South Sudan Army says contained fighting in greater Upper Nile, 165 killed

April 25 2011 (WAU) Government of South Sudan on Monday said it contained clashes which simultaneously erupted in the three states of Greater Upper Nile State, with rebel groups adding 165 people were killed in the fighting.

soldiers march during a parade at the 4th anniversary celebration of the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (Reuters)

The Sudan Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA) clashed during the past days with fighters loyal to Peter Gadet Yak and Gabriel Tanginya. Officials, interviewed by Sudan Tribune, said the fighting with Tanginya erupted at Kaldak assembly area on Saturday over the killing of a senior officer of the militia leader after attempts to persuade him accept integration of his forces without giving conditions. "Yes, there was a fighting on Saturday morning but it has been contained. The situation is now under controlled, said Brigadier General Malaak Ayuen, head of SPLA public relations and information. Ayuen said a total 165 fighters have been lost in the clashes between south Sudans army and Tanginyas forces. "At the moment we have information that 165 fighters have been lost in the series of fighting involving SPLA soldiers against forces loyal to two militias leaders in Jonglei and Unity states," he said. "In the fighting which occurred on Saturday in Kaldak, the SPLA lost 7 soldiers and 57 rebels were killed. And in the fighting in Unity state (with Peter Gadet ), we have lost 26 SPLA soldiers and at least 70 rebels have been killed, probably more," said Ayuen.

He added the figures did not include a clash on Sunday when the SPLA launched what he termed as a "hot pursuit" against forces loyal to Peter Gadet, resulting into cashing them toward the border with the north in the area. He said over one hundred people were killed in the clashes with Peter Gadet since Tuesday last week. "The fighting in Unity State has claimed a lot of lives on both sides. So far, we have reports indicating that 101 people have been in the fighting which occurred in Unity State alone." South Sudanese voted overwhelmingly in January to separate from the north. The January referendum was part of the 2005 peace agreement which the Southern rebel and the Sudan government signed in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi to end decades of civil war. However, the post election violence raises fear among the ordinary people that it would undermine the peace process if it continues without being addressed before independence. The South Sudan army, the Sudan Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA), experienced of armed confrontation with at least seven rebel groups besides routine traditional tribal conflicts mostly practiced by cattle-keepers. Senior officials from the South Sudans governing party, the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement, have repeatedly accused Khartoum of supporting and mobilizing the militias against Juba to create instability and keep the south weak and reliant on the norths oil infrastructure. Khartoum denies the allegations. Ayuen said Tang surrendered himself with at least 1,300 fighters and made no comment on whether Tang would still be covered by amnesty which the president of south Sudan offered to all rebels in October last year or not. However, Gabriel Tanginya reported voluntarily himself to the SPLA saying he wants to continue the reintegration process of his forces in the South Sudan army, interrupted by the unexpected clashes on Saturday at Kaldak assembly area in Jonglei state. SPLA sources yesterday denied that they started the fighting against the militia leader. The South Sudan army said when SPLA officers arrived to the assembly area to deliver a letter from Slava Kiir to Gabriel Tang unidentified person shot a bullet in the outskirts of the area causing confusion which erupted into clashes between the two forces. James Maluit Ruea, commissioner of Fangak County; Jonglei State, said in an interview with Sudan Tribune on Monday that he does not know the actual cause of what triggered the Saturdays fighting. "I truly do not know the actual cause of fighting. These are military issues," he said. "Military issues are always complicated as they are connected to security and safety, so I

