1 Sudan Media and Elections Consortium

Media News Agenda for the period from 30 August – 6 September

The Media News Agenda is a weekly circular issued by the Sudan Media and Elections Consortium (SMEC). The media news headlines are collected by the Media Monitoring Unit at Sudanese Development Initiative (SUDIA) in Khartoum and the Media Monitoring Unit in Juba. The units are monitoring the media through a qualitative and quantitative methodology since February 2010. Beyond the quantitative and qualitative monitoring, the units collect news headlines of the main media outlets in Sudan to provide an overview of the news agenda of the Sudanese media. This media news agenda is prepared by a group of media monitoring experts at the units who, on a daily basis, monitor newspaper headlines and then analyze these to determine the main trends and the most important issues handled by the media in a week.

The activities are part of the Media and Elections Project, funded by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and implemented by the Sudan Media and Elections Consortium, a group of national and international organisations with expertise in media support. These are Sudan Development Initiative (SUDIA), International Media Support (IMS), Norwegian Peoples Aid (NPA), Osservatorio di Pavia, Arab Working Group for media monitoring and Fojo media institute.

Media news

The most prominent topics in the Sudanese media of this week were the Referendum, the increased violence in the IDP camps of Darfur and the rains which caused severe flooding across different parts of the country.

Of the 132 most important headlines1, 36 headlines covered the Referendum (27%). Especially the media in the North covered Referendum issues extensively with 35% of the counted headlines in the Northern media. The Southern media covered the Referendum with 17% of the 58 counted headlines in the Southern media.

1 The headlines are taken from the main media in Sudan. The headlines are selected according to the priority of the media: the first (two) news headlines from the news bulletins of the broadcast media and the news headline from the main article at the front page (opening newspaper) and when relevant at page 2 or 3 in the print media.

Sudan Media and Elections Consortium - Media News Agenda

Media outlets reported that the implementation of the referendum should take place as scheduled and the call made by the NCP and the SPLM to the international community to fulfill its commitments in relation to monitoring the referendum process was repeated. Topics about the referendum included the formation of the commission and opinions and calls from national and political leaders: The advisor to the President, Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismail stated that President Al-Bashir will be leading a campaign in support of unity which would be launched from South Sudan. During visits to the IDP camps in the Khartoum suburbs, Dr Luka Biong Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers confirmed the commitment of the two partners towards the peaceful resolution of all post- referendum issues. Yasir Arman made statements indicating that the SPLM would consider a scenario in which a national caretaker government might be formed with representation of all the political forces in the event that Referendum was hindered and not held on time. Deng Alor confirmed that the Referendum would be held on schedule irrespective of what the NCP wanted and he disclosed that opinion polls in South Sudan indicate that 70% of Southerners were for secession. Mohamed Ibrahim Khalil, President of the Referendum Commission announced the agreement over the nomination of Mohamed Osman Al-Nujumi as Secretary General to the Commission. The Vice President of South Sudan, Dr. Riak Machar revealed that the budget for the Referendum amounted to 380 million US Dollars. The speaker of the Legislative Assembly Hon. James Wani Igga has called for Southern Sudanese to unite and rally fully in the support of the campaign to attain their full freedom through the referendum.

Security issues were also intensively covered, this varied to the kidnapping of Russian pilots, clashes in Darfur and discussions about LRA. Not less than 15 out of the 74 headlines counted in the Northern media were related to security issues and 10 out of the 58 headlines in the Southern media covered the same issues. The release of the American hostage who had been kidnapped in Darfur for over 100 days was widely covered by the media, this in addition to the release of Russian pilots one day after they too had been kidnapped. In response, South Darfur put in place firm measures to counter these repeated kidnapping incidents. Coverage also continued of the increased violence in the IDP camps and the death of 7 people and injury of another 20 in Hamadia IDP camp in Zalingei, West Darfur. Minister of Justice, Mohamed Bushara Dosa reiterated the determination of the Government to ensure justice through the new government strategy for a peaceful resolution to Darfur and which is on its way to Parliament for approval.

State news from the North included the heavy rains which hit the state and disrupted traffic and communications and the anticipation of more rains and flooding by the Khartoum Emergency Operations Room. Flash floods which led to the loss of approximately 60,000 homes were also reported in South Sudan. News included orders issued by the President of the Republic for aid conveys to be sent to those states affected by rains and flash floods and the announcement by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs that tents and food aid were sent to Northern Bahr-Al-Ghazal and Jonglei States. Other issues receiving coverage included the widespread cases of an eye-infection in Umm-Rawaba Locality of North Kordofan, the announcement that Friday 10th of September as the first day of Eid-Al- Fitr and the purchase of 10 Russian helicopters by the Gov. of South Sudan.

