Media News Agenda for the Referendum Campaign Period. 16 December January 2011

Transcription

1 Media News Agenda for the Referendum Campaign Period /01/2011

2 1 Media News Agenda for the Referendum Campaign Period In the course of the referendum campaign period monitored issues related to referendum dominated the overall agenda. This topic amounted to 48% of the total news observed, followed by matters concerning domestic politics (23%). In total these two items amounted to more than 70% of the total coverage, showing then that, during the three weeks ahead of referendum, Sudanese media gave a clear centrality to the political dimension of the coverage. Chart 1 Main topics Science and Health 2% Foreign Policy 4% Economy and Labour 6% Social and Legal Development 8% Crime and Violence 8% Domestic Politics and Governance 23% Referendum 48% Base: 648 cases The area related to domestic affairs concentrated on a few main issues: 1. Peace, negotiations and treaties. This issue included news like: Doha talks between Darfur rebel forces and the Sudanese Government to reach a ceasefire agreement, President Bashir declarations regarding the enforcement of Sharia law and the ceasefire agreement between South Sudan Government and General Athor. 2. Institutional affairs and governance. This issue included news like: the discussions in the North to form a government of national unity and the related proposed mechanisms for the participation in

3 2 governance, the National Council s extension of the financial period, President Kiir s greeting for the expulsion of Darfur rebels from Juba. 3. Parties dynamics. This issue included news like: the reciprocal accusations between the National Congress Party (NCP) and the opposition forces for the future separation of the South, the merger between the Umma Reform and Renewal Party and the Umma National Party, and the proposal launched by the leader of Umma Party, Sadiq al-mahdi to define a road map for Sudan. Chart 2 Main issues related to domestic politics Participation of other disadvantaged groups 0,7% Women in politics 0,7% Other domestic politics/government 2,6% Army and police 9,2% Party dynamics 22,4% Peace, negotiations and treaties (national) 32,2% Institutional affairs and governance 32,2% Base: 648 cases The geographical reach and the target audiences of individual media houses defined their respective thematic focuses. As observed in previous reports, media addressing the public in the South devoted to referendum the largest part of their coverage (72% of the overall material monitored), while other topics received very limited attention. On the contrary, in Northern media, although referendum was a very relevant item in the news agenda (%), the array of issues covered was more diverse than in Southern outlets, ranging from domestic politics and governance (32%), crime and violence (11%), social and legal development (10%), and economy (10%).

4 3 Chart 3 Main topics by geographical reach 72% South North % 32% 12% 11% 10% 10% 5% 5% 1% 3% 5% 1% 2% Referendum Domestic Politics and Governance Crime and Violence Social and Legal Development Economy and Labour Foreign Policy Science and Health Base: 648 cases Three main issues dominated referendum coverage both in North and South media: institutional arrangements after referendum (26% of the total news regarding referendum) and referendum campaign (19%). This last category did not only include the advocacy activities of the fronts supporting the alternative options of Unity and Secession, but it also encompassed news concerning the appeals for a peaceful voting issued by a number of political and civil society stakeholders, the messages of Go out and vote promoted by parties and institutions, as well as items focused on voter education and information about the referendum process. This thematic item was the first issue for both Northern and Southern media houses in terms of number of cases, but the former devoted a wider attention to it (37% of cases) than the latter (19%). Referendum related violence was another main topic common to all the media houses observed (an average of 8%), reflecting the concerns expressed by several voices in Sudan, including institutions, civil society and the international community. The geographical reach of media houses determined other news priorities in the thematic area regarding referendum. Southern media outlets devoted broad coverage to voting mechanisms and ballot days (19%), the presence of election observers as a guarantee for a fair voting process (10%) and voter registration (5%). Northern media focused on other aspects of the referendum process, including referendum administration and organisation (13%) as well as the debate regarding the status of Southern Kurdofan, Blue Nile and Abjei (7%).

