Sudan: Janjaweed RSF militia chief Hemeti met with South Sudanese officials from Abyei in Nairobi Jan 3

ACCORDING to this article, the primary purpose of the meeting cited was to follow up on previous discussions held in Khartoum regarding the final status of Abyei and the repatriation of Abyei citizens who had sought refuge in Sudan prior to the Sudanese crisis. Who is giving Hemeti such confidence and authority to attend to such matters? Who is in charge of Sudan? Let's not forget, in 2020 Russia signed a deal with Sudan for a naval base in the Red Sea, in return Russia will provide arms and training for Sudan's military.

Read more from Sudan Tribune
Dated Sunday, 07 January 2024 - here is a copy in full:

Sudanese RSF leader pledges safe passage for Abyei and South Sudan returnees

Hemetti met with several South Sudanese officials from Abyei area in Nairobi on January 3, 2023 [2024?]

January 7, 2024 (JUBA) – General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo “Hemetti”, the head of the Sudanese paramilitary group Rapid Support Force (RSF), has reaffirmed his commitment to facilitate the safe return of Abyei natives and South Sudanese nationals who have fled the conflict in Sudan.

The pledge was made during a meeting with Abyei leaders Francis Mading Deng and Luka Biong Deng in Nairobi, Kenya on January 3, 2024. The meeting, which lasted for an hour, was characterized as amicable, open, and forward-looking by Francis Kuol, a former Sudan cabinet affairs minister.

The primary purpose of the meeting was to follow up on previous discussions held in Khartoum regarding the final status of Abyei and the repatriation of Abyei citizens who had sought refuge in Sudan prior to the Sudanese crisis. Francis Deng, who has also engaged in similar discussions with General Burhan, the head of the Sudanese Sovereign Council, in New York, USA during his participation to the United Nations General Assembly in September 2022, added that he had also held similar dialogues with General Malik Agar, the Deputy Chairman of the Sudanese Sovereign Council, during his visits to Juba.

The Abyei leaders expressed their appreciation to Daglo for his endeavours to bring an end to the brutal civil war in Sudan and his historic diplomatic initiatives to neighbouring African countries in pursuit of peace.

The meeting touched upon three critical issues: peace in Sudan, the potential role of South Sudan under the leadership of President Salva Kiir in facilitating Sudanese peace, and the repatriation of Abyei natives displaced and stranded in RSF-controlled areas.

Deng highlighted the pivotal role that South Sudan, under the leadership of President Salva Kiir Mayardit, could play in mediating Sudanese peace. He emphasized the urgent need to establish secure conditions to enable the return of Abyei citizens displaced by the conflict in Sudan and the crucial role of the RSF in securing transit routes for the return of South Sudanese citizens.

The authorization of the meeting by President Salva Kiir and members of his administration remains unclear. The South Sudanese ambassador in Kenya declined to comment when asked if he had been informed of the arrangement.

Hemetti, heads the paramilitary Rapid Support Force, which has been engaged in a war against the Sudan Armed Forces under the command of its chief and Chairman of the Transitional Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, since April 2023.

The RSF has been out of the public eye for several months. He utilized this period to embark on diplomatic missions to neighbouring countries and participate in global events and functions.

In late December 2023, the head of the Sudanese paramilitary group made his first wartime diplomatic trip to Uganda, where he met with President Yoweri Museveni. He also met with leaders from Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda. (ST)

View original: https://sudantribune.com/article281083/

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Further Reading

The Maritime Executive - 13 December 2017

Russia Moves Forward with Syrian Naval Base - excerpt:

"For Russia, a naval base in Syria . . . is always a place where Russian navy men can take a short rest and hold quick repairs, if necessary. Taking into account that the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions are of strategic importance for world security, Russian forces should stay here indefinitely," said Mikhail Nenashev, chairman of the All-Russian Fleet Support Movement, speaking to Pravda.

The base at Tartus has been under Russian control since 1971, and Russia finalized a 74-year renewal agreement with Syria in January with a 49-year lease followed by a 25-year automatic extension. The enlarged facility will operate outside of Damascus' legal jurisdiction, and Syria will not interfere with any military activities related to its operation. Separately, Russia has also renewed its lease on a military airbase in Western Syria for a period of 50 years. 

