Latest news with #Juba
Russia Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Russian chess legend linked to South Sudan coup plot
Garry Kasparov, a former world chess champion and Russian opposition figure, has been implicated in an alleged coup plot in South Sudan, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday. The grandmaster is said to have introduced a local activist to a US financier who unknowingly funded a plan to procure weapons. The alleged plot emerged from the US prosecution of Peter Ajak, a Harvard fellow and exiled South Sudanese activist, as well as his associate, Abraham Keech. The two are facing federal charges of conspiring to illegally export arms to South Sudan; both pleaded not guilty. Ajak – who allegedly wanted to buy AK-47s and Stinger missiles to topple the government – lacked the cash to put his plan in motion, Bloomberg said. However, he received $7 million from Robert Granieri, a co-founder of the Jane Street trading firm, sources told the agency. Granieri insists that he was 'duped' into funding the coup plot, with his lawyer claiming that the financier thought the money would be used to support human rights activism. The alleged plot also involved Kasparov, who introduced Ajak to Granieri, Bloomberg said, noting that the chess grandmaster met Ajak during his tenure as chair of the Human Rights Foundation. Responding to a question about the case, Kasparov neither confirmed nor denied his involvement, telling Bloomberg via his spokesperson: 'My record and my values are clear, and they remain unchanged. I have spent much of my life standing up for civil rights and promoting democracy around the world.' Neither Kasparov nor Granieri is facing charges. South Sudan was embroiled in a multi-sided civil war from 2013 to 2020, with factional conflicts still a major source of instability. The clashes have been accompanied by a humanitarian disaster, numerous atrocities, ethnic cleansings, and mass deportations. Kasparov, a liberal activist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players ever, has a history of making controversial political statements. In 2016, he defended the US decision to invade Iraq, stating that he 'cannot condemn any action that removes a dictator.' Later, he opposed US talks with Iran over its nuclear program and criticized Washington for withdrawing from Syria. In a May 2024 opinion piece for the Wall Street Journal, Kasparov openly advocated for 'regime change' in Russia and Iran. A vocal critic of the Russian government for decades, Kasparov left Russia in 2013 and has since resided in New York City. In 2022, the chess grandmaster, who advocated for Ukraine's NATO membership, was labeled a 'foreign agent' in Russia, and two years later was designated as a 'terrorist and extremist'.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Strengthening safe blood supply to help save lives
In line with this year's theme marking the World Blood Donor Day celebrated on 14 June the South Sudan National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS) conducted several activities. With support from World Health Organization (WHO) and the Red Cross, NBTS organized a blood donation campaign and drive to raise awareness of the life-saving role of blood and plasma donation and to encourage regular donation from first-time and long-term donors. Additionally, NBTS held a round table with leaders from the Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Laboratory, the Red Cross, and the community to advocate for more support for sustainable national blood programs and promote values of compassion, community and solidarity. The theme for this year is 'Give blood, give hope: together we save lives'. It encapsulates the essence of blood donation and highlights the power of community and solidarity in saving lives. Blood and blood products are essential life-saving medicines, without a substitute. One blood donation often saves three lives. At the global level, blood is needed to save 14 million lives of mothers involved in childbirth annually, while South Sudan needs blood for mothers during childbirth, traumatic injuries, and babies and children with severe anaemia, malnutrition, and severe malaria. From the blood donation campaign and drive, 86 units of blood were collected from 54 long-term donors and 32 new donors that will save lives of those in need. The campaign also featured an awareness and advocacy component, with the participation of various stakeholders, including high-level government officials." Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative to South Sudan commended the Ministry of Health's efforts and reaffirm WHO's commitment to collaborate with the NBTS and partners to improve the provision of essential healthcare services, including blood transfusion services. 'WHO has been working closely with the Ministry of Health, specifically the NBTS to streamline and promote blood transfusion services' Said Dr Karamagi 'Going forward, WHO will support NBTS in reviewing and updating the strategic plan and implementation guidelines, enhancing their capacity to provide blood transfusion services, and increase availability of blood products through the Health Sector Transformation (HSTP) Project' 'This partnership shows that when we work together, we can overcome critical gaps in ensuring there is a safe and adequate blood supply. The blood collected will directly save lives in our health facilities,' said Dr. Angelo Aruop Akeen, Director of the National Blood Transfusion Services. WHO staff who volunteered to donate described the experience as meaningful and fulfilling. 'Knowing that a small act like this can make a difference in someone's survival is deeply motivating,' said Dr Bayo Pontius, Reproductive, Maternal and Neonatal Health Officer, one of the WHO staff who participated in the drive. 'This is a powerful reminder that each of us can contribute to saving lives.' Every drop counts! 'A blood donation can save a mother, a baby, a future.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - South Sudan.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Improved collaborations to protect civilians theme of dialogue between security partners and United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