do not know the actual cause", further said commissioner Ruei declining additional comments. However, a senior administrative officer who requested to remain anonymous said the fighting was triggered by the killing of a senior officer from Tanginyes froces, three days before the fighting took place. "The fighting was triggered by the killing of a senior officer on the side of the Gabriel Tanginye three days before the fighting occurred over observations of the continued recruitment of the local populations into the designated Assembly areas. The deceased officer was accused of mobilizing local population to accept recruitment. The other contributing reasons were reservations of Gabriel Tanginya over integration of his forces". He said the fighting which broke out yesterday between 8:30 and 9:00 AM indicates failure on the two sides to reach any consensus over details of the integration. "The fighting which took place yesterday is a clear indication that the two sides have failed to reach any consensus after attempts to persuade Gabriel to reconsider his position on some of the demands. One of the demands was the need to integrate forces of Tanginye into the SPLA with their current ranks". "I think this is where they have not been able to reach a consensus since discussions started two months ago," the official said, confirming that over 57 people were killed as several others sustained serious gunshots. I do not have complete details of the clashes but a lot of people have been killed. I personally attended burial of 34 soldiers who fought on both sides". He said most of those who took part in the clash hailed from the same area. "You see those who participated in yesterdays fighting are from the same section and in the same area. Majority of the people are from Fangak and the neighboring communities. So those who were killed fighting either as SPLA soldiers or on the side of Gabriel Tanginye are buried in the same villages, he said. Ruei Kok Ruei, an administrative officer with international relief organization, said in a separate interview with Sudan Tribune in Malakal town, capital of Upper Nile State, he saw seven wounded soldiers being rushed in a police ambulance to Malakal teaching hospital from where the fighting took. A minister in the government of south Sudan in Juba who did not want to be named said the clash which took place in Kaldak with forces of Gabriel Tanginya in the assembly area on Saturday was a test of the SPLA strength by the enemies of peace.

"Khartoum is fighting us with proxy militia with intention to sabotage hoisting flag of the new nation. This is not true. It is their false. We will raise our flag come 9th of July whether it will rain blood or shine with automatic rocket missiles," he said. "What was happening last week was nothing but attempt by Khartoum to test our strength. They thought they would take Mankien and Mayom but it was unfortunate that they did not achieve their dream." "Instead our forces expelled them from Mankien and gained control of the whole area. There are no forces of Gadet in the area as we speak. They have been expelled and some of them were captured and are being held as war captives," he explained. The minister went to add that South Sudan army is now in control of the region in areas where the fighting was reported to have taken place. "At the moment, there are no forces of the rebel groups. Gadet has been expelled "Our forces were also attacked by forces of Gabriel Tanginya. They attacked position of our soldiers so our soldiers fired back resulting into the killing of senior officers". "57 were killed and several others were seriously wounded from them. Gabriel Tanginye was personally involved in the fighting but narrowly survived because he ran away to Kolnyang after our forces overran his headquarters", explained the minister. He said the cause of fighting was that Gabriel Tanginya refused integration and continue to recruit more recruits into the Assembly area from the local population even after he was a letter by South Sudan President General Salva Kiir Mayardit to come to Juba. "This, he said, was a clear indication that he had hidden agenda which the regional government had discovered and so told him to stop recruitment from the local people and accept disarmament and integration without conditions but he did not listen because he was coordinating this recruitment process with other dissidents." Talks with general Gabriel Tanginye over the integration of his forces are stalled since last February. The SPLA asked him to accept their integration without any condition. "We have been talking to him since February without success. He has been making nonsense by giving some conditions. Who is he to refuse disarmament and make these nonsense ", asked senior military officer who prefer to remain anonymous He accused Tanginya of posing condition because of guns he received from Khartoum. "Tanginya was complicating integration because he thinks he has guns. These guns were given to him by Khartoum with intention that he would come to destabilize the south like he always does."

" He is now still being paid by Khartoum. That was they allowed him take weapons amounted on vehicles. We have now taken them and disarmed all his men so that we see what is behind these demands." However, officials from the government of south Sudan and who have family connection with Gabriel Tanginye said the fighting was neither ignited by forces loyal to Tanginye nor SPLA in the area but by unidentified groups. "What happened on Saturday was an accident no side had knowledge about it." They said the incident was initiated by unknown group who fired at both Gabriel Tang and SPLA forces and disappear immediately after launching the attack. "The SPLA Brig. Gen. Gatwec was shot right away and one of Tangs officers was also shot dead by the same group. When the unknown gunmen started firing, everybody ran for a cover as usual," explained a source who did not want to be named. "Both sides suspected people who do not want integration of Tangs forces. The same thing happened to George Athor when the GoSS Peace delegation visited him. There are people who feel threatened whenever there is peace. Neither the SPLA officer Gatwec nor Gabriel Tang was for war", explained a senior SPLM member, who was talking to Sudan Tribune from Juba on Monday. (ST) http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-Army-says-contained,38693

Militia attacks in Sudans South Kordofan State kill dozens ahead of sensitive polls
April 14, 2011 (KHARTOUM) Militias loyal to the governor of Sudans central state of South Kordofan, Ahmed Haroun, on Wednesday attacked three areas in the volatile region, killing at least 17 people and burning hundreds of houses as the state prepares to hold delayed polls in two weeks, according to the states deputy governor.

