Sudan: Thousands of Sudanese citizens flee to Ethiopia as security deteriorates in Blue Nile

"Thousands of Sudanese citizens flee to Ethiopia as security deteriorates in Blue Nile Region. The regional government of Blue Nile is headed by the SPLM/N faction under the command of Gen. Malik Agar. Mr. Agar was appointed as a member of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereign Council (STSC) and later appointed as the Vice President of the council following the dismissal of Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo also known as Himite."  More. 

Map illustrating the paths of the White and Blue Nile. Credit: The Guardian

Article at African Center for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS)
Published Saturday 01 July 2023 - here is a full copy:

Sudan: Thousands of Sudanese citizens flee into the neighboring Ethiopia as security deteriorates in Blue Nile Region

Photo Credit: Yusri Elshazali

(01 July 2023) - African Center for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) would like to express concern about the deteriorating security situation in Blue Nile Region (BNR). In this release ACJPS documents a series of events that has caused thousands of Sudanese citizens to flee the region.  The reporting period is between 15 April to 30 June 2023.

The regional government of Blue Nile is headed by the SPLM/N faction under the command of Gen. Malik Agar. Mr. Agar was appointed as a member of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereign Council (STSC) and later appointed as the Vice President of the council following the dismissal of Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo also known as Himite, the RSF High command by Gen. Abdul Fatah Al-Burhan the chairperson of STSC on 19 May 2023. It is because of this connection and affiliation that the Blue Nile government sided with Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Furthermore, the BN regional government went ahead and integrated their troops with SAF.

Although the Blue Nile government declared that they had sided with SAF, some tribal leaders like Mr. Alobid Mohamed Suleiman Abu Shotal, the clan head of Hamag under Fong group and the former member of Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) joined the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

On 26 June 2023, another faction of SPLM/N led by Gen. Abdul Aziz Adam Al-hillu attacked a SAF base located Alkurmuk. This led to approximately 4,000 people fleeing to the neighboring Ethiopia. Alkurmuk is often cut off from other parts of the region during rainy seasons and this coupled with the insecurity has scared the locals from participating in farming which is their livelihood.

Additionally, the residents of Alkurmuk had previously fled the area in 2011 during the war between the Sudanese government and SPLM/N.  Several locals returned in 2020 after the signing of the Sudanese Peace Agreement, 2020 since the 2011 war between the government and SPLM/N. The recent incidents of conflict have taken the area a thousand steps backwards.

On 26 June 2023, the SPLM/N-Abdul Aziz launched an attack targeting another SAF military base in Blue Nile Region. The attack came shortly after SPLM/N troops moved from their base in Yabos which is located approximately 80 kilometers from Alkurmuk. SPLM/N successfully managed to take over small SAF bases in Abu Alnzir Nogo while on their way to Alkurmuk. Prior to the takeover, SPLM/N received heavy resistance from SAF soldiers at the base. This incident led to the displacement of thousands of residents to the neighboring Ethiopia.

On 18 June 2023, Gen. Ahmed Alomda Badi, the Governor of Blue Nile Region issued decree no.  53/2023 authorizing the creation of a committee mandated to approve and permit residents to travel out of the region. The committee was formed and it comprises of representatives from the Sudanese Police Forces, National Security and SAF Military Intelligence. The committee operated from Al-damazin Popular Market where the buses are stationed. The governor derived his power from the Sudanese Constitutional Bill, 2019 that placed a restriction on movement which is a clear violation of citizens’ freedom of movement. It was also vivid in the decree that the Blue Nile regional government sided with SAF in the ongoing armed conflict with RSF.

Gen. Alomda, the Blue Nile governor later established another committee to follow up and investigate the incidents that happened at the Ethiopian Refugees Camp located in Wad Almahi locality in Blue Nile. Unfortunately, because of the armed conflict, the World Food Program (WFP) was unable to provide the humanitarian assistance to the camp during the month May 2023 which led to death of several female refugees. The absence of humanitarian aid led the BNR government to contemplate closing the camp but later WFP resumed its mandate. The committee then reached out to the refugees who had left and requested them to return to the camp. 1,205 refugees, mostly from Tegrai expressed their willingness to return to camp and at least 5,000 others, majority who were from Bani Shangol immediately returned. It is worth mentioning that majority of the 5,000 refugees are affiliated to Bani Shangol opposition movement which is enjoying certain privileges in Blue Nile because of their relationship and alliance with SAF. Members of the committee including Commissioner Mahjoob Elshekh, Mr. Abdul Gani Degis, the commissioner attached to BNR, Humanitarian Aid Commissioner, Mr. Ramadan Yassin and Mr. Aljaili Elshareef the refugee’s commissioner committed to respect the choices and decisions of the refugees.

On 20 May 2023, the BNR Ministry of Finance announced a salary reduction for public servants for a period of three months in order to support SAF during the ongoing armed conflict. 1,000 Sudanese Pounds was deducted from public servants earning 3,000 Sudanese Pounds and 10,000 Sudanese Pounds from regional ministers and commissioners. The announcement was made shortly before the salaries for the month of April was paid. By so doing, the regional government forcefully involved the public servants to participate in the war through financial contribution.