5 4 Chart 4 Referendum: the main subtopic 1 37% 19% 19% 19% 19% South North 13% 10% 9% 9% 9% 9% 8% 7% 4% 5% 2% 2% Institutional arrangements after referendum Referendum campaign Voting and ballot days Referendum administration and organisation Other Referendum related violence Domestic and international observers Voter registration Southern Kurdofan, Blue Nile, Abye Base: 648 cases The distribution of the topics over the period of observation showed a trend whereby the political dimension of media coverage namely the referendum, domestic politics and governance constantly increased their weight in the news agenda. For the South this shift reflected the centrality of the referendum consultation; in the North it rather mirrored the growing concerns for the implications of the separation as well as the repercussions for the ruling forces in terms of popularity and political support of other parties. 1 The category other includes all the issues with less than 2% in the overall referendum coverage. These include: access to the media, postponement, counting and results, historical background to the referendum, accusation of rigging and frauds, women s participation.

6 5 Chart 5 Trend of the topics over referendum period 60% 40% Referendum Domestic Politics and Governance Crime and Violence Social and Legal Development Economy and Labour Foreign Policy Science and Health 20% 0% Dec Dec Dec - 7 Jan Base: 648 cases The geographical scope 2 of the news observed also reflected the unlike thematic priorities of the media houses as well as their intended target audiences: the national dimension in Northern media houses was central while it was more limited in Southern media news. Similarly, due to the different status of the two regions, the international element was relevant only for Northern outlets that reported on the diplomatic and peace talks between the Sudanese Government and different international counterparts. 2 The scope of the news refers to the geographical location of the event reported. For instance, Doha talks were classified as International, while the visit of President Bashit to Juba was classified as South.

7 6 Chart 6 Geographical scope of the news 55% 52% 35% South North 16% 10% 10% 5% 4% 3% 5% 4% 1% National South Sudan Local International Regional North Sudan Base: 648 cases

8 7 Annex I - Main headlines Region Period News description 37 Southern companies stopped their activities in North Sudan New details about a girl harassed Payment salary arrears for worker at Elgareeza Project next Sunday The South Sudan Referendum Commission (SSRC) received a formal notification from the Constitutional Court regarding two legal challenges filed before it that raised fears of a delay to the referendum Punishment for whom play with break weights UNICEF: we have alternative plans in case of conflict and chaos after referendum SPLM: a strong vision for a new Sudan it is the only solution to end the current crisis Vice President Taha talks to parliament during the independent day celebration Massiria tribes questioned about ransom to release a number of Southern citizens held captive SPLM leader, Yasir Arman discuss disengagement in the Northern sector Special Envoy Gresham: consultation between a Sudanese government delegation and the JEM about the Darfur conflict South Kurdofan leaders warning: there is the risk of war if the secession option will prevail Oil state minister reveals about the new oilfield discovered in the North The separation of the South and the consequent division of oil revenues may cause the collapse of the economy in the North The conditions of a woman detained in a mental health facility worsened Political Secretary of the National Congress Party, Dr. Ibrahim Gandour: NCP is not involved in the Constitution Court s decisions concerning referendum SSRC: the Constitution Court s did not inform us on the appeal received concerning referendum The negotiation between NCP and SPLM in Addis Abbaba regarding institutional arrangements after referendum The Ministry of social affairs and the League of Arab States are moving medical convoys to the Southern states The citizens at Salama condemn authorities lack of action to address the issues of destroyed houses in the area President Bashir: we will acknowledge a referendum if its reflect the desire of the South Dr. Nafia: we should not give up the dream of Unity for Sudan

9 8 President Bashir will work on the stability if the separation between North and South occurs Assistant of the President of the Republic, Dr. Nafia discusses the scenarios in case of separation of South Sudan and the new Angaz s project Council of Ministers to take measures to combat prices rise The discussion on the role of religious bodies and authorities in fostering social peace A human activist Dr. Abdebasit Margani was arrested by state authorities South Darfur: Minowy troops were poised to attack Belil locality UN Security Council expresses concern about the failure to reach final solution for Abyie area and calls for a prompt settlement of the controversy The Salvation Front calls upon the international community to account for SPLAM violations of basic human rights The African Union announced a code of conduct to ensure, free and fair referendum and the security of South Southern leaders warns of deteriorating situation in the South due to large number of refugees returning United Nations: the government is delaying the issue of visa for UN staff working in the referendum support team The NCP accuses Washington of working for the somalisation of Sudan by supporting rebel groups Cultivation of 135,000 acres of wheat at Elgazreea Expert and human rights organisations call Sudan to release all detained journalists and human rights activists Misseriya tribes make a proposal regarding Abyei status Pagan Ammum: We will demand the Justice Movement to refrain from entering South territories Renewed fighting in Abeche and the displacement of people from the region America: Sufism in Sudan is able to reduce extremism PCP leader, Al Turabi: the Darfur Peace is a nonsense; the referendum should not take place The SPLM promotes for secession in South states The international community accused the Sudanese Government of blocking the arrival of the referendum s staff in Khartoum Libyan leader Gadaffi and the Egyptian President Mobarak in Khartoum for discussing South Sudan referendum arrangements Juba Alliance held a conference late this month in Sudan on the five issues More than 6000 person trapped in Kosti port Government of South Sudan: our goal is to eradicate the Arab culture from our land

