KHARTOUM – The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) introduced on Friday night that it had expelled the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from the Khartoum Oil Refinery in Al-Jaili, positioned round 70 kilometers north of the capital.
This announcement got here shortly after the SAF efficiently broke the RSF siege on its headquarters in Khartoum, achieved by way of a decisive link-up between its forces from northern Bahri and Omdurman with these stationed on the Signal Corps close to the General Command of the Armed Forces.
“The command of the armed forces congratulates our forces on all combat axes on this victory, which came along with repelling the treacherous attack of the terrorist Al-Daglo militia this morning on the steadfast city of El Fasher and chasing them from the Khartoum Refinery in Al-Jaili and the military industrial complex,” the assertion reads partially.
“Salutations to our armed forces and the forces supporting them Heaven and eternity for our righteous martyrs A speedy recovery for the wounded and a safe return to the prisoners and missing,” it added.
Al-Jaili hosts the Al Garri (Jaili) Refinery and a army manufacturing metropolis. SAF forces from River Nile State and Kadro had been engaged in intense combating to realize management of the world.
The SAF additionally claimed to have repelled an RSF assault on El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State.
This newest advance by the SAF follows its current recapture of the capital of Al Jazira State, which was met with accusations of civilian massacres by human rights teams and the federal government of South Sudan.
The RSF’s makes an attempt to grab El Fasher have drawn a good portion of its forces from central Sudan, making it more and more tough for the paramilitary group to maintain new army offensives and keep management over territories it beforehand held at first of the battle.
This shift of forces to the Darfur area has weakened its presence in different areas, together with Sennar, the place it held the capital Sinja till November, and Al Jazira, the place it maintained management till final week.
General Abdelfattah al Burhan seen greeting troopers close to General Army Headquarters in central Khartoum, Sudan. [Photo by SAF]
KHARTOUM – The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on Friday afternoon efficiently linked up its forces in Kadro, northern Bahri, and Omdurman, with these on the sign corps within the south.
The Signal Corps is positioned north of the General Command of the Armed Forces, each separated by the Blue Nile River. This advance by the SAF marks a big step in breaking the almost two-year siege of the military headquarters from the north.
South Sudan’s map that includes Jonglei state in purple. [Photo via Wikipedia]
BOR– The Governor of South Sudan’s Jonglei State, Mahjoub Biel Turuk, has positioned state Minister of Land and Housing, Isaac Mamer Ruk, beneath home arrest.
Turuk accused Ruk of instigating latest anti-Sudan protests that led to the looting of Sudanese-owned companies within the state capital, Bor.
Last week, protests erupted in Bor following the killing of South Sudanese residents in Sudan. Angry youth took to the streets, ensuing within the looting of Sudanese-owned retailers.
In a doc dated January 22, Governor Turuk ordered Ruk’s home arrest till additional discover.
“Isaac Mamer Ruk is to remain at his home until further notice,” the doc acknowledged. “His Excellency Mahjoub Biel Turuk, the Governor of the State and Chairperson of the Security Committee, shall form an investigation committee to investigate the Minister’s involvement in many Security issues in the state, including recent developments such as the looting of the Marol Market.”
Ruk has denied the accusations, calling them baseless.
“The security charges that are put on me are baseless and are unfound,” Ruk instructed Sudans Post as we speak. “When the incident happened here in Bor he [governor] was on his way to Juba and I don’t know why would the governor leave the state if there are crises in the state.”
Ruk additional alleged that Governor Turuk is dividing the state cupboard based mostly on political affiliations.
“The case is just a long-rankling in the cabinet because he used to say that you Amer and other colleague SPLM ministers I will divide you because you are the ones making Atong [deputy governor] strong so, he has been fighting SPLM members Long time ago,” Ruk stated.
JUBA – The South Sudanese authorities mentioned on Thursday it might raise a ban on Facebook and TikTok inside 72 hours, following strain from residents and rights teams.
The ban, imposed on Wednesday, aimed to stop entry to graphic content material associated to the killing of South Sudanese civilians in Sudan.
The nation’s communication regulator ordered the shutdown of the platforms for 30 days after ugly movies and pictures of South Sudanese civilians being killed by the Sudanese Armed Forces in Wad Madani started circulating on-line.
“And of course this decision measure did not go very well with the members of public and we have taken note of concerns expressed by citizens and by stakeholders including human right groups who also agree with us on the measures to tackle these videos that are circulating,” mentioned Napoleon Adok, the nation’s director for communication regulator.