'As partners in providing security and safety to the civilian population, we have a collective responsibility to work together amicably and build trust,' said Angelo Lodo Daya, security adviser at the state Governor's office. Mr Daya was speaking at an ongoing two-day dialogue for security partners in South Sudan's Central Equatoria state in Juba, which aims at enhancing confidence, trust and operational coordination between national uniformed personnel and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) With rising conflict across Central Equatoria, it was a timely event according to Njoki Rahab Kinyajui, Head of the UN Peacekeeping mission's Field Office in the state. 'In past months, we have seen a distinct increase in violence across Central Equatoria, which has led to civilian displacement and fatalities. There is also a proliferation of mis- and disinformation, which has the potential to fuel more tensions. Therefore, this is an extremely important forum, giving us the space to speak candidly with our national and state-level interlocuters about the challenges we face in ensuring a peaceful and secure environment,' stated Ms. Kinyajui. 'There's no substitute for sitting across a table and having a productive interaction so that we can work with our partners and find pathways to make people's lives and livelihoods more secure,' she added. Ms. Kinyajui is optimistic that discussions over the coming two days will create mutual operational understanding about the tripartite agreement between the SSPDF, UNMISS and the Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism—the single window through which the Mission interacts with government entities for enabling and facilitating unhindered movement and deployment of its troops across South Sudan. This platform, therefore, is expected to help ameliorate some of the difficulties that patrolling peacekeepers face on the ground. 'Our patrols are vital to our broader efforts to protect civilians,' explained Ms. Kinyajui. 'However, one of the biggest challenges for us right now in Central Equatoria is limited access. While the primary responsibility for protecting civilians lies with the Government of South Sudan, as a UN Peacekeeping mission, we need to be able to reach locations across the state where the potential for violence is high. So, a cooperative approach between the mission and security partners at every level is essential,' she added. To foster a deeper understanding of operational guidelines, UNMISS and national and state level security agencies will discuss the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the Government of South Sudan and UNMISS—a key document which defines the legal status of the UN Peacekeeping mission and outlines the immunities and privileges of UNMISS personnel. Over the course of two days, participants will also deliberate on other core security concerns, including electoral security, confidence building measures for enhanced field cooperation, and the importance of protecting women, girls and children. At the end of the first day, there is already a palpable sense of camaraderie and a shared concern for community security. 'We have always been steady partners with our sisters and brothers in the United Nations. And it is time for us to strengthen that partnership and ensure these discussions provide us with clarity on how, together we can improve security conditions across the state,' concluded Brigadier General Abraham Kuol from SSPDF Headquarters in Bilpam. The forum has brought together more than 100 participants, including senior officers from the South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF); National Police and Security Services; as well as senior military peacekeepers from UNMISS. Above all, it creates hope that while some of the candid conversations may be tough, they will lead to greater synergy between UNMISS and South Sudanese uniformed actors. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
16-06-2025
- General
- Zawya
Children call for prioritization of education in South Sudan on the Day of the African Child
Schoolchildren are calling on the government to prioritize education to secure their future as they met to commemorate the Day of the African Child in Juba, South Sudan. At an all-day jamboree hosted by Radio Miraya, operated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, 20 schoolchildren from two schools took over programs and hammered home the message that quality education is paramount to the future of the country's young population. 'If South Sudan is to become as developed as Uganda and Kenya, then our government needs to invest in training for our teachers and provide resources for our schools,' says 12-year Torosa Addisan from the Bishop Mazzoldi Memorial Basic School. 'That way, we can all learn the best education methods and improve our examination scores,' he says to nods from the other three children who, together with him, hosted the Miraya Breakfast Show. Over in another studio, 11-year-old Naima Alex from the Juba Parents School is one half of a duo reading out the news in English to listeners. Although still an adolescent, Naima thinks for a while before saying that she is very concerned about the future and has her heart set on becoming a doctor when she grows up. But for now, English is her favorite subject at school. 