10 9 President Bashir lashing harvest seasons at Gadref state and comments on the productivity of the year Sudanese Embassy in London: Ocampo's charges are ridiculous Lloyd's group denies that Al Bashir has deposit of dollars in their banks Umma Party s leader, Al Mahdi, gives President Bashir the deadline of 26 January to form a national government Government: Ocampo accusations against President Bashir are miserable Al Mahdi: after separation of the South I will try to overthrow the current regime in the North or I will withdraw The future name for the independent South: either Southern Sudan or South of Sudan Missaria Union threatens to block all the roads to Bahr Elghazal and Unity State Al Mahdi proposal on a road map for the future of Sudan Parliament accused of being responsible for the growth of sugar prices Taha: there no place to store goods and transmit the rumours. food security measures and the provision of clothing, medicine and mission of good governments President Bashir: we will pursue the project to adopt an Islamic constitution if South separates Vice President Taha: efforts to resolve the manipulators of livelihoods of the people Doctors Without Borders describes the medical situation in the South as a humanitarian crisis Bashir announces amendment to the Constitution and adherence to Islamic law and Arabic language According to Sudanese army sources, JEM leader Khalil and SLM head Minawi are planning for occupying Darfur The Quartet reaffirms its support for the Sudanese partners to resolve pending issues after the referendum in South Sudan as well as Darfur crisis The presidential adviser in charge of the Darfur file, Gazi Salah Eldin, is not optimistic about the success of any external intervention to put an end to Darfur crisis The international community worried for the risk of massive exodus of South Sudan citizens from the North after referendum North opposition calls for an emergency meeting this week and warns against attempts to defraud South Sudan of their rights President Silva Kiir discuss the potential construction of a dam to generate electricity in the South According to SPLA leaders, a new war will take place in South Sudan The international community asks GoSS to assist returnees and ensure delivery of services Pagan Ammun, leader of SPLM, discusses issues related to security, citizenship and international conventions

11 10 The Governor of the Bank of Sudan expects hard currency crisis and rising of prices in the aftermath of referendum Discussions about a comprehensive review of the monetary policy after the referendum Northern traders were gave 48 hours to leave Malakal SPLM North s leader, Yasir Arman said SPLM s northern sector to part ways with the south after secession Killing and wounding of 70 SPLA warriors in an ambush organised by renegade General Athor Teachers Union failed to conduct a general assembly of teachers Elgazeera State will force farmers to sell their cotton to Cotton Company South Kordofan: constructed roads linking several villages Group including UN, Harvard and Google establishing early warning for violations Muammar Gaddafi gave his last poems to Ajras Alhurria Honour convention for peace and coexistence in North Darfur Some SPLM leaders resigned from the party Al-Bashir gave to Doha negotiations one more day President Al-Bashir criticise Darfurian movements Presidency: Al-Bashir office will be 5 years Al-Bashir: today is the last day for negotiation in Doha Al-Bashir: tomorrow agreement or withdraw negotiation from Doha Proposals for NCP for SPLM to passing Abye crisis Al-Turabi expected public strike after referendum Vice President Taha launching digital achieving in the national radio Al-Bashir: today the last opportunity for Doha negotiations Government delegation will leave officially Doha tomorrow Joint defence council declare security arrangements to protect boarders and oil fields During the celebration of independence anniversary Al-Bashir renewed commitment to referendum results and achieving peace in Darfur Ministers council listening today to report about 22 nd school session

