Bashir have you seen they better than you!

S. Sudan’s rival SPLM leaders commit themselves to ending war


May 9, 2014 (ADDIS ABABA) – South Sudan’s president, Salva Kiir, and former vice-president turned rebel leader Riek Machar agreed on Friday to end fighting in the country and allow humanitarian access to affected civilians.

Under the deal the signatories “Agree to immediately cease all hostile activities within 24 hours of the signing of this agreement, thus rededicating ourselves to the cessation of hostilities agreement of 23 January 2014, and further agree to facilitate the full deployment of [the] IGAD Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (MVM)”.



Text: Agreement to Resolve the Crisis in South Sudan

In line with the signed guideline document, the parties also agreed to open humanitarian corridors, and “to cooperate, unconditionally with the UN and humanitarian agencies to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches affected populations in all areas of South Sudan”.

The two leaders further agreed to form a transitional government of national unity and to include all South Sudanese stakeholders in the peace process and the negotiation of an interim government to “ensure broad ownership of the agreed outcomes”.

Peace talks being mediated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD were recently limited to the South Sudanese government and Machar’s SPLM/A in Opposition, however, under the new agreement other stakeholders, including former political detainees, opposition parties, civil society and faith-based groups, will be allowed to take part.

In comments following the signing ceremony, both Kiir and Machar expressed their willingness to implement the agreement and end hostilities.

The two leaders, who prayed together prior to signing the agreement, were later congratulated by the Ethiopian prime minister, Hailemariam Desalegn.

Machar arrived in Addis Ababa late on Thursday, while president Kiir arrived on Friday where he was received by Ethiopian foreign Minister Tedros Adhanom upon arrival at Bole international Airport.

The two parties held separate consultative meetings on Friday with the Ethiopian prime minister prior to the face to face talks brokered by IGAD.

Direct talks got underway later the same day following discussions on ways to resolve the ongoing crisis and arrangements for future transitional governance.

Ongoing peace negotiations between the two sides have failed to reach a lasting political solution to the nearly five-month-old conflict, which erupted in mid-December last year after political tensions between Kiir and his former deputy turned violent.

Kiir accused Machar, who was sacked last July, of staging a coup to overthrow his government by force – an accusation the latter denies.

Friday’s deal aims to speed up national reconciliation and to bring an immediate end to the conflict, which has killed thousands and displaced more than 1.3 million people.

The deal also ensures the inclusion of the group of SPLM leaders who were jail in connection to their involvement in the alleged coup plot, but later released without charge.

Juba initially opposed to their involvement in peace negotiations, saying talks should be restricted to the two parties directly involved in the conflict.

On Friday, Machar met with Pagan Amum, the former secretary-general of South Sudan’s ruling SPLM party, along with three other former colleagues, including Oyai Deng Ajak, Majak Agoot and Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth.

The meeting was Kiir’s first face to face contact with the group of former political detainees, who had been on trial for treason before the government dropped the case.

Government and rebel negotiators signed a shaky ceasefire agreement on 23 January but the deal was never implemented, with both sides trading accusations of violating its terms.

The fighting has divided the country’s army along ethnic lines, pitting Kiir’s Dinka tribe against Machar’s Nuer group.

The UN has accused both rival groups of committing crimes against humanity, including mass killings and gang rapes.

(ST)

A very shamefull action.

US, Canada decry Sudan’s bombing of South Kordofan hospital


May 8, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The American and Canadian embassies in Khartoum have strongly condemned a reported attack by the Sudanese air force on a hospital in South Kordofan.

“The embassies in Khartoum of Canada and the United States extend their condolences to the victims of the recently reported bombings of the Mother of Mercy Hospital in the Nuba Mountains, South Kordofan,” the statement reads.

“Reports indicate a number of bombs were dropped near the hospital on May 1 and 2 by Sudanese Armed Forces aircraft, causing injuries and terrifying patients and staff alike,” it adds.

Nuba Reports, an independent news site reporting on the restive Nuba Mountains area, said that the hospital in Gidel village was bombed last week over a two-day period.

A video uploaded to the website purportedly showed people running for cover during the air raid amid explosions and sounds of fighter jets roaming overhead.

It noted that this hospital is run by the Diocese of El Obeid – one of the few organisations operating in the Nuba Mountains where international aid agencies are banned by the Sudanese government and treats 150,000 patients annually

“[It] is the only hospital facility for the Nuban people who have been cut off from the outside world and greater Sudan by their own government. The only other option is the four to six day walk south to the Yida refugee camp in South Sudan. But with South Sudan’s civil war inching ever closer, refugees at Yida are at risk of being caught in the crossfire,” the website said.