Full story: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/russia-moves-forward-with-syrian-naval-base

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The Maritime Executive - 09 December 2020

Russia Signs Deal With Sudan for Naval Base on the Red Sea - excerpt:

The agreement provides the Russian Navy with access to Port Sudan for a period of 25 years, with automatic renewal every decade thereafter. It may keep up to four naval vessels at a time at the port, including nuclear-powered vessels - an important consideration for Russia's submarine fleet. For logistics, Russian forces have permission to use Sudanese ports and airports to deliver any needed "weapons and equipment" to keep the port running. On-base manning is limited to 300 Russian personnel. 

In return, Russia will provide arms and training for Sudan's military, extending a role it already plays in the country. Last year, Russia and Sudan signed a seven-year agreement that provides the Sudanese government with military support, and Russian military advisors have participated in Sudanese public security operations. 

Full story: https://maritime-executive.com/article/russia-signs-deal-with-sudan-for-naval-base-on-the-red-sea

ENDS

SAF chief says "We will fight until the enemy is gone"

In a speech delivered to forces in Jebit in eastern Sudan, Burhan stressed that there is no room for reconciliation or agreement with the RSF, indicating that the army is continuing its battle to recover all of Sudan. "We have no reconciliation with them. We have no agreement with them," he said. "Our battle continues until every site in Sudan is restored." Read more.

From Asharq Al-Awsat English
The English edition of Asharq Al-Awsat, the leading Arab international newspaper @aawsat_news
Dated Saturday, 06 January 2024; 1445 AH - here is a copy in full:

Sudan's Army Chief: We Will Fight Until the Militia is Gone

Army Commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan (Sudanese Sovereignty Council)

(PORT SUDAN) - Sudanese army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan unequivocally dismissed an agreement signed between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and associated political groups, vowing to continue the war that has been going on for nine months.

In a speech delivered to forces in Jebit in eastern Sudan, Burhan stressed that there is no room for reconciliation or agreement with the RSF, indicating that the army is continuing its battle to recover all of Sudan.

"We have no reconciliation with them. We have no agreement with them," he said. "Our battle continues until every site in Sudan is restored."

Burhan stated that the RSF committed "war crimes," vowing that the army would deal with them "in the field."

"We will fight until the enemy is gone."

The army chief called for arming citizens to defend themselves, advocating for them to acquire weapons or enlist in the armed forces.

He regretted that some politicians are praising RSF Commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as "Hemedti," despite all the murders he has committed, criticizing neighboring countries that welcomed him.

Dagalo is on a tour across Africa with stops in South Africa, Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti.

The Sudanese Foreign Ministry summoned its ambassadors in Kampala and Nairobi to protest the formal receptions offered to the RSF commander.

According to a statement by the Foreign Minister-designate, Ali al-Sadiq, the Ministry summoned its ambassadors for "consultations" in response to the official welcome extended to the "militia" leader.

Hemedti's tour will extend to other African and Arab countries, and some unconfirmed reports suggest he will visit Egypt, among other Arab and regional states.

View original: 

https://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/4772191-sudans-army-chief-we-will-fight-until-militia-gone

ENDS

Africa’s Primates send statement of solidarity to Primate of Sudan - “We are standing with you”

Report from the Anglican News Service - www.anglicancommunion.org 
Dated Wednesday, 5 December 2023, 1:11 PM - here is a copy in full:

Africa’s Primates send statement of solidarity to Primate of Sudan - “We are standing with you”

Archbishop Albert Chama, Chair of the 

Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA)

Africa’s Anglican Primates have sent a statement of solidarity to the “Primate and the faithful of the Episcopal Church of Sudan.”

The statement was signed by Archbishop Albert Chama, Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA) Chairman, Primate of the Church of the Province of Central Africa and Bishop of the Diocese of Lusaka, on behalf of the Primates.