“As a result of these efforts, Meta platforms have been in contact with us and have taken measures to blur out and remove some of those gruesome images that were really concerned about as such, even though we have set date for date for 30 days, it means that with this compliance, there is a possibility that we can lift the ban on two social media within the next 72 hours requires that our intention was not to prevent South Sudanese from accessing information but to create pressure on those profiting from these videos and also to put efforts to cleaning up the social media environment because our are accessing those image and we need to protect their mental health,” Adok mentioned in an audio assertion obtained by Sudan Post.
Following the shutdown, rights teams criticized the transfer, arguing it was an try to limit entry to info, which they mentioned violates the structure.
However, Adok insisted the ban was meant to guard minors from the psychological influence of violent content material circulating on-line.
“Our directives were to suspend Facebook and TikTok features and not the entire social media because social media is much broader term than those two but we only targeted those two because have higher volume of videos sharing in our country in this sensitive period which we going through,” he added.
Author: Emmanuel J. Akile | Published: 12 minutes in the past
Joint consultative interplay between the federal government and SSOMA delegations in Nairobi. Dec 3, 2024. (Photo: Lou Nelson/Eye Radio).
The Rapporteur of presidency delegation to the Tumaini Initiative has described the response of the opposition United People’s Alliance (UPA) to its Tuesday’s presentation as “irrelevant and out of tone”.
On Tuesday, the federal government delegation introduced its evaluation and views on the eight initialed protocols, sustaining that the Tumaini needs to be an annex to the 2018 revitalized peace settlement.
The opposition UPA responded to the federal government delegation on Thursday in presence of the mediation crew, led by Rt. Gen. Lazaro Sumbeiywo.
UPA’s place defined an inventory of the reason why the alliance’s members rejected to be a part of the 2018 peace settlement, the chief of which is what they stated is mismanagement of oil income.
The opposition additionally questioned the unity authorities’s failure to implement the settlement in addition to why First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and others aren’t allowed to depart Juba.
In their phrases, the R-ARCSS implementation mechanisms are weak and vulnerable to deliberate political manipulation rendering the peace accord unable to ship the anticipated peace.
Reacting to the presentation, Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, the federal government delegation’s spokesperson stated many of the factors raised by the opposition are irrelevant to the Tumaini peace initiative.
Dr. Lomuro – who can also be the Minister of Cabinet Affairs – made the remarks in a media briefing in Nairobi, Kenya on Thursday afternoon.
“We were expecting the presentation of the opposition to be a response to the presentation of the government, or to the framework that was given by the mediation to both sides in December,” he stated.
“However, what we got today was a statement that was not really related to any of the two documents. Either the document presentation of the government of the Republic of South Sudan or the mediation framework.”
He stated the opposition assertion turned out to be a justification on why the non signatories alliance didn’t signal the 2018 settlement.
“What the opposition has presented is totally out of tone with the expected response to the right protocols and the position of the government in their respect.”
On his half, the Secretary General and spokesperson of United People’s Alliance maintained that every one the considerations raised by the opposition are related.
Lual Dau additional referred to as on South Sudanese to assist the Tumaini peace initiative, including that it’ll usher South Sudan right into a sustainable peace and good governance.
“Everything we have presented today are relevant to rescue our country, it is about South Sudan, we talked about mismanagement of oil.”
“So, our presentation today has to do with the interest of the people of South Sudan. We are looking for interest of our people first, we are looking for agreement that will finally address all the root causes of the conflict.”
“We are not here as UPA looking for positions or to appease the government. We are here to protect the right of our people, and everything that we presented today were facts and accurate.”
The authorities delegation is predicted to reply to the United People’s Alliance presentation on Saturday.
South Sudan activist James Bidal. [Photo courtesy]
OPINION – I really feel compelled to talk out in opposition to this dangerous measure. On January 22, 2025, the National Communication Authority (NCA) of South Sudan issued a sweeping directive that has sparked widespread concern relating to the way forward for civil liberties within the nation. The directive mandates an entire and indefinite shutdown of social media platforms throughout South Sudan for a minimal interval of 30 days.
This drastic measure has been offered as a response to the devastating bloodbath of South Sudanese nationals in Wad Madani, Sudan. While the federal government could understand this motion as a mandatory technique of addressing nationwide grief and stopping additional violence, it raises essential questions concerning the safety of residents’ rights and freedoms.
