JAPAN HELPS EDUCATION IN SUDAN.

Japan Assists Education in Kassala and White Nile States

"Japan assistance to Sudan is not a charity, we look at this assistance as our contribution to attain Japan and Sudan shared aims in peace, stability and development in Sudan as well as Africa as a whole", Japanese Ambassador.

The Government of Japan has decided to contribute US$25.2 million to the United Nations and other international organizations to support vulnerable people and flood victims in Sudan. This contribution is part of Japan's additional funding in April, 2013-March, 2014 for the execution of projects of humanitarian assistance for African countries, wherein the amount allocated to Sudan is the third largest after Somalia and Mali. Japan is also committed to make utmost efforts to secure the transparency; effectiveness and efficiency of these projects in collaboration with the UN and International Organizations.
It should be noted that Japan has donated US$ 7.8  million to the  UNHCR  and US$ 4.4 million to UNICEF among many other institutions.
Japan announced a generous support to education in the states of Kassala and White Nile totaling US $ 441,133 and the grants signing ceremony was held on 24 Feb., 2014 at the Japanese's Ambassador's residence.
The ceremony was first addressed by the Japanese Ambassador in Sudan Ryoichi Horie who pointed out that these two grants come within the Civil Human Security Project.
Adding that, "Japan Embassy places great importance on supporting primary education in Sudan  and the official launch of two projects today is clear indication of this approach  because basic education develop children personality at a critical stage of their physical, emotional and social growth", said the Japanese Ambassador in his opening address in the ceremony. Adding that, "I believe that the education sector is of vital importance for countries in the provision of the necessary human resources essential for development in addition it provide people with the needed skills and knowledge that enable them to be capable and active in the society". The Japanese Ambassador affirmed that Japan as friend and equal partner of Sudan is committed to assist in the development of Sudan and will continue to support the efforts of those facing the many challenges in the country because we believe that peace, stability and development in Sudan will contribute in the achievement of peace and stability in Africa and the world.
The Ambassador went further to state that Japan commitment to development in Sudan is demonstrated by the execution of a number of development projects including our assistance to strengthen human resources vide skills and knowledge to administrate water and agriculture in Kassala and White Nile States. The Civil Human Security Projects are another mean to provide our assistance in a flexible way and at the appropriate time to those who need our assistance specially those who cannot be reached by the large projects like the two projects we are signing today. Through these projects we are giving assistance to the small rural communities in response to their special needs like today two project which respond to their educational needs and promote the educational environment in their societies and areas.
The Civil Human Security Projects known as GGP received more than 100 application for the construction of schools in Sudan presented by national and international organizations as well as from national civil society organizations.
"Japan assistance to Sudan is not a charity, we look at this assistance as our contribution to attain Japan and Sudan shared aims in peace, stability and development in Sudan as well as Africa as a whole, and this why the Japanese tax payers support Sudan to achieve this aim. The Non-governmental organizations and civil society organizations that request Japanese assistance must demonstrate their commitment to development in Sudan and for the successful implementation of projects. These are our basic conditions to approve submitted applications for this year in addition to the feasibility study presented and the past experience and performance of the concerned organizations". He said, "I hope that the two organization awarded assistance today will implement the designed schools projects in a manner that will be beneficial to the rural societies now and in the coming decades", said Japanese Ambassador. He concluded that, Japan and Sudan have been enjoying friendly and cooperative relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1956 and Japan intends to assist the most vulnerable people and hopes that its support will contribute to the welfare of the Sudanese people as well as the economic and social development of Sudan. 