12 11 UNP President called to prevent violence and applying international standards to protect citizens Start of the arrangements for the general conference of DUPO Government delegation for Doha negotiation came back to Sudan Criminal investigations arrest criminal network specialised in fraud documents Al-Bashir to River Nile state in the mid of January National Security: no one will be effected during referendum, no security problem will happen Doha negotiations: direct negotiation failed and the governmental delegation back to Khartoum Dr. Ghazi: we are committed to continue negotiation with heavyweight parties in Darfur Ghazi: we left Doha but we did not withdraw from Darfur peace Keeping units from joint forces in the case of separation to protect peace Government stop participation in Doha negotiation and the movement protest Al-Bashir present important speech on the occasion of independence today Worse conditions for IDPs in eastern Sudan Transportation minister visited Awil Almiram road, the governor of North Bahr Algazal state confirms the importance of peace to achieve development President of the republic Al-Bashir called for wide-based government President of the republic Al-Bashir: completing all arrangements for referendum Al-Sadig Al-Mahadi: Al-Bashir is not radical and he have the mood of country people Al-Bashir called political parties for wide-based government after referendum Amin Hassan Omer attack Justice and Equality Movement and confirms the continuance of Peace process in Darfur New documents and proofs proved that Abye belongs to South Kordofan Al-Sawarmi: there is no any justification for any Ugandan military intervention in the South Qatar: we will continue to mediate in order to achieve Darfur peace Al-Bashir vows to form new government and review constitution Yassir Arman: I will not accept any position in GOSS government

13 12 Dr. Nafie appreciated the contributions of Sudanese women in building the country Political parties council welcoming the invitation of president of the republic Al-Bashir to form wide-based government Vice president Taha to launch a professional training centre in Khartoum State The president of URRP declare the resolving of the party and unity with UNP Juba ready to welcome Al-Bashir Parliament called to stop violence in Darfur Central Bank declaring financial policy of 2011 SPLM called for respect the rights of the Southerners in case of separation Umma Reform and Renewal Party declares unity with Umma National Party Information Minister: some of those that threaten the government are ready to collaborate with the NCP South Sudan Referendum Commission: 70 complains received, the registered voters are 4 million Wide-based government: UNP rejecting, DUPO welcoming Critical crises in Education Ministry in Gezira state Police complete arrangements to secure referendum GOSS government called citizens to receive the president Al-Bashir in Juba tomorrow PCP expect that other Sudan states will be affected by the conflict Parliament called the Oil Ministry to ensure cooperation between North and South PCP blames the NCP for the conflict with the South Nigeria's ambassador in Sudan passed away Al-Bashir called the Minister of Interior to ensure the safety of Southern citizens residing in the North Government warning against speculation on prices NCP: forming wide-based government after referendum directly Miserrya tribe considered the decision of the Hague nihl since negotiation of Addis Ababa Warning of the Interior Minister to the national security Juba completing preparation to receive Al-Bashir before referendum

14 13 Al-Bashir in Port Sudan: Darfur showing peace and sustainability and cleaned from rebels Press council seized sports newspapers Al-Bashir: confirms strengthen of army and he excluded to bring unity by force Government refuse the mediation proposals on one region in Darfur US Department of State: there is hard and long way in front of the South Air, naval and ground exercise for army forces in Port Sudan 3,9,916 voters in the referendum next Sunday Pharmaceutical Stock corrupted drugs since 2006 Gazira State Council authorised 2011 budget Industry Minister confirms the exercise of small sizes of sugar, and said this will solve a lot of problems for customers President of the Republic and his vice in Juba to ensure good relation between North and South in the case of separation President Kiir greetings the expulsion of Darfur movements from Juba President: we respect the choice of southern citizen, if he choose separation we will celebrate with him Protest of students of Bahr Al Ghazal college Salva Kiir: we will expel all the Darfur movements and we will not allow any Northern opposition to be in Juba Al-Bashir: We will not be mourning in the case of separation Tribal group threatens to attack Darfur President encourages support for the South in the case of separation Referendum voting options Al-Bashir: arrangements for Abye will be solved before 9 July Decreasing governmental expenses Al-Bashir: Unity by force is not working and we will not refuse the choice of the South High Education Minister: no arrangements for Northern students in Southern universities Parliament worried about increasing the number of ministers