South Kordofan states security committee visits site of attacks in el-Feid village in AlRashad locality (SUNA website)

South Korodfan failed to hold polls as the country held nationwide elections in April 2010 due to disputes over the 2008 census and the subsequent delimitation of geographical constituencies. The polls are now scheduled to start on May 5, after a new census was conducted and geographic constituencies were redrawn, amid concerns that the process may yield localized violence if it lacked legitimacy in the state which will likely produce most of

Sudans oil after the south, whose oil accounts for 70% of the countrys proven daily output of 500,000 barrels, secedes in July. Abdul Aziz Adam Al-Hilu, the states deputy governor, on Thursday claimed that the paramilitary Popular Defense Forces (PDF) mobilized by his boss and rival in the gubernatorial race, Ahmed Haroun, who is under indictment by the International Criminal Court on charges of organizing militia attacks that killed a myriad of people in the countrys western region of Darfur, attacked three areas in the state on Wednesday. "Yesterday [13 April] his [Ahmed Haroun] (militia) were directed to attack civilians in El-Faid town. They managed to burn over 350 houses. More than 17 people were killed and the situation is very tense," Al-Hilu, who is a frontrunner in the states gubernatorial elections on the ticket of the ruling Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM) in South Sudan, told Reuters. "The Popular Defense Forces then went to Um Barmbita, 15 kilometres north, where they burned down all the shelters of the women who serve tea. And in Um Shuran, south of Kadugli, they went to an SPLM rally and started shooting in the air and chasing the people away, Al-Hilu said as quoted by AFP. According to Al-Hilu, his rival Ahmed Haroun and the dominant National Congress Party (NCP) in north Sudan are trying to scuttle the polls. "Haroun is trying to prevent the elections from taking place... The NCP is planning to create insecurity, and we expect worse things to happen. But we are determined to continue the campaign and to win these elections," Hilu said, according to AFP, which also reported that the UN Mission in Sudan had dispatched patrols to investigate the situation in the area. Meanwhile, South Kordofans security committee led by Ahmed Haroun issued a statement in which it denounced the regrettable incidents in El-Feid villages, saying that preliminary evidence suggest that they had occurred in the context of local disputes characterized by tribal nature The states security committee promised to form an investigation team to probe the incident, and ordered a ban on carrying arms or wearing military uniforms except for members of regular forces in the state, including the police, central reserves forces, Joint Integrated Units and armed forces. South Kordofan was the site of fierce battles during the decades of civil wars between north and south Sudan, with most of the regions Nuba population siding with the latter which is due to split in July after it voted for full independence in a referendum conducted in January this year under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement that ended the war in 2005. (ST)

http://www.sudantribune.com/Militia-attacks-in-Sudan-s-South,38579

JEM rebels report fresh clashes with Sudanese army

April 11 2011 (KHARTOUM) An alliance of Darfur rebel groups have claimed that they roundly defeated forces of the Sudanese government in clashes that occurred on Sunday north of the countrys troubled western region.

FILE: An armoured column of JEM fighting vehicles drive to a meeting between its leader Khalil Ibrahim, and UN AU Envoys for Darfur on 18 April 2008 (Reuters)

A statement released by the Justice and Equality Movement on Monday (JEM) said that its forces joined by those of Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Minni Minnawi and SLM Unity fighters clashed on Sunday with government forces in Sago Talag area located 50km north of Muzbat, North Darfur.