White Nile State

"This is not our first cooperation with the Japanese Embassy in a project to promote basic education in the rural areas and communities and would like to highly commend Japan support in this", said Nidaa Civil Society Organization (NGO) Director Medani Abbas Medani.  Nidaa was awarded a grant of US $ 230,000 for the construction of s primary school in Al-Nizaiha Village, Gitaina Locality in the White Nile State. Alnazaiaha Primary School is a small school; with no buildings of its own, lessons and classes take place in the local khalwa. While the school has made great progress in reducing the illiteracy rate in the area; giving the school greater resources and providing a more suitable learning environment for its students, will no doubt have a significant positive impact. The project seeks to promote education for seven villages in Al-Gitaina Locality by constructing 10 classrooms, offices and other buildings at a cost exceeding USD 230,000. This will enhance the learning environment for over 370 students currently enrolled, which will in turn boost enrollment and lower dropout rates, giving the local community and their children better prospects for the future.
Also, Medani pointed to that Nidaa focus on the promotion of basic education as the driving force of development in the framework of the organization commitment to MDGs (Millennium Development Goals) which have focused strongly on education and especially basic education. Good quality basic education provides the human capital for development in Sudan which is rich in natural resources but needs the human capital. "So, that we can move from under-development to sustainable development but again we stress that this will need the promotion of education and basic education in particular. This needs the construction of more schools, the promotion of existing ones and as well the promotion the existing school environment ", stressed Nidaa Director. He concluded by highly commanding the efforts of the local communities and the localities and promised to execute the project efficiently and at the fixed time. It is worth mentioning that Nidaa NOG have executed similar projects in basic education in Gedarif State.

Kassala State

The other NGO awarded a grant was Plan International Sudan for a project for the construction of two primary schools in Al-Khatmia, Kassala City, in Kassala State. The grant which exceeds USD 209,000 target two schools, one boys and one girl school ,with the aim of improving the educational environment for over 1080 students, by constructing eight classrooms, four offices ,other buildings and a water line to Kassala's main water network. The grant will also coincide with an initiative by Plan Sudan to train 80 local teachers in order to improve their ability to provide education.  
On this occasion, Plan International-Sudan Country Director Manoj Kumar said that: "with the project grant that is awarded to Plan Sudan by Japan Embassy, will result in better access and safe learning environment for more than 1000 children in addition to other benefits to children and teachers". Adding that there are 457 children in Plan programme in Sudan who sponsored by Japanese citizens and sponsors. Plan Director also said that; "We commend Japan Embassy for their approach to ensure sustainability and high degree of accountability in the project supported by the Japan Embassy. Plan will look forward to further strengthen collaboration with Japan Embassy to make positive changes in the lives of many more vulnerable children, women and communities". Manoj Also thanked the Government of Sudan for all their support to Plan Sudan," without which we would have not been able to achieve the changes that we have created in the lives of vulnerable children, women and communities". Adding that, "We are also proud of our local CBOs (community based organizations) and NGOs partners as well as Plan Sudan's staff who have been instrumental in achieving our objectives". 
Many distinguished guests addressed the ceremony including White Nile Minister of Education, the reputable diplomat Ambassador Idris Abdel Gadir, the Commissioner of Kassala Locality and the Director of NGOs in the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) who all have highly commended the valuable assistances that Japan have been awarding to Sudan and at the same the style of equal partnership and non-interference in the country internal affairs.
The Kassala Locality Commissioner Hassan Sharif said in this occasion  that Japan vide its international development agency JICA have implemented many development projects in Kassala State including 4 water stations and as also Japan support to the State have been demonstrated by the three visits paid by Japanese Ambassador to the State.

By Alula Berhe Kidani, 1 day 15 hours ago 

GEZIRA SCHEME.

SDG 50 Million Accredited to Support Gezira Scheme Budget

Khartoum – An amount of SDG 50 million has been sanctioned as first batch to ensure continuation of irrigation works in the Gezira Scheme, said Eng. Osman Samsaa, Director of Gezira scheme.

The Bank of Sudan has been directed to activate the purse to support cotton cultivation, he said in an exclusive statement to Sudan Vision.

Wheat cultivation season will begin during the second week of March, he said, adding that the state is endeavoring to expand cultivation in this field to increase production to achieve self-sufficiency as part of efforts to implement the initiative of the President of the Republic to secure food for the Arab world.