Eight months on from the start of the civil war in Sudan, the statement summarises the devastating impact it is having on the lives of thousands. It states: “The conflict has taken a severe toll resulting in the loss of thousands of lives, widespread property destruction, and the displacement of nearly a million people from their homes.”

It continued: “We, the Africa Anglican Primates, meeting for fellowship and consultation, extend this message of solidarity to our Brother, Most Rev. Ezekiel Kondo, Primate of the Episcopal Church of Sudan, all the members of the Episcopal Church and the entire Sudanese community, both at home and abroad. We want to assure you of our ongoing prayers and steadfast support during these challenging times.... As the Council of Africa Anglican Primates, we strongly condemn these actions and stand united against such acts of violence and destruction.”

The Primates expressed their “unwavering support of the church in Sudan and urgently call on General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the Sudanese Armed Forces and General Mohamed Hamdan Daaglo of the Rapid Support Forces to reconsider their motivations for resorting to armed conflict and instead engage in peaceful negotiations.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said in a statement on social media: “I stand in solidarity with my brother Most Rev. Ezekiel Kondo and the people of Sudan, as the nation continues to suffer devastating violence and loss. The civil war is bringing unimaginable agony to far too many. Thousands have died, many more have been displaced and there are reports of destruction and looting of church properties and healthcare facilities. I urgently appeal for a just peace and an end to the killing. Human life is sacred and must be protected and preserved at all costs.”

The African Primates’ statement concluded in reminding the members of the Episcopal Church of Sudan and the entire Sudanese community that the Lord is with them and that “it is He who brings wars to an end and renders weapons powerless (Psalm 46:9).

Bishop Anthony Poggo, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, said: “I fully endorse the statement made by CAPA. I was encouraged to read the statement and extend my solidarity to the Church and people of Sudan. Let us continue to pray for a peaceful end to this conflict.”

Read the full statement here. Here is a full copy:

COUNCIL OF ANGLICAN PROVINCES OF AFRICA – CAPA CONSEIL DES PROVINCES ANGLICANES D’AFRIQUE ANGLICAN COMMUNION

CAPA HOUSE

Kilimani, Off Wood Avenue, Komo Lane P O Box 10329
00100, Nairobi GPO, Kenya

Tel:+254 703 87 87 87 E-mail: info@capa-hq.org Website: www.capa-hq.org

December 1, 2023

STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY TO THE PRIMATE AND THE FAITHFUL OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF SUDAN

FROM THE AFRICA ANGLICAN PRIMATES

“We are standing with you.”

Eight months into the power struggle between the two generals of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, Sudan remains embroiled in a devastating civil war. The conflict has taken a severe toll, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives, widespread property destruction, and the displacement of nearly a million people from their homes. Despite the attempts of various stakeholders to broker peace and return the country to civil rule, progress has been limited, and a resolution to the ongoing conflict appears elusive.

We, the Africa Anglican Primates, meeting for fellowship and consultation, extend this message of solidarity to our Brother, Most Rev. Ezekiel Kondo, Primate of the Episcopal Church of Sudan, all the members of the Episcopal Church and the entire Sudanese community, both at home and abroad. We want to assure you of our ongoing prayers and steadfast support during these challenging times.

We are deeply saddened by reports of the destruction and looting of church properties, the loss of historic artifacts and buildings including healthcare facilities, as well as the disruption of vital services during these troubling times. The distressing sight of unburied corpses along the streets brings tears to our eyes. As the Council of Africa Anglican Primates, we strongly condemn these actions and stand united against such acts of violence and destruction.

We express our unwavering support for the church in Sudan and urgently call upon General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the Sudanese Armed Forces and General Mohamed Hamdan Daaglo of the Rapid Support Forces to reconsider their motivations for resorting to armed conflict and instead engage in peaceful negotiations. The true worth of power diminishes if there is no country or people left to be governed. Human life should not be sacrificed for selfish ambitions or personal interests in the pursuit and exercise of power.

We emphasize that human life is sacred and must be respected and preserved at all costs.

The dire situation in Darfur and the precarious conditions faced by displaced individuals seeking refuge paint a distressing picture—escaping one perilous situation only to face another. This ongoing war in Sudan must cease, and we earnestly appeal to the two generals and their supporters to recognize the urgency of ending the suffering endured by their fellow countrymen and women.

