Sudan Darfur: Widespread epidemic of ethnically-targeted gang rape of girls and women continues

Here is a copy of a tweet with interesting maps posted by Eric Reeves @sudanreeves 25 Aug 2019:  The epidemic of sexual violence in Darfur continues, as the rape of girls and women remains a central weapon in ethnically-targeted war against non-Arab populations.  And not just N Darfur: hese maps indicate just how  widespread this heinous crime is: https://wp.me/p45rOG-1Qy 

The epidemic of sexual violence in Darfur continues, as the rape of girls and women remains a central weapon in ethnically-targeted war against non-Arab populations. And not just N Darfur: hese maps indicate just how widespread this heinous crime is: https://t.co/kmHH52YWsw pic.twitter.com/M4ZmqPit6r

— Eric Reeves (@sudanreeves) 25 August 2019

To visit the above tweet click here: https://twitter.com/sudanreeves/status/1165710404665917441

Sudan: 67 North Darfur farmers dodge heavy gunfire. 1 farmer killed, 1 injured in Central Darfur

Copy of a tweet by Eric Reeves @sudanreeves dated 23 Aug 2019:

It will daily become more difficult to believe the “rule of law” has any meaning in #Sudan if people of #Darfur are subject to such continual ethnically-targeted violence, unceasingly reported. And what will be required for adequate restitution for those who have lost everything?

It will daily become more difficult to believe the “rule of law” has any meaning in #Sudan if people of #Darfur are subject to such continual ethnically-targeted violence, unceasingly reported. And what will be required for adequate restitution for those who have lost everything? pic.twitter.com/B6YKfmSiMK

— Eric Reeves (@sudanreeves) 23 August 2019

To view original tweet click here: https://twitter.com/sudanreeves/status/1164691921639497730

Note from Sudan Watch Editor: With respect to restitution for all the Sudanese people who lost everything during the wars in Sudan and South Sudan, I wish that Mr Bashir's ill-gotten gains and bags of confiscated cash (pictured here) could be used to help the victims of war who have lost everything and to help expand 
THE COMFORT DOG PROJECT for war survivors in Darfur and elsewhere suffering trauma and PTSD.

Sudan: Civilians in S. Kordofan and Blue Nile continue to suffer attacks from Sudan Armed Forces (SAF)

HERE is a copy of a tweet by Sudan expert Prof Eric Reeves @sudanreeves dated 5 August 2019: #SudanUprising: This report on continuing violence in South Kordofan provides important context for the Sudan Revolutionary Front’s (#RSF) strenuous criticism of the final agreement signed yesterday, and the changes made at the behest of the #TMC junta: | http://sudanconsortium.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/HR-Update-April-June-FINAL.pdf …

#SudanUprising: This report on continuing violence in South Kordofan provides important context for the Sudan Revolutionary Front’s (#RSF) strenuous criticism of the final agreement signed yesterday, and the changes made at the behest of the #TMC junta: | https://t.co/QIy6PVHXh7 pic.twitter.com/PSj3EyzifW

— Eric Reeves (@sudanreeves) 5 August 2019

To visit the above tweet click here: https://twitter.com/sudanreeves/status/1158368461904633856

S. Sudan: UN rights experts see little headway on peace deal amid spike in local-level violence

UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan:  “The lack of progress in establishing transitional justice mechanisms...is delaying accountability and reparation – Commission member Barney Afako”

Article from and by UN.org

Dated Friday 23 August 2019

South Sudan: UN rights experts see little headway on peace deal amid spike in local-level violence

A United Nations expert group looking at human rights in South Sudan said on Friday that it is “deeply concerned” that, although the overall armed conflict has waned, there has been little progress in adhering to the peace agreement that guided the country thus far.

Photo: Child Soldiers are released in South Sudan in July 2019 as the country's efforts towards peace continue. Credit UNMISS\Nektarios Markogiannis

“Civilians with whom we spoke still raised numerous concerns that they feel are barriers to sustainable peace,” said Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, reporting from Juba on the panel’s seventh field mission, currently under way through 29 August and which includes South Sudan, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Kenya.