The two embassies said that they are “appalled by this attack on those providing essential medical care or humanitarian assistance to people in need. International humanitarian law obligates all parties to a conflict to distinguish civilians from combatants”.

“This latest event only heightens our concerns about the protection of civilians in South Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur, where [the] Sudanese Armed Forces continue indiscriminate aerial bombardments of civilians and civilian areas,” said their press release.

“We call upon the Government of Sudan to account for the apparent targeting of a healthcare facility and its patients. We urge all parties to the conflict to take the necessary steps through the African Union-led effort to achieve a cessation of hostilities and allow for full humanitarian access,” it adds.

Last year, the Sudanese government vowed to crush rebellions in all conflict zones including the one in South Kordofan.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in its latest weekly bulletin that more than 100,000 have been displaced recently in South Kordofan as a result of the fighting between the Sudanese army and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N).

Peace talks sponsored by the African Union between the two warring sides were adjourned last month in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, after failing to seal a framework agreement.

(ST)

Direct talks and PLEASE STOP THE CIVIL WAR.!!!

HOME

NEWS MONDAY 5 MAY 2014

South Sudan’s rival leaders to hold direct talks on Friday

May 5, 2014 (JUBA) – South Sudanese president Salva Kiir has agreed to meet face to face with former vice-president turned rebel leader Riek Machar on Friday, senior diplomats in Juba disclosed on Monday.

“The Ethiopian prime minister in his capacity as the chairperson of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has notified the government of the meeting which the president had accepted to take place between him and Riek Machar,” a senior diplomat told Sudan Tribune on Monday.

“I am told the meeting will take place [this] Friday 9 [April],” added the official who requested anonymity.

He, however, did not elaborate on the agenda the two leaders would discus, although many analysts and observers say the meeting would diffuse the tensions and raise hope for a cessation of hostilities.

Several leading rebel officials reached by Sudan Tribune also confirmed receiving similar notification from the mediation team. They equally said the two leaders would meet on 9 May for the first time since the conflict erupted in the country’s capital, Juba, in 15 December 2013.

“Yes, it is true we also received the same notification today (Monday) from the mediation team. We hope this will calm down the situation. On our side, Dr. Riek Machar has no problem to meet with Salva Kiir,” a key rebel leader said from Addis Ababa on Monday.

The current situation would have not developed to the level it is today if president Kiir had accepted to engage in dialogue with the other SPLM leaders before the start of violence in the country, he added.

US secretary of state John Kerry during a visit to Juba last week said the two antagonists will meet to reaffirm their commitment to the cessation of hostilities agreement and discuss a peaceful settlement to the conflict.

However rebel leader Riek Machar on Saturday said that any agreement on a power-sharing transitional government without a programme would be meaningless.

“I asked him (Kerry) what would be the purpose of a transitional government? It would not be workable without a programme to implement before elections come,” Machar told Sudan Tribune on Saturday.

“We need to have a peace agreement first with a new constitution. Putting [a] transitional government first is not realistic,” he added.

Speaking to reporters in Luanda, Angola, Kerry minimised the objections raised by the former vice-president and said the expects that the meeting between Kiir and Machar would takes place as scheduled.

“He left the door open,” Kerry said when he was speaking about Machar position, adding that the rebel leader “expressed some doubts, but he didn’t say he wouldn’t go”.

Machar “has a fundamental decision to make. If he decides not to and procrastinates then we have a number of different options that are available to us. We said we are serious and there will be accountability and implications if people do not join into this legitimate effort,” the American top diplomat further pointed out.

The bishop of the reformed Episcopal of South Sudan, Gabriel Roric, called on the two warring parties to observe the truce they agreed and to comment themselves to achieve a sustainable peace and development , adding that the Church had intensified prayers for reconciliation.

“We the Christians of different communions have come together in the common cause of peace, are deeply concerned about the growing hostilities and the suffering which our people continues to face,” Roric told Sudan Tribune in a separate interview on Monday.

He said the church would engage in prayers of penitence and petition with the people scarred and pained by the division of the nation and support the efforts of the National Council of Church for reconciliation, peace and reunification.

