Joseph Deiss.
“Today, we open a new chapter – a day when the people of South Sudan claim the freedom and dignity that are their birthright,” Mr. Ban told the gathering.
“Together, we welcome the Republic of South Sudan to the community of nations,” he added. “Together, we affirm our commitment to helping it meet its many responsibilities as a nation.”

Proclaiming the independence of South Sudan, Mr. Wani declared, “We, the democratically elected representatives of the people, based on the will of the people of South Sudan, and as confirmed by the outcome of the referendum of self-determination, hereby declare South Sudan to be an independent and sovereign nation.”

Emotions ran high as the Republic of Sudan’s flag was lowered and that of the Republic of South Sudan (RoSS) was raised for the first time. The RoSS flag was the same one used during the liberation struggle by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army.

“My husband was the first person to raise this flag in Boma Mountain in 1990. I was really touched when this flag was lifted up,” said Bonguot Amum, government Chief Whip and Chairperson of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Caucus in the South Sudan Legislative Assembly (SSLA).

“Though he is dead, I am very happy for the total freedom and liberation of South Sudanese. I want to see united South Sudanese, development, equality, transparency and accountability to our people,” said Ms. Amum.

As the country’s first President, Mr. Kiir signed the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan and then took his oath.

Calling on disputing Ethiopia and Eritrea and war-torn Somalia to find peace, President Kiir promised troubled states of Sudan that they would not be forgotten.

“I want to assure the people of Abyei, Darfur, Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile that we have not forgotten you. When you cry, we cry; when you bleed, we also bleed,” he said.

The atmosphere of the event was punctuated by ululations and the sound of trumpets, with many eager participants pushing to reach the front to view visiting dignitaries.

People waved RoSS flags and many wore jackets bearing its colours, despite the intense heat. Several youth had even shaved their hair off and painted their heads with the flag’s colours.

As crowd members witnessed the new nation being born, their comments were various.

“I have waited … for this day to come” said 24-year-old University of Juba student Stephen Kuong. “Now that freedom is here I can celebrate … We have been deprived of freedom for long.”

Some, like 50-year-old Mary Keji, were purely interested in witnessing the event. “I came here at 6.00 this morning because I want to (see) the declaration of South Sudan as a nation. This is what I have been waiting to see in my life.”

Forty-five-year-old Thomas Obura was relieved to actually be present on Independence Day. “I was not sure if I would reach this day. I was born during the war and grew up during the war until the CPA was signed.”

The celebration concluded with a 21-gun salute and the South Sudan national anthem.

UNMIS

NCP dirty politics continue . . .

2011-05-18T08:43:00.003+02:00

I have been away for long time and many things have happened:

a) SPLA officers defecting
b) Elections in Kadugli rigged in favour of a wanted criminal
c) NCP blocking food supply to South Sudan

All these the work of the NCP. I wonder what else the NCP have up their dirty sleeves. The only thing we know is that they are angry that South Sudanese have rejected to be slaves forever.

If they are using it as bargaining tactics over Abyei, we shall see in the near future.

Bashir accepts referendum results . . .

2011-02-07T15:23:00.005+01:00

The Sudanese President Omar el Bashir has accepted the final results of the Southern Sudan Referendum. Southern Sudanese have overwhelmingly voted for seccession in the January 9th - 15th plebiscite. That is one hurdle overcome, as the country comes face to face with a split.

What remains is the post seccession issues that must be dealth with as soon as possible.

Turabi in trouble, again

2011-01-18T12:16:00.004+01:00

The Islamist leader of the Popular Congress Party, Hassan el Turabi is arrested in Khartoum, again.

Has the crack down on opposition started or it is a kneejerk response to his call for uprising. The next few weeks and months will say . .

Referendum on Al Jazeera TV Website

2011-01-14T08:14:00.003+01:00

The Al Jazeera TV Website has a wide coverage of the Southern Sudan Referendum. The reports are generally good, comprehensive and balanced, although occasionally they tend to focused more on the underdevelopment and fear of violence, more than the dream of the Southern Sudanese quest for independence and freedom. I guess like most of the Arab World, Al Jazeera stands behind unity of the country.

Now that the threshold of 60% has been reached, there is no turning back. Southern Sudan has worked out of the Arab World. No more Arab League etc.

Black going its separate way

2011-01-13T13:26:00.001+01:00

A separatist's voice in the North

2011-01-13T09:30:00.003+01:00

As the world sees the likely break up of the country, a Party in the north is celebrating the vent, calling the South Sudan a "cancer that must be cut off". That is the .Justice and Peace Forum Party. That has always been their stand in the Al Intibaha newspaper.

However, some parties are criticising them for celebrating!

The birth of a nation

2011-01-10T10:22:00.002+01:00

And the new country shall be called . . .

2011-01-10T09:30:00.003+01:00

As the referendum for independence kicks off to a jubilant start, with thousands of people turning up to vote in the historic event, the search will soon start for the name of the soon to be born new Country.

Southern Sudan now has a flag and a national anthem. What is left is the name and that will complete the transformation from a region to a country, Africas' 53rd.

Name have been floated ever since the dream about an independent South Sudan started. Names like South Sudan, New Sudan, Kush, Juwama (formed from two letters of each main towns of Juba, Wau and malakal) and event Nile Republic, there is no definite consensus yet. The debate will definitely become intense in the coming months.

It would be good to stake claim to the name Sudan, by adding "New" or "South" to it. The name, meaning "Bilad as Sudan" or "Land of the Black". Many of the people of Northern Sudan are Arabs, not blacks. It suits the people of Southern Sudan more than them. That is, if the Darfurians and the Nubas will not raised hell as well!

The arguements for most of the proposed names are easy, but sometimes quite silly. I have read many articles that proposed many of the names above, but the most plausible arguement for Nile Republic or State of the Nile comes from this article. Some quotes are needed here.

At one point, he (Prof Ali Mazrui) pondered why there was no country in the Nile River basin that bears the name of this great river, best known as the longest river in the world.

He cited examples around the world and in Africa where countries got their names from the rivers that passed through them. Examples in Africa include: Zambia and Zimbabwe, from the Zambezi River; The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo, from Congo River; the Republic of Senegal, from the Senegal River, Niger and Nigeria from the River Niger, etc. He reminded his audience that he expected to see a new country emerging on the Nile when Southern Sudanese vote in their referendum in January 2011, and wondered if that was an opportunity for the ancient river.I could not believe my ears because that is the deafening fact that Southern Sudanese need to hear.

This was quite an eye opener. Coul it be the answer?

President Kiir votes for freedom!

2011-01-10T08:33:00.001+01:00

Sudan: Post-Referendum Scenarios and the Way Forward”

2011-01-09T11:39:00.001+01:00

The CSIS Africa Program cordially invites you to attend:

Sudan: Post-Referendum Scenarios and the Way Forward

With:Comfort Ero, Africa Program Director, International Crisis Group

Fouad Hikmat, African Union and Sudan Special Advisor, International Crisis Group

Moderated by:Jennifer Cooke, Director, CSIS Africa Program

Monday, January 10, 2011 8:30am - 10:00am
B1 Conference Room A/B
CSIS 1800 K St. NW, Washington, DC 20006

A day after the people of Southern Sudan begin voting on whether to remain in Sudan or become an independent nation, International Crisis Group's new Africa Program Director, Comfort Ero, and its AU and Sudan Special Advisor, Fouad Hikmat, will discuss the post-referendum challenges, the role of regional leaders, and expectations for the final six months of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

Follow event live below.

Center for Strategic and International Studies - CSIS

D-Day: Vote for Separation is here!

2011-01-09T10:38:00.001+01:00

The day and hour is finally here! Thousands of Southern Sudanese are flocking to polling stations to decide the fate of their region!

Independence oyee!

Count down to referendum and Khartoum tactics

2010-12-23T04:52:00.002+01:00

The referendum for South Sudan independence is fast approaching and Khartoum is panicking. It is currently using all it has to either stop the plebiscite or disrupt it.