During their visit, the three Commissioners listened to South Sudanese women, men and children express numerous concerns, including the localization of conflict linked to land, resources, and cattle; and inefficiencies in implementing the Revitalized Peace Agreement, which, signed by the warring parties in September 2018, has been commended as a significant development toward the dawn of peace.

Photo: The UN Commission on Human Rights in Sudan (from left) Yasmin Sooka, Chair, Andrew Clapham and Barney Afako (2018), by UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan /Twitter screen grab

They are also worried about deteriorating living conditions for the internally displaced, security and the continued shrinking space for civic engagement, among many other concerns.

“Despite the numerous challenges we heard, we were encouraged by the fact that committees composed of military and civil actors have been formed to improve civil-military relations and support local justice and reconciliation in Yei River state, where civilians could raise dispute resolutions,” said Commissioner Andrew Clapham.

“Such mechanisms that facilitate communication between armed actors and civilians could be replicated in other locations where violent conflict and violations have been witnessed in the country,” he added.

Little redress for sexual violence

Apprehension over continued impunity for sexual and gender-based violence, which is still at an all-time high, was another major concern – as survivors of sexual violence remained with only limited access for redress.

In Bentiu, the Commission heard testimonies of sexual violence from women who are waiting to share their stories with an accountability mechanism.

“The lack of progress in establishing transitional justice mechanisms, including the Hybrid Court, the commission for truth, reconciliation, and healing and the compensation and reparation authority, which are to be complemented by customary and other community-centred mechanisms, is delaying accountability and reparation for these and other crimes,” said Commission member Barney Afako.

He continued, underscoring that “so long as the voices of victims and survivors are not empowered, and these mechanisms not put in place, it is highly unlikely that South Sudanese women, men, girls, and boys will be able to witness a lasting peace”.

Overcome delays

In closing, the Commission stressed the importance of overcoming delays regarding the Revitalized Peace Agreement, and encouraged the positive work being carried out by the National Constitutional Amendment Committee.

The current mission will continue until Monday, after which the Commissioners will separately visit Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya until 29 August.

The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan is an independent body mandated by the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council to, among other things, determine and report the facts of and clarify responsibility for alleged gross violations and abuses of human rights and related crimes, including sexual and gender-based violence, with a view to ending impunity and providing accountability.

The Commission will present an oral update on the human rights situation in South Sudan to the Council on 16 September and a comprehensive written report in March 2020.

To visit original article click here: https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/08/1044831

S. Sudan: IGAD urges Kiir to pay out peace deal funds

Note from Sudan Watch Editor: Who knows where the funds are sitting, maybe used to pay the soldiers and civil servants who were not paid for six months. These two men seem shameless, pity IGAD can't put them on trial for corruption.  They are ex-rebels with much blood on their hands, they could not care less about 7M South Sudanese people facing humanitarian catastrophe, 2M facing starvation from famine.  

Photo: Nektarios Markogiannis/UNMISS

President Salva Kiir, right, of South Sudan shakes hands with Riek Machar after concluding a peace deal to end the conflict in the country in September 2018.

Article from The East African (Nairobi)

By John Adukata

Dated 22 August 2019

South Sudan: IGAD Urges Kiir to Disburse Peace Deal Funds

Regional bloc Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (Igad) has asked South Sudan President Salva Kiir to disburse the balance of the pledged $100 million to speed up the implementation of the peace agreement.

Igad, which brokered the peace agreement, urged Juba "to be transparent and put in place accountability mechanisms in the use of funds for the implementation of the peace agreement."

The bloc also called on rival leaders -- President Kiir and Riek Machar -- to set a face-to face meeting to resolve outstanding issues.

The government had earlier pledged to release the funds towards the deal's implementation but cash is yet to be paid out.

The Reconstituted Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) reported that between April and July, only $6.5 million had been disbursed for security arrangements.