Roric further urged the two sides to engage in talks in good faith to end suffering. Also he called on the United States and all stakeholders involved to immediately resuming dialogue and negotiations to establish a peace agreement eliminating the threat of sanction and conventional war thereby establishing an enduring peace it also called the UN Security Council to support peace efforts between the two rivals.

(ST)

Africa news.

AU to Work towards Effective Implementation of UNSC Resolution 1540 (2004) in Africa


This week marks the 10th anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1540 (2004) by the United Nations (UN) Security Council. The resolution aims to prevent non-State actors and terrorists from acquiring, proliferating and using nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery. It requires Member States to refrain from providing support to non-state actors; enact legislation establishing prohibitions; as well as implement domestic controls over such materials to prevent unauthorized use and trafficking.

The Chairperson of the Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, wishes to recall that, within the framework of the Common African Defense and Security Policy adopted by the 2nd Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held in Sirte, in February 2004, the AU has long been committed to regional and global efforts to prevent and combat terrorism as well the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. She stresses that the evolving threat of terrorism on the continent and the terrorists’ determination to inflict wanton destruction through all means possible require continued efforts by the Member States, individually and collectively, to protect the continent and its people against such threats.

In recognition of this, the 20th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union, held in Addis Ababa, from 27 to 28 January 2013, reiterated the relevance of resolution 1540 (2004) and requested the Commission, in collaboration with the Security Council Committee established pursuant to the resolution (1540 Committee), as well as the regional and international organizations and partners, to support Member States in their efforts to implement the resolution. Subsequently, the Commission, in collaboration with the 1540 Committee and with the support of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), organized a sensitization and capacity building workshop in December 2013 for African states on the implementation of resolution 1540. The Commission will continue to work with the relevant regional and international partners to ensure the effective implementation of the resolution on the continent.

In another positive development, the Chairperson of the Commission notes with satisfaction the entry into force, on 26 February 2014, of the AU Protocol on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism, which was adopted in July 2004. The Protocol, which supplements the 1999 Algiers Convention on the Prevention and Combatting of Terrorism, recognizes the growing linkages between terrorism and the threat of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, trafficking, transnational organized crime and money laundering. The Protocol thus obligates States Parties to strengthen national and regional measures in conformity with relevant continental and international instruments, to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. The Protocol also calls on Member States to cooperate with the international community in the implementation of continental and international instruments relating to disarmament and non-proliferation.

Since its adoption, resolution 1540 (2004) has become an important component of the global security architecture. The Commission’s efforts in promoting its effective implementation further seek to ensure that it is also an instrument for realizing and enhancing regional and international cooperation in law enforcement and the peaceful application of nuclear, chemical and biological science and technology for the development of the continent.

The Chairperson of the Commission seizes this opportunity to call on Member States to renew their efforts to prevent and combat terrorism as well the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. She reiterates the Commission’s commitment to provide the necessary assistance and support to Member States in meeting their obligations pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004).



By Press Release, 13 hours 48 minutes ago.

Wedding in Sudan.

Sudanese wedding.

04-26-2014 10:59 PM

سمية بشير

يعد (الزار) واحداً من الطقوس القديمة المنتشرة بكثافة في السودان، حيث تعد له الرقصات الخاصة التى تصاحبها دقات معينة صاخبة، إلى جانب اختيار مكان مناسب لإقامة طقوسه لا يخرج في الغالب الأعم عن منزل إحدى سيدات (الطبقة المخملية) في الأحياء، وعرفت (قعدات الزار) وارتبطت كثيراً بالنساء مع ظهور طفيف للرجال في المشهد، بينما تكون أغلب المشاركات في تلك (اللمة المثيرة للجدل) من النساء الطاعنات في السن أو المتوسطات العمر، والتي تطلق على بعضهن ألقاب معينة منها لقب (الشيخة) والذي يمنح لأكثرهن خبرة، لكن تغير الحال مؤخراً، حيث صار تسجيل الحضور داخل بيوت وقعدات (الزار) يشهد إقبالاً كبيراً من فتيات صغيرات السن و(طالبات الجامعات)، ذلك الأمر الذي دفع (فلاشات) لمحاولة التنقيب عن الأمر، وإماطة اللثام عما يدور هناك...فماذا وجدت..؟

بحث عن عريس:

