"We need an armed feminist movement"

Radio Dabanga
Two female students at El Fasher University said that to combat the systematic rapes in Darfur, often used in raid and military actions, there is need for arming women as they currently have no protection.

The short article has been picked up by a variety of sources.

This does offer an interesting possibility, however also to be considered are concerns involving who might get those weapons, how to train the armed women so that disarmament in attack is less likely, and the strong possibility of this tactic merely adding fuel to conflicts in Darfur.

-Rebeca

South Sudan national disarmamant campaign

South Sudan has launched its official Disarmament Demobilization and Reintegration strategic plan after moving to remove 150,000 combatants from the rebel group turned state military the SPLA. William Deng Deng, Chairman of the new disarmament plan said that over half of this reduction would be in direct military personnel while the remained would be in various forces that go towards polices, jails, and other security services. He insisted that the program would take up to 6 to 8 years to complete, starting in 2012 with the reintegration of ex-soldiers into civilian communities.
Although it was denied that there were still child soldiers present within the SPLA Deng Deng admitted that there might be "negligible numbers of child soldiers in the SPLA". He explained their presence in the barracks and camps thusly: "[they] do not have anything to do in the community [sometimes] come and hang out in the barracks. They play football and find food there”.
By: Gina Fazio

Sudan in Libya!

Sudan's government is taking no time warming up to the new leaders of Libya, as Sudan Vice President Ali Osman Taha meath with the chairman of Libya's National Transitional Council. That is the same Ali Osman that was charged with genocide and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court, but he was still welcomed by the new Libyan government. This was the third meeting between Sudan and Libya in the past month, and Sudan continues to profess support for the rebel uprising. Sudan has provided military support in liberating cities along the border.

It is these same Sudanese forces that may, however, be responsible for atrocities in Libyan cities like Kufra. A video filmed by a Nigerian refugee showed approximately four minutes of sub-Saharan people, including children, being abused by a group of soldiers. The perpetrators were originally reported to be Libyan rebels, but about halfway through the clip a Sudanese flag can be seen clearly on the uniforms of the perpetrators.

The difficulty of a case like this is that the same Sudanese forces guilty of terrorizing Darfur have inadvertently become the allies of Western forces in Libya.

Bree Roozen

Famine Lurking in the East

According to the Beja Congress, a famine is expected soon in the East because of water shortages, poor crops and food prices.

The party claims they had warned the government in Khartoom in August of the coming crisis, but no action was taken. Now the price of sorghum (a Sudanese staple) has doubled in price. This is the highest rate of inflation Sudan has seen in 5 years.

Eastern Sudan is in the 'Horn of Africa', thousands of people have died from the famine happening here. The Horn is experiencing its worst droughts ever. According to the UN 12 million are in danger of starvation. Southern Somalia is in the middle of this crisis, but parts of Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Djibouti are also being affected.

The Sudanese state minister for labour claims the government is sending convoys of supply food aid to the area.

By: Liz Hasseld

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir to Fight Corruption

The President of South Sudan has announced his pledge to fight corruption. This comes in light of corruption charges against government officials in relation to a sorghum scandal. However, a high profile meeting between President Obama and President Kiir may have something to do with the announcement to fight corruption.

President Kiir is planning on installing advisers from other African states in high level government posts. In addition, Kiir has dictated a plan of action for future corruption accusations against the South Sudanese government.

These steps are are designed not only to give peace of mind to ordinary South Sudanese citizens, but also to stem the pressure being put on the South Sudanese government.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15000900

Stephen Phelps

Darfur Rebel Leader Returns, Threatens to Topple Regime

The leader of Darfur's Justice and Equality Movement, Khalil Ibrahim, recently returned from Libya threatening to dismantle the Sudanese regime based in Khartoum with the aid of several other armed groups. Ibrahim also stated that the UN reports of waning violence throughout the Darfur region are completely inaccurate. Several rebel groups have been implicated in this emerging alliance and, along with the return of Ibrahim, could destabilize the progress that has been made in recent months according to the UN-African Union peacekeeping mission (UNAMID). Ibrahim argued that any decline in violence in Darfur was mainly due to the fact that rebel groups had temporarily left the area. However, the Sudanese army's attacks continued without interruption. Ibrahim and his group have also stated that they have begun supporting opposition party turned armed resistance movement the SPLM-North along the newly formed border of north and South Sudan.