South Sudan has been under pressure from the international community to use oil revenue to finance the peace process.

Read the original article on East African - https://allafrica.com/stories/201908230002.html

S. Sudan govt say no to buying a private jet for Kiir

Note from Sudan Watch Editor: Surely if Mr Kiir was an honourable man he would have had the decency to decry proposals by his govt to buy him a private jet and build a residence for him in his hometown and ensure they never saw the light of day while 7 million of his people face a humanitarian catastrophe, 2 million face starvation from famine, many suffer from lack of safe drinking water, food, medicines, security.

It is said that power corrupts.  Mr Kiir spent decades fighting as a rebel in the bush.  He has much blood on his hands.  He considers Kenya to be his second home and wants his children to be naturalised Kenyans. 

It seems to me there is so much corruption in South Sudan, it is a failed state.  Mr Kiir appears to stall for time while feathering his nest, not trusting dealings with Mr Machar.  God help the people of South Sudan.

Article from and by Radio Tamazuj.org

Dated 15 August 2019 - Juba, South Sudan

Proposal to buy private jet for Kiir faces opposition

South Sudan’s parliament has not given the green light to a proposal to buy a multi-million dollar jet for President Salva Kiir, a lawmaker has said.

The parliamentary committee for finance on Wednesday proposed that the government should buy a presidential jet, saying the plane should have eight passenger seats.

Supporters of the proposal say there is a need for the country’s leader to have safe air transport.

Paul Yoane Bonju, the head of the parliamentary committee for information, said many MPs rejected the proposal to spend a lot of money on a presidential jet.

He explained that the lawmakers argued that the money could be better spent to alleviate the suffering of citizens. Bonju revealed that some MPs also came up with a proposal to build a residence for President Kiir in his hometown in Akon.

“But the Members of Parliament who got the chance to contribute decided that the two proposals are not important,” Bonju said.

“Instead the MPs want the money to be used for youth development and they want the money to be diverted to the constituency development fund,” he added.

According to Bonju, the government will not go ahead with the proposal after many legislators blocked it. “The assembly said it is not workable and it cannot be considered in the current economic situation,” he said.

It is the first time a presidential jet has been proposed by members of the national legislative assembly.

South Sudan government currently charters planes from Rwanda Air and Kenya Airways for use by President Kiir.

This month, South Sudan’s oil output has increased to 180,000 barrels per day following resumption of oil production at Block 1 & 2 in Manga Oilfield, which was shut down six years ago due to insecurity in Unity region.

View original article here: https://radiotamazuj.org/en/news/article/proposal-to-buy-private-jet-for-kiir-faces-opposition

Note from Sudan Watch Editor: To be fair, Mr Kiir's predecessor John Garang was killed in a helicopter crash. Many air crashes happen in South Sudan. Mr Kiir should stay home and sort out his country starting with its need for safe drinking water, food, healthcare, medicines, education, safe air travel, the list goes on. I notice that his suits, shirts and ties are looking a lot more expensive.  He's no Ghandi or Mandela.

S. Sudan releases budget after paying civil servants following non-payment for 6 months

Article from Middle East Monitor.com

Dated 08 July 2019 at 9:21 pm

South Sudan releases budget after paying civil servants

Photo: Flag of South Sudan [MEM File photo]

South Sudan on Monday presented a 2019-20 fiscal year budget of 208 billion South Sudanese pounds ($1.3 billion) to parliament after agreeing to pay six months’ salary arrears to civil servants, reports Anadolu Agency.

The government pledged any further arrears will go in the regular monthly salaries.

The budget is meant to help the consolidation of peace and necessary reforms to stabilize the economy, Finance and Planning Minister Salvatore Garang Mabiordit said on Monday.“We anticipate a rise in oil production, with additional oil fields coming online,” Mabiordit said.“The economic recovery process is also spurred by the revitalized peace agreement signed in September 2018.