On 20 May 2023, Gen. Ahmed Al-Omda Badi, the Blue Nile Governor chaired a meeting attended by a number of prominent members from various professions and sectors in the region. Mr. Mirghani Makki Mirghani, the Secretary General of the regional government told SUNA News that the meeting was aimed at mobilizing support to extend to SAF.

In a separate incident, Gen. Agar made a statement that “RSF may have won in clashes but SAF will definitely win the War”.

Shortly after Gen. Agar was appointed the Vice President of the STSC, his historical opponent Mr. Alobid Mohamed Suleiman Abu Shotal, the community leader of Hamag clan of the Fong group and former leader of SPLM and SPLM/N announced that he was joining RSF. Prior to joining RSF, Mr. Abu Shotal was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.

On 15 April 2023, SAF captured the RSF training Center in Blue Nile, arrested at least 800 RSF recruits under training and later released them. Although RSF was training the new recruits, they had a military background as they were members of Kobaje militia who called themselves the “Blue Nile Lions”. The Kobaje Militia was established in 2011 by SAF to fight against the SPLM/N in 2011. Majority of them were retired SAF soldiers from Fazogli, Bron and Hamag clans of the Fong Group and some members from Bani Shangol. Shortly after capturing and releasing the group, SAF called upon the Kobaje Militia to join them. The group was flown to Khartoum through Al-damazin airport to Wade Sideena Military air base in Omdurman. At least 700 troops were deployed in Omdurman, Karari locality, Althuras and Alwaha neighborhoods. On 26 May 2023, the group was also accused of looting properties of the residents and raping female civilians in Omdurman.  The troops later returned to Blue Nile.

On 21 June 2023, the SAF unit of BNR held a ceremony to appreciate the militia for their participation in the ongoing conflict.

 

On 20 June 2023, Gen. Ahmed Alomda the governor of BNR announced the emergency status of the region for a period of one month since the outbreak of conflict between some Fong clans and the Hawsa tribe. He also ordered for the release of prisoners.

In second week of June 2023, a short video circulated on social media platforms showing Mr. Abu Shotal wearing an RSF uniform standing in front of an RSF military vehicle in the company of five RSF soldiers while in Khartoum. On 27 June 2023, in another video clip, Mr. Abu Shotal is seen wearing an RSF uniform while at the headquarters of Central Reserve Police (CRP) in Khartoum, confirming that they (RSF) had captured the premises. In the video, Mr. Abu Shotal also stated that they are reforming the state as the marginalized groups are not enjoying the services and what he called “historical benefits”.

Background

The Blue Nile Region is located in the south-eastern part of Sudan bordering Ethiopia and South Sudan. In 2017, the SPLM/N split into two factions due to disagreements between Gen. Malik Agar and Gen. Abdul Aziz Al Hillu with each General controlling different territories. However, the political situation in the region changed drastically following the establishment of the Transitional government in 2019 and the Juba Peace Agreement, 2020 of which SPLM/N under the command of Gen. Agar is a signatory. It is for this very reason that Gen. Agar continues leading Blue Nile government.

View original: http://www.acjps.org/sudan-thousands-of-sudanese-citizens-flee-into-the-neighboring-ethiopia-as-security-deteriorates-in-blue-nile-region/

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UK backs permanent seat for Africa at UNSC

MORE good news. Maybe UK Gov’s been here looking for great ideas :)

Report at yahoo! movies

By Agence France Presse (AFP)

Published Thursday 29 June 2023, 1:30 pm BST - here is a full copy:

UK backs permanent seat for Africa at UN Security Council

UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly called for an expanded UN Security Council, with permanent representation from Africa (HENRY NICHOLLS)

The UK on Thursday announced its backing for an expanded UN Security Council, including a permanent spot for Africa, to reflect the current and future state of the world.

"We want to see permanent African representation and membership extended to India, Brazil, Germany and Japan," said Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.

"I know this is a bold reform. But it will usher the Security Council into the 2020s," he told the Chatham House foreign affairs think-tank in London.

The UK is a permanent member of the Security Council with China, France, Russia and the United States, and sits with 10 non-permanent members elected by the UN general assembly for two-year terms.

US President Joe Biden has previously signalled his support for an expanded UN Security Council with African representation, and giving the African Union a permanent spot in the G20.

He has also outlined his backing for a permanent seat for Latin America, and supported bids from Japan and India.

Developing nations have long complained about not having a say on the council, where the five permanent members wield veto power, and argued the imbalance risked making the body obsolete.

But so far, repeated calls for reform have come to nothing, and experts doubt that the permanent five will give up their powers, despite the persuasive argument for change.

Cleverly's backing for an expanded body came in a speech calling for a "reinvigorated multilateral system", to make it fit for purpose for the 21st century.