The rebel group said that ground and air forces of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) had suffered a crushing defeat and left behind substantial causalities as well as destroyed vehicles after the allied groups forced them to flee the battlefields. No comment was made by SAF in response to the rebels claims. Darfur rebel groups have recently fought joint battles against SAF forces as the Sudanese government remains engaged in floundering peace talks with the Liberation and Justice Movement in the Qatari capital of Doha. JEM recently announced withdrawal from the peace talks, citing objections against the governments plan to organize a referendum on the administrative makeup of Darfur region. Darfur region has been steeped in a conflict that killed 300,000 people and displaced 2.7 million since it erupted in 2003,according to UN figures. http://www.sudantribune.com/JEM-rebels-report-fresh-clashes,38548

UNAMID loses one peacekeeper at an ambush in Darfur

April 5, 2011 (KHARTOUM) The African Union-United Nations mission in Darfur (UNAMID) announced today that one of its peacekeepers was killed at an ambush staged by unknown gunmen. The attack took place near Kutum in North Darfur when the peacekeepers were returning from conducting a patrol nearby. The soldiers exchanged fire with the assailants killing one of them. However, the gunmen managed to carjack their vehicle and kidnapped three UNAMID staff members. Two of the abductees were later released. Both sustained injuries and one is reported to be in serious condition. They were taken to Kutum for treatment. The third was discovered to have been killed. The nationalities of the peacekeepers was not released in UNAMID statement. UNAMID has more than 17,700 troops part of over 23,000 military personnel on the ground in Darfur, a remote and arid region on Sudans western flank that has been the subject of fighting between Government forces, allied militia and rebels since 2003. http://www.sudantribune.com/UNAMID-loses-one-peacekeeper-at-an,38502

Darfur rebel leader condemns killing of UNAMID peacekeeper

April 6, 2011 (KHARTOUM) A Darfur rebel group condemned today the killing of a female peacekeeper in Darfur and accused Khartoums supported militias of being behind this aatck. the female police adviser was killed during an ambush by unknown gunmen on a UNAMID patrol Tuesday afternoon in Kutum, North Darfur state. Two other policewomen from the hybrid mission were injured during the attack. "We condemn in the strongest possible terms the attack on the UNAMID police female in Darfur yesterday," said Abdel Wahid Al-Nur the leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) in a statement to sent to Sudan Tribune, on Wednesday. The rebel leader said that Sudanese authorities bear the responsibility of this aggression adding "Khartoum arm, pay and protect them to be part of the terror policy implemented in the region". He extended his condolences to the head of the hybrid operation Ibrahim Gambari and all the members of the mission for this loss. He further said this incident should encourage the UN Security Council to review the current mandate and extend it to better protect themselves and civilians. The joint mission Wednesday mourned the death of the Sierra Leonean national police adviser at the UNAMID headquarters in El-Fasher. No more has this loss been felt so much as in this past week, said the acting Head of Mission Lt Gen Patrick Nyamvumba during the remembrance ceremony. While the UNAMID Police Commissioner James Oppong-Boanuh recalled in his address the accomplishments of the fallen officer.

Yesterdays attack brings to 28 the number of peacekeepers killed in Darfur and marks the first time that a female police officer has been killed in action since the Missions inception. (ST) http://www.sudantribune.com/Darfur-rebel-leader-condemns,38510

Airstrike by unknown plane kills two in eastern Sudan

April 5, 2011 (KHARTOUM) - Two people have been killed when their small car was destroyed on Tuesday evening by an unknown plane on the road from Port Sudan airport to town in eastern Sudan, a state official has told AFP.

"A plane bombed a small car

which was coming from Port Sudan airport to the town... There were two people in the car and both were killed. The vehicle was completely destroyed," Mohammed Tahir said by telephone. The official did not give details on the identity of the two dead people or the plane that conducted the airstrike. According to Tahir, the unidentified plane, which struck at about 10:00 pm local time, flew in from the Red Sea, to which it then returned.

U.S and Israeli intelligence have in recent years stepped up efforts to prevent arms from reaching Gaza strip. In January 2009 Israeli warplanes carried out an airstrike on a convoy believed to be smuggling arms to Hamas movement in a desert area near the Mount Al-Shaanoon in Northwest of Port Sudan city in eastern Sudan. The attack left dozens killed. (ST) http://www.sudantribune.com/Airstrike-by-unknown-plane-kills,38491

