Globally, human activities have a significant impact on the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammals in Protected Areas (PAs). These disturbances increase human pressure on biodiversity and species habi...Globally, human activities have a significant impact on the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammals in Protected Areas (PAs). These disturbances increase human pressure on biodiversity and species habitats, highlighting the need for conservation. This study aimed to assess the abundance and distribution of large mammals in different habitat types within Nimule National Park (NNP) and understand the impacts of human activities on them. Data on the abundance and distribution of large mammals and their respective habitat types were collected through line transect surveys. Human activity signs were observed and recorded along the transect lines. To estimate the impacts of human activities on the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammal species, as well as to identify any significant differences between them and their habitat types, the study utilized the Kruskal Wallis test, Polynomial multiple regressions, and diversity indices. The findings from the Shannon-Weiner and Simpson indices indicated that large mammal species were more diverse inside the park (H’ = 1.136;D = 0.570) compared to the buffer zone (H’ = 0.413;D = 0.171), with 85% (443 out of 510 samples) recorded within Nimule National Park. The species abundance showed a semi-balanced status (0.58). The diversity results among different habitat types revealed that large mammals were more diverse and highly distributed in both open woodlands (244) and dense woodlands (192), while riverine vegetation had the lowest diversity (8). Statistical tests demonstrated a highly significant difference at a 99% confidence interval (p-value = 0.01) between habitat types and identified species of large mammals. Additionally, the results highlighted the high abundance of Uganda kob (274), baboons (141), and warthog (57) across most habitat types, accounting for at least 75% of their distribution. The most prevalent human activities observed were cattle footprints (27%) and cattle dung (14%). Human footprints and tree cutting combined accounted for 9%, indicating the practice of livestock grazing, poaching, encroachment, and fuelwood collection by local communities. However, these activities did not appear to significantly impact the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammals in Nimule National Park. Therefore, it is crucial to foster shared responsibilities and engage relevant stakeholders in the management and conservation of large wildlife species. Regular community awareness programs should be implemented to cultivate a sense of ownership. Moreover, it is recommended that a comprehensive survey be conducted on the population status of all mammal species in Nimule National Park, including its surrounding Buffer Zone. Monitoring the impact of human activities on their behavior and habitats using satellite images should also be carried out at least every five to ten years.展开更多
Natural forest ecosystems play an essential role in the conservation of biodiversity of many plants and animals by providing them with habitat and suitable environments. Studies have shown that biodiversity-protected ...Natural forest ecosystems play an essential role in the conservation of biodiversity of many plants and animals by providing them with habitat and suitable environments. Studies have shown that biodiversity-protected areas reduce the loss and degradation of natural habitats to various wild species of plants. This study examined the forest resources in five subzones by conducting tree/shrub species inventory to be able to develop an effective forest management plan for the Buffer Zone Forest Reserve for the sustainable conservation of flora and fauna of Nimule National Park. This is with the view to identify the main tree and shrub species;assess the composition, distribution, and abundance of various tree/shrub species;to determine the species diversity as well as the richness of these areas in terms of growth and performance where DBH and heights of trees/shrubs in the circular sample plots were measured. The results revealed the overall mean DBH and H of 13.83 cm and 6.61 m respectively. The highest number of trees was obtained in subzone B followed by D, while the least were found in subzone A. The overall mean tree/shrub density was 0.83 tons/ha. The mean total basal area and volume per hectare were 3252.74 m<sup>2</sup>/ha and 46,540.82 m<sup>3</sup>/ha respectively. The overall species abundance and distribution indicate Combretum spp, Cedrella spp., Grewia mollis, Acacia Sieberiana, Ziziphus abysinica, and Acacia seyal were the most dominant species, with over 12 species richness at the deposition side of the River Nile, 13 species at the western side of the Nile, the Administration site shows only 7 species, the lowland of Mt. Gordon show over 14 different species, whereas over 10 species were found on the top of Mt. Gordon. The overall mean diversity indices and evenness of H’, D, and E depicted 2.507, 0.871, and 0.840 respectively. These results yielded are relatively moderate. Therefore, conservation efforts are very necessary to improve and maintain the quality of vegetation cover.展开更多