Samsaa added it was for the first time a budget was approved for the Agricultural Research Corporation adding that the Corporation would have effective presence at the level of Gezira scheme and the entire agriculture in the Sudan.

Concerning sesame, he said a high productivity is expected this season compared to last year. Sesame cultivation begins in June while that of groundnut begins in May, he said.

By Mohamed Babikir, 14 hours 28 minutes ago 

Uganda Troops are leaving South Sudan,

Ugandan troops to gradually withdraw from the South Sudanese conflict

February 21, 2014 (JUBA) – Uganda has no desire to keep its troops on South Sudan soil longer than it is necessary and will gradually withdraw them in compliance with the African Union proposal for the deployment of the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crisis (ACIRC) in the new nation, its foreign affairs minister said.

"The deployment of ACIRC in South Sudan will facilitate Uganda’s progressive withdrawal and/or redeployment", Sam Kuteesa said in a statement.

The AU Peace and Security, he added, was expected to meet at an appropriate time, to work out modalities for deployment of ACIRC in South Sudan before the countries that have voluntarily pledged capacity to ACIRC may then provide such support.

"We believe that the deployment of ACIRC is the most logical way to withdraw from South Sudan, without leaving a security vacuum that that can be taken advantage of," Kuteesa further said.

"We further believe that a political solution will bring about lasting and sustainable peace to this young and sisterly Nation of South Sudan", he added.

Uganda deployed a contingent of its troops in South Sudan after the outbreak of violence in the country on December 15 last year. Its involvement in the conflict has, however, been widely criticised with the United States demanding the immediate pull-out of all foreign troops fighting alongside forces loyal to President Salva Kiir.

But Uganda’s involvement in the over two-month conflict is guided by a Status of Forces Agreement both Khartoum and Juba governments signed at the behest of the latter.

MUSEVENI MAKES SURPRISE VISIT

The Ugandan president, Yoweri Museveni made a surprise visit to South Sudan to see his troops in the front-line fighting alongside forces loyal to the South Sudanese president Salva Kiir against troops allied to his former vice-president, Riek Machar.

Museveni on Wednesday held a lengthy closed-door discussion in Juba with his South Sudanese counterpart, mainly focusing on the future of their alliance.

The Ugandan leader also visited his troops on the front-line in Bor town, the capital of Jonglei state, which his forces claimed to have recaptured from the rebels after exchanging hands four times in January.

There were, however, no official statements from the presidency on the contents of the secret meeting.

Ateny Wek Ateny, who speaks for the president confirmed the visit, but declined to make any comments on the visit because it was at the level of the two presidents.

“I have no comment to make on the visit because the discussions were between the two heads of state. I was not part of the meeting so I do not know what the two leaders have discussed. I have no information as such”, Ateny told Sudan Tribune on Friday.

Sources close to the leadership in Juba, however, said the visit aimed at assessing the security situation in areas where Ugandan troops are fighting alongside South Sudanese army against the rebels and to boost their moral with assurances of increased double payments and military promotions.

“The leaders discussed the need to respect terms of source funding for military operations, including keeping confidential information relating to the source of funding,” the source revealed.

The Ugandan cabinet also approved Shs120 billion in supplementary budget largely meant to finance the ongoing operations of the Ugandan army in South Sudan, according to the independent Daily Monitor newspaper.

Such voices started appearing in Uganda after South Sudan defense minister revealed that its government was covering all the activities, including feeding, payments for personnel weapons, transportation of all military related cargoes as well related allowances.

The two leaders also discussed the status of the remaining detainees and the need for two presidents to strategise and agree on a political ploy to partially disengage and pull out Ugandan troops from South Sudan.

The visit also came a day after the rebels allied to Machar, recaptured the strategic town of Malakal, the capital of the oil-rich Upper Nile state where 70% of the country’s revenues comes from.