Sudan Media and Elections Consortium - Media News Agenda

Headlines

Date Code Headline Notes Medium Name 30-Aug REF A joint committee headed by (Gosh) and Pagan to complete the Al Ray Al Aam demarcation of the border

30-Aug SEC UNMID raise the security alert level Al Ray Al Aam 30-Aug REF Oil Minister: Salva Kiir believes in unity and ordered to work for it GOSS oil Al Ayam minister 30-Aug REF Commission President: Southerners refused Omar el Sheikh and Al Ayam would reject any other northern candidate 30-Aug PA-EXT Government considers resentment Ocampo travel of the President Al Sahafa of ignorance of the law. Ocampo: Bashir exploited African hospitality and tempt foreign companies 30-Aug EN Stable levels of Nile from Khartoum to Dongola Al Sahafa 30-Aug O Resignation of 87 leaders of NCP Upper Nile Akhir Lahza

30-Aug BE Cultivation of more than 6 million acres in Gedaref state Akhir Lahza

30-Aug REF In presence of al-Bashir and Salva Kiir and Taha: The Presidency Akhbar Al Youm stresses that referendum will hold in time, and they will meets with Commission today

30-Aug REF Pagan reveals an agreement with NCP to overcome obstacles of Ajras Al Hurriya referendum and support commission

30-Aug SEC Kidnapping of three Russian pilots in Nyala, authorities surrounded Al Sudani their whereabouts

30-Aug PA-INT Presidency form a joint committee to follow up the demarcation of Al Sudani border

30-Aug REF NCP and the SPLM do confirming the scheduled referendum and Sudan TV call for the international community to honor its commitments toward the monitoring

Sudan Media and Elections Consortium - Media News Agenda

30-Aug REF in the forum of religious coexistence: participants agree on the Sudan TV importance of religious coexistence in supporting the country's unity and stability

30-Aug ED First Vice-President briefed on the report on the performance of the Om Durman Radio Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and a process of transferring southern universities to their headquarters

31-Aug PA-INT Commission President: local ordinance of 1996 forbidding the Ajras Al Hurriya activities of Christians is one of challenges that we face

31-Aug SEC Release of a kidnapped US hostage in Darfur, the kidnappers argue Ajras Al Hurriya the government's response to their demands

31-Aug REF Headed by Gosh and Pagan: the Political Committee of the partners Akhbar Al Youm inform the African Union Commission understandings of Abyei Commission and demarcation of the border commission

31-Aug O Friday the tenth of September is the first day of Eid al-Fitr Al Ray Al Aam

31-Aug REF Pagan: a referendum is unconditional by demarcation of the border Al Tayar

31-Aug SEC Expulsion and imprisonment of who accused in escape of Granville Al Sudani killers

31-Aug SEC Authorities of South Darfur surround Nyala to capture kidnappers of Al Sahafa Russian pilots

31-Aug REF Gosh: partners transcended differences and Abyei will be resolved Al Sahafa within two days

31-Aug SEC Release of American hostage, government of South Darfur expelled Al Ayam an international staff member

31-Aug REF Institution of the presidency aware the President of referendum Om Durman Radio commission what was agreed upon at meeting of Sunday, on issues related to the referendum and commission

1-Sep SEC Release of Russian pilots after 48 hours of kidnapping in Nyala Al Ayam

Sudan Media and Elections Consortium - Media News Agenda

1-Sep H Um Rawaba: More than two thousands cases of viral eyes epidemic Al Ayam

1-Sep PA-EXT Told him the government's refusal of position on ICC, Foreign Affairs Al Sahafa Ministry called president of EU mission

1-Sep REL Argument about four amendments on laws related to non-Muslims Al Sahafa

1-Sep O Khartoum State announced new reductions in service charges Al Tayar

1-Sep REF Renewed of crisis of Secretary-General of referendum commission Al Sudani

1-Sep REF Calls to hold the referendum in a comfortable and safe claims Al Sudani

1-Sep SEC American newspaper: security cooperation between Washington Ajras Al Hurriya and Khartoum continues

1-Sep PA-EXT Government rejects European statements about Kenyan reception Al Ray Al Aam for El Bashir

1-Sep HRD Government of Khartoum reveals his government strategy to Akhir Lahza develop the water services