Worldwide, the demand for agro-organic foods that are healthy, nutritious, and environmentally friendly is increasing dramatically across all nations among consumers. Tomatoes being one of the dietary requirements in ...Worldwide, the demand for agro-organic foods that are healthy, nutritious, and environmentally friendly is increasing dramatically across all nations among consumers. Tomatoes being one of the dietary requirements in almost every meal is not exceptional and its availability in the market all year round is very important to farmers as well as consumers because it is highly demanded as a vegetable par excellence;which is either eaten raw in salads, cooked or processed into liquid ingredients. This study investigates the impact of chicken, goat, and cow manure treatments on tomato plant growth response to height, leaf length, and width, as well as fruit yield. The experimental field trials were conducted over two planting seasons in Mundri West County. It followed a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) approach, consisting of four blocks. Each block contained three treatments replicated four times and a control group. The data of measured parameters from all 16 plots were subjected to one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using the Gen Stat 14th Edition software. The findings indicate significant differences (P < 0.05) among all the different organic manure applications on tomato plant growth parameters compared to the control group. Chicken manure resulted in the tallest tomato plants (30.1 and 37.9 cm), longest leaves (9.9 and 10.4 cm), and widest leaves (2.1 and 2.5 cm) in both seasons respectively. The study showed plots treated with chicken manure had a highly significant impact (P < 0.05) on the prevalence of aphids (1.0) and white flies (1.4) with the lowest value compared to those with cow and goat manure applied. Additionally, chicken manure led to the highest yields (39.30 and 49.49 tons/ha) in both seasons. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that using chicken manure effectively improves the performance of Rio Grande Tomatoes, and thus, farmers are encouraged to utilize chicken manure to maximize their tomato yields.展开更多
This article attempts to position education not only in the peacebuilding debate but also in the larger good governance debate about what makes a resilient social contract.We subscribe in this paper to a theoretical p...This article attempts to position education not only in the peacebuilding debate but also in the larger good governance debate about what makes a resilient social contract.We subscribe in this paper to a theoretical perspective that attributes the driver of civil wars to governance deficit that is manifested in absence of resilient social contract in terms of sustained agreement between citizens and state.We then ask the key question of whether and how education is linked to a resilient social contract.We found a wealth of evidence linking education and peacebuilding,and education and civicness,but a gap exists in the literature about the link between education and social contract.On the basis of a thorough review of theory and research on education,civicness,and social contract,we develop a theoretical framework to conceptually frame the nexus between education,civicness,resilient social contract,and sustainable peace.This framework is founded on the theory of state formation.Applying this framework to the case of South Sudan,we found that education through civicness makes students become key political stakeholders and more likely nurture a resilient social contract,which in turn sustains peace.The very low level of educated population in South Sudan might have contributed,among other factors,to limited demand for good governance that contributes to governance deficit,which perpetuates poor state-society relations,ineffective and exclusive institutions,and erosion of social cohesion,and interpersonal trust,factors central to resilient social contract.展开更多