By: Nick McGuire

Human Rights Issues in Sudan

Ever present in Sudan's history, human rights issues continue to persist for the African state. Though the genocide in Darfur is perhaps what first comes to mind when thinking of human rights in Sudan, it is hardly the only region that has been affected. These struggles are continuing today, as can be seen by the recent renewal of a UN mandate to continue to monitor the country by keeping a human rights expert in the country as part of the United Nations Human Rights Council. A current area of concern exists in the regions of the Blue Nile and South Kordofan, regions that are on the conflict-ridden border that separates North and South Sudan. Violence and armed fighting has been present in both areas, which follows a dangerous precedent that has been set by the country. Armed fighting between government and rebel forces has seen inexcusable and tragic results in the past; see Darfur. Keeping a UN presence is certainly prudent, as are all causes that will promote peace in Blue Nile, South Kordofan, and other contentious regions, so that Human Rights in Sudan can one day not be seen in such a sad light.

http://www.sudantribune.com/UN-renews-mandate-of-human-rights,40288

By: David Johnson

25,000 Flee to Ethiopia to Escape Blue Nile Fighting

Since early September it is estimated that nearly 25,000 refugees have fled the Blue Nile state of Sudan. This is due to the harsh fighting that is existing between government forces and SPLM forces in the North. The SPLM were given an ultimatum to either disarm or head south of the newly created South Sudan. Ethiopia is expecting more refugees to enter the country and have set up temporary refuge for the refugees. Only the future will tell the outcome of this war torn country.

Matt Boguslawski

Topple Khartoum?

A rebel leader (Khalil Ibrahim), who has recently returned to Darfur from Libya, announced his plans to topple the Sudanese government. He claims many rebels groups are teaming up and forming alliances. The Justice and Equality Movement is a rebel group that rose in 2003, fighting against the Arab-dominated government in Khartoum. His return concerns the UN and the AU, this could increase violence in the recovering and ravished Darfur region. Ibrahim claims the violence in Darfur is still occurring on a massive scale...

"In the last few days, dozens of water wells have been destroyed and numerous farms burned and civilians killed in all three Darfur states, while government militias target women and children, and sexual violence and rape continue in the camps for displaced people."

Ibrahim's movement has been fighting with SPLM-North. He has accused the government of failing Darfur in every way and seeks to continue to fight until the issue is resolved. It seems hardly possible that fighting in Darfur is even an option. This violence is absolutely exhausting and tragic.

By: Liz Hasseld

Sudan Airways plane crash lands after wheels jam

This morning a Sudanese Airways plane was forced to crash land after its wheels jammed, fortunately there was no deaths of seriously injury. The flight was bound for the southern town of Malakal when the pilot discovered the problem he promptly returned to Khartoum. The plane was instructed to fly around for more than two hours to empty the gas tank of extra jet fuel and the runway was covered in anti flame chemicals. The general manager for Sudanese Airways blamed US sanctions for the near fatal crash. This was the latest in a long series of accidents for Sudanese Air. They are on the list of airlines banned from the EU for not meeting safety standards.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hGbPw6A5JfRYMyNFfR-8wyXrBrsQ?docId=CNG.030caf27e8be634f66c49491799ddc99.91

Nicole LeDonne

Taryn Vaughan

Sudan Does Not Withdraw from Abyei

The Sudanese refused to withdraw their troops along the Abyei border region as they had previously promised. This prevented southern residents from returning back to the South. A Sudanese government official claimed the troops would withdraw when most of UNISFA has deployed. It’s also the second time the Sudanese government did not attend The Abyei Joint oversight committee meeting. Because Sudan chose not to attend the meeting suggests Sudan does not wish to remove its forces from the Abyei region. The Sudanese government is doing everything in its power to ensure that the AJOC does not allow the Abyei residents to return to the south. The Ngok Dinka people used to live in the Abyei region until the Sudanese conquered the region. Many of the Dinka fled south to escape the Sudanese army and the Arab nomads moved in with the Sudanese army in Abyei.