The recent complain at the Constitutional court is one of them. Saying that the referendum register should have been done before three months as per CPA and therefor the referendum is illegal is flawed. NCP is trying one of its last arsenals. The whole CPA was delayed tactically by the NCP. Going by that reasonging, even the census was illegal, the election was illegal and many others. There was no parliamentary debate to amend the dates, which was not necessary as per the CPA because it gave the Presidency to decide the most appropriate time. These challenges will fail.

NCP panic and propaganda tactics

2010-11-27T10:13:00.003+01:00

All signs are that the NCP is panicking ahead of the referendum for South Sudan secession in January. The various statements coming from the NCP is a clear sign that they have failed to convince the South about unity and are now using blame tactics to deflect the blame for the upcoming secession of the South.

The following were some of the points and events:
1. Bombing south Sudan territory twice
2. Claiming that South Sudan is supporting the JEM rebels in Darfur
3. Claiming that the SPLM is preparing to topple the government in Khartoum

The claims are as baseless and ridiculous as the people who uttered them. I leave the first two to you but claiming that the SPLM want to attack the north and topple the government is more that ridiculous, but utterly bizarre. The ultimate question: what does the South want from the North if it is preparing to have its own country? Does this statement make any sense at all?

The NCP is uttering these statements to convince the poor northern streets and turn them against the southerners in the north. It is a clear strategy to prepare the minds of the northerners against the southerners, if they secede.

Salva promise not to carry reprisal attacks after the air raid is a blow to the NCP desire. Those who concocted this plan will cower in shame.

South Sudan will retaliate through the ballot, by voting overwhelmingly for separation.

Referendum voter registration begins!

2010-11-15T13:50:00.003+01:00

Voter registration for the referendum has started today all over Sudan. Although the Chairman of the Referendum Commission complained of lack of money, the process is already kicking off.

For many people it is the culmination of many years of waiting and hoping that it will happend. The fact that the registration has started will calm some fears about whether the exercise will ever happen.

There is a long way to go. There could still be hook ups. The SPLM has accused the NCP of planning to register foreigners with forged documents. The trick is that, when the day comes to vote, they will not be eligible, thus bringing the turn out below 60 %!

The NCP can play tricks so that the outcome of the vote comes out in their favour. Everyone knows that. That is why, the SPLM urges people NOT to register outside the country.

Referendum symbols out!

2010-11-13T18:45:00.002+01:00

The symbols for the referendum are out: a waving hand for separation and joint hands for unity.

Pressing the north to let the south go

2010-11-12T13:09:00.003+01:00

Sudan and Bashir in trouble! The pressure is mounting to ensure that the referendum for independence goes ahead as planned:

THE American administration is pressing Omar al-Bashir’s Sudanese government in Khartoum to let the southern bit of his country become peacefully independent after a referendum due there on January 9th, when an overwhelming majority of southerners is expected to plump for secession.

To help him out . . .

John Kerry, chairman of the American Senate’s foreign relations committee, recently flew to Khartoum with an offer from President Barack Obama: ensure a decent referendum in South Sudan and abide by its result and you will no longer be labelled a state sponsor of terror.

Let us wait and see how Bashir will choose.

The Economist

Southern Sudan: A Shaky Peace

2010-11-12T06:52:00.007+01:00

The November issue of the National Geographic Magazine has an extensive article on Southern Sudan. It followed the story of Logocho. An excerpt from the opening paragraph reads:

One day some years ago, before the latest civil war began in earnest, a Sudanese boy named Logocho peeked into the entry of his family's grass hut. His father sprang out and grabbed him, and then, with an older boy, pinned him in the dirt.

A strange boy, Logocho. Above him, his father's shoulders and chest rippled with welted tribal scars. A Morse code of dots and dashes crossed the father's face and forehead, signaling to any potential cattle raiders—the Dinka, the Nuer—that he, as a Murle, would defend his stock with spear, knife, fists, and teeth.

The article went on to an analysis of the problems that lead to the war and the peace, which is threatened by the upcoming referendum. Another excerpt:

The origin of tensions in Sudan is so geographic, so stark, you could see it even from the surface of the moon. The broad ivory of the Sahara in Africa's north set against the green savanna and jungles of the continent's narrowing center. A great, grass-stained tusk. Populations generally fall to one side or the other of that vegetative divide. Which side, north or south, largely defines the culture—religion, music, dress, language—of the people there. Sudan straddles that line to include arid desert in its north and grasslands and tropical rain forests in its south, and the estranged cultures on either side.

In Sudan, Arabs and black Africans had met with a clash. Islamic conquerors in the seventh century discovered that many inhabitants of the land then called Nubia were already Christian. The Nubians fought them to a stalemate that lasted more than a millennium, until the Ottoman governor based in Cairo invaded, exploiting the land south of Egypt as a reservoir of ivory and humans. In 1820 he enslaved 30,000 people known as Sudan, which meant simply "blacks."

Eventually global distaste for slavery put the slave traders out of business. The Ottomans retreated in the early 1880s, and in 1899, after a brief period of independence for Sudan, the British took control, ruling its two halves as distinct regions. They couldn't garrison all of Sudan—it's a massive country, ten times as big as the United Kingdom—so they ruled from Khartoum and gave limited powers to tribal leaders in the provinces. Meanwhile, they encouraged Islam and Arabic in the north and Christianity and English in the south. Putting effort and resources into the north, they left the south to languish. The question all this raises is: Why? Why was a single Sudan created at all?

Why indeed! Read the full article HERE and see some of the photos HERE.
Source: November 2010 Issue, National Geographic Magazine

The Citizen Newspaper suspended for advertising alcohol!

2010-11-04T12:07:00.003+01:00

The CPA had brought into fruition the one country, two systems. While the South is semi-autonomous, with its own government and laws, the North had some form of sharia lwas implemented like banning sale of alcohol and Islamic banking etc. How do you balance that, when the country is trying to unite?

It is tricky, when on one hand you want to say that the country be kept united, while on the other hand you oppress and suppress the same people who want to be united with? Does that sound like a catch 22?

The banning of the Citizen Newspaper is one good example. While alcohol consumption and sale is legal in Southern Sudan, including advertising, it is banned in the north. When the Citizen advertised alcohol in its paper, which also circulates in the north, it is served a suspension for one month for breaking Islamic laws. How can we reconcile these facts, bearing in mind that the paper is owned by Southern Sudanese who are being coerced to vote for unity.

The only option, as put by the editor of the Citizen, is to close the office in Khartoum and relocate to an Independent South Sudan!

NCP: Committed to Referendum?

2010-10-25T07:41:00.002+02:00

Has the Khartoum government started making onciliatory remarks to placate USA? If so, Khartoum has seen that delaying the referenda is not going to solve their problems. The message from John Kerry is clear, play ball and you will be rewarded. Otherwise . . .

STRATEGY OF SABOTAGE - how the NCP in Khartoum wants to stop the referunda

2010-10-20T11:32:00.002+02:00

The National Congress Party employs a variety of tactics to sabotage January’s referenda. Because a 60% quorum (of a still undefined electorate) is needed and a 51% vote for or against, every NCP move counts.
● Backing militias to destabilise the South. The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement now openly blames its ‘partner’ for supporting Uganda’s Lord’s Resistance Army (increased attacks in Western Equatoria), General George Athor Deng’s militia in Jonglei, Colonel Galwak Gai Deng (Unity State), and Lam Akol Ajawin (Upper Nile). It says it has evidence (AC Vol 51 No 12).
● Backing anti-SPLM Southern parties. The SPLM has countered this effectively; many oppositionists have joined the SPLM or agreed to cooperate.
● Creating uncertainty about whether the referendum will be free and ‘credible’. The NCP repeatedly says any fair vote could only be for unity.
● Spreading uncertainty that the referendum will take place.
● Harassing the SPLM in the North, including presidential candidate Yasir Saeed Arman and the Ajrass Hurriya newspaper.
● Refusing SPLM candidates for the referenda commissions. The SPLM, however, cannot refuse NCP candidates.
● Appointing Northerners to both the chair and secretary generalship of the South Sudan
Referendum Commission. The SPLM accepted Omer el Sheikh as SG this week only ‘to break the impasse’, said a source. Omer then reportedly resigned, further delaying preparations. Chairman Mohamed Ibrahim Khalil earlier threatened to resign.
● Turning the SPLM’s insistence on holding the votes on time against it by pressuring it to accept NCP terms.
● Paying Juba its share of oil money in local currency this month, creating shortages in an import-dependent South.
● Using deniable Islamist groups such as Hizb el Tahrir to call for abandoning the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Southern right to independence.
● Failing to agree on voting eligibility or numbers of Southerners in the North.
● Failing to allow a debate in the North but accusing the SPLM of breaking the CPA by backing separation.
● Encouraging interested foreigners to take an even-handed approach (as in Darfur), even though the NCP wants the CPA to fail while the SPLM wants it to succeed.
● Failing to enable the demarcation of the borders of Abyei and between North and South. The NCP can then claim the votes were invalid.
● Fuelling African fears of state disintegration. Even South African ex-President Thabo Mbeki mentioned this danger.
● Convincing Arab governments of a Zionist plot to dismember Arab countries.
● Fuelling Western fears of more ‘failed states’ in the global south.
● Portraying the Nile as under threat.
● Withholding referendum funds from Juba

Source: Africa Confidential

Abyei: Sudan's Kashmir?