Multilateral agreements such as the UN charter of 1945 had served the world well since then, on issues from nuclear non-proliferation to climate change, he said.

But there was no guarantee of their survival for the same period of time into the future, particularly with challenges such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.

Cleverly called the Kremlin's military action "a calculated assault on the UN Charter" and on the principles of the rules-based international order.

The geo-political and global economic centre of gravity was shifting from Europe and North America towards the Indo-Pacific region.

Demographic changes also put Africa in the ascendancy, making it more important than ever to give countries there a voice on the issues that affect them, such as tackling debt, poverty and climate change, he added.

The overhaul also needed to be extended to the World Trade Organization to reflect the digital economy, and international financial institutions to address climate finance and debt reduction, he added.

phz/jwp/rox

View original: https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/uk-backs-permanent-seat-africa-123017933.html

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UK urges for UN Reforms, backs India's bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council

UN reform is long overdue. UNSC needs permanent African representation and membership extended to India, Brazil, Germany and Japan. Read more.

Report at Republic World - www.republicworld.com
Written by Press Trust Of India
Published Friday 30 June 2023, 17:17 IST - here is a full copy:

UK urges for UN Reforms, backs India's bid for a permanent seat in the UNSC

The UK government has reiterated its call for reform of the United Nations as one of its top transnational priorities and supported India's bid for permanent membership of the powerful Security Council.

United Nations Security Council (Image: AP/File Photo)

The UK government has reiterated its call for reform of the United Nations as one of its top transnational priorities and supported India's bid for permanent membership of the powerful Security Council.

India has been at the forefront of the years-long efforts to reform the UN Security Council (UNSC), saying it rightly deserved a place as a permanent member of the United Nations.

Currently, the UNSC has five permanent members - China, France, Russia, the UK and the US. Only a permanent member has the power to veto any substantive resolution.

In a speech at a conference at the Chatham House think tank in London on Thursday, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly called for a reinvigorated multilateral system that is more reflective of the times.

He pointed out that the world’s economic centre of gravity is shifting away from the Euro-Atlantic and towards the Indo-Pacific but the multilateral institutions are yet to catch up.

“I have five transnational priorities. First, reform of the United Nations Security Council. We want to see permanent African representation and membership extended to India, Brazil, Germany and Japan,” said Cleverly.

“I know this is a bold reform. But it will usher the Security Council into the 2020s. And the UNSC has grown before – albeit not since 1965. My second priority is reform of the international financial institutions. This matters for climate finance and, of course, for poverty reduction,” he said.

The minister also hailed India’s leadership role with its presidency of the G20 in pitching for representation of poorer nations on the world stage.

“It seems obvious to me that the voice of the poorest and most vulnerable countries must be heard at the heart of the multilateral system. That’s why we support permanent membership of the G20 for the African Union and welcome India’s leadership on taking this forward,” he said.

Among the other priorities for the UK, Cleverly highlighted making finance easier and quicker to access and maximise the impact of that investment.

He also stressed that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) desperately needs new rules that reflect today’s digital economy to make trade policy “free, fair, open and not manipulated or distorted”.

He spelt out another top priority as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing have the potential to transform humankind’s problem-solving capabilities.

“I will chair the UN Security Council’s first-ever meeting on this issue, in New York next month. And the Prime Minister [Rishi Sunak] will host an AI summit this autumn,” said Cleverly. 

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)

View original: https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/rest-of-the-world-news/uk-urges-for-un-reforms-backs-indias-bid-for-a-permanent-seat-in-the-unsc-articleshow.html

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Sudan: Vaccine hero on front lines uses auto rickshaw

For the past 11 years, immunisation specialist Ibtisam Abdullah Altayeb has been protecting children in Sudan from vaccine-preventable diseases. When armed conflict broke out between Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Response Forces on April 15, her job got a lot more complicated. Read more.

Article at Forbes - www.forbes.com

UNICEF USABRANDVOICE| Paid Program

Written by Proscovia Nakibuuka Mbonye

Published Thursday 29 June 2023, 12:42pm EDT - here is a full copy:

Vaccination Hero On the Front Lines In Sudan

On June 5, 2023, Ibtisam Abdullah Altayeb, a UNICEF-supported immunization specialist at Gezirat Al-Feel Health Center in Sudan, vaccinates a child at a shelter for displaced people. © UNICEF/UN0856032/MOHAMDEEN

For the past 11 years, immunization specialist Ibtisam Abdullah Altayeb has been protecting children in Sudan from vaccine-preventable diseases. When armed conflict broke out between Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Response Forces on April 15, 2023, her job got a lot more complicated.

Since April, the conflict has pushed an estimated 2.2 million people — including 1 million children — out of their homes in search of safety. Some are displaced inside Sudan, others have fled to neighboring countries.