'I like English because it allows me to read more and to learn new things and to understand about the world. I want to become a doctor so that I can save lives in South Sudan and take care of people when they become sick,' says Naima. The Day of the African Child honors South African school children who lost their lives in 1976 while leading a revolt against the Apartheid government to seek a better education. Every year, UNMISS commemorates this day by giving school children a platform on Radio Miraya to speak about their challenges and to suggest solutions in their own words. Children in South Sudan face overwhelming challenges as the country grapples with some of the lowest indicators on the continent for children's health, nutrition, and education. A report from the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) indicates that over 70% of South Sudanese children are out of school due to a combination of factors, including conflict, displacement, and natural hazards such as seasonal flooding. This is compounded by the lack of educational facilities and poorly trained teachers. Fourteen-year-old Intisar Faisal from Juba Parents School is one of the most fluent Arabic speakers in her class. Today she reads out the news in Arabic alongside Radio Miraya's anchor, Abraham Malek, who commends her calmness after they complete the broadcast. Asked about the significance of the day and why it matters to her, she is quiet at first. Naturally shy, she thinks for a while and then says: 'African children need to be provided with more education opportunities, and I want to tell all the girls that we must complete school if we want to have a bright future.' Today's rendition of The Beat programme was led by 13-year-old Irvei Deng and four other children who take listeners through an hour of upbeat music, a snapshot of the day's newspaper headlines, a reading of the weather, and even calls from listeners. 'I loved the experience,' says Irvei, her eyes twinkling with joy. 'At first, I was a little nervous, but it felt so nice to be connected and to get those live calls from people.' Her co-hosts could not match her enthusiasm, but they all looked equally pleased to have been a part of the show to commemorate the Day of the African Child. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Zawya
Sexual violence survivors and United Nations partners promote economic empowerment at workshop
Abuk Buol is a survivor in every sense of the word. The 39-year-old endured horrific sexual violence, brutality and was forced from her home in Bor during the civil war that ravaged South Sudan. 'I struggled to cope with what happened,' she says. 'Every time I saw a man, I felt scared, and I experienced long-lasting psychological distress.' Today, she personifies strength and resilience. Reunited with her family back home, the mother of six, is working to secure justice for the horrors that she and so many others endured and to rebuild her life. 'In 2018, I received training from the United Nations in tailoring and local soap-making. This empowered me to make soap and sell it to restaurants. Eventually, I was able to support my family.' Abuk was among 60 participants at workshop in Juba focused on building on an existing project that seeks to ensure the socio-economic empowerment of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). The project delivers survivor-centered services in Jonglei, Unity, Western Equatoria and Juba, including medical care, psychosocial support, legal aid, and livelihood assistance, through referrals to specialised Family Protection or One Stop Centers. Supported by UNFPA, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, and the International Trade Centre, it also supports survivors in speaking out and supporting others. 'The project has really helped survivors because, before we trained them how to be open, they could not really express their story in front of people, but now they are capable to talk about what happened to them and to advise others who have experienced sexual violence,' says Anna Reagan Tut from Rural Development Action Aid. The objective of the workshop was to learn about the challenges in accessing services and reintegrating into society, share best practices, and strengthen coordination and partnerships. Most of all, it was to amplify the voices of the survivors. 'Their courage in seeking healing and justice is nothing short of inspiring,' says Sheila Keetharuth, Senior Women's Protection Advisor at the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. 'Each survivor's story is a testament of their unyielding spirit and the importance of standing together against sexual violence in conflict.' The workshop also provided an opportunity for partners to discuss the steps taken to prevent and respond to persistent sexual violence as well as to explore new measures. 'As we know, conflict-related sexual violence is pervasive and is underreported in South Sudan,' says Esther Ikere Eluzai, Undersecretary Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare. 'A lot of effort has been made to address this problem within communities and society more generally. But challenges remain, and I this project has been at the center of this response.' The workshop aims to improve future projects and secure new commitments from national and international stakeholders to sustain support for CRSV survivors, as well as to encourage policy reform in South Sudan. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