Two killed in assassination attempt against senior SPLM official in Warrap

By Ngor Arol Garang April 5, 2011 (WAU) - At least two people have been killed in an assassination attempt against a senior member of the South Sudans governing party, the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM), in the State of Warrap, local officials say. Several others are reported to have sustained injuries. The attack took place in Tonj North County, Warrap State on Monday 4 April. Speaking to Sudan Tribune from the regional capital of Juba, former Warrap state governor, Luis Anei Kueidit, said Tuesday that Aleu Ayeny Aleu, chairperson of the Security Committee in the Juba-based South Sudan Legislative Assembly, narrowly escaped assassination attempt after falling into an ambush laid by unknown gunmen on Monday evening, at around 10:00pm in his constituency while traveling in a convoy of three vehicles between Lurchuk and Pagol. One of his bodyguards was shot in a pickup vehicle in which they were traveling and one of these unknown gunmen was subsequently shot dead by the same guard whom they [the attackers] shot, explained Anei. According to the official, the attackers opened the fire on the third vehicle after the vehicle carrying Aleu had passed. One his guards was injured and later died in Wau hospital. One of the attackers is believed to have been killed while the rest were able to flee. Anei said: I am told the dead body [of] one of these attackers is still lying out near a primary school in a village between Lurchuk and Pagol where the incident occurred."

Warrap is one of the ten states in the oil-producing region of South Sudan whose population have several instances of inter clan and political violence mainly in rural areas, despite a 2005 peace deal ending conflict between southern rebels and the Sudanese army. There have also been tribal and cattle rustling clashes between communities from the neighboring states of Lakes and Unity. Attempts made by Sudan Tribune to reach Aleu failed. However, his brother, Deng Ayeny Aleu confirmed the incident took place. "It was indeed a surprising incident. I was not there but I am told he [his brother] narrowly escaped this attack because his vehicle was in the front. He is now in Juba ," said Ayeny. Ariec Mayar Ariec, a member of the Warrap State Legislative Assembly in a separate interview with Sudan Tribune from Kuacjok, capital of the State, also said the dead body one of the attackers remains lying out near the primary school of a village between Lurchuk and Pagol River. Both Lurchuk and Pagol are on the route to Thiet Payam, which had previously been the administrative headquarters of Tonj South County, during the over two decade long North-South conflict. Ariec said attack on Aleu may have been coordinated and accused a member of the southern government of involvement. "This may have been a coordinated attack. Honorable Aleu is one of the targeted officials in this state by one of the ministers in the government of South Sudan in Juba. I believe so because there has never been report of such incident in these places. Yes, there used to be tribal clashes over cattle but those clashes were purely about cattle and the target only cattle camps," said Ariec. He accused Awut Deng Acuil, Minister of Labor and Public Services in the government of South Sudan of being the person he claimed was working against Aleu, who he described as an outspoken official in Warrap state. Awut is tribalist. She does not like anybody to appear in Warrap without giving in to her politics. She is using her membership in the SPLM political Bureau for threatening people and bragging that she is the only person in Warrap the president of South Sudan, General Salva Kiir Mayardit, who is the son of this state, listens and takes her advice. She recently threatened to kill former governor of Warrap State, Luis Anei Kueidit. She is not good I am telling you," said Ariec. He further claimed that minister Awut threatened him in September 2010 when he visited her office in Juba "Just like I hope you may have seen in most papers that she threatened former governor Luis Anei Kueidit recently in Juba, she did that to me before. In September 2010, I went to

Juba and decided to visit her office because she and I come from the same state. I was simply going for greeting and maybe share some views on issues of common interest for our people of Warrap but she immediately started shouting and threatening at me the moment she realized it was me. She asked me why I decided to be an enemy of people she claimed supported me to be elected into the state assembly," explained Ariec. Deng Mayom, another member of Warrap State Assembly also claimed minister Awut has problem with almost everybody she sees capable at mobilizing community for particular activities beneficial to the state. Minister Awut has problem with almost [all] active members of the SPLM in the state, especially those she sees capable at mobilizing [the] community. She is supporting people whose activities are the subject of public concern in this state. The only person she appears to be in good term with is Governor Nyandeng Malek, because there is nothing (the governor) can do without seeking her approval. Indeed she is the governor in real sense because she believed to have been the person, who brought her to position of power through political bureau," explained Mayom. He named General Anthony Bol Madut, Luis Anei Kuedit both of whom were former governors of the state, were on a black list of those he claimed were being targeted by minister Awut. He also named Aleu Ayeny Aleu, himself, Akuocwel, Ariec Mayar Ariec among others to have been targeted by the minister. Kueidit last week entered into a war of words with minister Awut and governor Nyadeng in Juba after visiting his office through the state minister of finance, Majok Bol Kur. The ex-governor Anei Kuedit in a quarrel reportedly covered by The Citizen, an English language daily newspaper, last week, made, what governor Nyandeng and Minister Awut considered to be, disrespectful comments about them. Both Governor Malek and minister Awut instantly hit back in remarks widely believed to describe Kueidit as confused and frustrated man. "All they have told you about me not are correct. They are just fabrications of hatred and nonsense from confused groups. I dont buy them," said minister Awut in a brief interview with Sudan Tribune on Tuesday. Awut also denied having problem without anybody in the state. "I do not have problem with anybody in the state and I have never threatened anybody too, said minister Awut. May be the people who claimed that I have problem with people are the people who have problem with many problem including local authorities and the public. They are the ones confusing local people and are the same people spreading all these lies about me," she said.