2010-10-15T14:19:00.002+02:00

As the countdown to the Southern Sudan secession referundum ticks, the second one for Abyei seems to be much delayed in terms of preparations. Unlike the one for the whole Southern Sudan, the Abyei referundum committee has not even be formed yet. The discussions in Addis Ababa have failed because the Messirya are insisting that they have the right to vote and rejected the Hague Arbitration over land ownership.

Now, the Khartoum government has come out blatantly that . the Abyei referundum may have to be delayed by months. This is already causing a lot of stir in Southern Sudan where people belived that the referunda should take place on time.

Mark this: the Khartoum government is going to use this matter to threaten Southern Sudan about their own referundum on secession - delay Abyei referundum and you will have your secession vote on time; we can then agree on how to manage the oil in Abyei later.

Abyei is fast becoming like Kashmir. It maybe the hotspot that returns the foes to war again. The response of the UNSC to deploy UNMIS troops is a welcomed relief to many people.

Kamal Ibeid, the minister encouraging the secession of the South Sudan: thanks for your effort

2010-09-29T15:41:00.006+02:00

The information minister in the government of national unity Kamal Obeid had delt the Quest for Unity of the Sudan a deadly blow. He has left his colleagues in the NCP hanging their heads in shame for his blunt talk about the Southern Sudanese in the North in Case of secession.

The Minister had said that "Southern Sudanese in the north will lose their citizenship if the South secedes. They will not be allowed to work or sell anything in the market or be treated in the hospitals. They cannot be given even a needle".

How can we hope for unity when we have pundits like that for ministers? He is clearly inciting the people and this may lead to reprisal attacks against Southerners in the North when the results are for separation.

It is yet another reason why we cannot and never will be able to live together again in a united Sudan.

Thanks Mr Minister, you have given us another reason to reject a forced unity . . .

A National Anthem for South Sudan

2010-09-18T09:28:00.001+02:00

Title: South Sudan Oyee!

Oh God!
We praise and glorify you,
For your grace upon Cush,
The land of great warriors,
And origin of world’s civilization.

Oh Cush!
Arise, shine, raise your flag with the guiding star,
And sing songs of freedom with joy,
For peace, liberty and justice
Shall forever more reign.

Oh black warriors!
Let’s stand up in silence and respect,
Saluting millions of martyrs whose
Blood cemented our national foundation.
We vow to protect our nation.

Oh Eden!
Land of milk and honey and hardworking people,
Uphold us united in peace and harmony.
The Nile, valley, forests and mountains
Shall be our sources of joy and pride.

So Lord bless South Sudan!

==

It is not perfect, no likable by all, but who cares. Now let us give it a tune.

Bashir in Nairobi: the analysis

2010-08-30T07:33:00.001+02:00

I like the BBC Analysis on the matter:

The case of the Sudanese president has always been a sensitive one at the United Nations. It was the Security Council that referred him to the ICC, but with mixed feelings from world powers like America and China - neither support the court out of fears it could be used against them, both abstained in the vote.

Pressing the case is also increasingly inconvenient: the focus now is on the forthcoming referendum for self determination in Southern Sudan. For that to succeed, some here feel they need a pragmatic relationship with the Sudanese government.

All this makes further action on the case difficult: the Security Council didn't respond to a previous ICC notification that Sudan itself was not co-operating with the court. It's not clear it will do so now and reprimand Kenya for ignoring the arrest warrant

Dr. Samson Kwaje: RIP

2010-08-03T09:03:00.002+02:00

Southern Sudan has lost a hero of the struggle. Samson Kwaje will be missed.

Remembering the heros of the struggle

2010-07-30T13:15:00.003+02:00

Today, South Sudan is remembering its martyrs in one of the most colourful occasions marking Martyrs Day.

The day is key because South Sudan remembers the day its leader and founder of the Sudan People Liberation Movement/Army, Vice President of the Republic of Sudan and President of the Government of Southern Sudan, died in a plane crash this fateful day five years ago.

It commemorates also all those who have fallen along the way to freedom. It is fitting that their memories are kept alive for generations to come, those who have given up their lives so that others may have it.

Happy Martyrs Day.

Letter to Talal Osman, the columnist trying to make unity attractive

2010-07-29T11:08:00.003+02:00

(Talal Osman writes a column call COFFEE BREAK in the daily Newspaper The Citizen in Khartoum, Sudan)

Dear Talal Osman,

I have been following your rants in your column in The Citizen newspaper with interest ever since the rhetoric about making Unity Attractive was launched by the NCP after the elections. It seems the whole GONU programme is currently geared towards achieving that objective.

It is interesting to note from you writings that you believed “the majority of South Sudanese” wants unity. I want to dispute that figure.

There are several notable issues that you correctly put that I feel obliged to congratulate you for airing them out so explicitly. Many Arabs like you did not want to acknowledge them: the issue of implementation of Sharia law and the waging of a religious Jihad in the South Sudan. You can call them mistakes of the previous governments, but still they left deep pains in the hearts of many southern Sudanese.
After the CPA, the GONU has all the opportunity to make unity attractive.

In my opinion and opinion of many others, I would suspect, it should have implemented the CPA fully from day one, and not to drag its feet all these years. What happen in the last five years clearly showed that the NCP is not serious about the peace they have signed and are working to destroy it. How can they win the southerners after that? The northerners have the opportunity and they blew it. The South Sudanese can no longer trust the northerners, who have a track record of not honoring agreements.

Just a reminder, the SPLM in the very first day was fighting for a New Sudan, from Halfa to Nimule that is based on equality, justice and democratic rule. The late Dr John Garang himself had often voiced his dream to go a drink coffee in a small town in northern Sudan. That was the vision.

What the government is doing currently is a last minute panic reaction to the reality that they are facing of the sure certainty that the people in South Sudan will vote for separation, come 2011. All the efforts to date geared towards making unity attractive are futile and waste of time. What will you do in six months to change the mind of the South Sudanese to vote for unity that you have failed to do in six years? Give me a break!

In your column, you talked of Sudan Airways and other airlines offering to take newspapers to Juba for free as a gesture to make unity attractive. Sometimes you make us here in South Sudan laugh. Many people in the north seem to think that the people in the south are so stupid that they can be fooled. Have people been fighting all these years so that you get the newspapers free to Juba? This is not the southerners of 1947. They are a new generation who grew up in war and know what they are doing. It is in the same line of thought (stupid southerners) that many people like you think that whatever position southerners are taking, they were being pushed by the Americans and Europeans. Can’t we think for ourselves and know what we want? It is this mindset that must change in order to make unity attractive. Oppression does not have to be overt like in South Africa or America with “”White Only” (or “Arabs Only”, to be exact) signs all over the place. Many southern Sudanese had suffered under the hands of the government just for being black and from South Sudan.

The likes of Gandour who cried in a meeting is a sure sign that the NCP are deeply convinced that South Sudan will go. For you to call it crocodile’s tears is a misnomer. Gandour was not being insincere or showing fake tears. These were true tears of someone who knew that they have utterly let the Sudanese people down and failed to make unity attractive.