1-Sep EN President of the republic directed convoys to states affected by Om Durman Radio rains and floods, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs said there are foods and tents and on the way to states of Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Jonglei

1-Sep REF Demarcation of border commission proceeded implementation of Sudan TV presidency directives and undertake to complete the demarcation process before referendum

1-Sep REF When touring camps of IDPs Dr. Luca renews the commitment of Sudan TV partners to settle the issues of post-referendum

2-Sep PA-EXT World Bank recommends Sudan to accounting working and fight Al Sahafa against corruption and demands to reform the government's policies of reform and defines the poverty rate to 46%

Sudan Media and Elections Consortium - Media News Agenda

2-Sep REF Alor: SPLM surveys confirmed that 70% of southerners with Al Sahafa separation, and the referendum will go ahead in time if NCP wants or not

2-Sep PA-INT Council of Ministers of Khartoum looking water's position Al Ray Al Aam El Khidir: harmless bacterial contamination in 5% of the network supply

2-Sep EN Flooding displaced 60 thousands persons in southern Sudan Al Ayam

2-Sep PA-EXT Security Service: Relations with the international intelligence Al Tayar services is a natural thing

2-Sep REF World Bank urges Sudan to develop a plan to solve the debt Al Tayar problem before referendum 2-Sep BE Vice-President calls World Bank to reward Sudan to his following Om Durman Radio economic policies and working to end the foreign debt

2-Sep PA-INT Technical Committee for the demarcation of the border between Om Durman Radio North and South held its meeting today to develop a road map to implement the directives of the Presidency

2-Sep REF After intense debate referendum commission agreed on nomination Sudan TV of Mohammed Osman Alnujomi as secretary-general of commission

3-Sep REF Pagan continues his exciting and dangerous talks and says: Unity to Akhbar Al Youm come if there's separation

3-Sep O Strict measures to prevent pollution of water in Khartoum Al Ray Al Aam

3-Sep SEC UNAMID stresses begin to return fleeing from the Kalma camp Al Tayar

3-Sep REF Khalil: resolving last sticking points in commission Khalil is Al Sudani president of referendum commission 3-Sep REF President of the National Referendum Commission announced the Om Durman Radio agreement for the Secretary-General post of the commission

Sudan Media and Elections Consortium - Media News Agenda

4-Sep EN Rains of Khartoum, Gezira and Kassala is the highest since the start Al Ray Al Aam of autumn and the flooding of Atbara River surrounded (Seddon)

4-Sep PA-EXT Taha lead Sudan's delegation to meetings of the General Assembly Al Ray Al Aam of United Nations

4-Sep REF Arman: SPLM will examine the scenario of declaration of national Ajras Al Hurriya government with participation of political forces if referendum blocked

4-Sep EN Abyei complain interruption roads and Jonglei continue crying Al Sudani

4-Sep SEC Clashes between the armed forces and bandits in Jebel Marra Akhir Lahza

4-Sep SEC Army denies attacking towns and in Jebel Marra and recognizes Al Sahafa elimination of looters in the area

4-Sep SEC UNAMID sent fact-finding team and armed forces denies any battles Al Ayam

4-Sep REF NCP: Organizations seeking to internationalize the referendum and Al Ayam separation of southern Sudan

4-Sep PA-EXT Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs commends the efforts of Arab Om Durman Radio countries and their contribution in the process of voluntary return of displaced persons in the Darfur states

5-Sep SEC Clashes in Zalingei camp between two groups belonging to Dr. Abdul Akhbar Al Youm Wahed al-Nur and Tijani Sisi

5-Sep EN Significant problems in the conduct of Khartoum rains, partial Al Ray Al Aam landslides in the areas of Al Shigla and Al Salha and villages along the Nile

5-Sep PA-INT American Center: GOSS bought the ten Russian helicopters Al Ray Al Aam 5-Sep REF 380 million dollars is the budget of referendum Al Sudani 5-Sep O Wild animals eat 4 deer at the University of Sudan Al Sudani

Sudan Media and Elections Consortium - Media News Agenda

5-Sep SEC UNAMID: 27 killed and injured in clashes in the IDPs camp in Darfur Al Sahafa

5-Sep SEC Clashes in the (Hamidiya) camp and 39 people dead and wounded Ajras Al Hurriya

5-Sep BE World Bank advised South do not to rely on oil Ajras Al Hurriya

5-Sep PA-INT Farah Aggar exempted from the presidency of NCP Blue Nile Al Ayam sparking conflict