On June 5, 2023, UNICEF-supported vaccinator Ibtisam Abdullah Altayeb jumps into an auto rickshaw with a cold storage bag full of vaccines, en route to a center for families displaced by violence in Sudan.© UNICEF/UN0856025/MOHAMDEEN

Crowded living conditions leave displaced children particularly vulnerable to disease outbreaks

An important part of protecting children from harm is making sure they are up to date on all their vaccinations. But for displaced mothers and caretakers unfamiliar with their new surroundings, finding health facility locations and figuring out which services are offered where can be a high hurdle.

So Ibtisam and her health worker colleagues are innovating to reach displaced children and those in host communities through a coordinated weekly approach: home visits. 

They are determined to reach every child with lifesaving vaccines, despite the challenging times. And nothing will stop them.

Ibtisam Abdullah Altayeb, a vaccinator at Gezirat Al-Feel Health Center in Sudan, arrives at a shelter for displaced people to provide vaccination services for children who have fled violence with their families.© UNICEF/UN0856036/MOHAMDEEN

Home visits ensure every child receives lifesaving vaccines

On a Wednesday morning, Ibtisam arrives at her work station. According to the schedule, this day is designated for immunization outreach targeting displaced children. Her first stop: the Ishgaddi gathering point.

Children and families are arriving daily, taking refuge in places like Madani. Many are living in schools and institutions also known as gathering points, while some are hosted by relatives. The locations have been mapped out by the health workers for easy reach of eligible children, and Ibtisam and her team have created a schedule indicating who goes where and when.

“These days, we have many people arriving, first from Al Damazine and now from Khartoum. We don’t discriminate while offering our services. Every child has the right to vaccination,” she says.

Ibtisam Abdullah Altayeb loads vaccines into a cooler box before heading out to protect more children from vaccine-preventable diseases. © UNICEF/UN0856018/MOHAMDEEN

Some families have their children’s immunization records, others come empty-handed

Vaccines and other supplies are prepped for delivery and Ibtisam is ready to head out to the communities.

“Some families came with health cards containing all the immunization records of their child, which is always helpful," she says. "Others came empty-handed, and some have never been immunized.”

“We don’t say no to anyone. We work together on an immunization plan ... Today I am taking vaccines for measles, meningitis and yellow fever. There are several new mothers in the camp,” she asserts.

Ibtisam Abdullah Altayeb, a vaccinator at Gezirat Al-Feel Health Center, waits for mothers to bring their children for vaccination at a shelter for displaced people. © UNICEF/UN0856026/MOHAMDEEN

UNICEF and the Federal Ministry of Health are working together to maintain an uninterrupted supply chain of vaccines

On Sundays and Tuesdays, Ibtisam runs static vaccination clinics at the health facility; on Mondays she conducts outreach sessions for displaced communities in camps and shelters.

Given the significant increase in the number of arrivals, the health facility occasionally experiences reduced vaccine stocks. But UNICEF and the Federal Ministry of Health are addressing these challenges through maintenance of an uninterrupted supply chain of vaccines in 12 states, including Gezira state, where Madani is located.

Using the quickest means of transport to reach the children with vaccines safely tucked into a cooler box that keeps them safe and effective, Ibtisam heads out to the gathering point with several children under 5.

In no time, the mothers with their children congregate around her.

Ibtisam Abdullah Altayeb shares vaccine information with mothers and caregivers who have brought their children for vaccination at a shelter for displaced people in Sudan.© UNICEF/UN0856033/MOHAMDEEN

Outreach programs address vaccine hesitancy

For several years, Ibtisam has witnessed vaccine refusals resulting from myths shared by mothers and caregivers. Today her sessions begin with health education to demystify these myths and rumors. She shares detailed information on all the vaccines a child needs to stay healthy and when the vaccines should be administered, and ends with the overall importance of vaccination to protect kids from killer childhood illnesses.

“We try to educate the mothers, according to their level of understanding. Sometimes we use posters for visual illustration,” she says.

Mothers are her primary audiences because she believes they are key decision makers on childhood vaccinations in their households. “Sometimes fathers oppose immunization. So, we educate the mothers to convince their husbands on the importance of immunizing their children.”

Original: https://www.forbes.com/sites/unicefusa/2023/06/29/vaccination-hero-on-the-front-lines-in-sudan/

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Alert to HRW & ICRC Sudan: Thousands missing since April 15. Names of 91 missing persons in Khartoum

THANKS to Radio Dabanga for its report (30 June 2023 - ACJPS calls for accountability regarding war crimes in Sudan) linking to the article now reprinted here below. This post (hosted by Google) will be picked up by search engines and made freely available on the internet for many years to come. Many people, mostly males, disappear in Sudan possibly arrested or enslaved by fighters. Note that using children as child soldiers is a war crime.

Here is an article published at Africa Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) website on Thursday 29 June 2023 - full copy:

Photo Credit: Al jazeera

URGENT CALL TO SUDANESE AUTHORITIES, RSF AND SAF TO ACCOUNT FOR THOUSANDS OF CITIZENS WHO HAVE GONE MISSING SINCE THE ARMED CONFLICT ERUPTED 

(29 June 2023) - Africa Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) expresses deep concern about the increasing number of missing persons across Sudan since the armed conflict erupted on 15 April 2023. 