15 14 Presidency to meet today to discuss different issues and the release of referendum result Delay of popular consultation in the Blue Nile sparks public outcry Parliament endorses price increase of many commodities including fuel Lack of water at polling centers could threaten referendum turnout in Lakes state Bashir rules out dual citizenship for Southerners Arab and African committee calls to make Doha only venue for peace in Darfur Sudan s finance minister defends austerity measures, says more to follow North, South Sudan need new oil-sharing deal President Kiir: Unit is no longer possible Parliament: foreign aircraft penetrated the Sudanese territory Ministry of Education: no vacation for schools during the period of the Referendum President Kiir: elements working constantly to prevent the Referendum Vice-President Taha receives a phone call from his U.S. counterpart on the southern Referendum Signs of tension between Khartoum and Cairo: Al-Ahram newspaper criticised Bashir's comments El Haji Adam calls Turabi to join the Government Some of Gum Arabic Companies were accused of working with Jewish partners Nubians refuse Yeser Arman proposal to form a political party in the north United Press: the State of South Sudan as a threat to Egypt Police: supporters of the Umma National Party threw stones and closed the street Al Mahdi accused foreign parties of inciting the war Scientists Association renewed its rejection of the Referendum and demanding the introduction of Sharia NCP: no SPLM in the north. Islamic groups demanding for SPLM expulsion from the North Umma Party offices at home and abroad calling for overthrow of the NCP regime Wounding five, in a police clash with the demonstration of the Umma National Party Tribes Allapt Kassala State confirms its readiness to defend their homeland

16 15 Army Kills 40 member of the Justice and Equality Movement and the Minawi Resentment in the Parliament of the deterioration of the hospitals environment Sudan and Kuwait sign 10 agreements and memorandums of understanding Access (7.3) million ballot papers to the south Scholar Association: the Referendum is invalid Rise in the prices of vegetables, fruits and cereals in Khartoum UN calls for Constitutional Court to resolve the urgent issues in the Referendum US-British Commission to discuss Sudan's debt relief President Obama calls President Kiir urging him to open a dialogue with President Al Bashir Army denies the occurrence of battles with the armed movements in Darfur Umma Party: Oil is not the property of the NCP Justice and Equality Movement attacked Dar es Salaam Progress in negotiation between Sudan Government and Justice and Equality Movement on the cessation of hostilities SPLM: our government is secular and will not allow coming for religious parties Government of South sends a message to the Muslims and northerners in the South about the arrangements for the post Referendum period Communist Party declared resistance and calls for people to uprising Thousands of citizens expected to return from the North to Abyei Al Mahdi: expecting escalation of war in the South and Darfur Christians celebrate Christmas and calls for peace and religious tolerance When meeting with the Iranian envoy Al Bashir praises the positions of Tehran towards Sudan Vice President Taha briefed on arrangements for the second session of decentralised governance and the decisions of the of the development of Border Conference Ministry of Justice reveal measures to protect witnesses of crimes in Darfur During a meeting with the scholars of Sudan Vice President Taha draws to raise the community awareness and peaceful coexistence among citizens Twinning protocol between Khartoum and N'djamena to create an air bridge from Khartoum to support Chadian capital

17 16 Federal delegations to the states of Western Bahr el Ghazal and Upper Nile to participate in Christmas celebrations The President addresses at Gazeera state celebrations of national martyr day; the Governor of the state lists the projects that will be launched Assistant to the President, Vice President of National Congress of the Party affairs calls for the development of voluntary and humanitarian work Presidential directive on the demarcation of the border between North and South to accelerate the pace and expectations of the completion of the Committee's work during in few days Vice President Taha: separation of the South, if it came, caused by foreign pressure on the SPLM Committee responsible for monitoring the outputs of the East Conference and adopt qualitative projects and send the obligations of the funding Opposition parties threatening to topple the government after separation JNP calling for the formation of a national government to hold a constitutional conference Vice President Taha: separation it s not Garang vision Prosecutor of crimes in Darfur reveals the opening of criminal proceedings against 51 accused Justice Minister announces the review of specialised prosecutions to fend off suspicions Four victims of the rains and floods in Port Sudan Corruption at international level: scandal for the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Programme (DDR), Sudan threatens to call for an independent audit PCP: NCP in power, the biggest disaster for Sudan Airlines of South Sudan start flights from Nairobi Khartoum: new policies toward the bread prices Communist threat to resort to the WTO if the human manipulation of election workers continues Qaradawi: the celebration of Christmas harm Islam and Muslims of Sudan claim a vote on secession is haram (forbidden) Minister of Justice announced the recovery of million pounds of public money Al-Bashir: no withdrawal of Sharia and Doha will be the last platform for negotiation In the annual celebration of radio Vice President Taha called for peace By consensus of parliamentary blocs the National Council extended the financial period President of the Republic in Nyala declares his commitment to the project of reconstruction of home and supporting all the projects of development of areas in all states of Darfur 23 days for the Referendum