The green wood insect beetle which was later identified as Diastocera trifasciata((Fabricius)-tribus Ceropplesini,Coleoptera:Lamiinae)was found on September 18,2015,girdling a mango twig at Dr.John Garang Memorial Uni...The green wood insect beetle which was later identified as Diastocera trifasciata((Fabricius)-tribus Ceropplesini,Coleoptera:Lamiinae)was found on September 18,2015,girdling a mango twig at Dr.John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology(Dr.JG-MUST)campus,Bor county,Jonglei state,Republic of South Sudan.The beetle D.trifasciata attacks young vigorous growing mango branches of more than 20-35 mm circumferences.Severely cut branches dried up and broken away especially when there was a strong blowing wind or just remained dry,hung on the tree.Although this incidence may seem not to pose a significant economic threat at the moment,the authors keenly advocate for proactive pest surveillances,monitoring and evaluating its spread,impact damage level caused on mango plants in most areas of high mango productivity and developing control strategy that will prevent further devastations of mango trees,guarantee high fruit yields and ensure food security in South Sudan.展开更多
This paper is an adaptation of a presentation given on March 20, 2015, at the Conference on International Development hosted by Virginia International University. The paper reviews the December 2013 outbreak of civil ...This paper is an adaptation of a presentation given on March 20, 2015, at the Conference on International Development hosted by Virginia International University. The paper reviews the December 2013 outbreak of civil war in South Sudan, and attempts to untangle the country＇s pre-existing development problems from those more directly related to the war. Finally, the paper discusses international involvement both in South Sudan＇s development and conflict resolution. It focuses in particular on the international debate over methods to end the conflict, the importance of state capacity, and the international understanding of development＇s relationship with the conflict.展开更多
This article focuses on examining entangled factors that complicate the claim over Abyei and have therebyhindered any peaceful settlement of the dispute on the county. Many works of literature that presented the confl...This article focuses on examining entangled factors that complicate the claim over Abyei and have therebyhindered any peaceful settlement of the dispute on the county. Many works of literature that presented the conflictin Abyei as natural resource conflict or identity-driven within a broader picture of conflicts in Sudan are factuallyflawed and poorly explained the nature and causes of the conflict. This paper contends that multiplicity of factorshas reinforced each other, thus these factors in unison created a stalemate and continuing claim over Abyei. Inexamining these interwoven factors, the paper employed a qualitative approach to conduct the study. Both primaryand secondary data sources were used adequately. Various academic pieces of literature, researches, and conferencereports have been used as secondary data sources. Key informant interviews were used to gather primary data totest secondary sources. Hence, the study comes up with three basic findings. First, claim over Abyei has beensustained by the elites’ manipulation of identity for their political and economic goals that hinder peacefulco-existence among communities in Abyei. Second, the competition over resources chiefly oil and locally, pastureand water complicated already fragile and tense relation by alluring national actors that even more protractedconflict on the ground to control these resources. Finally, the double standard in U.S. policy towards Abyei, by andlarge, helps Khartoum to continue its obstruction tactics to maintain the status quo.展开更多
Africa the first port of call on their trips abroad every year. This year was no exception. In January, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid an official visit to Kenya, Sudan, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and the Dem...Africa the first port of call on their trips abroad every year. This year was no exception. In January, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid an official visit to Kenya, Sudan, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo （DRC） to implement the results of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang＇s Africa visits in 2013 and 2014 respectively. It was a trip during which hard questions were asked.展开更多