When Bashir called for the political parties to discuss the referendum, it was rejected outright. I liked what the opposition said and I quote: “The National Congress Party (NCP) facing these two options [granting equal citizenship rights or secession] will not be able to evade or circumvent them through compromises, generosity, mediation, public relations or bribery through money or [offering] positions”. This is a true statement that you must drill in your heads. The NCP does not want to take the full responsibility of Sudan separating in their watch and wants to drag the opposition in to it. The opposition parties who rejected the call are very wise indeed.

As you go have your cup of coffee, know that South Sudan is going vote for freedom from the hands of oppression and will be declared a nation come January 2011.

Opposition parties in Sudan say no to talks on referendum

2010-07-26T10:23:00.005+02:00

Now the NCP is panicking. When they called the other political parties last week to discuss the Referendum, it was a sure sign of panick. The NCP is now certain that they have failed to make unity attractive and the southerners will surely vote for secession come January 2010. They want to share the blame later with the other parties.

Unfortunately for the NCP, the other political parties are very smart and saw through their game. While others jumped at the opportunity to press for other issues to be discussed as well, none had come out strongly in support of the call by NCP. In fact they are beaming at NCP's predicament.

I particularly like this statement :

"The National Congress Party (NCP) facing these two options [granting equal citizenship rights or secession] will not be able to evade or circumvent them through compromises, generosity, mediation, public relations or bribery through money or [offering] positions".

How true! Nothing will make the southerners change their position now. Too late.

What is Sudan?

2010-07-16T11:16:00.003+02:00

I nipped this piece from this blog. I found the sentiment funny, to say the least.

"An uncertain country haphazardly cobbled together first by the Ottomans in the 19th century and later by the British during the 20th. It has no cultural coherence or geopolitical logic, even though its populations have become used to living together". Gerard Prunier

The past 50 years of independence and the more than 30 years of conflict in Southern Sudan has shown that they HAVE failed to really live together. Sorry, Mr Prunier.

Yes, for separation

2010-07-14T16:57:00.002+02:00

The youth in the Southern Sudan capital Juba had expressed it loud and clear. Last week, they staged a procession through the streets of the town to kick start their campaign on awareness for the people to vote yes for separation in the upcoming referendum in January, 2011.

This is a huge task they are undertaking. Many people have taken it for granted that the South will vote for a separate country come 2011. Not the youth. They want to make sure that every vote counts, come D day.

I wish them luck . . .

Making unity attractive 2

2010-07-12T10:45:00.005+02:00

The Government in Northern Sudan has started a massive campaign to convince the people of Southern Sudan to vote for unity in the upcoming referendum in January 2010. They seemed to be takne by surprised that 2011 is already here and they have done nothing to make unity attractive.

What is more surprising is the confidence with which they are preaching unity. All the campaigns are trying to say that unity is bad because the Southerners will butcher themselves to obscurity if given the chance to go their separate way. The feeling in Southern Sudan at the moment is ti make South Sudan free and later deal with our own issues.

The Southern Sudanese has become a sought after prize at the moment. They were paraded in interviews on TVs, families visited at home, etc. Will that make unity attractive?

I think the NCP failed to take the issue of the referendum seriously when they signed the CPA. Now it is coming to hound them. Whatever they do, it is too late . . .

Making unity attractive

2010-05-24T22:00:00.002+02:00

The new elected government in Sudan has taken over, the parliament sworn in and the states getting their acts together. The whole thing one sees these days is the talk of the next phase in the country of making sure the South vote for unity.

The question is: what can the government in Khartoum do in the next six months before the referendum to make unity attractive? In my opinion, it is a little too late . . .

Now let me tell you the laughable things they are trying to do to make unity attractive: there had never been a Southern Sudanese presenter on the main Sudan TV channel for decades until the talk of making unity attractive. Sudan TV these days got a beautiful Southern Sudanese girl to present the weather report, her hair uncovered, wearing trousers and had her crucifix dangling from her neck! Will THAT make unity attractive?

I laughed the other day a commentator was asked what the government should do to make unity attractive. This is what he said: give the people from the south land titles in Northern states and provide for their students a bigger quota and a special consideration for admissions in the universities! Now that is something.

But I say, too late, fellas . . .

The General Athor Mutiny: what next?

2010-05-14T09:36:00.003+02:00

What is happening in Jonglei State is what people had feared all along that will happen. A general who ran for Governorship of Jonglei as an idependent candidate and lost is crying foul, and had "almost" mutinied, if not already. The renegade general had returned to his village with many soldiers and threatened to attack Bor. How serious is his threat?

It is well known that there are many disgruntled SPLA soldiers out there. The transformation of the SPLA from a guerrila army to a conventional one has not gone smoothly. Many generals who expected high positions in the new army were kept out in the bush while afew enjoy the air-conditioned offices in Bilpam in Juba. The foot soldiers were abandoned, many going without their salaries for months.

General Athor wants to get his share, by running for governor. Unfortunately for him, the SPLM Political Burea picked the incumbent for their ticket. He ran as independent and lost. He had already fought two small skirmishes with the SPLA. The demands he made were also unreasobale: the cancellation of the elections and setting up an interime government. However, his claims that the SPLM had lost its vision of democracy and inclusivity in government may get some followers.

This development is serious to the fragile peace in Southern Sudan. It feeds into the skeptics scenario that Southern Sudan will slip into a state of lawlessness and inter / intra - tribal fighting that has the potential of engulfing the entire region.

The SPLM must move fast to contain the situation. Dealing with it militarily will only escalate the situation. It is time Kirr show his wisdom and resolve the issue. If other Generals and top military officers join Athor, it could amount to a big rebellion against the GOSS and SPLA. It is a situation we definitely did not want in Southern Sudan at the moment.

Let peace prevail . . .

And the next step: referendum

2010-05-07T15:15:00.004+02:00

Now that the elections are over and the winners declared, there is nothing much to look forward to other than the referendum slated for January 2011. It does not matter whether your candidate won in the elctions or you do not accept the results: that is up to the courts if you want to contest.

What our people should be focusing on these coming months should be the referendum. President Bashir had already planned for a massive campaign to conviince Southern Sudanese to vote for unity. What we need to see is how he planned to accomplish that in seven months that he failed to do in five years.

There are many grudges in Southern Sudan. The CPA is being implemented in bits and at a pace only conveneint to the NCP. Feet dragging is the norm. Despite Bashir's pledge to hold the referendum on time, his statements contradict the issues on the ground.

When the NCP raised the slogan of "Making Unity Attractive", they thought it will be easy to "buy" off the Southerners like they did in 1947. Hard luck. The SPLM should start their own campaign for a separate country.

Southerners are going to vote for a separate nation. Period.

The calm after the elections . . . ?

2010-04-27T15:38:00.002+02:00

The citizens of Juba in Central Equatoria were not concerned about the Presidency of the Republic or that of the Governemnt of Southern Sudan. Bashir and Salva Kiir are the expected winners, no one doubted that.

In the election, the battle ground states were Central Equatoria, Westen Equatoria and Unity States, where the independent candidates were more popular than the SPLM candidates. People fee that the SPLM official candidats are being force on them, and they turn to show their disatisfaction by vooting for the independent candidates.

However, things have not turn out as expected. In Central Equatoria, the incumbent SPLM Candidate got through as well as in Unity State. The initial results show that the independents were leading, but due to pressure, the State election officilas have to succumb to pressure and announce the incumbents winners. Too bad for a fledgeling democracy, if you can call it that. The SPLM seems determined to ensure that their candidates get the positions, like their partners in the North.

One success story is worth celebrating: Western Equatoria independent candidate defeated the SPLM incumbent governor, the unpopular Jemma Nunu by a narrow margin. The SPLM failed to get that state due to many factors, one of which is the Election Officials strick abidance by the rules.

The citizens of Central Equatori feel that they have been robbed of a leader, one who will safe them from misrule and corruption of the incumbent. They will only have to look at their neighbour's luck with longing.