Mabiordit said the country is optimistic that as more people return home to engage in productive activities including agriculture, the economic recovery can be sustained.“We need to do more to attract new investment into the oil sector while improving trade he said, adding that for the first time, non-oil revenue is contributing about 23% of the total resource.

Amid a large deficit due to infrastructure spending, he said that the budget renews their commitment to limiting borrowing from the bank of South Sudan. He said that the budget will be funded from oil production and collection of non-oil revenue plus anything coming from donors.

SOURCE: https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190708-south-sudan-releases-budget-after-paying-civil-servants/

S. Sudan Finance Minister Salvatore Garang to explain why the country’s civil servants and soldiers have gone unpaid for nearly six months

Article from and by Radio Tamazuj

Dated 21 June 2019

Parliament rejects debate on budget over unpaid salaries

Radio Tamazuj (Juba, South Sudan) 21 June 2019 - South Sudanese lawmakers on Thursday rejected the finance minister’s presentation of the 2019/2020 fiscal year budget over non-payment of salaries meant for civil servants.

The legislators tasked Finance Minister Salvatore Garang to explain why the country’s civil servants and soldiers have gone unpaid for nearly six months now.

 “There are concerns to be addressed first because people have gone unpaid in this country for nearly six months. They should pay the salaries before they bring the new budget,” said lawmaker Kuany Mayom.

Ahmed Mohamed Musa, another MP, said the finance ministry should ensure all civil servants are paid before the budget is passed.

Meanwhile, Abuk Payiti Ayiik said most cabinet members were absent during Thursday’s sitting, making it difficult for the country’s lawmakers to question why civil servants and soldiers are not getting salaries.

 “Even parliamentarians have gone unpaid for six months, that’s why Parliament is asking because oil production has resumed,” she said.

The deputy chairperson for MPs’ affairs, Mary Nyayom Lual said they are unhappy because civil servants and soldiers have not been paid for several months.

“Why should we pass another budget when our civil servants and soldiers protecting the country are not getting salaries?” she Lual.

“The ministers are busy with trips abroad every year. This is corruption. We want to know how oil revenues are managed in the country,” she added.

Dhoruai Mabor Teny, a legislator representing Western Lakes state said, “Cabinet is trying to joke with the parliament. I don’t know how the executive, headed by the president, thought of bringing the budget before MPs when they have not paid salaries for six months.”

He added, “And our message is very short, the financial bill will never be tabled before us until the arrears are paid.” 

On his part, national assembly speaker, Anthony Lino Makana had to adjourn Thursday’s siting to next week.

Last week, the Council of Minister passed a proposed draft budget of 208.156 billion SSP, with allocation of 57% for capital expenditures.

South Sudan currently pumps about 175,000 barrels per day of crude oil.

Last month, the Commissioner General of South Sudan Revenue Authority revealed that they collect nearly 4 billion SSP every month.

To view the original article at Radio Tamazuj.org click here:

https://radiotamazuj.org/en/news/article/parliament-rejects-debate-on-budget-over-unpaid-salaries

S. Sudan: Torit lawmakers go for three month recess

Article from and by Radio Tamazuj 
Dated 21 June 2019 
Torit lawmakers go for three month recess
(Torit, South Sudan) - The members of Torit state legislative assembly on Wednesday held their final session before going for a three-month recess period.

Since its opening on March 11, the state assembly held 36 sittings.

The assembly’s speaker, Charles Udwar told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that the lawmakers have gone for a three-month vacation, pointing out that they could not pass the budget and policy statements due to unstated challenges.

“In the third sessions, we were having a lot of expectations, but because of challenges, we could not accomplish what we planned to do. We wanted to deliberate on government policy statements, it was on our agenda. We also wanted to deliberate on the 2018/2019 budget, but again due to challenges, we could not deliberate on them and this remains a challenge to all of us,” said Udwar.

“We hope when we come back, the new budget of 2019/2020 will be ready and we will also be ready to work on it,” he added.

