South Sudan
The US declared an arms embargo on South Sudan on Friday (February 2) last week, and the EU also imposed sanctions on Friday last week on three current and former South Sudanese officials. All have already been sanctioned by the US. (See article)
The Joint Political and Security Mechanism (JPSM) of Sudan and South Sudan agreed on Sunday (February 4) to finalize the activation of the Safe Demilitarized Border Zone and withdraw any remaining troops by the end of the month. The delegations, headed by South Sudan Defence Minister Kuol Manyang Juuk and Chief of Joint Staff of the Sudan Armed Forces Emad al-Din Adawi, discussed operationalization of the border zone, border monitoring operations, and border crossing border points. It decided the Joint Technical Border Corridors Committee (JTBCC) would meet on February 19, and agreed to activate the Ad-Hoc Committee for the 14 Mile Area, tasking UNISFA to organize the first meeting.
More than 300 child soldiers, 87 of them girls, were released by the South Sudan National Liberation Movement (SSNLM) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) on Thursday this week. More are expected to be freed in the coming weeks. The children will receive counseling and psycho-social support as part of the reintegration program implemented by UNICEF and partners. UNICEF welcomed the development, the largest release of children in nearly three years. UNICEF says an estimated 19,000 children continue to serve in the armed forces and groups more than four years after conflict erupted in December 2013.
UNESCO, UNDP, the Government of Japan and the JMEC, supported the Community Empowerment People Organisation and the Association of Media Development in South Sudan in a two-day training workshop on “the role of media in peace-building” for 50 journalists in Juba at the beginning of the month.
Sudan
The Central Bank announced a devaluation of the Sudan pound on Sunday (February 4), from 18 to 30 against the dollar. This is the second devaluation this year. The central bank called on commercial banks for better coordination in order to put foreign currency in “good use to help import essential items.” Trading on the foreign exchange market has been volatile since October 12 when the US lifted its 20-year-old trade embargo on Khartoum.
The latest round of AUHIP facilitated talks between the Government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (al-Hilu) held in Addis Ababa at the end of last week failed to make progress on a Cessation of Hostilities.
Foreign Minister Professor Ibrahim Ghandour met with the Italian Foreign Minister, Angelino Alfano on Tuesday (February 6) in Rome, on the sidelines of the Joint Responsibility and Objectives Conference on Illegal Immigration and Human Trafficking. They discussed bilateral relations and Professor Ghandour said Sudan looked forward to a greater Italian role after the end of US economic sanctions. Professor Ghandour also addressed the Joint Responsibility and Objectives Conference explaining Sudan’s key role in combating illegal immigration and human trafficking.
Foreign Minister Professor Ghandour and Lt. General Mohamed Atta, Director-General of the National Intelligence and Security Service, started a two -day official visit to Egypt on Wednesday (February 7). They held a series of meetings with their Egyptian counterparts to draw up a roadmap to address all outstanding issues between the two countries. The visit comes as a result of the bilateral summit between President Al-Bashir and President E-Sisi on the sideline of the recent AU Summit.
The Armed Forces and the Rapid Intervention Forces (RIF) have underlined the stability of the security situation along Sudan’s eastern border with Eritrea. General Mahmud Hemat, Commander of the 11th Division in Kassala, said Sudan would not be invaded through “the Eastern gate.” General Abdul Rahman Al-Jaalil (RIF) said his forces came to maintain security and stability in the state.
The 4th International People’s Friendship Festival opened on Monday (February 5) at the International Garden in Khartoum. The Festival, organized by the International People’s Friendship Council, was opened by Lt. General Abdul Rahman al-Sadiq al-Mahdi, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Sudan. 86 countries, including Ethiopia, are participating in the Cultural Exhibition and Music; the festival continues until Saturday February 10.
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