Kuot Deng Kuot, a member of South Sudan Legislative Assembly in Juba described what is happening in his state of Warrap as a political competition over who is closest to the regions president Kirr. Kiir will become the head of an independent nation in July after a January referendum that saw a massive vote in favour of independence. "What is happening in Warrap is nothing but political competition over who should be closed to president? There is also political wrangling over gubernatorial seat. It is all about power," said Kuot. "I repeat that the case here is a political one to determine who will go close to the president. What is going on here is purely politics of power wrangling," he said. (ST) http://www.sudantribune.com/Two-killed-in-assassination,38495

Juba-bound bus overturns, over 30 injured

By Julius N. Uma March 24, 2011 (NIMULE) - At least 32 people were injured on Wednesday when a bus destined for Juba, the South Sudan capital, overturned in Koro village; an area about 8km south of Ugandas northern district of Gulu. Okoya Patrick Kagwa, the district traffic officer told Sudan Tribune by phone from Gulu that a burst tyre on the drivers side was the main cause of the accident. He largely attributed the incident, which involved a coach from Kampala, to reckless driving. According to Kagwa, the bus driver, whose identity could not be established, was speeding and failed to observe road signs. I think if this bus driver was keen enough and observed the existing road signs, he would have managed to reduce the speed at which he was moving. Maybe then the accident would not have happened, he said.

Those injured were reportedly rushed to the nearby Gulu Independent, Gulu Regional Referral and Lacor hospitals. Eight of the passengers reportedly sustained serious injuries. Early this year, a similar tyre incident involving another Juba-bound bus caused waves of panic in South Sudan after unconfirmed rumours of terrorist involvement. In December last year, a bomb exploded in Kenyas capital, Nairobi as policemen checked luggage of passengers on Juba-bound bus. (ST) http://www.sudantribune.com/Juba-bound-bus-overturns-over-30,38388

One killed after clashes between police and students in Darfur

March 17, 2011(KHARTOUM) One student was killed at the University of El Fasher in the capital of North Darfur during clashes between the police and protesters against the suspension of political activities inside the academic institutions.

El-Fasher University buildings (Ashorooq-TV)

Last week talks between the university administration and the student s failed to lift the suspension of the political activities. However, the students decide to overcome the ban

and resumed the discussions circles as Sudanese students used to do in all the universities of the country The Sudanese police said the university guards found the body of Jamal Adam Mustafa lying on the ground in the courtyard of the university adding he died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. North Darfur government accused members of United popular Front (UPF), a student union supporting the rebel Sudan Liberation Movement led by Abdel Wahid Al-Nur, of shooting at the victim with a pistol to kill him. The state government said the supporters of Abdel Wahid Al-Nur and Minni Minnawi encouraged during discussions the students to kill the pro- National Congress Party students. However the UPF condemned the killing of the student and denied the accusations of the killing carried out by the government. In a statement they released, the student union further urged the peacekeeping mission, UNAMID to investigate the incident and to hand their report to the UN and the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. Eyewitness from the area said 12 police vehicles surrounded the university buildings and fired tear gas on the protesters inside the courtyard followed by the sound of gunshots they heard. Referring to the incident, a UN spokesperson said that that the right to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are fundamental and should be respected. http://www.sudantribune.com/One-killed-after-clashes-between,38321

Darfurs UPF says the murdered student was one of its members
March 18, 2011 (KHARTOUM) A Darfur student union denied statements by north Darfur government saying the victim who was killed in this week clashes with the police was a supporter of the ruling National Congress Party (NCP). "Jamal (Adam Mustafa) was a member of the United popular Front (UPF) since the fifth January 2009, a spokesperson of the student group who requested anonymity told Sudan Tribune, from the troubled region.