Background: Conflict and displacement substantially affect maternal reproductive health by increasing the risks formorbidity and mortality. However, most literature on pregnancy outcomes is from cross-border refugees ...Background: Conflict and displacement substantially affect maternal reproductive health by increasing the risks formorbidity and mortality. However, most literature on pregnancy outcomes is from cross-border refugees and migrants. To date, scanty literature is available on pregnancy outcomes of internally displaced women. South Sudan, with 16 women dying daily is badly affected by internal conflicts of which by the end of December 2013 about 2.2 million people were internally displaced. The aim of this study was to determine pregnancy outcomes of women living in the United Nations House Internally Displaced People (UN IDP) camp and factors associated with poor outcomes. The study was ethically cleared by MUHAS and the Ministry of Health in South Sudan. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in UN House IDP Camp in Juba among internally displaced women who attended antenatal services in the camp, from September to November 2016. Among them, women who became pregnant in last 3 years, excluding the index, were interviewed about their immediate past pregnancy experiences. Additionally, the women were interviewed on reproductive health and gender violence matters. Interviews were guided by a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were computed for associations with poor pregnancy outcome. Results: A total of 300 internally displaced women participated in the study. Data for 289 participants were analyzed for poor pregnancy outcome. More than half of the women, 157 (54.3%), had poor pregnancy outcome. Poor Maternal outcome was established in 47% of the women and poor fetal outcome in 27.7%. Delivery in IDP camp compared with outside the camp, was independently associated with a 3-fold increase in risk for poor pregnancy outcome, OR = 2.9 (95% CI: 1.47 - 5.56). Conclusion: The prevalence of poor pregnancy outcome is unacceptably high among internally displaced women seeking antenatal services in the IDP camp in Juba and delivery in the camp seems to increase the risk.展开更多
Background:Nodding syndrome(NS)is a devastating epileptic illness of unknown aetiology mainly affecting children 5-15 years of age.Head nodding distinguishes NS from other forms of epilepsy.Other manifestations of the...Background:Nodding syndrome(NS)is a devastating epileptic illness of unknown aetiology mainly affecting children 5-15 years of age.Head nodding distinguishes NS from other forms of epilepsy.Other manifestations of the illness include mental and physical growth retardation.Many children die as a result of falling in fires or drowning.Recently,it was shown that NS is only one of the phenotypic presentations of onchocerciasis associated epilepsy(OAE).Despite the strong epidemiological association between epilepsy and onchocerciasis,the causal mechanism is unknown.After implementation of bi-annual community directed treatment with ivermectin(CDTi)and larviciding of rivers in northern Uganda,new cases of NS have ceased,while new cases continue to emerge in South Sudanese onchocerciasis-endemic areas with an interrupted CDTi programme.This study is designed to evaluate the potential effects of bi-annual CDTi on reducing the incidence of NS/OAE in onchocerciasisendemic areas in South Sudan.Methods:A pre-intervention door-to-door population-based household survey will be conducted in selected onchocerciasis-endemic villages in Mundri and Maridi Counties,which have a high prevalence of epilepsy.Using a validated questionnaire,the entire village will be screened by community research assistants for suspected epilepsy cases.Suspected cases will be interviewed and examined by a trained clinical officer or medical doctor who will confirm or reject the diagnosis of epilepsy.Bi-annual CDTi will be implemented in the villages and a surveillance system for epilepsy set up.By implementing an epilepsy onchocerciasis awareness campaign we expect to obtain>90%CDTi coverage of eligible individuals.The door-to-door survey will be repeated two years after the baseline survey.The incidence of NS/OAE will be compared before and after bi-annual CDTi.Discussion:Our study is the first population-based study to evaluate the effect of bi-annual CDTi to reduce the incidence of NS/OAE.If the study demonstrates such a reduction,these findings are expected to motivate communities in onchocerciasis-endemic regions to participate in CDTi,and will encourage policy makers,funders and other stakeholders to increase their efforts to eliminate onchocerciasis.展开更多
Background:Following the West Africa Ebola virus disease(EVD)outbreak(2013-2016),WHO developed a preparedness checklist for its member states.This checklist is currently being applied for the first time on a large and...Background:Following the West Africa Ebola virus disease(EVD)outbreak(2013-2016),WHO developed a preparedness checklist for its member states.This checklist is currently being applied for the first time on a large and systematic scale to prepare for the cross border importation of the ongoing EVD outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo hence the need to document the lessons learnt from this experience.This is more pertinent considering the complex humanitarian context and weak health system under which some of the countries such as the Republic of South Sudan are implementing their EVD preparedness interventions.Main