If democracy was born in the West, it had certainly been buried in the jungles of Southern Sudan . . .

Have you voted?

2010-04-14T10:22:00.002+02:00

Voting has been going on in the Sudan since Suday. Although there reports of irregularities, mainly logistic and technical difficulties, many polling stations have gone on smoothly.

However, some political parties are saying there are riggings by the SPLM and NCP, intimidating voters and harrasing party observers. Juba seems to have no such reports.

The most annoying thing is for voters who do not find their names on the list. Many have to visit several polling stations before they found their names.

I hope the Sudanese will be able to show the world that they can have a peaceful election without violence. Free or fair is something else.

Where have all the foreigners gone in Juba?

2010-04-08T14:33:00.006+02:00

If you walk the streets of Juba today, you will notice it immediately: there are fewer people in the streets. The mini buses are far apart, the morning rush hour crowds quieter and the boda boda taxis less ubiquitous! I asume it is the same in many towns in Southern Sudan.

Granted, many people might have gone to their respective constituencies to vote on Sudan. But the usual foreigners population in Juba has dwindled remarkably. The Ugandans and Kenyans have closed their businesses and flocked home. The airport has become very congested as flights are overbooked. The restuarants are closed, shops in Konyokonyo market in Juba closed. The bars are without customers. And prices are beginning to go up already!

These people are fearing the violence during elections, as if it is the norm. No one wants to be caught in it, like it happened in Kenya, it seems.

Personally I do no think there will be mmuch violence, if any at all. The campaigns have gone rather peacefully in general, with little violence between different supporters. Why should people fear the actual voting process itself?

I am urging my neighbours not to flee because there will be no need to fear!

Umma out, DUP in . . .

2010-04-08T07:32:00.005+02:00

Umma Party is the latest to boycott the elections. Another blow to the NCP and the elections, the first since 1986.

It is obvious now what the strategy is: everyone knows Bashir will win, but they want him to lose the credibility. What is the worth of the elections if there is no opposition?

However, DUP is going in the elections, full speed ahead. Now that is another twist.

NCP: no delay to elections

2010-04-07T16:37:00.000+02:00

It is becoming obvious that NCP had no heart to hold credible elections in the country. Right from the beginning of the signing of the CPA, NCP started working on how to undermine the agreement and never see it fulfilled. The signs are always clear for all to see.

There is a complete disregard to the elements contained in the agreement. Many of the articles have not been implemented fully and some are being watered down and re-interpreted to sooth their interests.

What is happening is a sham and NCP knows that. What has happened about the Demarcation of Borders, Abyei Status, JIUs, Militias and the referendum? True, NCP is arguing now that the elections will not be postponed, because they will also not hold the referendum on time if that happens. The SPLM shouldn’t buy that. Not everyone does, but could they do it?
If the NCP can play around with many of the provisions in the CPA, the SPLM is right to worry, though. Salva Kiir has already made it clear that referendum is more important than the elections.

Sudan is becoming very interesting these days.

To vote or not?

2010-04-07T16:30:00.003+02:00

The SPLM had me confused nowadays. Will I ever vote? I had hoped to exercise my rights happily but now is confused. I had registered in Khartoum (a stupid thing, I now admit) and hoped to be there to vote for Yasir Arman and any SPLM politician standing.

My dilemma now is: why should I travel all the way to Khartoum and vote for someone else? I will wait for the referundum instead.

SPLM Boycotts elections in Northern Sudan

2010-04-07T07:40:00.005+02:00

Now the elections are getting really interesting. The other day, the SPLM Presidential Candidate Yasir Saed Arman, withdrew from the race, citing problems in Darfur and electoral irregularities that will not lead to a free and fair elections.

Yesterday, the SPLM Political Bureau has decided to also abandon the elections in Northern Sudan, citing the same problems and saying the elections will not be free and fare etc, etc. Funny enough, the SPLM will continue to run in Southern Sudan, competing in all levels of government. Now the streets have become really active.

Nobody is believeing the crap. If the elctions are not going to be free and fare in the North, how will it be in the South? Is it not the same elections, same ballots and same NEC? When there are no explanations, the conspiracy theories abound and I like what I hear, because it goes with what I believe a long time ago that it is going to happen: that SPLM is handing Northern Sudan to NCP and NCP is handing Southern Sudan to the SPLM. That will be the results of the elections, each ensuring their grip in power. And the oppositions parties, they can go to hell.

The opposition have already sensed this and said the SPLM cut a deal with NCP. Are they right? Maybe. Bashir has threatened to postpone the crucial referrundum in the South in 2011 if SPLM withdraw completely from the elections aor asked for delays. For the SPLM, 2011 is much more important than the elections.

So the whole elections is turning out to be a sham.

Elections, elections, elections

2010-04-07T07:35:00.002+02:00

Hey, I am back. I have been troubled with a lot of things are now the scene in Sudan is getting juicer by the day as the elections gets nearer by the day.

Most towns in the Southern Sudan are already in high election mood. I have seen them, some of them, and will tell you that many people are ready to exercise their democratic rights.

What the SPLM is doing is a subject for another post.

Be careful woman: wearing trousers my land you in court in Khartoum!

2009-08-05T08:31:00.004+02:00

The trial of the journalist for wearing trousers or if you believe he government version for "wearing clothes that were indecent to the public" has been postponed yet again. And that is for a reason.

The government does not like the huge publicity it generated. The international TV networks were running live commentaries from Khartoum, having public debates and journalists were and human right activities were having a field day.

According to Luban Hussein, the journalist at the centre of the issue, she was on trial not because she wore trousers, but because she had been a critic of the government. They are trying to nail her.

When you read the headlines about it, you will be led to believe that not a SINGLE woman wear trousers in Khartoum these days! You are wrong!

Secondary school girls wear trousers, unless their trousers are not trousers, just school uniforms.

So back to the publicity, I think it is becoming embarassing to the government. Their attempt to dehumanise Lubna has backfired. They have postponed the hearing for a month until the haboob has died down again. I guess it will not go away. Lubna will mobilize women again and bring them with her to court.

That law about wearing indecent clothing has to be repealled.

We are 39,154,490!

2009-05-23T12:02:00.002+02:00

It is now official: the census results shows that Sudan has a poplation of 39,154,490 people. It is here but for the analysis, come back later.

Sudan election pushed back to 2010!

2009-04-04T09:13:00.002+02:00

It kind of not surprising that he elections has been put back to 2010. The selected date of of somewhere in July has been overshadowed by events so huge that it is inevitable that soemthing gives way.

Reasons of census results and borders are all true but they masks the real issues. Even before the ICC debacle and others, the impelemntation of the CPA was on a snail pace. There are still more to be desired.

Let the count down begin . . .

Another peace process for Darfur?

2009-04-02T21:43:00.002+02:00

Will there be peace in Darfur . . .? I began to see it as a long gone possibility. Let us resign to the fact that it is going to be a long, long process. . .

With the myriad of peace processes coming up everyday: African Union, Libyan, Saudi Arabian, Nigerian, Qatari, I wonder which one will bear fruit. Can't someone just merge all these together?

Egypt is again throwing its lot into the peace process business. That is making the whole thing interesting? Was it to counter the Qatari Peace process? Egypt skipped the Arab Summit in Qatar and now comes up with another peace process. I know not for what reason.

While they keep on meetimg in the Arab capitals, Darfur still cries . . .

(Yawn)

Queen Noor speaks . . .

2009-04-02T17:11:00.003+02:00

Darfur an "obscenity", we are told . . .

Queen Noor has added her voice to the cry coming out of Darfur. If not for the timing I would ask where has she been hiding all this time.

Maybe the ICC thing shook her from her slumber . . .(Sorry Queen!)

The culture of violence

2009-04-01T14:40:00.003+02:00

I wonder what is going in South Sudan these. I week never goes without deadly clashes some where. If it is not the SPLA soldiers causing havoc, it is the pastoralist going about the business they know best: cattle rustling.

It is a shame that we are still being ravaged by the notion of these groups, whose still think that cattle rustling is aprt of culture that cannot be abandoned.

I will talk more . . .