The UPF is seen as supportive of the rebel Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Abdel Wahid Al-Nur. On 16 March, the police forces clashed at the University of El-Fasher with the students who held a debate on the political situation in the country despite the ban imposed by the administration of the university. The police and security forces surrounded the buildings of the university and fired tear gas on the protesters and the sounds of gunshots were heard inside the university. The UPF leading member told Sudan Tribune by telephone that the police opened fire on the students inside the courtyards of the university". He further dismissed states statements that the students were armed. "These are lies. The truth is that none of us had any arm" he said adding "We are determined to keep struggling peacefully to achieve the ambitions of our people for the justice and democracy". Since the incident the administration announced closed the university and no date is yet fixed for the resumption of studies. The UNAMID appealed yesterday on the Sudanese university to respect the "fundamental" right to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. The student urged the UNAMID to investigate the incident and to report to the UN Secretary General and the International Criminal Court. (ST)

http://www.sudantribune.com/Darfur-s-UPF-says-the-murdered,38330

SPLA clashes with militias claims death of 30 and seriously injured 28 people in South Sudan
By Bonifacio Taban Kuich March 17, 2011 (BENTIU) South Sudan army, Sudan Peoples Liberation army (SPLA) clashed Thursday with militias in the oil rich Unity state leaving more that 30 people dead and seriously injured other 28. The heavy fighting in Mayom, largest county in the state took place four days after similar clashes in Malakal Upper Nile capital raising fears of violence escalation in the South Sudan which voted overwhelmingly in favour of independence.

SPLA soldiers during the celebration of 26th anniversary of SPLM in Juba on May 26, 2009 (Getty)

The militias involved in the clashes were part of the Sudan Army Forces (SAF) under the command of Brigadier General Bapiny Monytuel Wijang and Col. Gai Yaoch. In February, Governor Taban Deng Gai told a group of journalist at Bentiu town that his state governments first priority is to bring South Sudanese soldiers from Sudan Army Forces and renegade Gatluak Gai forces into SPLA affairs. He emphasized that their integration needs to be achieved before the declaration of South Sudans independence in July. Gai further said violence issues in the South should be addressed through a peaceful dialogue with all the armed groups, especially those who were part of the northern Sudanese army and militiamen loyal to James Gai Yaoch, Bapiny Monytuel Wijang and Gatluak Gai in Unity state, hoping that a peaceful resolution would be found. The forces of Bapiny Monytuel Wijang and Gai Yaoch were assembled in Riak Payam at South of Mayom County; these forces came in the area earlier a month carrying heavy weapons from Khartoum claiming to join South Sudanese army. The clashes started in the area after a visit by officers from SPLA who came to Mayom to discuss the integration of the militiamen into SPLA forces, prison services and police service. Col. Mathew Puol Jang Top, the militias highest ranking officer in Riak payam (district) refused the integration of his forces into the Sudan Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA). He explained that his high ranking commanders, especially Brigadier General Bapiny Monytuel and Gai Yaoch, were not present.

The SPLA force commander insisted that there might be dispute if these militias continue to refuse to be intergraded into SPLA Affairs Ministry. Top, who formerly served in the SPLA, took arms against the ruling party Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) after the general election in April 2010, when the SPLM candidate Taban Deng took over from the Independent candidate, Angelina Jany Teny in Unity state. But SPLA spokesman Philip Aguer said the South Sudan army received complaints that the militiamen started to illegally tax the civilians in the area one month after their arrival from the north. He further told Reuters the militia attacked the SPLA during a visit to investigate the taxation complaints early on Thursday. "The SPLA responded by attacking their base this morning in heavy clashes for four hours, dislodging them," he said. Speaking by telephone from his county on Thursday, Mayom Commissioner, Charles Machieng Kuol, told Sudan Tribune that the forces loyal to Col. Mathew Puol Jang in Riak have disregarded the decision made earlier by SPLA officials to start negations on the integration of over 1,500 militia members, into the SPLA affairs. Kuol further said that the situation is threatening the citizens throughout Unity state and in particular Mayom County, where the recent incidents occurred. He added that the SPLA have right to protect the civilian security within the south. (ST) http://www.sudantribune.com/SPLA-clashes-with-militias-claims,38316

South Sudan army hunt armed groups behind killing of six SPLA soldiers
By Ngor Arol Garang March 17, 2011 (ABYEI) - The Sudan Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA), said on Thursday it is hunting armed groups reportedly connected to the killing of the six SPLA soldiers and the injury of one officer in Kedipo, Eastern Equatoria state.