text:We identified four main lessons from the ongoing EVD preparedness efforts in the Republic South Sudan.First,EVD preparedness is possible in complex humanitarian settings such as the Republic of South Sudan by using a longer-term health system strengthening approach.Second,the Republic of South Sudan is at risk of both domestic and cross border transmission of EVD and several other infectious disease outbreaks hence the need for an integrated and sustainable approach to outbreak preparedness in the country.Third,a phased and well-prioritized approach is required for EVD preparedness in complex humanitarian settings given the costs associated with preparedness and the difficulties in the accurate prediction of outbreaks in such settings.Fourth,EVD preparedness in complex humanitarian settings is a massive undertaking that requires effective and decentralized coordination.Conclusion:Despite a very challenging context,the Republic of South Sudan made significant progress in its EVD preparedness drive demonstrating that it is possible to rapidly scale up preparedness efforts in complex humanitarian contexts if appropriate and context-specific approaches are used.Further research,systematic reviews and evaluation of the ongoing preparedness efforts are required to ensure comprehensive documentation and application of the lessons learnt for future EVD outbreak preparedness and response efforts.展开更多
There are abundant proved oil reserves in Sudan and South Sudan,and Chinese companies are looking for petroleum business opportunities in Sudan and South Sudan.There is a bright future for cooperation in oil developme...There are abundant proved oil reserves in Sudan and South Sudan,and Chinese companies are looking for petroleum business opportunities in Sudan and South Sudan.There is a bright future for cooperation in oil development in both Sudan and South Sudan.China,Sudan and South Sudan will continue to benefit from collaboration in petroleum industry.展开更多
文摘Globally, human activities have a significant impact on the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammals in Protected Areas (PAs). These disturbances increase human pressure on biodiversity and species habitats, highlighting the need for conservation. This study aimed to assess the abundance and distribution of large mammals in different habitat types within Nimule National Park (NNP) and understand the impacts of human activities on them. Data on the abundance and distribution of large mammals and their respective habitat types were collected through line transect surveys. Human activity signs were observed and recorded along the transect lines. To estimate the impacts of human activities on the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammal species, as well as to identify any significant differences between them and their habitat types, the study utilized the Kruskal Wallis test, Polynomial multiple regressions, and diversity indices. The findings from the Shannon-Weiner and Simpson indices indicated that large mammal species were more diverse inside the park (H’ = 1.136;D = 0.570) compared to the buffer zone (H’ = 0.413;D = 0.171), with 85% (443 out of 510 samples) recorded within Nimule National Park. The species abundance showed a semi-balanced status (0.58). The diversity results among different habitat types revealed that large mammals were more diverse and highly distributed in both open woodlands (244) and dense woodlands (192), while riverine vegetation had the lowest diversity (8). Statistical tests demonstrated a highly significant difference at a 99% confidence interval (p-value = 0.01) between habitat types and identified species of large mammals. Additionally, the results highlighted the high abundance of Uganda kob (274), baboons (141), and warthog (57) across most habitat types, accounting for at least 75% of their distribution. The most prevalent human activities observed were cattle footprints (27%) and cattle dung (14%). Human footprints and tree cutting combined accounted for 9%, indicating the practice of livestock grazing, poaching, encroachment, and fuelwood collection by local communities. However, these activities did not appear to significantly impact the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammals in Nimule National Park. Therefore, it is crucial to foster shared responsibilities and engage relevant stakeholders in the management and conservation of large wildlife species. Regular community awareness programs should be implemented to cultivate a sense of ownership. Moreover, it is recommended that a comprehensive survey be conducted on the population status of all mammal species in Nimule National Park, including its surrounding Buffer Zone. Monitoring the impact of human activities on their behavior and habitats using satellite images should also be carried out at least every five to ten years.