Arab backing and the showdown: round 2

2009-04-01T11:04:00.002+02:00

Bashir made it to the Arab Summit, had a faceof with the UN General Secretary and got Arab backing against the ICC.

It is a big public relations coup for the government against the West. When a big chung of the world countries expressed their dis-satisfaction with events, I think the world better listen.

Ocampo has used his ighest card, as some analysts think, and th eonly last resort to apprehend the president is by invading the country.

Looking at what happened to Iraq, I don't think Obama will want to go that road again. It is just getting nastier by the day.

ICC, Arab League and Bashir

2009-03-30T09:35:00.003+02:00

So Bashir is in Doha for the Arab Summit

It is expected that the Sudanese president will want to show the world that he cannot be intimidated by the ICC warrant, about which he once said "soak in water and drink it". Nothing new there.

I was watching the news and all are concerned whether the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon will sit and listen to Bashir delivering his speech. My advise: Mr Moon, don't listen to the Americans, sit there and listen to what Bashir wants to say . . . Walking out is not a good sign ffrom the wolrd's top diplomat.

Let us wait and see.

BK featured in US Site

2009-03-30T09:27:00.003+02:00

Black Kush featured among the top 100 sites in Africa on an Online University Reviews website. Cool.

"In an attempt to provide students, laymen, and educators with a single resource from which they can begin their own exploration of the richness and diversity of Africa, we have compiled a list of what we consider to be the 50 best blogs to learn about African culture, news, politics, and viewpoints. Blogs are an excellent way to learn about nations and cultures due to the passion, diversity of perspective and honesty of the writing, which you won’t often find in textbooks. We have categorized these top 50 blogs as follows: Politics and Human Rights, News, Culture & Art, Technology and Entrepreneurship, and Viewpoints from many of the African Countries."

Thanks.

Abyei erupts again

2008-12-13T08:26:00.003+01:00

These unfortunate incidents seems to recur again and again. Another deadly clash in Abyei leaves at least one person dead as fighting erupts between the SAF and the SPLA soldiers in the Joint police and military forces.

How can this be remidied? I believe these kinds of incidences are rooted in the animosity of the past 50 years of the Sudanese history. There is complete lack of trust in each other. A simple dispute can be blown out of proportion from both sides. This must end.

Once and agreemnt has been signed, it is a signal to all people that war is not and option in solving our problems anymore. It is time to try other avenues.

As the politicians and the UNAMIS say, "I urge the parties to exercise restrain . . ."

'Arab World's Dirty Secret' Exposed.

2008-12-11T21:23:00.005+01:00

Egyptians are racist. That is a fact that Muna Eltahawy only discovered recently in a metro in Cairo.

There are lots of South Sudanese in Egypt who go through the same abuse and racists taunts everyday. I once blogged about Egyptians are trying to woe the Southern Sudanese here. And last month Hosni Mubarak was in Juba, a visit that evryone knows was about the Nile water. I wonder what he will tell the South Sudanese if he read the story.

At least Muna spoke about it.

"The racism I saw on the Cairo Metro has an echo in the Arab world at large, where the suffering in Darfur goes ignored because its victims are black and because those who are creating the misery in Darfur are not Americans or Israelis and we only pay attention when America and Israel behave badly.
We love to cry "Islamophobia" when we talk about the way Muslim minorities are treated in the West and yet we never stop to consider how we treat minorities and the most vulnerable among us."

A beer factory for Southern Sudan

2008-12-11T06:45:00.002+01:00

Juba is to have a new beer factory after 25 years of Sharia. Looking at what the booze is doing to the people here in Juba, I wonder whether there is any cause for celebration.

Waltz with Bashir . . . ?

2008-12-02T13:50:00.000+01:00

I thought it was our Bashir until I read here

World Aids Day

2008-12-01T10:16:00.002+01:00

SPLM Celebrates Obama victory

2008-12-01T09:22:00.003+01:00

The celebration in Khartoum by the SPLM marking the election of Barack Obama to the Presidency of The United States of America is a big wonder to many people.

Amidst the corruption and waste of public money that goes into individual pockets, there is still a lot to be desired in the Government of Southern Sudan under the SPLM. I just hope they understand the meaning of the Obama success. People comes first before individual interests.

Will we as Southern Sudanese be able to get there? I want to shout YES WE CAN, but it is held in my throat, for now.

'Change has come to America'

2008-11-05T07:45:00.003+01:00

Americans have chosen Barak Obama to be the next President of the United States.

Barak Obama for President

2008-11-04T07:54:00.003+01:00

If I were an American, I would vote for Senator Barak Obama, like the many Sudanese youngsters polled.

Trousers down and out in Juba!

2008-10-08T17:57:00.003+02:00

In Saudi Arabia, they are the moral police, who enforce a strict interpretation of Sharia Law, with decent dressing and separation of sexes and ban on alcohol etc . . .

Now they have surfaced in Juba in the form of moral police! Women were picked up in Juba and thrown into jail for wearing trousers last week. These created a havoc and raised fears among the young people.

It all resulted from a local order by the Juba County Commissioner that got loose. Anyway, he came out and apologized, the edict withdrawn and the madness stopped.

I think he better go back and rethink the issue, because it just brings bad memories. If he wants to promote good morals in the people, that was not the way to start it.

An English lesson . . .

2008-10-04T16:05:00.002+02:00

Etymology

compound: bail + out

Pronunciation

(US) IPA: /ˈbeɪlˌawt/

Noun

bailout (plural bailouts)

a rescue, especially a financial rescue

e.g. The government bailout of that corporation is going to cost the taxpayers a hundred million dollars.

Text 666 against Ocampo

2008-10-01T08:17:00.003+02:00

A campaign to collect votes over the phone was active last week in Sudan. Mobile phone users were sent text messages that urged them to text an empty page to the the number 666 if they oppose Ocampo.

With such a number, do they know something we don't . . . ?

Sudan elected to chair UN Group 77

2008-09-27T12:07:00.003+02:00

Sudan has scored another diplomatic coup . . .

When America sneezes . . .

2008-09-25T16:02:00.003+02:00

. . . the rest of the world catches a cold.

The current global financial crisis which strated in America will surely bite everyone. The high oil prices have made travel really expensive in Sudan. Paradoxically, it is cheaper to fly to Egypt and back than to Juba from Khartoum one way . . . Add that to the hike in food prices.

The cold is spreading.

ICC and Bashir: the Biritish and French Connection

2008-09-14T10:53:00.003+02:00

So the French and the British are ready to support the deferral of the arrest warrant for the Sudanese President . . .

It had been a an issue thatan arrest warrant will put the peace in Southern Sudan in danger of collapse and wosrsen the plight of the Darfuris. And ofcourse put the UNAMID force under more danger.

Are we right? Are the possible threats real? It seems the world dont want to be on the trail and error side. To err may cause more lives than already been lost.

So better the caution.

What about Darfuri children?

2008-08-25T14:22:00.003+02:00

Ismail Ahmed Ismail entered the record books as the first Sudanese to win a medal in an Olympic. Good for him.

What bothered me is this: he dedicated his medal to the children of Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Where are the children from Darfur? Don't they deserve a medal?

Silver for Sudan in Beijing

2008-08-23T14:45:00.002+02:00

Sudan's Ismail Ahmed has won silver in the men's final of the 800 m in Beijing.

Better than returning home empty handed. The other stars failed to shine.

Women in trousers being harassed in South Sudan

2008-08-22T14:13:00.007+02:00

I found this incident ridiculous, to say the least: border guards in South Sudan are preventing women wearing trousers from entering the country through the Kenya_sudan border! How hilarious. Where did they get this notion from? Is it even constitutional? As the story points out when they get in the y found that women wear trousers without being harassed.

In the 80s and 90s, women were harassed in Khartoum, when trousers are seen as indecent. We considered it really part of the then "sharia" rulings etc. Fine.

But why is it cropping up in South Sudan? The GoSS must inverstigate and bring this malpractice to an end. There is no such law in the South. Everyone is free to wear what they want, as long as it is decent.

Even Khartoum with its sharia nowadays features all sorts of women with tight trousers and the most up to date designer jeans working around without a cop raising an eyebrow.