To the members of the Episcopal Church of Sudan and the entire Sudanese community, we, your spiritual fathers, offer our assurance. Though you may feel surrounded and perplexed, do not despair or sense abandonment. Remember, the Lord is with you; it is He who brings wars to an end and renders weapons powerless (Psalm 46:9). We stand in solidarity with you during these challenging times, upholding you daily in our prayers.

Remember, the Lord of Hosts is with you and He bids you PEACE

[signed by]

MOST REV. DR. ALBERT CHAMA
CAPA CHAIRMAN, PRIMATE OF THE CHURCH OF THE PROVINCE OF CENTRAL AFRICA AND BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF LUSAKA

For and on Behalf of

Most Rev. Dr. Samy, Province of Alexandria
Most Rev. Sixbert Macumi, Province of the Anglican Church of Burundi
Most Rev. Georges Titre Ande, Province de L’Eglise Anglicane du Congo
Most Rev. Carlos Mashine, Iglesia Anglicana de Mozambique e Angola
Most Rev. Dr. James Richard Wang Yin Song, Church of the Province of Indian Ocean 

Most Rev. Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit, Anglican Church of Kenya
Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)
Most Rev. Dr. Laurent Mbanda, L’Eglise Episcopal au Rwanda
Most Rev. Dr. Thabo Makgoba, Anglican Church of Southern Africa
Most Rev. Dr. Justin Badi Arama, Episcopal Church of South Sudan
Most Rev. Dr. Maimbo Mndolwa, Anglican Church of Tanzania
Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba, Church of the Province of Uganda
Most Rev. Dr. Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith, Church of the Province of West Africa

Releasing Our Potential to Realize Our Possibilities

Most Rev. Albert Chama 

Most Rev. Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit 

Ven J.W. Kofi deGraft-Johnson 

Dr John M Kimani

CHAIRMAN AG. VICE CHAIRMAN GENERAL SECRETARY HON.TREASURER

Related Categories: Abp Albert Charma, Abp Ezekiel Kondo, Abp Justin Welby, Bishop Anthony Poggo,capa, Church of the Province of Central Africa, civil war, Episcopal Church of South Sudan, Sudan, violence

View original:

https://www.anglicannews.org/news/2023/12/africa’s-primates-send-statement-of-solidarity-to-primate-of-sudan-“we-are-standing-with-you”.aspx

END

SpaceX is advertising a position for growth manager of its Starlink Internet service in Sub-Saharan Africa

ACCORDING to the following article, SpaceX is advertising a job vacancy for a manager to boost Starlink growth in Africa. The role will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, from where the growth manager will report to a team at Starlink’s Hawthorne, California headquarters. It would prioritise applicants with a current right to work in Kenya. Also:

"Starlink’s estimated rollout date in South Africa has remained “unknown”, whereas the service has already been available in Kenya for four months. Six other Sub-Saharan African countries — Benin, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Zambia — have also launched Starlink. In addition, the company has given estimated rollout dates for the vast majority of the other countries in the region before the end of 2024. Aside from South Africa, the only four countries that don’t yet have a planned launch date are Central African Republic, Eritrea, Mali, and South Sudan". 

Read more in report from MyBroadband - mybroadband.co.za/news/
By Hanno Labuschagne
Dated Monday, 20 November 2023 - here is a copy in full:

SpaceX hiring manager to boost Starlink growth in Africa

SpaceX is advertising a position for growth manager of its Starlink Internet service in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The role — first reported by Space in Africa — is open for applications on the Greenhouse recruitment website.

SpaceX explained that it was looking for someone to join the Starlink Growth team, which is responsible for launching, growing, and improving the service.

The successful candidate will be accountable for Starlink’s growth and success in the region, identifying and removing barriers to growth, championing user experience, and driving initiatives to accelerate adoption.

The role will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, from where the growth manager will report to a team at Starlink’s Hawthorne, California headquarters.