文摘Natural forest ecosystems play an essential role in the conservation of biodiversity of many plants and animals by providing them with habitat and suitable environments. Studies have shown that biodiversity-protected areas reduce the loss and degradation of natural habitats to various wild species of plants. This study examined the forest resources in five subzones by conducting tree/shrub species inventory to be able to develop an effective forest management plan for the Buffer Zone Forest Reserve for the sustainable conservation of flora and fauna of Nimule National Park. This is with the view to identify the main tree and shrub species;assess the composition, distribution, and abundance of various tree/shrub species;to determine the species diversity as well as the richness of these areas in terms of growth and performance where DBH and heights of trees/shrubs in the circular sample plots were measured. The results revealed the overall mean DBH and H of 13.83 cm and 6.61 m respectively. The highest number of trees was obtained in subzone B followed by D, while the least were found in subzone A. The overall mean tree/shrub density was 0.83 tons/ha. The mean total basal area and volume per hectare were 3252.74 m<sup>2</sup>/ha and 46,540.82 m<sup>3</sup>/ha respectively. The overall species abundance and distribution indicate Combretum spp, Cedrella spp., Grewia mollis, Acacia Sieberiana, Ziziphus abysinica, and Acacia seyal were the most dominant species, with over 12 species richness at the deposition side of the River Nile, 13 species at the western side of the Nile, the Administration site shows only 7 species, the lowland of Mt. Gordon show over 14 different species, whereas over 10 species were found on the top of Mt. Gordon. The overall mean diversity indices and evenness of H’, D, and E depicted 2.507, 0.871, and 0.840 respectively. These results yielded are relatively moderate. Therefore, conservation efforts are very necessary to improve and maintain the quality of vegetation cover.
文摘Worldwide, the demand for agro-organic foods that are healthy, nutritious, and environmentally friendly is increasing dramatically across all nations among consumers. Tomatoes being one of the dietary requirements in almost every meal is not exceptional and its availability in the market all year round is very important to farmers as well as consumers because it is highly demanded as a vegetable par excellence;which is either eaten raw in salads, cooked or processed into liquid ingredients. This study investigates the impact of chicken, goat, and cow manure treatments on tomato plant growth response to height, leaf length, and width, as well as fruit yield. The experimental field trials were conducted over two planting seasons in Mundri West County. It followed a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) approach, consisting of four blocks. Each block contained three treatments replicated four times and a control group. The data of measured parameters from all 16 plots were subjected to one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using the Gen Stat 14th Edition software. The findings indicate significant differences (P < 0.05) among all the different organic manure applications on tomato plant growth parameters compared to the control group. Chicken manure resulted in the tallest tomato plants (30.1 and 37.9 cm), longest leaves (9.9 and 10.4 cm), and widest leaves (2.1 and 2.5 cm) in both seasons respectively. The study showed plots treated with chicken manure had a highly significant impact (P < 0.05) on the prevalence of aphids (1.0) and white flies (1.4) with the lowest value compared to those with cow and goat manure applied. Additionally, chicken manure led to the highest yields (39.30 and 49.49 tons/ha) in both seasons. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that using chicken manure effectively improves the performance of Rio Grande Tomatoes, and thus, farmers are encouraged to utilize chicken manure to maximize their tomato yields.
文摘This article attempts to position education not only in the peacebuilding debate but also in the larger good governance debate about what makes a resilient social contract.We subscribe in this paper to a theoretical perspective that attributes the driver of civil wars to governance deficit that is manifested in absence of resilient social contract in terms of sustained agreement between citizens and state.We then ask the key question of whether and how education is linked to a resilient social contract.We found a wealth of evidence linking education and peacebuilding,and education and civicness,but a gap exists in the literature about the link between education and social contract.On the basis of a thorough review of theory and research on education,civicness,and social contract,we develop a theoretical framework to conceptually frame the nexus between education,civicness,resilient social contract,and sustainable peace.This framework is founded on the theory of state formation.Applying this framework to the case of South Sudan,we found that education through civicness makes students become key political stakeholders and more likely nurture a resilient social contract,which in turn sustains peace.The very low level of educated population in South Sudan might have contributed,among other factors,to limited demand for good governance that contributes to governance deficit,which perpetuates poor state-society relations,ineffective and exclusive institutions,and erosion of social cohesion,and interpersonal trust,factors central to resilient social contract.
文摘The green wood insect beetle which was later identified as Diastocera trifasciata((Fabricius)-tribus Ceropplesini,Coleoptera:Lamiinae)was found on September 18,2015,girdling a mango twig at Dr.John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology(Dr.JG-MUST)campus,Bor county,Jonglei state,Republic of South Sudan.The beetle D.trifasciata attacks young vigorous growing mango branches of more than 20-35 mm circumferences.Severely cut branches dried up and broken away especially when there was a strong blowing wind or just remained dry,hung on the tree.Although this incidence may seem not to pose a significant economic threat at the moment,the authors keenly advocate for proactive pest surveillances,monitoring and evaluating its spread,impact damage level caused on mango plants in most areas of high mango productivity and developing control strategy that will prevent further devastations of mango trees,guarantee high fruit yields and ensure food security in South Sudan.