Stop the madness in South Sudan, people.

Between Riak Machar, Rebecca Garang and Corruption

2008-08-18T07:04:00.004+02:00

The moment Rebecca Nyandeng voiced her accusations that Riak Machar is corrupt, the streets of South Sudan yawned. There is nothing new there. Everyone knows that the whole government machinery is corrupt. Taking kickbacks is the order of the day.

It is said more often that Riak Machar ask openly about his "cut" in every deal being done in the South. Everybody knows that.

And Rebecca herself is not beyond reproach. When she was minister of roads and construction, not a single tarmac was laid in the South. She gave contracts to shady companies that don't even own a grader, let alone have an office. Contracts were awarded for the same stretch of roads more than three times and advance monies paid. Will she be able to answer these claims?

No one who has been accused of corruption anywhere in the world immediately admit to it. Riak Machar is following the trend, only when the noose is tight will they sing. Rebecca Garang should also be investigated. She shouldn't hide behind the veil of her husband's fame.

It is just the case of the pot calling the kettle black . . .

Olympic dreams . . .

2008-08-12T17:53:00.002+02:00

The hope for Sudanese olympic gold . . .

Garang: a hero remembered

2008-07-30T13:47:00.001+02:00

Youtube working for me . . . (not anymore)

2008-07-29T10:48:00.006+02:00

The Sudanese Thinker reports that Youtube has been blocked in Sudan. Just wanna let you know that I still have access to Youtube, through the Canar ISP. Maybe it has not yet been blocked.

Here is a screen shot.

Update:

Youtube has finaly been blocked on the canar ISP. What a shame . . .

The Arab League respond to ICC indictment

2008-07-20T10:14:00.003+02:00

The Arab League has decided to stand by Sudan against the ICC decision. They have decided to show:

"solidarity with the Republic of Sudan in the face of any schemes aimed at undermining its sovereignty, unity and stability and not to accept the unbalanced position of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court at the request contained in a case submitted to the ICC (pre-trial Chamber)."

Now the indictment is getting more interesting indeed. How will the international community react. JEM has already deplored the AL position.

Ocampo vs Bashir: the SPLM position

2008-07-19T14:14:00.004+02:00

SPLM, the junior partner of the NCP in the so called Government of National Unity found themselves between a rock and a very hard place.

How can they respond to the ICC accusations? It was the same people in the governemnt whom they fought for 20 years in the South. Now that they share the same government, it makes it more complicated.

The VP has been put in charge of the committee to challeneg the ICC and ministers are already scrambling around the Middle East and Africa to look for support for Sudan.

Here the SPLM official position on the ICC indictments:

The SPLM leadership was taken aback by the speed of recent developments in the case of ICC indictments of some Sudanese leaders including President of the Republic. This has understandably created a serious situation that could threaten peace and stability in the Sudan.

Over the past week, the SPLM leadership has been engaged in series of meetings in both Juba and Khartoum, discussing the matter. After wide consultations inside the SPLM and with the National Congress Party leadership, taking into account the declaration by the Prosecutor General of the ICC, the SPLM leadership resolve the following as a way to address the crisis:

1. That Darfur conflict is a political issue arising out of long and continuous political, economic and cultural marginalization since independence of the Sudan in 1956. Resolving this situation requires a negotiated and peaceful settlement of the conflict between the parties. Therefore the Government of National Unity is required to develop, within a week's time, a roadmap for resolution of Darfur conflict, in consultation with all the political forces and civil society groups in the country, specifically the groups in Darfur, in order to build national consensus for a fair and speedy resolution of the conflict.
2. The SPLM is ready to avail its resources and effort, and in particular its external relations, regionally and internationally for the purpose of achieving an understanding between the Government of National Unity and the international community. We believe that the solution to the crisis is for the Government of National Unity to forge an understanding with the international community and to cooperate with ICC on the legal processes.
3. The SPLM leadership, led by the First Vice President, will expedite efforts for a fair and comprehensive peaceful settlement of the Darfur crisis, which is a corner stone and correct entry point to deal with other consequences of the crisis.
4. Full implementation of the CPA and other peace agreements, furthering democratic transformation, promoting mutual understanding between the parties that constitute the government of national unity as well as other political forces is key to resolve the present crisis.

Mandela @ 90

2008-07-18T11:58:00.001+02:00

Happy Birthday Madiba.

Ocampo vs Bashir: the way out

2008-07-17T06:51:00.001+02:00

So Bashir has a chance of escaping the noose . . .

Americans are behind the ICC!

2008-07-16T13:57:00.001+02:00

Source

Where are the Arab "friends"?

2008-07-16T12:57:00.005+02:00

The Sudanese government must be feeling lonely indeed. The silence of the Arab governments over the indictment of Bashir is very noticeable.

The Arab leaders have decided to keep quiet. None has made any statements concerning the issue. The Arab league itself is yet to meet in an emergency meeting until Saturday and make an officila statement. If it were a Palestinian issue, an emergency meeting could have been convene within 72 hours!

And Sudan is said to be an Arab country. It must be real lonely up there for the president. I suggest he befriend Mugabe.

Where are the Egyptians, the Saudis, the Jordanians . . . The "loudest" silence of note is that of Mubarak.

Maybe each of the presidents are thinking that they maybe next on the list?

How about the Arab media? Except for the comments of the Saudi columnists critical of the regime before the indictment, there is non forth coming, unless ones am not familliar with. Arab News editorial could be the only commentary of note.

At least the Arab bloggers mentioned it: Black Iris of Jordan commented on "Who is your favourite war criminal?", the Mideast Youth on the Case for Sudan, not much has been mentioned. Even the Egyptian Sandmonkey didn't see it a topic worth discussing?

What about African Union? African Union are concerned about the losing the " gains that have been achieved so far" and creating a power vacuum in Sudan if the order is executed.

I thought it was gonna be a source of discussion for days on end. Maybe my expectations are beyond the reality.

Ocampo vs Bashir: the Chinese dilemma

2008-07-16T09:05:00.003+02:00

The Chinese are worried about the ICC indictment of President Bashir, and rightly so . . .

The world had been blasting China over its relation with Khartoum because of the fighting and chaos in Darfur. China is seen as the stongest ally of Khartoum, supports it militarily and gets the bulk of the Sudanese oil. It is also complicated by the up coming olympic games in August.

Arguably, China wants to help Sudan, but also keep its friends in the West. It had waited afew days before making statements on the issue, a signed of the dilemma it finds itself in.

Even if the Chinese push for a Security Council vote to suspend the indictments, France and USA are sure to veto it. They also play tit for tat there. (China just vetoed a resolution against Zimbabwe!)

Whichever way it finally decides to act, Sudan risks losing its one friend and ally, and that will be the hardest thing to swallo in Khartoum

Ocampo vs Bashir: the fallout

2008-07-15T06:56:00.005+02:00

SO Bashir has been indicted by the ICC. So what comes next now?

The ICC prosecutor has taken the boldest step ever. Charging a sitting head of state fo genocide can get him a round of applause,but that is leaving lots of people wary of the future.

So far the armageddon predicted has not happened, yet. No UN staff has been shot in the street and no car-jackings reported in Khartoum. Were the fears groundless?

Not at all. There are lots of people out there in the street who are stupid enough to start anything. It may not be the official response of the government, but some lunatics may take the lawlessness into their hands and rick havoc.

I personally think it was a wrong move on the part of the ICC. Now that he has made his point, I think UN Security Council should suspend the possible arrest warrant from being issued.

They now have a big leverage over Khartoum: you better cooperate now and end the chaos in Darfur or else . . .

Could that work? Possibly. Khartoum never really thought that the prosecutor could actually charge Bashir. Now they got the message loud and clear.

Bashir charged with genocide

2008-07-14T15:04:00.006+02:00

President Bashir has been charged with genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity! Here are the charges:

Genocide:
Killing members of the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa ethnic groups
Causing these groups serious bodily or mental harm
Inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about these groups' physical destruction

Crimes against humanity:
Murder
Extermination
Forcible transfer
Rape
Torture

War crimes:
Attacks on civilians in Darfur
Pillaging towns and villages

Ocampo vs Bashir 2

2008-07-14T11:23:00.003+02:00

What does the possible indictment mean? Here are some positive sides to it?