5-Sep PA-INT US document: The Government of South bought the helicopters Al Ayam from Russia

5-Sep PA-INT Sticks clashes between supporters of NCP Damazin Al Tayar

5-Sep REF Alliance between NCP and Southern parties in the referendum Al Tayar

5-Sep REF President of the National Referendum Commission reveals to radio Om Durman Radio to arrangements announce the registration centers for the People of the South and printing all documents and papers for the referendum out of the country

Date code Headline Notes Name Medium Position headline

31/8/Miraya FM REF The commissioner of chueibet county Mayom Malek has issued a

local order on Monday burning temporary movement of pastoralist in and out the county during the voter registration of the upcoming referendum.

31/8/Miraya FM ADMIN The accountability and corruption assessment committee of the western Bahr el Ghazal state has found over 300 Ghost in the payroll of the Ministry of Education.

Sudan Media and Elections Consortium - Media News Agenda

3-31/8/GoS TV O Vice president Dr. Riak Machar opens the new office of Southern Sudan demobilization, disarmament and reintegration commission in Juba. 31/8/ GoS TV REF In its second day, the meeting of the presidency directs referendum commission to start work.

31/8/GoSS Radio. SOC The Sudan people’s Liberation Army in conjunction with the demobilization, disarmament and reintegration commission SSDDRRC and UNICEF on Monday launches a child protection Unit in the general SPLA headquarters’

31/8/Bakhita FM REF South Sudan Legislative Assembly to establish referendum committee.

31/8/Bakhita FM O Northern Bahr el Ghazal a disaster zone.

31/8/Liberty FM SEC Central intelligence agents training and equipping South intelligence agents report says. 31/8/Liberty FM REF NCP official urges international community to fulfill commitment for South Sudan Referendum.

31/8/The Citizen O NCP, SPLM says bent on Abyei file. Opening Page.

31/8/The Citizen page REF British Ambassador rejects referendum delay. 3.

1/9/Miraya FM O The state Government of warrap state filled on Tuesday the operation Budget of 50,000,000 Sudanese Pounds for the remaining fiscal year 2010.

1/9/GoSS TV PA - INT Salva Kiir returns to Juba after the meeting of presidency in Khartoum.

1/9/GoSS TV REF Referendum taskforce discusses over one million dollars Budget.

1/9/GoSS Radio. O The president of the Government of Southern Sudan Salva Kiir return to Juba after the meeting of the presidency in Khartoum.

1/9/Liberty FM O Rwandan troops in Sudan preparing for possibilities of immediate withdrawal.

Sudan Media and Elections Consortium - Media News Agenda

1/9/Liberty FM O Sudan protest AU of statement for Bashir’s Visit to Kenya.

1/9/The Citizen SEC Three Russian pilots abducted in Darfur freed. Opening page.

1/9/The Citizen page SEC Western Equatoria MPs request special fund to fight LRA. 3. 2/9/Miraya FM. PA-INT The lakes state Governor Chol Tong Mayai presented statement on Wednesday to the Lake state legislative Assembly.

2/9/Miraya FM. ADMIN The eastern Equatoria state Governor issued an order on Wednesday suspending the establishment of Iwira Payam.

2/9/Sudan Vision. PA – EXT UNAMID Agrees to handover culprits of Kalma incident. Opening page.

2/9/Sudan Vision. REF Sudan Ambassador to Cairo received national panel for referendum Page 3. and support of Unity.

2/9/The Citizen SEC SPLA Changed disarmament approach in jonglei Akobo. opening page.

2/9/The Citizen Page BE Baime: Nzara cotton Scheme will improve peoples’ status. 3.

2 to 6/9/Juba Post O Kiir appeals for Humanitarian support in South Sudan. opening page.

2 to 6/9/Juba Post HRD World Bank Vice President to visit Morobo County. page 3.

3/9/GoSS TV. O The council of Ministers urges the Ministry of Agriculture to exert more effort in improving food production in the region.

3/9/GoSS TV. O South Sudan vows to respect the freedom of press in the region as a way to Educate the people in the country. 3/9/GoSS Radio. HRD The vice president of the Government of Southern Sudan Dr. Riak Machar Teny and delegation from the world Bank headed by the vice president of the Bank on Thursday discuses cooperation and support for development projects in Sudan.