The directive, which halts entry to very important communication channels (social media websites) and silences many types of expression, might be seen as an alarming overreach by the state. In a time of nationwide mourning, somewhat than nurturing open dialogue, this transfer successfully stifles public discourse and curtails the flexibility of South Sudanese residents to share data and have interaction in significant conversations about their nation’s challenges.
The authorities’s justification for this non permanent shutdown could also be tied to nationwide safety considerations, but such a blanket restriction on social media utilization represents a critical infringement on the elemental freedoms assured by the Constitution, similar to freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the suitable to entry data.
Furthermore, this directive indicators a disturbing shift away from the core ideas of democracy and transparency which might be important for a wholesome society.
In the absence of platforms to voice opinions, individuals are left at midnight, unaware of what’s taking place each domestically and globally. The heavy-handed strategy to curbing on-line actions additionally brings into query the federal government’s dedication to human rights safety and the promotion of an inclusive, participatory political course of.
While the bloodbath in Wad Madani is an simple tragedy, the federal government’s response raises broader considerations concerning the long-term penalties for South Sudan’s civil liberties. Citizens shouldn’t be disadvantaged of their primary rights below the guise of defending nationwide pursuits. As we mirror on this problem, it’s essential to remind ourselves that upholding democracy, transparency, and human rights isn’t just an ethical obligation however a basis for guaranteeing peace and stability within the nation.
At the guts of each democratic society is the flexibility of its individuals to freely specific themselves, share data, and have interaction in open communication, particularly throughout instances of disaster. The current tragic occasions in Wad Madani, the place South Sudanese nationals have been slaughtered, left many people in mourning but in addition in determined want of solutions and justice.
Social media platforms grew to become very important instruments for South Sudanese individuals to speak their grief, share very important data, and name for justice. These platforms supplied an necessary means for South Sudanese residents to arrange and make their voices heard.
The authorities has successfully shut down these essential channels of communication, slicing off the flexibility of residents to hunt justice or maintain these chargeable for the violence accountable.
The resolution has far-reaching penalties, not only for the abnormal citizen, however for the press, civil society teams, and human rights defenders, who depend on these platforms to reveal abuses, report on injustices, and advocate for change. The authorities has obstructed a necessary lifeline that has empowered individuals to share data that could be essential to the pursuit of justice.
Under Article 24 of South Sudan’s Transitional Constitution (2011), the suitable to freedom of expression is explicitly protected. This contains the liberty to hunt, obtain, and impart data, whatever the medium. The resolution to dam social media goes immediately in opposition to this provision, depriving residents of their constitutional proper to entry data and specific their opinions.
South Sudan, as a celebration to worldwide treaties such because the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), can also be legally sure by the obligations these agreements impose.
Both devices assure the suitable to freedom of expression, together with the suitable to hunt and disseminate data via any media. Specifically, Article 19 of the ICCPR ensures the suitable to freedom of expression with out interference, and Article 9 of the ACHPR upholds the suitable to obtain and share data.
By blocking social media platforms, the South Sudanese authorities is just not solely breaking nationwide legal guidelines but in addition disregarding its worldwide commitments. This breach undermines the very cloth of worldwide human rights regulation, which South Sudan has signed as much as defend.
While it’s undeniably painful to witness the lack of South Sudanese lives in Sudan, and whereas there’s a want for decisive motion, the response of blocking social media is each disproportionate and damaging. Instead of addressing the underlying points and offering a clear response to the tragedy, the federal government has chosen to suppress communication.
This type of blanket shutdown is a gross overreaction. The mass silencing of voices throughout the nation doesn’t remedy any issues; as a substitute, it worsens the scenario, growing frustration and distrust among the many very individuals the federal government is supposed to serve.
A way more constructive strategy could be to permit open and trustworthy communication throughout this time of disaster. The authorities ought to use this second to show transparency by offering data and updates relating to the investigation into the bloodbath in Wad Madani and by assuring the folks that justice shall be pursued. Closing down social media solely will increase the notion of secrecy and creates a vacuum the place misinformation and rumors can thrive.
I name on the federal government to right away reverse this resolution and restore entry to social media. South Sudanese residents needs to be allowed to speak freely, share data, and demand accountability with out worry of censorship.
In instances of disaster, it’s extra essential than ever that residents can interact with one another and with the federal government. The authorities ought to do not forget that its legitimacy hinges on respecting the rights of its individuals, not on limiting their freedom to talk out.