This means announcement would be made through the regional bloc (IGAD) in coming days. The result of this is the pressure on Uganda from Norway, Britain, the United States as well as the IGAD member countries. America has already threatened to suspend foreign aids to Uganda in the event it failed to comply.

(ST)

News of Sudan

Bashir speech represents only 1% of reform document: official

January 31, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The leading figure at Sudan’s ruling National Congress Party (NCP) and former state minister at the Ministry of Finance Ahmed al-Majzoub, said the speech which was delivered by president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir on Monday represents only 1% of the comprehensive reform document drafted by the NCP.

Last December, the NCP announced that it is developing a comprehensive reform document which it described as historic. The announcement came in the wake of a government shakeup that saw the departure of several long-time NCP figures from their governmental posts.

The long awaited speech by Bashir that was expected to unveil a major reform proposal, created a wave of disappointment among those who followed it including opposition leaders who were present.

Bashir announced a 4-point plan for reform "to stop the war and bring peace, free political society, fight against poverty and revitalise national identity", calling for political forces to engage in dialogue to agree on the implementation items though he did not specify practical steps to do so.

Opposition figures who were present made statements either personally or through their parties criticising the lack of specifics and excessive generalities that gave no real signs of concessions on the part of the ruling party.

But al-Majzoub stressed in a talk show at the pro-government Ashorooq TV on Thursday that the president’s address which consisted of 22 pages represents only 1% of the actual reform document.

The talk show focused on the economic issues which appeared in the presidents’ speech.

Al-Majzoub pointed that several organizational and economic decision to promote growth of Sudan’s economy will be issued soon, adding that the document was prepared by a committee composed of NCP experts who do not hold official posts in the party or the government.

“Large number of experts was engaged in the preparation of the document. The economic reform document for example is composed of more than 30 pages”, al-Majzoub said.

He said economic stability is contingent upon achieving peace because war depletes resources, stressing the right path to achieve economic growth is to direct resources towards development and economic stability instead of war.

The NCP figure further stressed the creation of the national revenues body which was mentioned in the presidents’ address will be an independent entity.

“We could compensate for our lost revenues through improving relations with South Sudan”, he said

He asserted continuation of governments’ social subsidies, saying the president’s speech clearly underscored importance of increasing production.

Al-Majzoub also said the document called for expanding employment opportunities and combating poverty.

The talk show surveyed several ordinary citizens about their future expectations. Some of them wished agreement among political parties and focus on peace and economic issues while others called for agreement on permanent constitution and reducing prices of basic commodities.

The economic expert, Mohamed al-Nayer, for his part, praised the president’s call for establishing a national independent revenues body, emphasising the need to avoid withholding money by government units.

Previous budgets saw the phenomenon of government units retaining money that should otherwise be sent to the ministry of finance.

The controversial practice sparked national debate regarding the constitutionality of withholding public money by various government units, given that the ministry of finance is the only body which has the legal mandate to collect and disburse government funds.

Al-Nayer called for developing strict mechanisms to enhance ministry of finance control over public money, saying that economic packages should be directed towards benefiting citizens.

He underscored importance of restoring value of the Sudanese pound and stabilising its exchange rate in the coming period, saying the speech tackled well the issue of creating a good investment environment particularly as the Sudanese economy suffers from the foreign debt’s burden.

Sudan’s external debt is estimated to have grown by 27% since 2008 from $32.6 billion to $41.4 billion in 2011. The IMF forecasted the debt level to reach $43.7 billion in 2012 and $45.6 billion in 2013. The latter represents 83% of Sudan’s 2011 GDP, which was $55.1 billion.

Around three quarters of Sudan’s external debt are owed to the Paris Club of creditor nations and other non-member states. The remaining balance is equally divided between commercial banks as well as international and regional financial bodies.