18 17 World Bank says it spends 75% of Donor's funds Goss allocates SDG 1 Billion to resume Referendum campaigns Human rights day-are we all really equal South Sudan Assembly refutes press reports on 3 States Mission Referendum vote Sudan Constitutional Court accepts case on Referendum registration violations Southern Sudan voter registration is credible, Carter Center says Aweil: 213 vehicles arrive with returnees from Northern Sudan Darfur Peace deal unlikely to be signed before Referendum Carter Center: voter registration exercise for referendum was credible Egypt supports CPA says, the Minister of Information, Mr Marial Barnabas. Domestic observers reports a peaceful voter registration in South Sudan The Western Equatoria State Referendum High Committee announced the number of the registered voters for 2011 Referendum exercise. The Government of Southern Sudan has approved million Sudanese pounds for the repatriation of internally displaced people in the North The Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly (SSLA) has refuted a report by Al-Sahafa that the speaker of SSLA had said that 3 Southern States won't vote in the upcoming referendum due to the insecurity in the mentioned states, The Sudan Constitutional Court has accepted a legal case presented by a panel of lawyers seeking a ruling on alleged violations related to voter registration process for South Sudan 2011 referendum Northern traders harbour no intent to leave South Rights group presses Sudan to guarantee post Referendum civil liberties The SPLM Southern sector secretary General Ann Itto has said that the 10 Southern states are ready for the Referendum in response to the rumours that Unity, Northern Bahr- el- Ghazel and Jonglei wouldn't vote due to security reason Over 17 prisoners charged with different offences escaped from prison in Torit on Monday night, they are registered in the Referendum and are expected in the incoming vote. US Embassy in Sudan: China plays a strong hand in Sudan Sudan army clashes with Darfur army NCP: Dual Nationality not an option in case of secession Al Bashir reaffirms keenness of the State to achieve stability, holding Referendum as scheduled is a must

19 18 The NCP and SPLM locked horns in an extra ordinary round of talks in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. Al Bashir makes an oil for Unity offer to the South Sudanese if they vote for unity in the incoming Referendum Salva Kiir urges South Sudan police to pay extra attention to the Referendum Al Bashir: North ready to give up its share of oil Unity State receives many Southern returnees Rumbek: Over 0 returnees arrive home President Bashir said Northern Sudan will adopt sharia law if Southern Sudan separates from the North in the incoming Referendum The Southern Sudan Parliament Ad-hoc Committee for Referendum and Pact Sudan officially launched the 'vote for peace' campaign and Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly hot- line reporting for Referendum President Al Bashir announced that Northern Sudan shall not claim any share of revenue of oil produced in Southern Sudan if the region opted for Unity South Sudan President Salva Kiir returns to Juba after an Official visit to Uganda The speaker of the Parliament Right Honourable James Wani Igga calls for the registered voters in Lainya County to vote for separation in the referendum The NCP has accepted the secession of the Southern Sudan in upcoming Referendum of 2011, according to SUNA's report on the statement released by the NCP's deputy chairman Nafie Ali Nafie. The threat of war by NCP is to intimidate SPLM to surrender some of its oil wealth Al Bashir lauds Mauritania stances Challenges to Referendum EU Referendum Observation Mission says it expects challenges in the conduct of the 2011 Referendum President Bashir affirms Sudan's keenness on achieving good-neighbourly relations Al Bashir praised UNAMID role in Darfur and pledges peaceful solution The EU has officially launched its election observation Mission to observe the Southern Sudan 2011 referendum vote Lakes State youth protest paternity Law Human rights demand guaranteeing of citizenship rights Khartoum summit urges transparent and peaceful referendum, calls on parties to accept outcome SPLM plans for sabotage in Darfur 12 People are confirmed dead after a clash between the SPLA and forces loyal to General George Athor Deng

