RENK – A South Sudan activist is being held by the National Security Service (NSS) in Upper Nile state after criticizing the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) under President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

Yan Simon Gony wrote in an article, now deleted, on November 16 that SPLM politicians “exemplify outlaw behavior and moral decay” and that the group’s members “operate outside the law, perpetuating corruption and moral deterioration that stands in stark contrast to those who uphold ethics, legality, and social order.” 

The outspoken activist accused the SPLM leaders of resorting “to violence against their opponents, as their emblem suggests, although the emblem itself does not define them.”

“At the heart of the red emblem lies the notion of moral superiority, a principle that demands preservation and upholding,” he added in the Facebook post. 

Speaking to Sudans Post on Sunday, friends of the detained activist said their colleague was arrested on November 17 in Renk, Upper Nile, a day after the article termed hostile on social media.

“He was arrested on Friday, in the morning on November 17. And I think the reason is what he wrote on social media against the SPLM party,” said Gai’ one of Gony’s friend. 

“But he was expressing his opinion and he shouldn’t have been arrested. That’s what it takes to say something in this country,” he added.

Another friend of the detained activist who prefers anonymity said Yien recently returned from Khartoum and were settling in Renk because their hometown of Nasir was flooded.

He said that they went to the police station and were told that their colleague was not there, but later learned that he was being held at the NSS office. By Sudans Post

In a call to action, the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) has urged the immediate implementation of a plan to end the ongoing conflict in Sudan and pave the way for a civilian-led transitional government.

During a Ministerial-level meeting on November 15, 2023, the AU PSC, the conflict management and resolution body of the African Union, deliberated on the escalating armed conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). 

In a communiqué issued ten days later, the PSC strongly condemned the ongoing violence, which has caused a devastating humanitarian crisis in the country. They denounced the indiscriminate killings of civilians, widespread looting of property, and acts of sexual violence.

“The Council requests the Chairperson of the Commission, working closely with IGAD, to expedite the implementation of the AU Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan and IGAD Roadmap for Peace in the Republic of Sudan,” the communiqué stated.

The 15-member body emphasized the urgent need to convene a two-stage Political Dialogue, focusing on discussions towards a comprehensive ceasefire and the establishment of a transitional civilian government. 

On April 20, the African Union, the United Nations, and other regional organizations convened an international high-level meeting on Sudan. The participants called for an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of an Expanded Mechanism for Sudan, led by the African Union executive body. 

On May 27, 2023, the PSC adopted the African Union Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan, outlining six key objectives. These goals include establishing a coordination mechanism to harmonize regional and international efforts, achieving an immediate and permanent cessation of hostilities, ensuring an effective humanitarian response, and resuming a credible and inclusive political transition. 

Despite U.S. and Saudi Arabian mediation efforts, ceasefire talks that began on May 6 failed to produce a tangible result. While the two belligerents signed a declaration of principles to protect civilians on May 11 and a seven-day ceasefire on May 20, a formal ceasefire agreement eluded them, hindering the resumption of political talks.

The PSC reiterated its requests for the Chairperson of the Commission to establish a High-Level Ad hoc Panel on Sudan, tasked with engaging with all Sudanese stakeholders, including women and youth.

Furthermore, in response to concerning reports of regional support for the RSF, the meeting reiterated the need for countries in the region and beyond to maintain neutrality and refrain from providing any military or financial assistance to either belligerent. (ST)

ODM leader Raila Odinga has renewed his attacks on President William Ruto’s administration accusing it of failing to address the challenges faced by Kenyans.

He said the government has failed to address many economic and social challenges that have put many Kenyans on the edge, including floods that are ravaging several parts of the country.

This came as the ODM leader toured Migori County to drum up support for his party and preside over the listing of new members as part of his efforts to reverse the gains Ruto’s UDA party has made in the region during the numerous visits by the president and his allies.

Raila will also visit Kisumu and Busia counties next week as he steps up efforts to build grassroots support in his traditional strongholds.

As he continued with his quest to strengthen ODM, Raila poked holes in the handling of the floods by the government claiming it had not done enough to help the affected families. 

The Azimio leader told the Kenya Kwanza government to stop blaming the former Jubilee administration for its failure.

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• Raila's fresh political dilemma as allies front pushback against Ruto
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“Right now there is hunger and other Kenyans are dying due to floods. These people are sleeping on the job,” Raila said.

Raila added: “The president had announced that El Niño rains would not be there and now that the rains have come, counties are not getting support from the government.” 

He slammed Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for claiming the government had disbursed funds to counties to help mitigate the effects of the heavy rains.

“The Deputy President is trying to blame the governors and lying that they were given money,” Raila said. 

The former PM who proceeded to Nyatike constituency for an ODM new members registration drive asked youths in Kuria to join ODM and remain united.

While at Macalder in Nyatike where he conducted a member registration drive, Raila pointed out that it was too early for people to start campaigning for the next elections. “I am advising ODM leaders to start campaigning in 2026.

Raila dismissed UDA’s visits to the region. He also dismissed claims the ruling party had registered over 100, 000 in Nyanza. He called on residents to remain in ODM. 

Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, Senator Eddy Oketch, Nyatike MP Tom Odege, Awendo MP Walter Owino, Suna West MP Peter Masara, and Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohammed, who accompanied Raila said Kenyans are suffering under the Ruto regime.

“Raila loves everyone. He is ever ready to stand with Kenyans no matter the situation,” Ayacko said.

Minority Leader in the National Assembly Junet asked the president to respect Raila.

Junet who has stayed out of the limelight after the 2022 elections said he has a major assignment that has been given to him by Raila.

“I was on the bench, resting. Now I have come back to the field. Raila, as the coach, has told us to come back to the field and play,” Junet said.

He downplayed calls for them to jump ship saying; “Those who think they can change my direction will wait until Jesus comes back.”

Junet held that Raila would not retire from politics despite pressure from some people.

“As ODM and Azimio, our leader is Raila Odinga. Let those people do what they want but we will remain in ODM and Raila will remain to be our leader,” he said.  By Anne Atieno, The Standard