(ST)

DEMO FRONT AGAINST NCP

قوي الإجماع الوطني تصدر بياناً هاماً الي جماهير الشعب السوداني

02-21-2014 07:23 AM

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

بيان هام
الي جماهير الشعب السوداني

في إجتماعها الدوري الأ ربعاء الموافق 19 فبراير الجاري ناقشت الهيئه العامه لقوي الإجماع الوطني , الدعوه المقدمه من حزب المؤتمر الوطني ( لبعض ) القوي السياسيه في المعارضة للتحضير للحوار الذي دعا له البشير في خطابه الأخير , من جديد نؤكد رفضنا الحاسم لأي حوار مع النظام إلتزاما بقرار رؤساء أحزاب المعارضه المنعقد بتاريخ 9 فبرايرالجاري , الذي أكد بأهمية تهيئة مناخ الحوار من خلال حزمة إجراءات و علي رأسها إطلاق سراح المعتقلين والأسري والمحكومين لأسباب سياسية , والتحقيق في قتلي ومصابي إنتفاضة سبتمبر / أكتوبر الماضي , وإلغاء كافة القوانين المقيدة للحريات , بجانب وقف الحرب ومعالجة التداعيات الخطيرة علي الأوضاع الإنسانية الناتجة عن الحرب , هذه المطالب العاجله والملحه بالإضافة الي إقرار وموافقة النظام بقيام وضع إنتقالي كامل , تمثل الإشتراطات والمطلوبات التي تقدمت بها المعارضه السودانية ممثله في قوي الإجماع من أجل أن يكون الحوار ممكنا ومنتجا , بدونه لا حوار ولا تفاوض ولا جلوس مع نظام ديكتاتوري يسعي للمحافظه علي الأوضاع الراهنه , التي تسمها هيمنته الكامله و لأطول مدي ممكن .

كما قرر ذات الأجتماع رفض دعوة حزب الأمه القومي لأحزاب قوي الإجماع لقيام ورشه لصياغة موقف موحد لقوي الإجماع لعرضة في التفاوض مع المؤتمر الوطني , ذلك لتعارضه مع موقف قوي الإجماع المعلن من الحوار والتفاوض مع النظام . كذلك رفض الإجتماع قبول التفاوض مع بعض (لافتات) المؤتمر الوطني التي تطرح نفسها مرة بإسم منظمات مجتمع مدني وتارة بإسم بعض المؤسسات التعليمية المرموقه , لتعارض رؤيتها وأهدافها أيضا مع خط قوي الإجماع الوطني .

إن قوي الإجماع الوطني إذ تعلن لجماهير شعبنا هذا الموقف الحاسم من النظام والحوار معه تؤكد أن المخرج من الأزمة الوطنيه التي تعيشها بلادنا نتيجة سياسات الحزب الحاكم لن تجد طريقها للحل في ظل وجود النظام القائم , وإنما يتطلب الحل موقف وطني واضح وصريح لا لبس فيه , موقف تعبر عنه كافة القوي الحية في المجتمع السوداني بلسان واحد وموقف واحد مشترك , وذلك لإعادة ترتيب الصفوف لمعركة قادمه ضد النظام تتسلح فيها الجماهير المسحوقه بالحرب والفقر والجوع والمرض معركه تقطع الطريق أمام إصطفاف بدا يتشكل بين النظام ومن يتوافق معه (انابيب الاوكسجين ), إصطفاف يهدف إعادة إنتاج الازمة بتوسيع قاعدة النظام وإستمراره بمشروعية إنتخابية يعد لها المسرح منذ الآن .

معا من أجل إسقاط النظام عبر كافة وسائل العمل السياسي / الجماهيري , ونعم لإقامة وضع إنتقالي لنظام يتأسس ويدار عبر توافق سياسي يعبر عن إرادة شعب السودان في الحرية والعدالة والمساواة ..
ونجدد عهد الوفاء لشهدائنا ولشعبنا بأن لا مساومة في قضايا الشعب والوطن . وعهدا لن نحيد عن أهدافنا , أهداف وتطلعات شعبنا . ولتكن معركتنا القادمه مع النظام معركة الحسم والظفر . والنصر حليف شعبنا وقواه الوطنية المناضلة . ولا نامت أعين الجبناء .