http://news.yahoo.com/un-says-sudan-failed-keep-abyei-withdrawal-164837360.html

Ethiopia Is Asking For Help With Sudanese Refugees

In just three weeks, 25,000 people have fled the Blue Nile state to become refugees in Ethiopia. The violence in Blue Nile is continuing the escalate between the Khartoum government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement. This tension is caused by arguments of disarmament and Sudan’s National Congress Party refusing to recognize the SPLM-N as a political party. Because Ethiopia supported South Sudan’s independence, it is not surprising that this country would continue to aid those still trying to escape the violence in Sudan. Ethiopia wants to be prepared for more refugees as the UNHCR has predicted that 35,000 refugees will make their way to Ethiopia. To help the Ethiopian government, several international aid groups have implemented emergency relief to western Ethiopia, specifically focusing on providing aid to boarder villages to assist with the influx of refugees making their way to safety. The Ethiopian government is also trying to address the issue by building transit centers near border entries to temporarily hold people escaping the Blue Nile state. Hopefully, the UN refugee agency’s appeal for $18.3 million to support people coming from the Blue Nile will provide even more assistance to Ethiopia as it looks at dealing with its ever increasing number of refugees.

Read more: http://www.sudantribune.com/UN-25-000-flee-to-Ethiopia-to,40290

- Kathleen Fultz

Nodding Syndrome

Nodding Syndrome, while not particularly new, was recently featured on a BBC Health Check. According to Scientific American it is primarily found in East Africa in South Sudan and Northern Uganda and occurs in children aged 5-15. It is unknown what causes the syndrome but the symptoms include seizures when cold or eating familiar food that cause the head to nod, impairs physical and cognitive development, and studies have found brain damage. As a result of the seizures occurring when the child eats, malnutrition is also commonly found with sufferers of the disease. In addition, the affected children are prone to drowning or burning accidents do to being suseptible to seizures at times when those are possibilities.
It is unknown what the cause is but there have been many theories, the majority of which have been disproved or are inconclusive. The syndrome has increased in prevalence and there are concerns about what causes it so that the source of contraction can be made clear; many sufferers stop going to school due to the fears of others contracting the disease.

-Rebeca

South Sudan targets HIV

As of today South Sudan announced it initiative to target the killer disease of HIV. They are hosting a three day forum in South Sudans capital of Juba. Hundreds of organizations and representatives are meeting now to discuss how to tackle the issue of HIV and the prevention of the disease in south sudan. The vice president of Sudan addressed the forum and asked to step up the needs of targeting HIV in south sudan, mainly in rural areas where the disease is more prominent. The main goals are to create awareness as a whole to the society, and to combat the spread of the deadly virus. He also stressed the importance of the issue on a national, regional, and international level, and urging aid from many other corporations. He revealed that 35 million south sudanese pounds was donated to the cause thus far.

http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-s-leadership-urges-for,40276

Katie Kruse

Disarmament for South Sudan

Today South Sudan began a new disarmament program after recently passing a resolution to remove 150,000 combatants from the SPLA/national army. This will leave the country's military forces cut nearly in half in a time when skirmishes with the north are still common. They are not simply removing arms from those discharged from military forces, it is in part a rehabilitation program back into civilian life for those who have lived much of their lives as militant rebels.

Chairperson of the program William Deng Deng also spoke on the matter of child soldiers, refuting that the SPLA/national army is or ever had recruited child soldiers. However, he did acknowledge that children may have independently volunteered to join, and may now be within the ranks. He assures the world community that they will be the first soldiers disarmed and returned back to civilian lifestyle.