Sudan Media and Elections Consortium - Media News Agenda

3/9/GoSS Radio. PA - EXT The Federal Minister of the cabinet affairs Dr. Luka Biong Deng and Ambassador of the royal Netherlands to Sudan met on Thursday to review the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

4/9/Miraya FM SEC SLM says 54 people killed and over 107 several others wounded in attacks from Sudan Armed forces in Darfur.

4/9/Miraya FM. O A bridge linking Abyei to the North collapses leading increase and shortage of fuel in the area. 4/9/GoSS Radio. REF The speaker of the Legislative Assembly Hon. James Wani Igga has called for Southern Sudanese to unite and rally fully in the support in the campaign to attain their full freedom through the referendum January 9th 2011.

4/9/GoSS Radio. O The Governor of Jonglei state Kual Manyang juk has raised strong alarm of worsening floods in the state and appealing to the federal Government to intervene Urgently.

4/9/The Citizen HRD Minister outlines exploitation of agricultural potential. Opening page.

4/9/The Citizen page GEN World Bank VP encourages women to excel. 2.

4/9/Sudan Vision REF Sudan-Egypt Join meeting on Referendum in Khartoum, Juba after Opening Page Eid El-Fitr.

4/9/Sudan Vision page HRD Kiir Discuses Development, Services projects in South Sudan with 3. Worldbank Official.

5/9/GoSS Radio. PA - EXT The first vice president of the republic and the president of Southern Sudan congratulate the Kenyan President and prime Minister on the success of their new constitution.

5/9/Bakhita FM. HRD World Bank to support Southern Sudan irrespective of the referendum outcome.

5/9/Bakhita FM SOC Child abduction still a challenge in eastern equatoria state.

5/9/Miraya FM. SEC Six IDPs killed and ten others wounded during clashes in Himedia Camp in western Darfur.

Sudan Media and Elections Consortium - Media News Agenda

5/9/Miraya FM. HRD Government of Southern Sudan calls on the world Bank to a certain development of none oil sector.

6/9/Miraya FM O The Southern Sudan special presidential advisor Joseph Lagu is in eastern equatoria to pay tribute to the late hero father Ceterino Uhure in Torit.

6/9/Miraya FM. SEC The SPLA spokesman LT General Kual Diem Kual said the LRA killed four people and abducted a woman in Yambio in western equatoria state on Saturday night.

6/9/GoSS TV. SEC Western Bahr el Ghazal Governor briefed president on general security situation in the state. 6/9/GoSS TV. O Minister of youth and sports briefed speaker James Wani Igga in his office on his Visit to Mexico.

6/9/GoSS Radio. O President Kiir asks for the relieve of four government officials from their respective positions.

6/9/Bakhita FM REF Citizens of Bor disappointed by Ministers unity remarks.

6/9/Bakhita FM PA – EXT Sudan ask UK for debt relieve.

6/9/Liberty FM PA – EXT Sudan ask UK on debt relieve.

6/9/Liberty FM O MPs urges humanitarian assistance to LRA victims.

6 to 9/9/Juba Post O Severe flood hits 90,000 people in NBG. opening page. 6 to 9/9/Juba Post O Campaign to end obstetric fistula officially Launched. page 3. 6/9/The Citizen HRD South Sudan’s future lies in farming, not Oil: World Bank. opening page. 6/9/The Citizen PA – INT Paliament says no problem in mining areas. page 3.

6/9/Sudan Vision HRD Egypt to grow 1m feddans of major crops in Al Gezira Scheme. opening page.

Sudan Media and Elections Consortium - Media News Agenda

*Coding:  Political affairs – internal (Code: PA – INT): issues related to party and parliamentary affairs not involving elections  Political affairs – international (Code: PA – EXT): external relations, diplomacy, etc.  Elections and post elections (Code: EL): any issues related to the elections, post elections and postponed elections  Referendum (Code: REF): any issues related to the referendum process, including campaign activities, voter education on Referendum  Personal profile of politicians (Code: PP): coverage focussed on the private life of the actor  Education (Code: ED)  Health (Code: H)  Labour and employment (Code: LE)  Environment(Code: EN)  Business and Economy (Code: BE)  Security, crime and public order (Code: SEC)  Religion (Code: REL)  Art and culture (Code: ART)  Ethnic and political conflict (Code: EPC)  Human rights and Development (Code: HRD)  Gender issues (Code: GEN)  Public Administration (Code: ADMIN)  Social affairs (Code: SOC): issues related to family, children, etc.  Other (Code: O)

Sudan Media and Elections Consortium - Media News Agenda