With the inking of a power-sharing deal between president Salva Kiir and his deputy-turned-rebel leader Riek Machar, South Sudan has taken another lurch towards peace.
The unitary government the two men will form together will be the second such attempt since 2013, when the president accused Mr Machar of plotting his overthrow, triggering a gory civil war. The last attempt, in 2015, collapsed when intense clashes broke out in Juba, the capital, a year after its signing.
In post-conflict societies on a continent with borders drawn arbitrarily by foreign powers, peace is seldom simple. And, as the deal was signed on Wednesday night in neighbouring Sudan, a coalition of nine smaller rebel groups stormed out, throwing the reconciliation into question.
Nonetheless, there is reason for optimism. The governments of Sudan, Ethiopia and Uganda have mediated in the process. So too has the African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), East Africa’s answer to the Gulf Cooperation Council. The warring parties have already agreed on a permanent ceasefire and withdrawn their forces from civilian areas.
When the ceasefire was fleetingly violated by gunfire in the far northeastern area of Maban on July 3, it was quickly stitched back together.
Meanwhile the quantity of agreements – signed weekly – illustrate an understanding that peace should be constantly reaffirmed. The two sides will sign a final deal on August 5, which will generate the new government.
Joyous celebration characterised South Sudan’s liberation from Sudan in 2011, following an armed struggle. But for the past five years, the world’s youngest country has been sundered by civil war.
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Read more:
South Sudan cease-fire violated within hours
South Sudan foes sign peace deal
An African solution could ensure vital peace in South Sudan
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Tens of thousands have been killed and more than 4 million have been driven from their homes. Unsurprisingly, the country’s economy has tanked, despite its abundance of oil. Inflation hovers around 55 per cent. Millions of people are lingering on the verge of famine.
International observers and citizens of the small nation hope this peace will hold.
According to Wednesday’s agreement, seen by VOA News, the future government will include representatives from all sides of the conflict. Mr Kiir will retain the presidency while Mr Machar will be one of five vice presidents. One will be a woman.
The country will also acquire a 550-person transitional national legislature.
The US State Department has voiced its scepticism that Mr Kiir and Mr Machar can sustain a commitment to peace and inclusivity. Meanwhile the UN Security Council this month imposed an arms embargo.
If it is to hold, the agreement will need the endorsement of the rebel leaders, who walked out on Wednesday.
“There will be attempts over the coming days to narrow differences,” said Ahmed Soliman, research fellow at Chatham House’s Africa programme.
But these are early, promising signs and there is, rightly, a renewed confidence that peace can finally be delivered to a country racked by years of civil war.
Checks continue
A High Court judge issued an interim order on Friday suspending a decision by Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots to direct a stop to Brexit agri-food checks at Northern Ireland ports.
Mr Justice Colton said he was making the temporary direction until a judicial review of the minister's unilateral action this week to order a halt to port checks that are required under the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Civil servants have yet to implement the instruction, pending legal clarity on their obligations, and checks are continuing.
Fast%20X
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German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Short-term let permits explained
Homeowners and tenants are allowed to list their properties for rental by registering through the Dubai Tourism website to obtain a permit.
Tenants also require a letter of no objection from their landlord before being allowed to list the property.
There is a cost of Dh1,590 before starting the process, with an additional licence fee of Dh300 per bedroom being rented in your home for the duration of the rental, which ranges from three months to a year.
Anyone hoping to list a property for rental must also provide a copy of their title deeds and Ejari, as well as their Emirates ID.
Ibrahim's play list
Completed an electrical diploma at the Adnoc Technical Institute
Works as a public relations officer with Adnoc
Apart from the piano, he plays the accordion, oud and guitar
His favourite composer is Johann Sebastian Bach
Also enjoys listening to Mozart
Likes all genres of music including Arabic music and jazz
Enjoys rock groups Scorpions and Metallica
Other musicians he likes are Syrian-American pianist Malek Jandali and Lebanese oud player Rabih Abou Khalil
EU Russia
The EU imports 90 per cent of the natural gas used to generate electricity, heat homes and supply industry, with Russia supplying almost 40 per cent of EU gas and a quarter of its oil.
Champion%20v%20Champion%20(PFL%20v%20Bellator)
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Sweet%20Tooth
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UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)