الطالبة الجامعية زينب خضر قالت لـ(فلاشات) إن أحاديث طرد (الزار) للشياطين هي معتقدات خاطئة للغاية، وتضيف أن من يصدق مثل تلك الأحاديث هو إنسان (جاهل) ليس إلا، وتضيف زينب: (نعم...كثير من طالبات الجامعة بتن يلجأن لزيارة بيوت الزار، ليس بهذا الغرض تحديداً ولكن لأغراض أخرى في مقدمتها البحث عن عريس بعد حالة العزوف عن الزواج الكبيرة التي أصابت الشباب)، وتضيف: (هنالك أغراض أخرى لمثل تلك الزيارات منها بحث بعض الطالبات عن تفوق دراسي هناك)، وتصحك قبل أن تضيف: (يعني الواحدة تخلي المحاضرة وتمشي بيت الزار عشان تنجح...تتخيلوا).!!

حيرة كبيرة:

على ذات السياق يقول العامل مصطفى يس لـ(فلاشات) إن (الزار) هو صورة من أشكال الدجل والشعوذة، وهو عبارة عن حفلات تقرع فيها الطبول وتتمايل على نغماتها الأجساد، كما يتصاعد فيها دخان البخور لإرضاء الشياطين، ويواصل: (أعتقد أن تردد طالبات الجامعات على بيوت الزار لا يخرج عن أمرين أحدهما البحث عن حلول أكاديمية أو البحث عن عريس)، ويضيف: (الغريب في الأمر أن مثل تلك القناعات يفترض ألا تقتنع بها طالبة جامعية مثقفة...وهو الشيء الذي يحيرني للغاية).!

حريات هناك:

من جانبه يقول الموظف أحمد علي أحمد لـ(فلاشات) إن الطلبات الكثيرة والمتعددة التي تطلبها صاحبة (الزار) تقوم الطالبات الجامعيات والفتيات الصغيرات بتلبيتها فوراً وذلك في إطار بحثهن عن الحلول، ويواصل أحمد: (النساء الطاعنات في السن يعرفن جيداً أن حلقات الزار ماهي إلا (وهمة كبيرة) لذلك أصبحت معظم قعدات الزار تستوعب الطالبات الجامعيات والفتيات الصغار اللائي ليسن لديهن أي خبرة في هذا الموضوع). ويضيف أحمد: (هنالك جانب آخر لابد من الإشارة إليه وهو أن هنالك أسباباً أخرى تدفع بالطالبات الجامعيات لارتياد بيوت الزار، وأبرزها وجود جو من الحريات هناك، بحيث تتاح لهن فرصة التدخين وتناول الشيشة وغيرها من المكيفات..وهي كارثة بكل المقاييس).!

سؤال أخير:

بالمقابل أبدى عدد كبير من المواطنين حيرتهم الشديدة تجاه تزايد إقبال الطالبات الجامعيات على بيوت الزار، وأكد عدد منهم أن الكارثة الحقيقية تكمن في اقتناعهن بمثل تلك الخزعبلات، خصوصاً وهن على قدر كبير من التعليم والثقافة، ولعل هذا دفع بعدد منهم ليتساءل بحيرة: (إذا كانت الطالبة الجامعية المثقفة والدارسة تقتنع بمثل هذه الأشياء...وتمارسها دون حياء...ماذا تفعل رصيفتها الجاهلة والتي لم تتلق أي قدر من التعليم)..؟؟...وهو سؤال ربما يحتاج للكثير من الصدق لإفراز إجابة مقنعة.

السوداني

Now the rebells are strong enough.

HOME | NEWS    SUNDAY 27 APRIL 2014

SRF rebels propose roadmap for peace in Sudan

April 26, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The rebel alliance of the Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF) proposed a roadmap to achieve a comprehensive solution to end war in the southern and western parts of the country and ensure democratic transition in Sudan.

SRF leaders, form the left, Gibril Ibrahim (JEM), Malik Agar (SPLM-N), Abdel wahil Al Nur (SLM-AW) Minnin Minnawi (SLM-MM) and Yasir Arman (SPLM-N), on 4 October 2012 after the signing of a new political agreement between the rebel groups in Kampala, Uganda (Photo SRF)