قوي الإجماع الوطني
20 فبراير2014

Why Kiir shold have to held an election.

Home | News    Saturday 8 February 2014

South Sudan president declares two top party positions vacant

February 7, 2014 (JUBA) - President Salva Kiir Mayardit the chairperson of South Sudan’s ruling party - Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) - has declared two senior positions are now vacant after weeks of conflict triggered by party infighting.

One of the positions in question is that of deputy chairperson, Riek Machar Teny who is currently leading a rebellion - known as the SPLM/A in Opposition - against the government. The other position, which is vacant, according to Kiir, is the SPLM’s secretary-general. The post had been held by Pagan Amum Okiech who was dismissed at the same time as Machar for alleged corruption and other charges.

This announcement comes as the government said it holds former SPLM vice-president accountable of treason and will be tried for organising a rebellion against the legitimate leadership of the country.

Kiir’s remarks also confirm statements made by the information minister Michael Makuei Lueth who told the Arabic language Asharq Alwsat on Thursday that the SPLM Liberation Council recommended to sack Machar from the ruling party and the parliament.

In his announcement Kiir did not name any immediate replacements.

The president said he would decide on the status of membership of members of the SPLM National Liberation Council - the party’s highest decision making body - and members of parliament who have defected to the SPLM/A in Opposition in protest against the killing of civilians in Juba, allegedly at the hands of soldiers from South Sudan’s army (SPLA) loyal to the president Salva Kiir.

It remains unclear who he will name as Machar’s replacement as first deputy chairperson, although many have speculated that the current second vice chairperson, James Wani Igga could be promoted to the post. Igga was appointed as Machar’s successor for the position of Vice-President of South Sudan in August.

The acting SPLM secretary-general, Anne Ito, also appears interested in becoming the next secretary-general should the leadership endorse her bid, but it is not guaranteed.

Multiple party officials have expressed a need to ensure an equitable regional distribution of power in all the SPLM’s structures across South Sudan’s three regions. Kiir is from Bahr el Ghazal, while Igga is from Equatoria.

"I don’t know what criteria the leadership would use to make appointments into these positions which the chairman had declared vacant. But I guess the appointment would reflect regional distribution of power and resources in all the structures" said a senior SPLM member on conditions of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss such matter with the press, on Friday.

"If comrade James Wani Igga [who is from Equatoria] takes the position of the first deputy chairperson to replace Riek Machar, then the position of the Secretary-General will definitely be given to the people of Upper Nile region to fill. If this reading becomes the criteria, then I think comrade Anne Ito may definitely not be able to become the Secretary General", he added.

(ST)

• ST - South Sudan conflict / crisis

Visa refused.

Bashir refuses to grant the US special envoy a visa to Sudan: Carter

February 5, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The former United States president Jimmy Carter has revealed that the Sudanese president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir rejected his personal appeal to grant the US special envoy for the Sudans Donald Booth a visa to meet with officials in his government.

Bashir recalled to Carter Washington’s refusal to issue him a visa to travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings and pointed that US officials would not deal with him directly among other grievances.

Western officials generally avoid meeting with Bashir as a result of the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant charging him with war crimes and genocide in Darfur. The US dragged its feet in processing his visa request for UNGA last year for the same reason.

Last November, media reports claimed that Khartoum refused to grant Booth a visa for planned talks with Sudanese officials on post-secession issues with South Sudan as well as the security and humanitarian situation in Darfur and South Kordofan.

The reports quoted unnamed officials as saying that Khartoum informed Washington that any role for the US should begin with seeking to normalize bilateral ties between the two countries and addressing the issue of unilateral sanctions and Sudan’s inclusion on a blacklist of states that sponsor terrorism.

They also asserted that issues that are considered domestic matters should not be raised during talks by Booth.