We call upon the Sudanese authorities, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to account for all the missing persons, specifically those who are known to have been forcefully disappeared or are being held incommunicado by SAF and RSF.

Sudanese authorities must uphold their international obligations under relevant regional and international treaties which Sudan ratified by immediately carrying out independent, transparent and effective investigations with a view to determining the fate and whereabouts of all missing persons since 15 April 2023. 

Where victims are in the custody of the state (SAF), they should be either unconditionally released, or charged before the courts of law.

We also call upon the RSF to release all victims in their custody. For those who have died, graves must be shown to families/relatives and bodies released for proper burial. Perpetrators must be held to account through fair trials. We further call upon the warring parties to desist from arbitrarily arresting, detaining and torturing civilians.

Since the armed conflict broke out on 15 April 2023, ACJPS has documented 91 missing persons most of whom have been arrested by either by SAF or RSF. A few people have since been released. 

For example, Mr. Mohamed Alhadi, a medical doctor who was arrested at a check point near Jackson Station in Khartoum by SAF soldiers. Mr. Mohamed was stopped and the soldiers asked for his Identity Card which he presented. The soldiers then started questioning him about his origin and accused him of being affiliated to RSF. He was then arrested and taken to a detention centre where he found 17 other detainees in a small cell measuring 4 by 4 metres. The detainees were all arrested for similar reasons and they were subjected to torture. They had their hands tied and were beaten up by the soldiers and verbally abused.

On 29 April 2023, Mr. Husham S Mohamed was arrested by RSF at a check point in Jabel Awlia. Mr. Mohamed was on his way to Port Sudan when a bus he was travelling in was stopped and he was asked to get out. He was questioned about the whereabouts of Gen. Al-Burhan to ascertain whether he is a SAF member to which he answered in the negative. He was then searched and assaulted before he was allowed to return to the bus. Mr. Mohamed arrived at his home in Alkalaka safely but it was later destroyed by an air bomb.

 

In the recent years, there has been increased use of “short-term” disappearances where victims are detained incommunicado for a period of time and, eventually freed. The same tactic was used during the 2018-2019 Sudan revolution and after the 25th of October 2021 coup. 

Unfortunately, enforced disappearances in Sudan are often coupled with other gross human rights violations, such as the practice of arbitrary arrests and/or detention, torture, rape and in some cases death, particularly by national security officers, RSF and armed militias. This is facilitated by the fact that victims are often detained incommunicado, in “inaccessible” detention centres and in unknown locations, thus placing them outside of protection of the law with no access to legal remedies.

Sudan must domesticate the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances  as a fundamental step towards the prevention, and the ultimate elimination, of the inadmissible practice of enforced disappearances. Laws that grant immunity to perpetrators must be amended, detention centres outside the normal custodial system, where victims are frequently held incommunicado must be closed. We urge regional and International human rights bodies to collectively and strongly demand that Sudan must end all enforced disappearances and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. An independent international fact-finding mission, must be dispatched to establish the facts and circumstances of the alleged recent crime of enforced disappearance committed in the Sudan.

ACJPS has obtained names of 91 missing persons since 15 April 2023 in Khartoum.