The tragedy in Wad Madani ought to encourage motion and accountability, not additional restrictions on communication. As South Sudan strikes ahead, it’s important that we prioritize justice, transparency, and respect for the rights of each citizen.
Silencing our voices is just not the reply. The authorities ought to restore entry to social media and work to heal the injuries of this tragedy by upholding the values of human rights, freedom of expression, and democracy.
The creator, James Bidal, is keen about defending human rights and is a researcher. He might be reached by way of electronic mail at goodbidal@gmail.com.
The views expressed within the ‘OPINIONS & ANALYSIS’ part of Sudans Post are solely the opinions of the writers. The veracity of any claims made are the accountability of the creator not this web site. If you need to submit an opinion piece or an evaluation please electronic mail us here.
JUBA – South Sudan’s authorities has blocked entry to Facebook and TikTok, the nation’s most generally used social media platforms, following authorities claims that they’re getting used to unfold hate speech that might hurt relations with neighboring Sudan.
The transfer comes a day after the pinnacle of South Sudan’s media regulatory authority warned that social media platforms had been being misused to incite violence and unfold misinformation, posing a menace to nationwide safety and regional stability.
The determination has drawn criticism from civil society teams, who say limiting entry to social media undermines press freedom and will hinder efforts to attain lasting peace within the nation. Activists warn that the block will additional restrict the flexibility of impartial information web sites – usually topic to censorship – to function freely.
Authorities haven’t offered particulars on how lengthy the restrictions will stay in place or if they may lengthen to different platforms.
This is a creating story. Check again for updates.
Clerics from the South Sudan Council of Churches. [Photo courtesy]
JUBA – Senior clerics of the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) have strongly condemned the killings of South Sudanese and different African nationals in Wad Madani, Sudan, by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
Speaking throughout a press convention yesterday in Juba, Bishop James Lagos Alexander of the Sudan Pentecostal Church stated the killings, which he holds the SAF liable for, was at no purpose justifiable.
“We, the leaders of the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) and the faithful of South Sudan with heavy hearts have learned of the unfortunate killings of South Sudanese and other Africa nationals at Wad Madani, Sudan on January 16, 2025,” he stated on behalf of the lads of God.
“The mass atrocities and killings of helpless innocent people conducted systematically by Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) is unjustifiable,” he added.
The clerics condemned the concentrating on of church buildings and locations of worship by each factions within the battle, calling it a violation of spiritual rights.
“Whatsoever the case the Sudanese Government bears full responsibility over their forces,” the assertion stated.
Despite the tragic occasions, the clerics referred to as for unity and solidarity amongst Christians in Sudan.
“We appeal to the Churches in Sudan to come together for Christian fellowship, solidarity and unity to stand firm in the midst of a hostile state in Sudan,” the assertion stated.
The SSCC highlighted the assist offered by South Sudanese church buildings to refugees fleeing the battle in Sudan.
“Since the conflict began in Sudan in April 2023, the Churches in South Sudan have been supporting the refugees with necessary humanitarian assistance irrespective of their ethnic and religious backgrounds,” Alexander stated.
The SSCC referred to as upon the Government of South Sudan, the Regional and International Community to carry the Government of Sudan accountable for the atrocities dedicated in Wad Madani.
“Furthermore, we appeal to the Government of South Sudan to take its responsibility in ensuring the safety of its citizens in Sudan and elsewhere including safe return to the country,” the assertion stated.
However, the clerics warned towards retaliation.
“To the citizens of South Sudan, we urge you to remain calm, refrain from the temptation of engaging in violence and abide by the culture of peace and coexistence with all your neighbors Jesus taught,” the assertion stated, quoting Matthew 5:44: “But I say, love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you.”
The males of God prolonged their condolences to the households of these killed.
On Thursday night time, violent demonstrations erupted in elements of South Sudan as protestors expressed their anger over the killings in Wad Madani.
Heavy gunfire could possibly be heard in a number of elements of Juba, Aweil, Bor, and different states as police tried to disperse protestors.
Reports indicated looting and vandalism of companies perceived to belong to Sudanese merchants, in addition to lack of life.
NEW YORK – The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged the United States authorities to rethink its determination to withdraw from the company, saying it stays open for constructive dialogue in an obvious bid to retain its largest donor.
The enchantment follows an government order signed by Donald Trump, who, after returning to workplace because the forty seventh President of the United States, introduced the U.S. withdrawal from the UN well being company.
Trump cited the WHO’s dealing with of the COVID-19 pandemic and different world well being crises as causes for the choice.