But the non-rebel opposition forces in Sudan cautiously welcomed the three-phase peace plan with some saying they need to review it before taking a position while others voiced their objection to a peace process held outside the country.
In accordance with the 6-page roadmap obtained bySudan Tribune since Thursday, the rebel groups proposed direct talks between them and the National Congress Party (NCP) led government to reach a cessation of hostilities and a humanitarian deal to deliver aid to affected civilians in Darfur region, Blue Nile and South Kordofan states. They also want Khartoum to disarm its militias, create a conducive environment for the return of displaced persons and pay them compensations.
Following what, the armed groups will sit with the government to “settle war-related issues and the particularities of the war affected regions”.
After the signing of an agreement over these regional matters, the African Union High Level Implementation (AUHIP), African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), and UN secretary general special envoy will sponsor a “preparatory conference”, including all the main political forces convened outside Sudan to discuss the mechanisms of the national constitutional dialogue.
Beside the agenda of the constitutional process, the rebels want to determine who will take part in this inclusive operation. They fear that the government, which speaks about the participation of over 80 parties in current national dialogue meetings, seeks to include artificial political parties in the dialogue.
The SRF roadmap provides that the National Constitutional Dialogue will discuss issues like equal citizenship, relation between religion and state, federalism and decentralization, reform of the security sector and civil service, identity and the management of diversity and voluntary unity.
The ruling NCP and main opposition parties refuse to put the issue of Sudan integrity on the negotiating table as it reminds many of the 2002 Machakos agreement which gave the South Sudanese the right for self-determination. Also the ruling party and the Islamist Popular Congress Party (PCP) of Hassan Al-Turabi say the place of religion can only be decided by the Sudanese people in a referendum on a draft constitution at the end of transitional period.
The roadmap, which for the first time proposes a unified position of the rebel groups on the comprehensive solution they call for, says an “interim national government”will be formed at the end of this constitutional process to administrate the country, implement security arrangements, organise the return of IPDs, compensate them, reform the security sector and draft the permanent constitution, among others.
SRF deputy president and head of media sector al-Tom Hago told Sudan Tribune that they reached this roadmap after long discussions because they are convinced that only a negotiated political solution can bring an end to the ongoing conflicts.
He stressed that the alliance believes in the holistic approach to settle the conflicts and bring democratic change in Sudan. However, he underlined that the need for direct talks between them and the government does not mean to bar other political forces from taking part in the issues of the South Kordofan, Blue Nile or Darfur.
“These regions have some uniqueness that the SRF needs to address with the NCP government, while the national issues and even the regional administrative system shall be discussed and endorsed by the constitutional conference,” he said.
He also said they will come to this process with an open mind and the proposed peace plan does not aim to impose impossible conditions but they want to achieve a lasting and sustainable peace in Sudan and to lay down the needed foundation to reach this goal.
Hago said they met with European Union officials on Friday in Brussels to brief them about the roadmap which they announced while another member of the rebel alliance, the Sudan People Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) has already included it in its position paper for the peace talks on Blue Nile and South Kordofan states.
Rebel sources said they also handed over the peace plan to several western countries including the US, France and United Kingdom.
In Khartoum there was no reaction yet from Sudanese government which refuses to unify peace tracks to discuss Darfur and the Two Areas with the rebel groups.
The opposition parties reached by Sudan Tribune showed some reluctance to some points included in the roadmap.
The head of the National Consensus Forces, which now represents the Communist Party, Haq, Congress Party and some other small political parties said they received the plan.
Farouq Abu Issa further said they will form a committee and discuss its content with SRF.
The major opposition parties of the National Umma Party (NUP) and the PCP welcomed the move considering it as good step towards the national dialogue initiative which the SRF has rejected.
The two parties which are involved in the internal process of launched by president Omer Hassan al-Bashir since last January, say they are against external interference in the solution of Sudanese issues.
Fadlallah Burma, NUP vice-president, welcomed the move saying they encourage peaceful and comprehensive solutions.
However, he said that what is important is not to negotiate outside the country but to have the needed guarantees and called on the two sides to show their willingness to engage in the political process to end the current crises.
“What we need now seriousness and confidence to achieve a comprehensive peace, security and stability,”he said.
The PCP political secretary Kamal Omer said they support any talks between the government and rebels to conclude a ceasefire and deliver humanitarian aid to the needy in the war zones.
But he refused to hold any inclusive talks outside the country stressing that “international solutions led to separation of the South and ignite war in the Two Areas,” in reference to the 2005 comprehensive peace agreement.
The PCP “is in favour of an intra-Sudanese dialogue, neutral mechanisms and agreements that lead to a transitional period but we are against negotiations abroad and international sponsorship,” he further said.
But he said they are in contact with the SRF factions to bridge the gaps as they are all political partners in this national dialogue process.
Other opposition sources that requested anonymity said they fear that this proposed plan aims to reproduce Naivasha peace process and excludes the political opposition to come later and ask it to approve what the armed groups agreed with the NCP government.
(ST)
TEXT: SRF road map to comprehensive political settlement in Sudan

Implement peace now!!!