• Abdeen Salah Youssef (m) from Alazhari neighborhood in Khartoum. Went missing on 18th April, 2023
• Abdul Gadir Bala (m) from Industrial Area neighborhood in Khartoum Bahari. Went missing on 15th April, 2023
• Abdul Gadir Mohamed Abdul Gadir (m) from an area around SAF headquarters in Central Khartoum. Went missing on 15th April, 2023.
• Abdul Rahim Bakhit Abdul Rahim (m) from East Nile neighborhood in Khartoum Bahari. Went missing on 26th April, 2023
• Abdul Rahim Bakhit (m) from Omdurman. Went missing on 27th April, 2023.
• Abdulla Osman Abdullah (m) from Alduom East neighborhood in Khartoum. Went missing on 15th April, 2023
• Abdullah Ismail (m) from Alryad Alhuria neighborhood in Khartoum. Went missing on 29th April, 2023
• Abu Bakar Mohamed Osman (m) from Alnuzha neighborhood in Khartoum. Went missing on 21st April, 2023
• Adam Bakhit Mohamed Fad Allah from Alshiglah neighborhood in Omdurman. Went missing on 15th April, 2023
• Adam Jamal Eldien (m) from Jabrah neighborhood in Khartoum. Went missing on 28th April, 2023
• Adil Alagib Farah (m). Went missing on 15th April, 2023 from Khartoum International Airport
• Adil Salah Sharaf Eldien Suleiman (m) from Almanshia neighborhood in Khartoum. Went Missing on 21st April, 2023
• Ahmed Zachariah Aldood (m). Went missing on 15th April, 2023 from Khartoum International Airport.
• Ali Mohamed Ali Tarar (m) from Khartoum. Went missing on 29th April, 2023
• Ali Omer Tuto Kafi (m) from Khartoum. Went missing on 20th April, 2023
• Aljazuli Osman Fageer (m) from Al-haj Youssef neighborhood in Khartoum Bahari. Went missing on 29th April, 2023
• Almahadi Ahmed Almahadi (m) went missing on 28th April, 2023 from Central Khartoum Market
• Almudathier Suliman Adam (m) from Althura, Square 7 in Omdurman. Went missing on 18th April, 2023
• Alnoor AL Bashir Alskekh (m) from Karari neighborhood in Omdurman. Went missing on 16th April, 2023
• Alwathiq Abu Damir Mohamed (m) from East Nile neighborhood in Khartoum Bahari. Went missing on 23rd April, 2023
• Amaal Abadi Aldaw (f) from Althura neighborhood in Omdurman. Went missing on 20th April, 2023
• Awad Mohamed kHalifa (m) from Air Port Street in Khartoum. Went missing on 15th April, 2023
• Ayoum James Manyol Arul (m) from Algadsia neighborhood in Khartoum. Went missing on 19th April, 2023
• Azil Awad Aljazuli (m) from Alamarat neighborhood in Khartoum. Went missing on 20th April, 2023
• Badur Eldien Abdullah (m) from East Nile neighborhood in Khartoum Bahari. Went missing on 23rd April, 2023
• Bashir Ismail Ahmed Elyas (m) from Almualim neighborhood in Khartoum. Went missing on 15th April, 2023
• Dahab Ali abdul Aziz (m) from Aabic Market in Khartoum. Went missing on 16th April, 2023
• Doud Musa Mohamed Ibrahim (m) from Khartoum. Went missing on 15th April, 2023
• Elteyeb Mutwakil (m) from Khartoum Bahari. Went missing on 20th April, 2023
• Esam Eldien Adam Isa (m) from Omdurman. Went missing on 28th April, 2023.
• Faris Abdul Hameed bahar (m) from Aljrafa neighborhood in Omdurman. Went missing on 15th April, 2023
• Farooq Zahir (m) from 60th Street in Arkaweet neighborhood, Khartoum. Went missing on 15th April, 2023
• Hamam Abdullah Al-Mubarak (m) from Kafori neighborhood in Khartoum. Went missing on 15th April, 2023
• Hashiem Mohamed Alaskan (m) from Khartoum. Went missing on 15th April, 2023 and was last seen near SAF club in Khartoum
• Hassan Mohamed Adam (m) from Alsahafa neighborhood in Khartoum. Went missing on 15th April, 2023
• Ibrahim Abdul Kareem Ahmed (m) from Burri neighborhood in Khartoum. Went missing on 16th April, 2023
• Ibrahim babakir Ibrahim (m) from Khartoum. Went missing on 15th April, 2023
• Ibrahim Babkir (m) from Khartoum ii neighborhood in Khartoum. Went missing on 20th April, 2023
• Ibrahim Fakhar Eldien awad salih (m) from Alryaad neighborhood in Khartoum. Went missing on 30th April, 2023
• Ibrahim Humida Agabeen (m) from Alfetihab neighborhood in Omdurman. Went missing on 24th April, 2023
• Ismail Abbas (m). He went missing on 15th April, 2023
• Ismail Abdul gadir Aljali (m). He went missing on 24th April, 2023
• Jafar Sulfab Mohamed Sulfab (m) from Aldroshab neighborhood in Khartoum Bahari. Went missing on 20th April, 2023
• Khalid Muzaz Saad Ibarhim (m) from Alamarta neighborhood in Khartoum. Went missing on 20th April, 2023
• Mahmoud Munstaris (m). He went missing on 21st April, 2023
• Mamdoh Jamal Mohamed Ahmed (m) from Burri neighborhood in Khartoum Bahari. Went missing on 16th April, 2023
• Maysoon Mahjoob Mohamed (f) from Hai Adobate neighborhood in Omdurman. She has been missing since 4th April, 2023