According to a report issued by Carter on his trip to Dubai and Khartoum between January 11-25, the ex-president had received assurances from Bashir that he will conduct a genuine national dialogue and seek peaceful solutions for internal conflicts and with neighboring countries as well as encouraging all opposition force to engage in this dialogue.

Carter said in his report that Sudan’s parliament speaker, al-Fatih Izz al-Din, had committed to draft a new constitution with broad participation from the opposition parties prior to the 2015 elections, saying that Izz Al-Din was keen to exchange expertise with US legislators.

He also asserted commitment of Bashir, Izz Al-Din, the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) secretary of foreign relations, al-Dirdeeri Mohamed Ahmed, and the presidential assistant Abdel-Rahman al-Mahdi, to conduct a just and genuine national dialogue besides drafting a new constitution and holding general elections.

Last December, the NCP announced that it is developing a comprehensive reform document which it described as historic. The announcement came in the wake of a government shakeup that saw the departure of several long-time NCP figures from their governmental posts.

Bashir addressed the nation last week announcing a 4-point plan for reform "to stop the war and bring peace, free political society, fight against poverty and revitalize national identity", calling for political forces to engage in dialogue to agree on the implementation items though he did not specify practical steps to do so.

But the opposition figures who attended the speech made statements either personally or through their parties criticizing the lack of specifics and excessive generalities that gave no real signs of concessions on the part of the ruling party.

The opposition alliance said it wouldn’t enter into dialogue with the NCP until the latter abolishes all laws that restrict freedoms, release all political detainees, launch an investigation into the killing of demonstrators in September 2013 riots, enter into comprehensive negotiations to end the war in the different conflict zones, address the humanitarian situation and agreeing to full transitional status.

(ST)

Prevent also Islamest smuggling people to fight.

Egypt & Sudan to deploy troops on borders: party chief

February 2, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The head of the Egyptian al-Wafd Party Sayed al-Badawi revealed on Sunday that Cairo and Khartoum agreed to deploy joint military patrols on the borders to curb the arms smuggling.

Badawi who spoke at a press conference in Cairo following a meeting with the Sudanese ambassador Kamal Hassan Ali praised cooperation and coordination between the two countries and Khartoum ’s desire to develop and improve the relationship and its continuing quest to support Egypt on various issues.

He said that Sudan represents a strategic dimension to Egypt from the south stressing the desire of the government and political parties for continued cooperation between the two countries.

The party chief dismissed what he called rumours about the position of the Sudan regarding Ethiopia’s Renaissance Dam calling it unfounded adding that Sudan is always aligned with the people of Egypt.

The Sudanese envoy on his part said that his government is keen on addressing the contentious issues through dialogue and understanding including the border dispute over Halayeb and Shalateen areas, calling on the media to refrain from carrying sensational reports.

He said that the talk about Khartoum’s support for the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group in Egypt and providing them with weapons through the southern borders is totally false.

Ali disclosed that Sudanese authorities previously offered Cairo forming a joint force of the two armies to protect their common borders and cracking down on arms smuggling.

On the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, he said that this issue requires a serious dialogue between the three countries until a solution is found that satisfies all parties stressing that Sudan will not take a position hostile to the water and national security of Egypt.

Sudan Tribune has learned that the Sudanese Irrigation Minister will travel to Cairo in the coming days to discuss the water issue.

Also Khartoum based Alray Alaam reported in its Monday’s edition that Sudanese defence minister Abdel Rahim Hussein will fly Tuesday to Cairo for talks with his Egyptian counterpart Abdelfatah al-Sissi on border and joint security issues.

Egypt fears that the $4.6 billion hydropower plant, which Ethiopia is building on the Blue Nile, will diminish its share of the river’s water, arguing its historic water rights must be maintained.

Ethiopia is the source of around 85% of the Nile’s water, mainly through rainfall in its highlands. Over 90% of Egyptians rely on water from the Nile’s flows.