The speaker, while closing the state assembly, tasked lawmakers to disseminate the revitalized peace deal in their constituencies.

“This time is very important for all of us to go to our constituencies and disseminate the peace agreement. Our people don’t still know what is inside the document signed, but they have tested the fruits of this agreement because roads have been reopened and although they have had little services delivered to them, we want to disseminate more so that they own this agreement,” he stressed.  

Flora Iliha, a lawmaker representing Torit County, said it is time to stay with people to know their challenges. She equally admitted that people at the grassroots level are not aware of the content of the peace deal signed in September 2018.

“They know how good peace is, but they don’t know what is in the peace agreement. It is good for us to go to them and share what the agreement is all about, “she said.

On his part, the state governor, Tobiolo Alberio Oromo says his government has engaged the parties to the peace agreement to maintain peace in the state.

He, however, observed that the extension of the pre-transitional period for six months makes it difficult to formulate policy statements.

“On the issue of policy statements, we are all waiting for directives from the national government for the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement,” said Tobiolo.

He added, “So when the head of the opposition asked for extension for another six months, it has made us wait until the sixth month and then get the mandate of how many ministries will be in the state.”

The governor said the state has relatively been peaceful, despite some insecurity incidents.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir, opposition leader Riek Machar and several opposition groups Kiir signed a revitalized peace deal last year but failed to form a new government as stipulated in the agreement by May 12.

The formation of the unity government was extended by six months to November after the parties failed to implement key provisions such as creating a unified army and determining the number of states.

To view the original article at Radio Tamazuj.org click here: 

https://radiotamazuj.org/en/news/article/torit-lawmakers-go-for-three-month-recess

UK US Norway support Sudan civilian-led transitional govt as it investigates violence against protestors

PRESS RELEASE

Dated Thursday 22 August 2019

Troika Statement on the Appointment of Dr. Abdalla Hamdok as Prime Minister of Sudan

The appointment of a civilian-led government presents an opportunity to rebuild a stable economy and create a government that respects human rights and personal freedoms

WASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, August 22, 2019/APO Group/ -- The Troika countries (United Kingdom, United States and Norway) congratulate Dr. Abdalla Hamdok on his appointment as prime minister by the Sovereign Council and welcome the extensive professional experience he brings to the role. We welcome this step in creating a civilian-led government. As Prime Minister Hamdok begins the process of selecting ministers and identifying the government’s priorities, we look forward to working with Sudan’s new institutions.

At this historic moment, Sudan has a unique opportunity to establish peace within its borders, draft a constitution that enshrines human rights protections and empowers all Sudanese, including women and youth, and create the infrastructure for free and fair elections. We encourage all sides to engage in good faith to deliver these goals, in particular urging the armed movements to engage constructively with the new Government to achieve peace.

We will continue to support Sudan’s civilian-led transitional government as it conducts an investigation of the violence perpetrated against peaceful demonstrators and holds those responsible to account.

The appointment of a civilian-led government presents an opportunity to rebuild a stable economy and create a government that respects human rights and personal freedoms. Prime Minister Hamdok will have the Troika’s support in achieving these objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Regional Media Hub.

SOURCE: https://www.africa-newsroom.com/press/troika-statement-on-the-appointment-of-dr-abdalla-hamdok-as-prime-minister-of-sudan?lang=en

South Sudan cabinet reacts to chaos in parliament, non-payment of salaries for civil servants and soldiers for 6 months

Note from Sudan Watch Editor: I do not envy this man's job. He is the Information minister for South Sudan. Yellow highlighting is mine for future reference. These news reports are important. How were soldiers, civil servants and students managing to live without pay for six months? How much will they be paid? News is coming through showing Sudanese refugees returning to South Sudan from other countries.

Photo: South Sudan's Information minister Michael Makuei. (Credit Radio Tamazuj)

South Sudan cabinet reacts to chaos in parliament

From Radio Tamazuj 21 June 2019 (Juba, South Sudan) -  South Sudan’s cabinet on Friday reacted strongly to the parliament’s unexpected move, saying the finance minister should be allowed to present the new budget.