• Mazin Ahmed Hassan (m) from Alhalfaia neighborhood in Khartoum Bahari. Has been missing since 15th April, 2023
• Mazin Taha (m) from Jabara neighborhood in Khartoum. He went missing on 15th April, 2023
• Mohamed Abu Bakar Hamada (m) from Arkaweet neighborhood in Khartoum. He went missing on 19th April, 2023
• Mohamed Adam Ibrahim Alhaje (m) from Alamir (Umbada) neighborhood in Omdurman. He went missing on 26th April, 2023
• Mohamed Ahmed (m). Went missing on 20th April 2023 from Khartoum Arabic Market
• Mohamed Alhadi Isa Obid (m) from Eldom East neighborhood in Khartoum. Went missing on 20th April, 2023
• Mohamed Alhaj Mohamed (m) from Jabrah neighborhood in Khartoum. He has been missing since 16th April, 2023
• Mohamed Alhashimi Atif (m) from Shambat neighborhood in Khartoum Bahari. He went missing on 16th April, 2023
• Mohamed Bashir Mukhtar (m) from Alengaz neighborhood in Khartoum. Went missing on 25th April, 2023
• Mohamed Bashir Mukhtar Abakar (m) from Alengaz neighborhood in Khartoum. Went missing on 25th April, 2023
• Mohamed Elyas Hameed (m) from Alkalakla neighborhood in South Khartoum. Went missing on 15th April, 2023
• Mohamed Fadlaah Alamin (m) was last seen 15th April, 2023 from SAF headquarters square in Khartoum
• Mohamed Fadul Allah Alamin (m) was last seen on 14th April, 2023 near SAF headquarters in Khartoum
• Mohamed Haneef Allah (m) from Alhuria neighborhood in Khartoum. He has been missing since 19th April, 2023
• Mohamed Hasan hashem (m). Went missing on 15th April, 2023 at Sudanese Army Forces Club neighborhood in Khartoum
• Mohamed Hassan Mohamed Alneam (m) was last seen on 15th April, 2023 at Khartoum International Airport
• Mohamed Hassan Mohamed Nameem (m) has been missing since 15th April, 2023 and was last seen at Khartoum International Airport
• Mohanad Mahamoud Zain (m) from Alfetihab neighborhood in Omdurman. Has been missing since 24th April, 2023
• Muhi Eldien Bashir Abdul Bagi (m) from Haj Yosef Almagoma neighborhood in Khartoum Bahari. Has been missing since 22nd April, 2023
• Mujaheed Shaish Eldien (m) from central Khartoum. Went missing on 15th April, 2023
• Muneer Maki Segen Harwat (m) from Khartoum. Has been missing since 16th April, 2023
• Murad Endook Wisk (m) from Aljereef neighborhood in Khartoum. Has been missing since 16th April, 2023
• Murtada Abbas Eltelib (m) from East Nile neighborhood in Khartoum Bahari. Went missing on 16th April, 2023
• Musab Abdullah Elteyeb (m) from Jeyad neighborhood in Khartoum. Went missing on 15th April, 2023
• Mustafa Gisim (m) from Alsahafa neighborhood in Khartoum. Went missing on 17th April, 2023
• Mustafa Mohamed Alhassan (m) from Khartoum Sport town. He went missing on 15th April, 2023
• Muzamil Abdula Rahman Baba Allah (m) from Kafwrie neighborhood in Khartoum. Has been missing since 24th April, 2023
• Najm Eldeen Mohamed (m) from Alryad Alhuria neighborhood in Khartoum. He has been missing since 29th April, 2023
• Omer Abdul Raheed Hussen (m) went missing on 18th April, 2023 from Doctors Guest House in Khartoum
• Omer Abu Bakar Alsmani (m) from East Nile neighborhood in Khartoum Bahari. Has been missing since 15th April, 2023
• Omer Abu Bakar Alsmani (m) from East Nile neighborhood in Khartoum Bahari. Went missing on 15th April, 2023
• Omer Alsafi Omer Nimir (m) from Alklakla neighborhood in Khartoum. Has been missing since 30th April, 2023
• Omer Youssef Ahmed Garad (m) from Omdurman. He has been missing since 29th April, 2023
• Qurashi Ahmed Quarshi (m) from Abu Hamah neighborhood in Khartoum. Has been missing since 17th April, 2023
• Rwaa (f) from Helat Hamad neighborhood in Khartoum Bahari. Went missing on 18th April, 2023
• Saas Abdul Salam Mahmoud (m) from Khartoum ii neighborhood in Khartoum. He has been missing since 18th April, 2023
• Saif Eldien Idris Eldoma (m) from Khartoum Bahari. Has been missing since 19th April, 2023
• Sidiq Ismail Mohamed (m) from Omdurman. He has been missing since 23rd April, 2023
• Tariq Mohamed Allusion(m) from Althura neighborhood in Omdurman. Has been missing since 16th April 2023 around 04:00pm
• Wale Eldien Mohamed Ahmed (m) from Khartoum Bahari. Went missing on 18th April, 2023
• Wali Eduen Adam Hameed (m) from Khartoum Bahari. Has been missing since 17th April, 2023
• Yair Abdullah Ibarahim (m) from Al-Haj Youssef neighborhood in Khartoum Bahari. Has been missing since 28th April, 2023
• Yasir Mohamed Abdullah Bakar (m) from Alhuria neighborhood in Khartoum. Has been missing since 19th April, 2023
• Yassin Awad Hama Shuaib (m) Has been missing since 15th April, 2023 and was last seen at Arabic Market in Khartoum.