In an announcement issued on Monday by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the company expressed remorse over the U.S. transfer, emphasizing its essential function in safeguarding world well being and safety, together with that of Americans.
“The World Health Organisation regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the group.
“Who plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of world’s people, including Americans, addressing the root causes of disease, building stronger health systems, detecting, preventing and responding health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, often in dangerous places where others cannot go,” learn partly the assertion seen by this Sudans Post.
The U.S. withdrawal, which might strip WHO of its largest supply of funding, has raised considerations globally, together with in South Sudan, the place the company performs a key function in supporting a fragile well being system weakened by years of battle and restricted authorities funding.
Health consultants concern that the U.S. exit might lead to extreme funding shortfalls for essential WHO applications, together with the continued cholera response in South Sudan, the place the outbreak has already claimed greater than 400 lives.
Scene of the tried theft at South Sudan central financial institution. [Photo by Sudans Post]
JUBA – Sporadic gunfire erupted on the Giada navy barrack in Juba, South Sudan’s capital, on Wednesday morning after at the very least 600 suspects detained over latest nationwide protests concentrating on Sudanese residents escaped from the ability, authorities mentioned.
The incident triggered panic amongst residents, with experiences of heavy gunshots heard throughout a number of neighborhoods. The escaped detainees have been reportedly concerned in violent demonstrations that adopted the killing of South Sudanese nationals in Sudan. Authorities have launched an intensive manhunt to recapture these nonetheless at massive.
Speaking to journalists following the escape, South Sudan Police Spokesperson Colonel John Kassara Nhial mentioned the gunfire was a results of a jail break, with navy police firing photographs into the air in response. He emphasised that the detainees have been being held on the Giada navy barracks following their involvement in looting and destruction in the course of the protests.
“Some prisoners who robbed shops during the violent protests in Juba as a result of massacres of South Sudanese by the Sudan Armed Forces in the Madani city of Al Jazira State broke out from the military police detention facility in Giada this morning at 9:30 am,” he mentioned.
Kassara said that the navy police have been in a position to act swiftly in response to the jail break by firing warning photographs and initiating pursuit. He mentioned that the detainees, consisting of each civilians and members of organized forces, took benefit of the early morning hours to flee.
“The number was 600 where 550 are civilians and 50 are from the members of organized forces. The military police shot fire on air while pursuing them toward the local market,” he mentioned.
Security forces have since cordoned off the world and elevated patrols throughout town.
He additional revealed that whereas a big variety of escapees had been recaptured, efforts have been ongoing to apprehend these nonetheless at massive. According to Kassara, the safety forces have efficiently rearrested many of the escapees however proceed to trace down the remainder.
“During the course of pursuing them the military police managed to re-arrest 410 from the escapees and they are still pursuing the remaining 190 prisoners,” he mentioned.
He urged residents to report any suspicious exercise and to cooperate with legislation enforcement officers.
Witnesses reported listening to gunshots contained in the barrack, inflicting panic amongst close by residents. People dwelling within the neighborhood fled their properties, fearing an escalation of violence just like previous conflicts within the metropolis.
This is the second time in lower than three months that gunfire has rocked South Sudan’s largest metropolis and capital. Many residents expressed considerations over the deteriorating safety state of affairs and referred to as for tighter measures to forestall future incidents.
In November, heavy gunfire erupted after the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) moved to detain former director-general of the Internal Security Bureau (ISB) of the National Security Service (NSS), General Akol Koor.
The incident led to widespread hypothesis about inside tensions inside the safety equipment and the gunfire despatched shockwaves by means of the civilian inhabitants, triggering fears of large-scale violence paying homage to the 2013 and 2016 conflicts that plunged the nation into civil struggle.
Many South Sudanese are nonetheless haunted by reminiscences of these turbulent intervals.
Kassara additional mentioned investigations into the circumstances of the jail break are ongoing. Security officers are working to find out whether or not the escape was facilitated by inside collaborators or if it resulted from a lapse in safety protocols.
It was not instantly clear whether or not the detainees had been tried or have been being held on remand, however the authorities have assured the general public that these chargeable for the safety breach might be held accountable.
When contacted, SSPDF spokesperson Maj-Gen. Lul Ruai declined to remark, stating that the problem falls beneath the police and nationwide safety providers, not the navy.
Ruai reiterated that the SSPDF stays dedicated to sustaining safety and order throughout the nation however emphasised that issues associated to inside legislation enforcement needs to be dealt with by the related businesses.