20 19 Federal Government will accept Southerner's choice: Al-Bashir Khartoum confiscates the passports of SPLM appointed diplomats The United Sudan Party (USP) chairperson: we shall stand firm for separation The Japanese observation Mission has deployed 15 members (Observers) for the referendum of South Sudan Opinion polls, indicates that 90% of the South Sudan citizens are in favour of separation Secession from North will make South Sudan to introduce their own currency 52% of 3.93 million registered voters for independence are women Another referendum song hits Juba Catholic Bishops offers prayers for peace on the referendum eve Almost 4 millions to vote in Referendum Goss urged to protect Referendum observers US Secretary of State to visit Sudan next week President Kiir to brief Al Bashir on final vote preparations Al-Bashir: imposing Unity by force means more killings and destruction President Bashir seeks strong future relations in case of separation SPLM Secretary General urges Lakes State to maintain cordial relations with Northern traders Official results of the registration for South referendum indicates that about 3.9 million people registered Messariya tribes threaten to declare Abyei part of the North Bashir says door open to peace in Darfur Popular Congress Party (PCP) retrain structure until general convention Khartoum State prepares for free, fair peaceful Referendum The President of the Republic visits Juba and SPLM calls on the citizens to come out on large numbers to receive the president. US Secretary of State leads a high level delegation to Sudan to assess referendum preparations Minister of Internal Affairs said Referendum will take place as scheduled peacefully Al-Bashir: unity is the best option but Government will respect Southerners' choice

21 20 U.S says environment in Sudan constructive ahead of referendum General Athor threatens to disrupt the referendum in case SPLM fails to meet peace talk SPLM Secretary Ann Itto addressed the congregation in front of the President Speaker James Wani Igga says referendum offers last chance for Independence Pagan Amum urged voters to turn up in large numbers and cast their votes on polling days Kampala International University Sudanese Students Association call on their members who registered to vote in Kaya to assemble in Juba for easy transportation to the state during voting day Council of Ministers calls on public to turn in large numbers to welcome President Omer on Tuesday South Sudan Hiv/AIDS Commission celebrates Africa's expected new Nation Marial Benjamin assures security for the Omer Al-Bashir's visit to Juba on Tuesday Outbreak of yellow fever in Southern Sudan border Southerners are ready to vote for Unity or Separation Sudan recalls Darfur negotiators EU predicts peaceful polls Referendum to take place peacefully and on time Government of Southern Sudan graduated more than 5 thousand Officers on 14-Dec-2010 Manase Lomole Waya calls all the citizen of Southern Sudan to keep their voters card safe 27,000 returnees are transported from North to Southern Sudan for Referendum Referendum Commission ensures vote on time Youths prepares Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal for Referendum The Liberation and Justice Movement accuses the Government of seeking to abort Doha negotiation The United Nations Secretary General said both peace partners committed themselves for the past 5 years to implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement The vice President of South Sudan Dr.Riek Machar launches a new South Sudan medical clinic James Wani Igga tours the counties and Payams of Central Equatoria to enlighten registered voters on the importance of voting Ministry of Internal Affairs has said that referendum in South Sudan will be peaceful

22 21 Apologies for the harassment of a woman in Juba last Saturday Referendum to take place on January 9th 2011 Security situation improved in Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal Al-Bashir and his Government has said that he will be the first to recognise the results of the South Referendum Goss appreciates Bashir's statement on South Sudan Independence SPLM Students open door to door referendum campaing Hanging issues to affect referendum validity says National Congress Party Messiriya accused of attacking DinKa Ngonk in Abyei The Government of Southern Sudan says the security in the region will be tight ahead of the referendum South Sudan Council of Ministers next meeting resumed on Friday and restore to continue paying benefits to constitutional post holders European observation mission to Sudan: deployed observers in the field ahead of referendum President Kiir briefed about the ceasefire agreement signed between the South Sudan army and insurgents loyal to General George Athor The South Sudan referendum Bureau in cooperation with the EU observation team organised a one day workshop for media professionals President Kiir briefed about the ceasefire agreement signed between the South Sudan army and insurgents loyal to General George Athor who rebelled following allegations of fraud and rigging during gubernatorial elections in Jonglei last April Speaker of Parliament, James Igga stated: all elegible South Sudanese citizens should vote for separation Polling centres are being prepared for the independence vote The Dutch Minister for European Affairs visited Khartoum and Juba on the referedum eve The South Sudan Referendum Commission issued by-laws on voting, counting and annoucement of results Kenya to spend $2.8 millions in South Sudan by June The Government of South Sudan declares Juba freed from Darfur rebels Former South Africa President Mbeki refutes as baseless claims the Government reluctance to run referendum according to the schedule established South Sudan welcomes Bashir reassurance to accept the outcome of the referendum President Bashir vists Juba before voting days South Sudan welcomes Bashir reassurance to accept the outcome of the referendum