View original: http://www.acjps.org/urgent-call-to-sudanese-authorities-rsf-and-saf-to-account-for-thousands-of-citizens-who-have-gone-missing-since-the-armed-conflict-erupted/

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South Sudan: Unity State launch measles vaccination

Dr. Mai Puok Machar, a healthcare professional at Rubkona County Hospital, stressed the seriousness of measles as an infectious disease.

He outlined the symptoms, which include high fever (which can spike to over 104°F), cough, runny nose (coryza), red watery eyes (conjunctivitis), and a rash that typically appears 3-5 days after onset of symptoms. Read more.

Report at Radio Tamazuj - radiotamazuj.org/en
Published 27 June 2023 - here is a full copy:

Unity State launches measles vaccination for returnees

(BENTIU - 27 JUN 2023) - A measles vaccination campaign has commenced in Rubkona and Koch counties in Unity State, targeting returnees, particularly those who recently fled Sudan. The initiative aims to vaccinate individuals aged five months to 15 years.

The campaign launched on Monday is being supported by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and other UN agencies.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Duol Biem, Director General of the State Ministry of Health, said,” We have launched a measles vaccination campaign. Health workers are already in the field, and the operation is estimated to take seven days, considering the population that needs to be vaccinated in Rubkona County and Koch County.”

Biem revealed that a few measles cases were reported in both counties last week. He emphasized the importance of vaccinating all children among the returnees. Furthermore, he stated that the vaccination program would continue indefinitely due to the continuous arrival of people on a daily basis. He added, “Our focus is prevention, and this measles vaccination campaign will span one week, concluding on June 31.”

In a recent report by the Unity State health ministry, 26 cases of measles were confirmed in Rubkona, Guit, and Mayom counties.

Nyadak Gattuor, one of the returnees at Rotriak in Rubkona County, confirmed the launch of the vaccination campaign on Saturday. She shared that her children had already been vaccinated and encouraged all parents to take their children to the vaccination centres in Rotriak and Nyaruop Port.

“Two of my children have been vaccinated, and they are now protected against measles,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mai Puok Machar, a healthcare professional at Rubkona County Hospital, stressed the seriousness of measles as an infectious disease in the community.

He outlined the symptoms, which include high fever (which can spike to over 104°F), cough, runny nose (coryza), red watery eyes (conjunctivitis), and a rash that typically appears 3-5 days after the onset of symptoms.

Dr. Mai urged the community to remain vigilant and advised, “I strongly recommend that the community in Unity State ensure their children receive the measles vaccination, as it is the most effective way to prevent this disease.”

According to the World Health Organization, measles is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily spreads through direct contact and airborne transmission. However, thanks to vaccinations, the severity and mortality rates associated with measles have significantly decreased

View original: https://radiotamazuj.org/en/news/article/unity-state-launches-measles-vaccination-for-returnees

[Ends]

Sudan: Eid in Wad Hamid, prayers in east of Sudan. Twitter has started blocking unregistered users

Wondering what the boy in photo is thinking and what his future holds. Most Sudanese children have lost 3 months of schooling since April 15.

 

Photos at BBC News Africa
Published Friday 30 June 2023

Africa's week in pictures: 23-29 June 2023

From a selection of the best photos from across Africa and beyond this week, here are two taken in Sudan.

IMAGE SOURCE, AFP

Image caption,

In Wad Hamid, about 100km (60 miles) north of Sudan's capital, Khartoum, a man skins a sheep for an Eid feast, where people marked the festival despite the conflict...

IMAGE SOURCE, IBRAHIM MOHAMMED ISHAK/REUTERS

Image caption,

But the fighting, which began in April, has forced millions from their homes - including this boy seen on Wednesday at Eid prayers in the east of Sudan.

View more here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-66052642

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_________________________

Post script from Sudan Watch Editor:

1. Currently reading 'Explainer: when does a conflict become war'

https://theconversation.com/explainer-when-does-a-conflict-become-a-war-31086

2. Spending time creating different ways to fact-check, curate and chronicle news now that microblogging platform Twitter is closed to people who are not registered or can't register/sign in.

If it is a permanent change by Twitter, I'll sign in for a short time daily and manually copy tweets suitable for documenting at Sudan Watch so readers can see a tweet without having to register/sign in to Twitter.

Tweeters will lose new readers from many sources such as journalists embedding tweets into news reports. Sudan Watch has a high quality longstanding readership. Many are in countries where for security reasons they are unable/unwilling to register at Twitter/sign in to read a tweet. 

Sadly, Twitter is no longer a village square open to all. It's marginalising millions of people across the world who rely on it to check on news and emergencies. Can't imagine Twitter's advertisers are pleased. 

When I signed in today I saw it costs approx £100 GBP annually for an individual (not a business) to have a blue tick and perks. Anyone can buy one if they have verifiable phone number but it has to be a mobile number, marginalising people without a mobile phone. It's a disappointing mess. 

From the Verge, today:

Twitter has started blocking unregistered users

If you want to browse tweets, user profiles, and comment threads on the web, then you currently need to be signed in to a Twitter account. Twitter has yet to address if the update was intentional

The new sign-in prompt now appears as soon as you try to access Twitter and removes the previously available background preview. Image: Twitter / The Verge

View original: https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/30/23779764/twitter-blocks-unregistered-users-account-tweets

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