文摘This paper is an adaptation of a presentation given on March 20, 2015, at the Conference on International Development hosted by Virginia International University. The paper reviews the December 2013 outbreak of civil war in South Sudan, and attempts to untangle the country＇s pre-existing development problems from those more directly related to the war. Finally, the paper discusses international involvement both in South Sudan＇s development and conflict resolution. It focuses in particular on the international debate over methods to end the conflict, the importance of state capacity, and the international understanding of development＇s relationship with the conflict.
文摘This article focuses on examining entangled factors that complicate the claim over Abyei and have therebyhindered any peaceful settlement of the dispute on the county. Many works of literature that presented the conflictin Abyei as natural resource conflict or identity-driven within a broader picture of conflicts in Sudan are factuallyflawed and poorly explained the nature and causes of the conflict. This paper contends that multiplicity of factorshas reinforced each other, thus these factors in unison created a stalemate and continuing claim over Abyei. Inexamining these interwoven factors, the paper employed a qualitative approach to conduct the study. Both primaryand secondary data sources were used adequately. Various academic pieces of literature, researches, and conferencereports have been used as secondary data sources. Key informant interviews were used to gather primary data totest secondary sources. Hence, the study comes up with three basic findings. First, claim over Abyei has beensustained by the elites’ manipulation of identity for their political and economic goals that hinder peacefulco-existence among communities in Abyei. Second, the competition over resources chiefly oil and locally, pastureand water complicated already fragile and tense relation by alluring national actors that even more protractedconflict on the ground to control these resources. Finally, the double standard in U.S. policy towards Abyei, by andlarge, helps Khartoum to continue its obstruction tactics to maintain the status quo.
文摘Africa the first port of call on their trips abroad every year. This year was no exception. In January, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid an official visit to Kenya, Sudan, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo （DRC） to implement the results of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang＇s Africa visits in 2013 and 2014 respectively. It was a trip during which hard questions were asked.
文摘Background: Conflict and displacement substantially affect maternal reproductive health by increasing the risks formorbidity and mortality. However, most literature on pregnancy outcomes is from cross-border refugees and migrants. To date, scanty literature is available on pregnancy outcomes of internally displaced women. South Sudan, with 16 women dying daily is badly affected by internal conflicts of which by the end of December 2013 about 2.2 million people were internally displaced. The aim of this study was to determine pregnancy outcomes of women living in the United Nations House Internally Displaced People (UN IDP) camp and factors associated with poor outcomes. The study was ethically cleared by MUHAS and the Ministry of Health in South Sudan. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in UN House IDP Camp in Juba among internally displaced women who attended antenatal services in the camp, from September to November 2016. Among them, women who became pregnant in last 3 years, excluding the index, were interviewed about their immediate past pregnancy experiences. Additionally, the women were interviewed on reproductive health and gender violence matters. Interviews were guided by a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were computed for associations with poor pregnancy outcome. Results: A total of 300 internally displaced women participated in the study. Data for 289 participants were analyzed for poor pregnancy outcome. More than half of the women, 157 (54.3%), had poor pregnancy outcome. Poor Maternal outcome was established in 47% of the women and poor fetal outcome in 27.7%. Delivery in IDP camp compared with outside the camp, was independently associated with a 3-fold increase in risk for poor pregnancy outcome, OR = 2.9 (95% CI: 1.47 - 5.56). Conclusion: The prevalence of poor pregnancy outcome is unacceptably high among internally displaced women seeking antenatal services in the IDP camp in Juba and delivery in the camp seems to increase the risk.