Implement PEACE NOW...

South Sudan court sets free four senior politicians accused of treason


April 25, 2014 (JUBA) – A South Sudanese court has freed four politicians accused of plotting to overthrow president Salva Kiir by military force after the government dropped treason charges.

The court order read out a request by the ministry of justice asking it to drop the case against all four officials, explaining the decision was made “in order to promote peace and reconciliation among our people”.

The president of the special court, Judge James Alala Deng, said the court had accepted the government’s request to stay the case and release the officials in the interests of the nation.

Former security minister Oyay Deng Ajak, former secretary-general of South Sudan’s ruling party (SPLM) Pagan Amum Okiech, former defence minister Majak D’Agoot and former US envoy Ezekiel Lol Gatkouth have been in detention for the past four months after being accused of masterminding the alleged coup plot with a number of other senior officials, including former vice-president turned rebel leader Riek Machar.

“Based on the report and request by the government … the court decided to stay the process and release the officials who were on trial,” Deng announced amid celebrations.

The release comes after justice minister Paulino Wanawilla Unango announced on Thursday that the leadership had decided to drop treason charges in a move aimed at ending conflict, which erupted in mid-December last year following escalating political tensions between Kiir and Machar.

However, the government said it will maintain similar charges against Machar, former Unity State governor Taban Deng Gai and former environment minister Alfred Lado Gore, all of whom have been charged in absentia.

CELEBRATIONS IN COURT

Supporters, relatives and friends and relatives of the accused were in court to hear the decision, with the announcement greeted with jubilation.

Some of the officials were carried on the shoulders of supporters through the crowd, who described the decisions as “an honour to [the country’s] justice system”.

Speaking to journalists shortly his release, Amum, said he welcomed the government’s decision, expressing hope peace could be restored in the fractured country.

“This decision marks the beginning of a serious work and the search for peace. We will now work with all the parties and the stakeholders to bring peace to this country,” he said.

“We will make necessary contacts with the government and those in the opposition to end this senseless war that is killing our people,” added Amum, who was previously considered a powerful figure within the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).

“We have to return South Sudan to peace and stability as a matter of priority and we must do it now to avoid more death and endless suffering,” he said.

ALLEGATIONS UNPROVEN

Amum maintained that the group had been arrested and imprisoned without valid reasons, while lead defence lawyer Monyluak Alor said the decision vindicated his clients of any wrongdoing.

“Really what happened was legally unbelievable. There was no single legal evidence to prove the allegations,” Alor told journalists outside the court.

“They are innocent. They were witch hunted, but justice has prevailed. We accept their release because peace and reconciliation are paramount now,” he added.

In a separate statement, presidential spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny said that the decision was a significant step as rebels would no longer be able to use the release of the officials as a precondition for peace talks.

“This is a significant step because the issue of the four suspects of the coup attempt cannot be used by the party as a ploy to stay away from negotiating in good faith,” Ateny told reporters.

It will definitely bridge the gap between the parties at the negotiation table in Addis Ababa when these talk resume,” he added.

The presidential aide added the decision would now reduce international pressure on the government, as well as expedite efforts aimed at ending the conflict.

“The international community has been calling for their release and the government has been studying and evaluating the genuineness of these calls … We want to see if it can give chance for peace to come to South Sudan,” he said.

WEAK CASE

Meanwhile, veteran journalist and editor of the Juba-based Daily Monitor Alfred Taban said the government’s case had been weak.

“The release of these people is a significant step. It will encourage peaceful dialogue and promotion of reconciliation. It also means that the government does not want to be embarrassed by the ruling of the court because the government had a weak case,” said Taban, adding that prosecution witnesses had failed to establish the group had participated in the alleged coup.

Charges were also dropped against seven other senior SPLM officials, who were released into the care of neighbouring Kenya in January.

Fighting in South Sudan initially broke out in the capital, Juba, between rival members of the presidential guard.

The fighting rapidly escalated, pitting government troops loyal to Kiir against defectors and ethnic militia aligned with Machar, who was sacked last July.

The UN has threatened to impose targeted sanctions on South Sudan’s warring parties amid worsening violence and human right abuses.

(ST)

S. Sudan drops charges against four treason suspects