Bree Roozen

Bashir Vows To Crush Opposition

Omar al-Bashir, Sudan's vilified leader, has sworn to crush SPLMA forces that control the Blue Nile. In this operation, Bashir has allegedly continued to use his common strategy of arming tribes and different ethnicities against each other in a genocidal cleansing effort. Putting this in perspective to events in Khartoum however, it seems this double down on the opposition comes from pressures close to home. Hard-line critics are accusing Bashir of failing to prevent a split, as well as his cooperation with the West which was revealed in a Wikileaks cable. On the other side, Sudan's economy is in freefall, and food prices are skyrocketing. If this effort really is an attempt to appease critics and distract the people, will it work? With several other leaders felled by the Arab Spring, could Bashir's head be next on the block?


William Ragan

http://www.greenleft.org.au/node/48952

Ahmadinejad Aims to Strengthen Iran-Sudan Relationship

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will arrive in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum late Sunday in an attempt to bolter economic and political ties between the two predominantly Islamic nations. The President's entourage on this diplomatic excursion will also include Iran's ministers of higher education and energy along with several economic advisors. Sudan's official SUNA news agency stated that the talks will be "on bilateral relations and common interests between the two countries and ways of developing them." This attempt by the Sudanese government to find economic and political support in the international community is most likely a response to the loss of much of the country's oil revenues after the secession of South Sudan which has led to rising inflation and massive foreign debt. Currently, Iran has publicly pledged $200 million to fund several projects in the eastern portion of the country.

By: Nick McGuire

South Sudan Seeks U.N. Help For 'Difficult Journey'

Last week, the first South Sudanese president, Salva Kiir, took the new country’s General Assembly seat at the UN. While in New York, he met up with Barak Obama to discuss U.S. support of the developmental projects for South Sudan. Before independence, the region was deprived of the development and modernization that was taking place in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, as a result the country has few paved roads, which would help connect and centralize South Sudan. While tensions are still high between Sudan and South Sudan, the President is urging both countries to come together to stop rebel fighting along boarders. In South Kordofan, a main oil state still apart of Sudan, a large part of the population sided with the south during the civil war and several former southern rebels in South Kordofan and the Blue Nile are continuing to fight against Sudanese rule. Sudan has now accused South Sudan of supporting these ongoing rebellions. Kiir answers by stating that South Sudan will not interfere in Sudan’s domestic issues, leaving it up to Khartoum to deal with its ongoing problems. It seems that peace between the two countries is not yet obtainable because both governments continue to accuse each other of arming and lending support to rebel groups. However, diplomatic talks are going to have to proceed in order to resolve oil disputes.

To read more:http://www.npr.org/2011/09/25/140781088/south-sudan-seeks-u-n-help-for-difficult-journey

More about Kordofan: http://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFL5E7KM2KP20110922?sp=true

- Kathleen Fultz

Over 2000 Firearms Collected in region of South Sudan

In the Lakes State of South Sudan an estimated 2,200 firearms have been collected by the SPLA. This is since September 7, when the government had requested for civilians to hand over their firearms to police officers or village leaders. There has been an increase in cattle raids, which is thought to be linked to the need for marriage dowries. Also, there has been an increase in the number of highway robberies. The seized arms up until this point have been supposedly handed over freely and not against the will of the owner.

Matt Boguslawski

South Sudan Seeks U.N. Help

President Obama, in his speech to the General Assembly cited South Sudan as being the prime example for the 'correct' way to join the international community, undoubtedly referring to Palestine. Sudan split through peace talks and an independent vote. But peace has been no where near achieved. Obama met with Salva Kirr (president of South Sudan) to express US support for the development of the new country. Kirr is known for wearing a cowboy hat. The peace talks continue to work out a deal between North and South Sudan over their oil resources.

The US Envoy for Sudan, Lyman has made it clear that US relations with the North will not work until the fighting has stopped and the conflicts with the South end.

By: Liz Hasseld

US group: Sudan moving troops to contested area

A U.S. NGO, the Satellite Sentinel Project has identified Sudanese military forces marching towards the southern border with South Sudan. According to the Satellite Sentinel Project, the Sudanese military is stepping up heavy military operations in the region, including the use of artillery and armored vehicles.
The three southern regions feeling military pressure from the government in Khartoum politically and culturally ally closer to black tribal South Sudan. This has caused further tension in the region. Further, the fighting between the Government of Sudan and the Southern Rebels has inhibited the distribution of much needed humanitarian aid.