1) clear signal about impunity
2) strengthen international institutions to reign in impunity
3) provoke more moderate elements in Khartoum regime to at last oust General Bashir (a la 1985 coup of Suwar al Dahab)
4) give comfort to relatively powerless domestic legitimate civil society opposition in Sudan
5) stengthen bargaining position of SPLM and opposition parties vis a vis NCP
6) give some justice to the families and children beaten, killed and
displaced by the brutal counter-insurgency
7) give General Bashir a chance to clear his name in a court of law
Source

Ocampo vs Bashir

2008-07-14T11:08:00.001+02:00

Here is a website that logs the ICC proescution of Bashir. The articles and comments are interesting to read.

Social Science Research Council

The Ocampo Factor

2008-07-14T07:54:00.004+02:00

The ICC chief prosecutor has entered into the long list of those people who were "black listed", if I may say so in Sudan. The history of the Sudan has seen losts of them, who were given all sorts of names before Ocampo. Here is a sample:

Casper Biro: He was appointed as a special UN Human Rights Commission Special Rapporteur for Sudan in 1993. He really pressed the government on the abysmal human rights records that Khartoum kept him out of the country
Baroness Cox: worked as a humanitarian worker and has raised the issues of the civil war int he south, including the worse humanitarian crisis during that time. She was of such high profile that kept the South conflict in the agenda of the world. Khartoum charged her for illegal entry and sentence her in absentia to 5 years in prison!
Jan Pronk: the last Head of the UN in Sudan who was kicked out in 2006 for posting in his weblog that the Sudanese Army was heavily defeated in a battle in Darfur.
Luis Moreno-Ocampo: is the latest to enter the Sudanese list.

Are there others I missed? WHat do you think?

The indictment of President Bashir is imminent!

2008-07-12T09:36:00.004+02:00

The world is bracing itself for the possible indictment of President Bashir and VP Taha for war crimes and genocide in Darfur!

What a development. The ICC prosecutor is preparing his case, which may be as early as Monday.

I don't know whether I should be happy or sad. The atrocities in Darfur really deserve world attention, the failure of implementation of the CPA in South Sudan needs more attention. The issues of Eastern Sudan and other areas are all of equal concern.

But what will the indictment of Bashir mean for peace in Sudan? At worse the world is bracing itself for a backlash: renewed fighting in South Sudan; more suffering of Darfuris; expulsion of UNAMID and withdrwal of cooperation with th einternational community. Expuslsion of ambassadors of Western countries, etc

As the Sudanese UN ambassador said "all options are open . . . and sky is the limit".

I think the world is right to be concern. Do we seek justice for long term effect at the cost of short term suffering and more deaths?

The next few days will surely be the most stressing for the Sudanese government.

. . . unless if the Chinese pull another trick and delay the indictment.

A half-truth statement

2008-07-10T07:03:00.002+02:00

What is Sudan?

"An uncertain country haphazardly cobbled together first by the Ottomans in the 19th century and later by the British during the 20th. It has no cultural coherence or geopolitical logic, even though its populations have become used to living together". Gerard Prunier

Kizzie

Sadly, they have NEVER become used to living together! The 4o years of civil war since independence says all.

Pagan Amun in the dock

2008-07-10T06:51:00.003+02:00

The SPLM and NCP are gearing up for another crisis. Maybe Abyei is making little headway, but recents comments by the Minister of Cabinet Affairs Pagan Amun, whois also the SPLM Secretary General, has landed him in the bad books of the GoNU.

Amun's statements that Sudan is a failed State has not been taken lightly by the NCP. Now it is the president who suspended him as Minister, lifted his immunity and ordered an investigation.

How will the SPLM respond? The truth is, SPLM is part of the government, although a junior partner ignored in most issues.

What the Presidential Advisor said is actually very true: "The problem of Pagan and the triangle of secularism within the SPM is that they feel disappointed and miserable because the NCP is able to overcome their shrewdness and cunningness and even come out stronger"

The partners are playing a game of cat and mouse and who will out-shrewed the other: from the issues of Abyei, pulling out of the government etc.

Now, we wait and see who delivers the KO punches. SPLM has not yet responded.

Sudan Census Crisis

2008-04-15T08:28:00.003+02:00

I come out of hibernation just to ask one question. The SPLM suspended the Sudan National Census in the South because of issues of ethnicity and religion not featuring in the papers. My question is:

Why is the NCP afraid of including ethnicity and religion in the census data?

I have ideas, but let me here from you first . . .

Now it will go ahead again after one week

Three years of CPA . . .

2008-01-08T14:59:00.000+01:00

It is three years tomorrow January 9th since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement which brought an end to the twenty years civil war in South Sudan. It is three years that have yet to see results, and a lot more to be desired.

What has changed, and what SHOULD change? The CPA was at one stage at he verge of collapsing with the withdrawal of the peace partners from the Government of National Unity. Abyei remains a thorny issue as well as the presence of the SAF in the South. Will the CPA survive?

It has been known for a long time that there are people who will be happy to see the CPA scraped. There are northerners in Khartoum who see it as a sell out by the NCP, and couldn't stomach the fact that SPLM (or Southerners, for that matter) are part of the government and with some power.

It is true also that the bigger group are happy that the war has ended. For the Internally Displaced to Khartoum, returning to their homes in the South is a priority.

But what has the government done in three years? GOSS has always insisted that they are starting from scratch and change will take a long time to be noticed. It is unfortunate that corruption is rampant, even high up in the government.

South Sudan has a lot of money, but it is in the hands of a few corrupt elite. In the whole of the South, governors have been sacked, ministers dropped and some even facing prison for corruption. But is it enough?

For a long time, The president of South Sudan has turned a blind eye to this issues. It is like he left them to take what they can, a payment to the close friends for the years spent in the bush!

It is three years, but a lot still to be desired. The future is still bleak, sorry to say.

Been a long time!

2008-01-08T14:01:00.001+01:00

How time flies! It is already 2008 and I couldn't believe it. My hands have been so tied I had almost no time working on the blog. Sorry about that.

I hope from now I will be able to update at least twice a week. If that is not working, I may consider other options like . . .

Thanks for understanding.

Bravo Salva Kiir!

2007-12-04T07:58:00.000+01:00

The sacking of the two senior SPLM cadres brings music to the ears!

At last Salva Kiir is seeing sense and acting the leader he should have been long time ago. By sacking two senior members of the SPLM from their positions and membership sends a clear signal to all those who are trying to take the movement in the wrong direction.

Ever since the death of Dr John Garang and the appointment of Salva as successor, the top leadership has seen lots of changes. Salva sidelined all those who came to be called the "Garang Boys" from senior posts and bringing aroun himself people of dubious characters. Telar Deng is one of them.

How can you even dream of a coup at this time when the South is still in ruins. It is only the craving for power that can bring such unthinkable thoughts. Telar made sure that many people who could expose him were kept away from Salva Kiir with stories of disloyalty etc. What a shame. It turns out now they were the ones scheming against Kiir right in the presidential palace.

The likes of Alieu and others are not wanted in the movement. They have their own agenda which are contrary to the needs of South Sudan.

It is time Salva see sense and forget these labels of "Garang Boys" etc and bring closer to him people who could help him deliver the South peacefully.

Teddy bear teacher to be freed

2007-12-03T10:55:00.000+01:00

It is being announced that President Bashir has pardoned the school teacher involved in the teddy bear crisis.

I for one believe that it is the only sane way to end the crisis. After letting the courts practice their laws without interference (it would have been termed meddling in internal affairs of a sovereign state!) a presidential pardon is the only way to save face.

She had already served out half her time. Atleast, she had not seen the inside of the women prison. (she was kept in a secret location and fed lots of apples!) I had hoped she does even for a day so that she can tell the world the conditions as an eye withness!

Go well, Mrs Gibbons. I hope you dont bear grudges against the Sudanese people. The ragtag group into whose hands you fell are a minority and does not represent us at all. I wish you well.