south sudan – European Affairs Magazine

South Sudan army commander dismisses rumours of Egyptian military intervention

6 Marzo 2017 BreakingNews @en di

South Sudan’s Army Chief of Staff Paul Malong dismissed claims of an Egyptian military intervention in the fighting in his country, describing them as “baseless rumours.” Malong said in statement to El-Sharq El-Awsat (Middle East) newspaper on Sunday that the Egyptian intervention in South Sudan is limited to furthering a peace process and providing humanitarian aid. The military commander praised Egypt’s role in the region, saying his country is eager to benefit from Egyptian military expertise by sending army officers to receive training in Cairo in the near future. Last month, South Sudan’s government denied Sudanese allegations that the Egyptian government had provided arms and ammunition to the South Sudanese army.

Hot Spot – The Crisis Areas

23 Aprile 2016 BreakingNews @en di

Not only Libya, Syria or Iraq. There are several crisis areas in the world. The events shown below talk about many wars and clashes in Africa, Middle East and Asia.

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Democratic Republic of Congo
13 people were killed on March 19 due to clashes between DR Congo army and Mai Mai Simba troops in village of Central-Biakato.

Libya
Daesh militants retreated from Derna after a long time because of Tobruk army, leaded by Haftar, in Benghazi.

On April 19, the EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, confirmed that “we are ready to support the government. “ This is the European answer after GNA request for help. Brussels will offer assistance with its security sector, managing migration, border management and police capacity building.

At the beginning of April, GNC voted its dissolution. So, former prime minister Ghwell left its office. Premier Serraj stregthened its position also because of support of Tripoli and Southern municipalities as well as Central Bank of Libya, Libyan Investment Authority and National Oil Corporation.

Somalia
Somalia asked Russia to support its army against Al Shabaab group, which is continuing to strike in all Horn of Africa nation.

Sudan
Two Arab factions, Arab Maaliya and Rizeiga, clashed in East Darfur State on April 18: over 20 people were killed. The fact was sparked by a livestock theft.

South Sudan
No respect for treaty of peace signed in 2015. A civil war which is continuing between Dinka and Nuer people from over 2 years. And at last the return to national capital Juba of Riek Machar. The recent news from South Sudan and the UN and Amnesty reports about crime against humanity illustrate a geopolitical disaster which is overlooked by international community.

Ethiopia
On April 13, South Sudanese armed group killed about 210 civilians and abducted 100 of them close to Ethiopia’s border with South Sudan.

Syria
Over 61 people were killed in Province of Idlib on April 19 by Syrian Arab Air Force. The same warplane also targeted a residential area in the nearby town of Kafr Nabl, leaving five people dead, as civil defense official Omar Alwan told Anadolu Agency.

Iraq
On April 20, security forces kill 40 ISIS fighters in Karma District and 70 in Bashir while 200 people escape from areas controlled by ISIS south of Mosul the day after. While Peshmerga’s source confirmed that ISIS should have used 12 rockets containing chemical substances in Kuwer axis.

Between April 17 and 19, international coalition, leaded by the US, airstriked ISIS in Kirkuk, killing at least 5 jihadists. The day before, Iraqi airforce destroyed 4 ISIS headquarters in Ramadi

Northern province of Anbar were liberated from ISIS after a few months. It was revealed by regular army and confirmed by local press.

Yemen
Houtii accepted to partecipate to peace talking after UN envoy assured that the ceasefire of April 11 would be esteemed.

Yemeni forces reconquered Houta thanks to support of Saudi-led coalition and its Apache. The fight happened on April 14, when they defeated Al Qaeda troops.

Afghanistan
A group of Talibans caused several explosions, especially targeting a building, in Kabul on April 19: about 65 people killed and at least 347 injured. Conversely, about 45 ISIS militants were killed in Nangarhar province on April 14 during an Afghan airstrike, as confirmed by Ministry of Defense.

While about 240 militants were killed or wounded after another airstrike the day before.

Pakistan
Some TTP’s talibans killed 7 policemen during vaccinations in Pakistan. The same group claimed responsibility after a few hours.

Myanmar
Clashes are continuing in the south of Myanmar. On April 8, Burmese army’s 63rd Light Infantry Battalion troops attacked KIA 18th Battalion’s Nbu Kawng. This only the last battle in the last weeks.
Giacomo Pratali

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South Sudan: UN and Amnesty reports

5 Aprile 2016 Report @en di

No respect for treaty of peace signed in 2015. A civil war which is continuing between Dinka and Nuer people from over 2 years. And at last the return to national capital Juba of Riek Machar. The recent news from South Sudan and the UN and Amnesty reports about crime against humanity illustrate a geopolitical disaster which is overlooked by international community.

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As reported by Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM), responsible for monitoring compliance of South Sudan, from late December to early March, the truce was definitely violated 5 time. So, a cruel context, very distant from peace agreements in Ethiopia of July 2015. Moreover, the civil war should not be included only within Greater Upper Nile.

This war has caused humanitarian effects, as resulted by UN and Amnesty International charges. Over 8,000 mine victims since 2011. The rape as soldiers salary. Children and disabled people tortured burned alive. About 1.6 million people continued to be displaced from their homes within the country, and some 600,000 sought refuge in neighbouring countries. At least 4 million people faced food shortages.

“The challenge in South Sudan is an increasing disconnect between the assurances of national and the actions of local groups,” said UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordination, Stephen O’Brien. “In addition to the ongoing violence, the deteriorating economic situation is further driving instability. The monthly cost of food and clean water for an average family now amounts to 10 times the salary of a teacher.

While Kate Gilmore, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, denounced that “Since December 2013, all parties to the conflict have committed gross human rights violations and abuses, along with serious violations of international humanitarian law. These include killing civilians, widespread sexual violence against women and girls, pillaging and destruction of civilian property such as homes, humanitarian infrastructure, schools, and medical facilities, including hospitals. ”

Giacomo Pratali

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