In addition to identifying military movement towards the southern region of Sudan, two mass graves have been identified by the Satellite Sentinel Project. Solidly providing evidence that hostilities have not subsided with the establishment of the new independent state of South Sudan.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AF_SUDAN_VIOLENCE?SITE=WHIZ&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT


Stephen Phelps

South Sudan Threatens to Close Borders with Sudan

According to an official in the Republic of South Sudan's capital of Juba, all borders with their new neighbors to the north, Sudan, will be closed within a little over a years time. By next December, there would then be total restriction of travel between the north and south, which could have devastating impacts on both countries economies, and overall well being.

A restriction of travel naturally means a restriction on the movement of goods, which would potentially worsen the already rapidly growing problem of food shortages and price hikes of many commodities. This move would also complicate another burgeoning issue; what to do with the oil that is produced largely in South Sudan, but that must travel north into Sudan where most of the refineries and pipelines are located.

Even more surprising is that this announcement comes just one week after a deal was brokered to open up 10 new border crossings between the countries. If both Sudan and South Sudan are honest about revitalizing and improving their respective situations, they need to realize how economically linked they are, and that it would be wise to try to open up more crossings, instead of taking them all away.

http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-to-shut-borders-with,40237

David Johnson

Japanese Peacekeepers to be deployed in South Sudan.

On Friday Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda of Japan addressed the UN General Assembly announcing that Japanese peacekeepers will be deployed soon to South Sudan. He further stated that the purpose of the mission is to support peace-building efforts in South Sudan as well as gathering information on the needs for infrastructure in the south. A Japanese survey team is expected to leave some time this month to evaluate the security and infrastructure needs.

By Gina Fazio

Sudan hit by spiralling food prices

As the government scrambles to contain the climbing food prices many citizens of Khartoum as being forced to make drastic spending cuts. The rising food prices are a symptom of the economic crisis facing the Sudanese government. A report last week revealed that the government was $38billion in debt. After losing most of the oil reserves when the south succeeded the SDG fell even further against the USD causing the economy to slump even more and in turn causing food prices to rise again. Meanwhile the government hopes that a program to revitalize agriculture in the country will help balance things out. However even if these programs are successful there is a growing number of citizens who need aid before the country will be able to make money from exporting crops to neighboring countries.

http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2011/09/23/sudan-hit-by-spiralling-food-prices/

Nicole LeDonne

President of Iran Plans to Strengthen Ties with Sudan

The President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is coming to Sudan to talk with the President of Sudan. They plan to discuss how to improve their relationship as allies. China and Iran strongly support the President of Sudan, Omar Hassan al-Bashir. The two countries signed a cooperation agreement in 2008, which strengthened their military ties. Bashir supports Iran’s nuclear program to build nuclear weapons although Tehran rejects this charge against him. Bashir is facing charges from the ICC due to the war crimes in Darfur. Sudan also is in an economic crisis due to the independent South Sudan taking much of Sudan’s oil revenue, making it likely Sudan will choose to expand trade ties with Iran. Western firms tend to not trade with Sudan because of the restraints on U.S. trade. On Monday, Ahmadinejad plans to meet Bashir to speak at the capital of Khartoum according to Sudanese foreign ministry officials.

http://news.yahoo.com/irans-president-arrives-sudan-boost-ties-143702793.html

Taryn Vaughan

South Sudan takes action to demobilize SPLA

The Peace agreement between the north and south in 2005 outlines steps for both armies to regulate the number of soldiers in order to make both more professional and under control. The initial plan was to remove 90,000 soldiers from each, in reality only 10,000 have been and the rebel groups and government armies still have not reached their goals of organizing their troops. For South Sudan the SPLA has around 200,000 members, which officials from South Sudan say they want to cut in half. This task is difficult for South Sudan because there are so many different groups that have become part of the SPLA and other rebel groups it is hard to regulate the actual number of forces, and how to control them. This is just another obstacle south sudan is facing while still trying to build their own state.