When Finance Minister Salvatore Garang tried to present the 2019/2020 fiscal year budget on Thursday, he was barred by MPs in protest over non-payment of salaries for civil servants and soldiers for six months.

There was chaos in the parliament as lawmakers protested, forcing speaker Anthony Lino Makana to suspend debate on the new budget.

Speaking to reporters after the cabinet meeting on Friday, Information Minister Michael Makuei said the parliament should not block the finance minister from presenting the budget.

“The minister had his own plans but was not even given the opportunity to respond as to how he is planning to pay the arrears,” he said.

“But it seems there are other issues involved because people decided to go beyond this situation which is not required,” he added.

When asked about the government’s position on what happened in the parliament, Makuei said: “The position of the government is that the budget will be presented and the minister of finance should be given the opportunity to respond.”

“How will the government operate without the budget? This is what I am failing to understand, so it is the parliamentarians to give us the way forward,” he added.

Last week, the Council of Minister passed a proposed draft budget of 208.156 billion SSP, with allocation of 57% for capital expenditures.

Students in Zimbabwe

Minister Michael Makuei says they are still working to pay the outstanding tuition fees demanded from South Sudan students on scholarship in Zimbabwe.

On Tuesday, angry students occupied the South Sudanese embassy in the capital, Harare to protest at government failure to pay outstanding fee balances.

“The government is concerned about those who went on government scholarship, and the minister of higher education is following up on this with the ministry of finance,” Makuei said.

The minister expressed optimism that the government would settle unpaid fees for students in Zimbabwe soon.

To view the original article at Radio Tamazuj.org click here: 

https://radiotamazuj.org/en/news/article/south-sudan-cabinet-reacts-to-chaos-in-parliament

Sudan, South Sudan: Scheme in Uganda partner dogs with war survivors to help overcome trauma & PTSD

Note from Sudan Watch Editor:  Please stop and watch this short powerful BBC film about Ugandan war survivors being partnered with comfort dogs. 

I have spent a lifetime seeking and promoting practical ways to help people suffering poverty, homelessness and trauma.  More here below.  Here is the film.

Ugandan war survivors partnered with therapy dogs

'If it wasn't for him, I'd be dead'

A scheme in Uganda partner dogs with war survivors to help them overcome trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Filda was abducted as a child and forced into the LRA rebel army in Uganda, where she witnessed terrible atrocities.  

As part of a scheme called The Comfort Dog Project, Filda has been partnered with a dog who was abandoned as a puppy.

The two are now helping each other heal, along with many others like them.

A film by Amelia Martyn-Hemphill for 100 Women.

Uganda’s Comfort Dog Project

• The Comfort Dog Project, an NGO, helps transform the region's stray and unwanted dogs into healing therapy animals for former child soldiers and survivors of war struggling with PTSD, trauma and depression
• A dog that has suffered should be able to help someone who has gone through trauma
• Dogs can help people rehabilitate their psychological condition
• So that they have the company, gain confidence and also overcome depression
• Francis, the founder of the project trained as a psychologist and set up The Comfort Dog Project in 2015 to help people recover from mental health conditions
• During the 5 month therapy programme the Comfort Dog Guardians learn to train and care for their dogs
• The group also undergoes extensive trauma counselling to help them process their past experiences
• But it is still a challenge for the project to gain acceptance
• In Northern Uganda people use dogs for hunting, guarding homes and also they look at dogs as useless 
• Even though Uganda's Ministry of Health estimates about 70% of people in Northern Uganda have been traumatically affected by the war there's still stigma around mental health services
• People think the moment you go to mental health you are already mentally disorientated, you cannot be helped
• But attitudes in the community are starting to change, as part of her recovery Filda is with veterinary outreach and educates people on dog training, animal rights and welfare 

To visit the above BBC film click here:  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-49409125/ugandan-war-survivors-partnered-with-therapy-dogs

Note from Sudan Watch Editor:  In addition to being a lifelong anti-poverty campaigner, I have spent the past 20 years researching cannabinoid therapy to help people, particularly peacekeepers, military personnel, former child soldiers and other survivors of war struggling with PTSD, trauma and depression.