基金This study is part of a five-country research project on epilepsy,nodding syndrome and onchocerciasis supported by the European Research Council(ERC,Grant No.671055,project title NSETHIO).
文摘Background:Nodding syndrome(NS)is a devastating epileptic illness of unknown aetiology mainly affecting children 5-15 years of age.Head nodding distinguishes NS from other forms of epilepsy.Other manifestations of the illness include mental and physical growth retardation.Many children die as a result of falling in fires or drowning.Recently,it was shown that NS is only one of the phenotypic presentations of onchocerciasis associated epilepsy(OAE).Despite the strong epidemiological association between epilepsy and onchocerciasis,the causal mechanism is unknown.After implementation of bi-annual community directed treatment with ivermectin(CDTi)and larviciding of rivers in northern Uganda,new cases of NS have ceased,while new cases continue to emerge in South Sudanese onchocerciasis-endemic areas with an interrupted CDTi programme.This study is designed to evaluate the potential effects of bi-annual CDTi on reducing the incidence of NS/OAE in onchocerciasisendemic areas in South Sudan.Methods:A pre-intervention door-to-door population-based household survey will be conducted in selected onchocerciasis-endemic villages in Mundri and Maridi Counties,which have a high prevalence of epilepsy.Using a validated questionnaire,the entire village will be screened by community research assistants for suspected epilepsy cases.Suspected cases will be interviewed and examined by a trained clinical officer or medical doctor who will confirm or reject the diagnosis of epilepsy.Bi-annual CDTi will be implemented in the villages and a surveillance system for epilepsy set up.By implementing an epilepsy onchocerciasis awareness campaign we expect to obtain>90%CDTi coverage of eligible individuals.The door-to-door survey will be repeated two years after the baseline survey.The incidence of NS/OAE will be compared before and after bi-annual CDTi.Discussion:Our study is the first population-based study to evaluate the effect of bi-annual CDTi to reduce the incidence of NS/OAE.If the study demonstrates such a reduction,these findings are expected to motivate communities in onchocerciasis-endemic regions to participate in CDTi,and will encourage policy makers,funders and other stakeholders to increase their efforts to eliminate onchocerciasis.
文摘Background:Following the West Africa Ebola virus disease(EVD)outbreak(2013-2016),WHO developed a preparedness checklist for its member states.This checklist is currently being applied for the first time on a large and systematic scale to prepare for the cross border importation of the ongoing EVD outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo hence the need to document the lessons learnt from this experience.This is more pertinent considering the complex humanitarian context and weak health system under which some of the countries such as the Republic of South Sudan are implementing their EVD preparedness interventions.Main text:We identified four main lessons from the ongoing EVD preparedness efforts in the Republic South Sudan.First,EVD preparedness is possible in complex humanitarian settings such as the Republic of South Sudan by using a longer-term health system strengthening approach.Second,the Republic of South Sudan is at risk of both domestic and cross border transmission of EVD and several other infectious disease outbreaks hence the need for an integrated and sustainable approach to outbreak preparedness in the country.Third,a phased and well-prioritized approach is required for EVD preparedness in complex humanitarian settings given the costs associated with preparedness and the difficulties in the accurate prediction of outbreaks in such settings.Fourth,EVD preparedness in complex humanitarian settings is a massive undertaking that requires effective and decentralized coordination.Conclusion:Despite a very challenging context,the Republic of South Sudan made significant progress in its EVD preparedness drive demonstrating that it is possible to rapidly scale up preparedness efforts in complex humanitarian contexts if appropriate and context-specific approaches are used.Further research,systematic reviews and evaluation of the ongoing preparedness efforts are required to ensure comprehensive documentation and application of the lessons learnt for future EVD outbreak preparedness and response efforts.
文摘There are abundant proved oil reserves in Sudan and South Sudan,and Chinese companies are looking for petroleum business opportunities in Sudan and South Sudan.There is a bright future for cooperation in oil development in both Sudan and South Sudan.China,Sudan and South Sudan will continue to benefit from collaboration in petroleum industry.