The growth manager’s responsibilities will entail the following:

• Own growth of active consumer subscriber base in the region, identifying blockers and prioritising levers for growth
• Set vision, develop strategy, and manage a budget around consumer growth initiative strategies, and tactics to meet company goals in the region
• Deeply understand the customer experience in a country, elevating insights to drive localised improvements
• Develop dashboards to track progress, drive improvements to growth and operational metrics, work with the operations team to create forecasts, and communicate to the broader Starlink team and senior leadership
• Engage with local partners to drive efforts catered to the market, understand what’s working and what’s not, and drive continuous improvement
• Champion key strategic consumer-focused projects end-to-end by collaborating and working cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Marketing, Sales, and Support teams

The basic qualifications required to be considered for the position include a Bachelor’s degree, five or more years of experience in consulting or project management, and three or more years of experience in Excel and SQL.

In addition, SpaceX demands two or more years of leading in interdisciplinary projects. The candidate must also have residency and work authorisation in Africa.

Skyline of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya

Other preferred skills and experience that will benefit applicants include:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, management information systems, computer science, engineering, or economics disciplines
• 8+ years of relevant work experience in go-to-market, growth, international operations, consulting, software, Internet, and/or media industries, or early-stage companies
• Proven ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Experience leading complex operational and strategic initiatives
• Demonstrated track record of cross-functional stakeholder management and leadership through influence
• Distinctive project management, problem-solving, and analysis skills, combined with business judgment and top communication skills
• Experience working in broadband Internet or other consumer product industries
• Master’s degree in management, engineering, or supply chain

SpaceX added it would prioritise applicants with a current right to work in Kenya.

They must also be willing to travel approximately 50% of the time and work extended hours and over weekends as needed.

It also stressed it does not have regional offices everywhere in the world and the candidate might not work from a SpaceX office.

No clarity on South African rollout

Many tech companies operate their Sub-Saharan Africa offices out of South Africa because the country is among the most well-developed on the continent.

However, Starlink’s estimated rollout date in South Africa has remained “unknown”, whereas the service has already been available in Kenya for four months.

Six other Sub-Saharan African countries — Benin, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Zambia — have also launched Starlink.

In addition, the company has given estimated rollout dates for the vast majority of the other countries in the region before the end of 2024.

Aside from South Africa, the only four countries that don’t yet have a planned launch date are Central African Republic, Eritrea, Mali, and South Sudan.

SpaceX’s enterprise director Phillip van Essen previously told Mining Weekly that the company prioritised countries that made it easy to get approval for Starlink.

It is possible that the role of the growth manager could include expanding the service into countries where Starlink has not passed the necessary legal hurdles.

In South Africa, Starlink requires an electronic communications services (ECS) licence to sell its service directly to customers.

It would also need an electronic communications network services (ECNS) licence to roll out ground stations to improve the service’s performance.

Starlink Gateway on Unalaska

To acquire these licences, the Electronic Communications Act determines that SpaceX — or its local subsidiary or partner — must be 30% owned by historically disadvantaged groups — including black people, women, youth, or disabled people.

Complicating matters further is that the licence will have to be acquired “second hand” from a willing seller, as South Africa’s telecoms regulator — Icasa — is not currently accepting applications for new licences.

It recently emerged that even government-owned fibre network operator Broadband Infraco cannot apply for an ECS  licence.

Icasa has not explained why it has not published a new invitation to apply for these licences in more than a decade.

Alternatively, SpaceX could work with a local partner that already meets the requirements.

However, this could make its subscription more expensive as the partner would have to take a cut to make such an arrangement financially sensible.

Although several companies have already confirmed distribution agreements with SpaceX, they have shied away from mentioning availability in South Africa in the near future.

Despite no official local rollout, over 4,000 South Africans are using imported Starlink kits with a regional or global roaming subscription to access the Internet.

Two Internet service providers (ISPs) that specialise in importing and managing Starlink on behalf of end-users — Starsat Africa and IcasaSePush — recently reduced their subscription prices substantially.

View original: https://mybroadband.co.za/news/broadband/515921-spacex-hiring-manager-to-boost-starlink-growth-in-africa.html

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