Certain cannabinoids could help people with PTSD. Better still, such a therapy could be partnered with comfort dogs.  If anyone reading this can think of the best ways I could help Sudanese and Ugandan people with PTSD to be partnered with a therapy dog please contact me at ingridj.jones@btinternet.com.  Thanks.

THE COMFORT DOG PROJECT

http://thebigfixuganda.org/the-comfort-dog-project.html

Give a War Trauma Survivor a Comfort Dog

$500 sponsors a dog placement

$25 sponsors a weekly training class for the Comfort Dog Project

COMFORT DOG

Dogs have a profound effect on our ability to heal from emotional trauma.  The Comfort Dog Project pairs formerly homeless/neglected dogs with war survivors suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.  Psycho-social counseling is coupled with dog companionship and training to create a supportive bond.  For $500, you can help to rehabilitate a dog, place that dog with a war survivor, and enable them to go through our 5 month training program to receive certification as a Comfort Dog.

Livestock, birds die after mining resumes in Sudan - Health and environmental hazards of gold mining

Note from Sudan Watch Editor: This is terribly sad news. Some gold mining companies in several areas of Sudan are polluting the region with mercury and cyanide. Locals have protested against some gold extraction plants, environmentalists have been warning of the use of mercury and cyanide for years. The disgusting human beings responsible for such dreadful pollution ought to be found and jailed.

Article from Radio Dabanga

Date: 28 July 2019 - South Kordofan

Livestock, birds die after mining resumes in southern Sudan

Environmentalists collect dead birds in Wakara, South Kordofan, July 24, 2019 (RD)

Environmentalists reported the death of a large number of livestock and birds in Rashad and El Tadamon in South Kordofan, following the resumption of mining in the area according to a decision of the acting governor of the state.

On Thursday, residents of Wakara in El Tadamon gave the mining company in the area 72 hours to leave after large numbers of livestock and birds died since the company resumed its activities earlier this month.

Ahmed Mukhtar, Secretary-General of the National Committee for Environmental Advocacy, told Radio Dabanga that a vigil was held in front of the mosque of Wakara on Thursday, protesting the mining company’s presence in the area.

Notables and activists held a meeting with the locality’s executive director, in which they called for the immediate suspension of the company’s activities and an investigation into the deaths of the animals.

The National Committee for Environmental Advocacy supports their demands. In a statement on Thursday, the committee announced its “categorical rejection” of the governor’s decision to allow mining companies to resume their work in the region, and called on him to immediately cancel the measure.

The committee said it is closely following-up the work of the mining companies and is taking legal actions in case the rights of the people living in mining areas are violated.

Health hazards of gold mining

South Kordofan is one the states in Sudan richest in gold. While the work of many companies is regulated by laws and policies on large and medium-sized enterprises, artisan mining, using mercury and the highly toxic cyanide to extract gold from ore, is also widespread.

Environmentalists have been warning of the health and environmental hazards of the use of mercury and cyanide for years. In January 2018, a medical team led by the Health Minister of South Kordofan investigated the increase in miscarriages, the birth of deformed children, and cases of kidney failure in the area of El Tadamon.

A report published in November 2018 by the Sudan Democracy First Group (SDFG) entitled Cyanide Plants in South Kordofan State: Human Life is a Price for Gold Extraction, highlighted the human and environmental costs of traditonal gold mining in the region.

Protests against gold extraction plants in several parts of Sudan increased over recent years. People in Northern State, North Kordofan, and North Darfur as well took to the streets in fear for their health.

View original article here: https://www.dabangasudan.org/en/all-news/article/livestock-birds-die-after-mining-resumes-in-southern-sudan