Last June, a panel of international experts who were tasked by the three countries to study the impacts of the Ethiopian dam on lower riparian countries, including Sudan and Egypt, found that the dam project will not cause significant harm to either country.

Cairo remains unconvinced and has sought further studies and consultation with Khartoum and Addis Ababa.

Sudan, however, has accepted the final findings and offered to send experts and technicians to help in the dam’s construction, a move welcomed by Ethiopia.

(ST)

Bashir and the poor Sudanese people.

Bashir speech represents only 1% of reform document: official

January 31, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The leading figure at Sudan’s ruling National Congress Party (NCP) and former state minister at the Ministry of Finance Ahmed al-Majzoub, said the speech which was delivered by president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir on Monday represents only 1% of the comprehensive reform document drafted by the NCP.

Last December, the NCP announced that it is developing a comprehensive reform document which it described as historic. The announcement came in the wake of a government shakeup that saw the departure of several long-time NCP figures from their governmental posts.

The long awaited speech by Bashir that was expected to unveil a major reform proposal, created a wave of disappointment among those who followed it including opposition leaders who were present.

Bashir announced a 4-point plan for reform "to stop the war and bring peace, free political society, fight against poverty and revitalise national identity", calling for political forces to engage in dialogue to agree on the implementation items though he did not specify practical steps to do so.

Opposition figures who were present made statements either personally or through their parties criticising the lack of specifics and excessive generalities that gave no real signs of concessions on the part of the ruling party.

But al-Majzoub stressed in a talk show at the pro-government Ashorooq TV on Thursday that the president’s address which consisted of 22 pages represents only 1% of the actual reform document.

The talk show focused on the economic issues which appeared in the presidents’ speech.

Al-Majzoub pointed that several organizational and economic decision to promote growth of Sudan’s economy will be issued soon, adding that the document was prepared by a committee composed of NCP experts who do not hold official posts in the party or the government.

“Large number of experts was engaged in the preparation of the document. The economic reform document for example is composed of more than 30 pages”, al-Majzoub said.

He said economic stability is contingent upon achieving peace because war depletes resources, stressing the right path to achieve economic growth is to direct resources towards development and economic stability instead of war.

The NCP figure further stressed the creation of the national revenues body which was mentioned in the presidents’ address will be an independent entity.

“We could compensate for our lost revenues through improving relations with South Sudan”, he said

He asserted continuation of governments’ social subsidies, saying the president’s speech clearly underscored importance of increasing production.

Al-Majzoub also said the document called for expanding employment opportunities and combating poverty.

The talk show surveyed several ordinary citizens about their future expectations. Some of them wished agreement among political parties and focus on peace and economic issues while others called for agreement on permanent constitution and reducing prices of basic commodities.

The economic expert, Mohamed al-Nayer, for his part, praised the president’s call for establishing a national independent revenues body, emphasising the need to avoid withholding money by government units.

Previous budgets saw the phenomenon of government units retaining money that should otherwise be sent to the ministry of finance.

The controversial practice sparked national debate regarding the constitutionality of withholding public money by various government units, given that the ministry of finance is the only body which has the legal mandate to collect and disburse government funds.

Al-Nayer called for developing strict mechanisms to enhance ministry of finance control over public money, saying that economic packages should be directed towards benefiting citizens.

He underscored importance of restoring value of the Sudanese pound and stabilising its exchange rate in the coming period, saying the speech tackled well the issue of creating a good investment environment particularly as the Sudanese economy suffers from the foreign debt’s burden.

Sudan’s external debt is estimated to have grown by 27% since 2008 from $32.6 billion to $41.4 billion in 2011. The IMF forecasted the debt level to reach $43.7 billion in 2012 and $45.6 billion in 2013. The latter represents 83% of Sudan’s 2011 GDP, which was $55.1 billion.

Around three quarters of Sudan’s external debt are owed to the Paris Club of creditor nations and other non-member states. The remaining balance is equally divided between commercial banks as well as international and regional financial bodies.

(ST)