http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-plans-to-disarm-150,40233

Kala Azar parasite drugs

A parasite that can cause anemia and leads to death, prominent in the South Sudan region, has known cures of which a 30-day in-hospital stay involving daily injections is know to create an immunity to further infections. However, funds, supplies and hospital expenses have hindered the use of treatments. Lack of buying ability from those undergoing treatment has dissuaded pharmaceutical companies from research and manufacturing of the effective medications.

http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/drug-companies-neglect-tropical-disease-drugs-for-poor
http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Physicians-Urge-Action-on-Neglected-Disease-130424738.html

-Rebeca

46 People Killed in Cattle Raid in South Sudan

South Sudan, although it is a new country and violence was sought to be diminished in this war torn area it clearly is not. The sheer fact that people are being killed in raids or cattle is a clear indication of this. The vast majority of people in both Sudan and South Sudan live an agricultural life where their live stock and crop are are their livelihood. It makes sense therefore that violence such as this still exists, but what is even more worrying is that the violence seen in these crop raids is linked and tied to racial and tribal differences in this area. The split that the country faced was intended to try and quell these problems, but as of now this is not the case. Hopefully, the future will lead to more peaceful times.

Matt Boguslawski

Ethiopia Denies Advising US to Overthrow Sudan's Government

Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi is doing clean up after Wikileaks had released discussions between the Meles Zenawi and the Acting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Phil Carter, as well as, Tim Shortley, Director of Sudan Programs Groups (SPG), at the US State Department. The majority of their discussion revolved around Sudan President Bashir’s arrest warrant for crimes committed in Darfur. During the talks, Zenawi pointed out that one course of action the United States can make in dealing with Bashir and his administration is to “remove the Bashir Regime”. This is a bold statement, especially coming from a prime minister of a neighboring country to Sudan. It is no surprise that Zenawi did not want this comment to be released and miss construed in ways that could threaten Ethiopia. In a press release last Saturday, Addis Ababa added context to Zenawi’s comment explaining that Zenawi went on to say that this course of action would be unlikely and lead to strain with the US. Zenawi also suggested the US government come up with clear proposals with Khartoum, addressing South Sudan and Darfur.

Although Ethiopia may not have directly advised the US to overthrow Sudan’s government, it seems that surrounding countries to Sudan, like Ethiopia, are concerned with the Bashir administration, now more then ever, with the separation from south Sudan and the International criminal court warrant out for Bashir.

To read more: http://www.sudantribune.com/Ethiopia-denies-advising-U-S-to,40163

-Kathleen Fultz

Sudan bars southern parties

Northern Sudan has outlawed 17 different political parties. The claim is that these parties are from the South and now have no place in Northern Sudanese politics.

The party hit the hardest was the SPLM-N0rth. SPLM rebels led to the successful seceded of the South this summer.

The 17 parties are now considered, "foreign parties" The government has taken away Sudanese citizenship of some of the party leaders.

Following fighting near the borders between the SPLM and government troops the SPLM offices have been shut down, and many of the members arrested. The north is accusing the south of supporting the SPLM-north, South Sudan has denied this claim.

It seems that even with the split of the North and South there are many areas which have not settled down. The differences in ethnic groups, religions, and politics are so spread out throughout the country, simply just splitting the country in two has not even made a dent in sorting out Sudan's tumultuous history.

-Liz Hasseld

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14949818

Rebel Group Leader Returns to Sudan

According to the Sudanese Army, Khalil Ibrahim, the leader of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), has returned to Sudan after escaping to Libya for upwards of a year. JEM is one of the most prominent rebel groups in the embattled state, and it appears that Ibrahim is currently located in perhaps its most troubled region, Darfur. It remains to be seen what Ibrahim’s intentions are, but the Sudanese Armed Forces spokesman made clear the government’s view on his return, describing him as an “easy target” now that his location has supposedly been discovered.