The SPLA is military wing of the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM), which became the official ruling party of the semi autonomous region of south Sudan, following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005, The statement comes in response to reports that unidentified armed groups, reportedly operating in the area in the 1990s, ambushed an SPLA convoy travelling from Torit, capital of Eastern Equatoria, to Kapoeta town, in Kedipo a week before the Malakal clashes occurred between armed militia group and forces belonging to the SPLA. Speaking to Sudan Tribune from Juba, Colonel Phillip Aguer Panyang, spokesman of the SPLA, said forces of the southern army in collaboration in second division and state authorities are hunting armed groups believed to be supporters of renegade General George Athor. "Unidentified gunmen laid an ambush attack against SPLA soldiers travelling in a convoy in Kidepo, killing six soldiers and injuring one officer last week, said Colonel Aguer. The SPLA forces were going to Kapoeta from Torit, said the spokesman, adding that the renegade Athor claimed loyalty of the group to him. Aguer said he was not aware of the presence of armed groups opposed to the Juba based government but that there were militias operating in the area in 1990s. "I am not aware of the presence of any armed group in this area at the moment. It is only George Athor claiming to have supporters there but there are no armed groups in that area". "What I know was that there were militia groups operating in 1990s", said Colonel Aguer, before revealing that SPLA forces in collaboration with local people and state authorities were looking for them. Joseph Ohio, an administrative officer with Eastern Equatoria state ministry of local government, in a telephone interview with Sudan Tribune from Juba confirmed the attack. "Yes, it happened. It occurred when I was in Torit. I just do not know the exact date of the incident." said Ohio. The information I have is that an SPLA soldier was killed in Kidepo national park. I still do not know why he was killed", he said. "I believed it is the killing of this soldier that prompted revenge attack because I was told that SPLA soldiers in the nearby camp started opening fire on all humans and animals after receiving the information that their colleague was killed by the local people", he said. According to Ohio, local people, predominantly members of the Buya tribe attacked the SPLA camp, resulting into the death of additional five SPLA soldiers and injury of several others. "After the SPLA launched retaliatory attack against local people who they believed killed their colleague, the members of the Buya tribe also reacted by launching another attack on

an SPLA camp. It was indeed heavy fighting in which a lot of people were killed but I do not know many civilians were killed or wounded in the clash. This is what I was told", he explained. South Sudan is littered with arms acquired during the over two decades of civil war between north and South Sudan. Over two million people in the south alone were killed as more than four million others were displaced. Attempts made by the Government of South Sudan (GoSS) to disarm local population in the past six years saw a lot of resistances as some communities. Many in the region claim that disarmed communities became susceptible to tribal attacks. The Security Arrangement Protocol of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement which the two parties, the National Congress Party (NCP) and the SPLM signed before 2005, allows the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and SPLA as the only legitimate forces to exist in the united Sudan during the six year interim period as the two separate armies operated under independent commands. The deal contains provisions which allow all the other armed groups to integrate into both sides. As part of commitment to the implementation of the agreement, in January 2006 GoSS allowed into its ranks of the SPLA armed groups from South Sudan Defense Forces which were previously under Paulino Matip Nhial, during the famous pact known as Juba declaration, allowing Matip to become the SPLA deputy commander in chief. The SAF, also in 2007, observed armed personnel from the south, believed loyal to Gabriel Tanganyika, Tom El Nur, and Thomas Mabior Dhol among others. The two sides were constitutionally obliged to control their forces, as stipulated in the security arrangement. Khartoum has denied giving training and arming groups involved in repeated armed confrontation with the SPLM, frequently in the states Upper Nile, Jonglei and Unity.Senior members of the NCP have argued that the recurrence of violence is part of a habitual tribal conflict. (ST)

http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-army-hunt-armed-groups,38317