There have been countless international efforts to try to bring peace between rebel groups such as JEM, and the government institution in power in Sudan, and the U.S. is spearheading some more efforts that are supposed to include a negotiation session at the end of the month. In addition, Ibrahim himself has been quoted as saying all he wants is peace in Darfur. But past events have dictated a different story, one that has always included violence and armed uprisal instead of any sustained form of peace. And as Sudan continues to fight battles over territory and other long-standing issues with its new neighbor, South Sudan, Khalil Ibrahim’s reappearance could indicate that more conflict is on the radar with the ever troubled region that is Darfur.

http://www.sudantribune.com/Sudanese-army-says-JEM-leader-on,40177

David Johnson

Sudan minister attacks UN over rights

Sudan's Justice Minister Mohamed Bushara Dosa has issued a statement claiming that the UN has the wrong picture of what is happening in the Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile provinces. According to Minister Dosa, the facts coming out of the region are distorted and untrue. He claims Sudan will continue to work with the UN in the field of human rights. These statements were in response to a UN report stating that the "Sudanese army had carried out killings, arbitrary arrests, abductions, attacks on churches and aerial bombardment in the Southern Kordofan region that, if proven, might constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity." He hopes that Khartoum's aid in ending the conflict in Darfur will be taken as a sign that Sudan's government is trying to end conflict and violence not spread it further.

http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE78F0IQ20110916?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true

Nicole LeDonne

Food and Water

Inflation has been hitting the Sudanese pound hard and food is not excluded from the rapidly rising prices. Reuters has an article about a response to rising meat prices: boycott. The idea behind the boycott is that if it costs too much don't buy it. Prices of meat have been rising in Sudan despite much of it being produced within the area. While that article mentions that exports may be partially to blame, an article from the UN News Centre suggests an additional possible factor; cattle raids are a direct loss of meat. The Sudan Tribune mentions a county hit hard by bandits after the county was disarmed by the new South Sudanese government.
I also found an article detailing disputes over water resources in the face of a large drought. Conservation of natural resources and concerns over environmental impact as well as problems with multiple countries having claim creates barriers to over-consumption as well as general consumption of water from Lake Victoria and the Nile.

-Rebeca

Sudanese NISS orders newspapers to not report rebel activities

The National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) recently instructed newspapers in Sudan to refrain from publishing any statements or activities from rebel groups in the country. Although Sudan's constitution protects the freedom of the press, several pro-opposition papers have been confiscated during circulation and cheif editors of large newspapers are forced to sign "journalistic code of conduct" documents stating that they are to use "self-censorship and refrain from publishing materials harmful to the state." On Wednesday the NISS confiscated copies of the pro-government paper Akhbar Al-Yawm after it published statements by Khalil Ibrahim, the leader of the Justice and Equality Movement which is fighting the government in Darfur. The newspaper made no comment about the confiscated newspapers or what had transpired.

by Gina Fazio

South Sudans Plan of Action

Despite the ongoing conflict between the North and the South, Southern Sudanese are attempting to draw in foreign investors in order to help the infrastructure of their country. North Sudan in relation to south sudan is the home of the city center, Khartoum. The most development is located in North Sudan. South Sudan is in dire need of economic boosts in order to improve their lack of roads, education, health, etc. They plan to host trade fairs within the next year in Brazil, India, and China. Although some investors are taking advantage of the split between the north and south, some are still hesitant, as they should be to take business to sudan where conflict still occupies much of the land.

Katie Kruse

http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Corporate+News/South+Sudan+woos+foreign+investors/-/539550/1237120/-/iyts7w/-/

More Displacement and Movement Restriction

Bree Roozen

Sudan is at it again - an approximate 100,000 people have been displaced by fighting between the government and rebel factions, and those people are stranded without hope of assistance. Sudan has restricted movement of aid workers within the country, so that current supplies could maybe feed 20,000 people for about two weeks. The Sudanese Red Crescent society and the World Food Programme have been fighting to get into the area to no avail, the Sudanese military is declining to comment. So far the only steps the Sudanese government has taken have been to fire the governor of the area and declare the Blue Nile in a state of emergency.

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-09-14/sudan-fighting-in-blue-nile-state-displaces-100-000-un-says.html

Also: first blog entry of the season, hooray!