23 22 The importance of good governance to prevent violence and angst in South Sudan President Kiir and the Duth Minister of European Affairs discuss preparation for referendum Vice President, Dr. Machar, chaired the referndum task force meeting in Juba Presidential advisor criticised President Bashir for lack of vision regarding ethnic tensions in Sudan The SPLM assured that security measures would be in place to ensure safety during voting days South Udan and General Athor sign ceasefire agreement US State Department briefed on the referendum process Sudanese Government committed to Doha talks to end the Darfur conflict South Sudan to vote massively for separation IGAD to monitor South Sudan referendum South Sudan Referendum Bureau has lamend the polling and continuing procedures today in Juba Sunday referendum for self determination of South Sudan President Kiir discusses president Albasir's visit to Juba as a powerful boaster to the referendum SLM Leader Mini Minawi must leave South Sudan for peace to prevail during the referendum President of North Sudan Al-Bashir and of South Sudan Salva Kiir have assured that the referendum shall be conducted peacefully GOSS has deployed security forces in the ten states of South Sudan ahead of the 9th referendum The Vice President and the President of Goss appeal for violence free Referendum Southern Sudan Referendum kicks-off all over the country and abroad

24 23 The President of the Government of Southern Sudan says voting day is long awaited historical moment The SPLM Secretariat in Aweil yesterday concluded their campaigns The Southern Sudan Referendum Bureau yesterday launched Polling and Counting procedures. The first vice President of the Republic and President Salva Kiir signed a provisional presidential degree of 2011 on Friday. The Vice President of the republic and president of Southern Sudan adviced the people to have maximum respect during the polling time so to determine the future of Sudan Chairman for SPLM-DC in Lakes State found buying 909 voters cards Lake State government is expecting to receive over 8000 returnees from North Sudan to come and vote The Commissioner of Akobo County in Jonglei State has banned selling beers until the end of voting British printed ballots arrive despite problematic transports in Europe due to bad weather Al-Bashir: January 9 will be a historical day whatever the Referendum's outcome would be 17 days to the Referendum Journalist Union condemns Khartoum closure of the Khartoum Monitor and Sudan Tribune SPLM will stay in the North after Secession Arch Bishop of Juba says: General Athor accepted Kiir's message of pacification Bahr-el-Ghazal increases security measures ahead of Referendum The Uganda Lords Resistance Army has attacked a village (Riko) in Western Equatoria Southern Sudan Referendum Bureau has started with the distribution of the ballot papers This is a special Christmas said the Arch Bishop of Juba 15 days to the Referendum and the Christmas eve Abyei set for a normal Christmas separation Rumbek: Citizens launch separation campaign to end economic marginalisation

25 24 Boda Boda drivers demonstrate for separation President of GoSS repeats his appeal to peace in the pre and post Referendum period US administration reminds the Sudanese Government of the importance of holding the Referendum on time US administration reminds the Sudanese Government of the importance of holding the Referendum on time Wani Igga congratulates the President of Goss and his Cabinet on Christmas celebration. Ann Itto calls on the People of Southern Sudan to reconcile and to face the challenge ahead National Congress Party (NCP) loses legitimacy in case of secession: National Alliance Forces. Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan in dilemma between the South and North National Congress Party rejects SPLM's accusations of inciting Messeriya tribes Observers Without Borders: 3100 Sudanese and 650 International observers for Referendum Observers Without Borders: South Referendum costs 372 million Dollars We are almost close to independence, said President Kiir Secret report reveals global corruption in South Sudan Funds Ministry of Foreign Affairs: the world will witness a secure Referendum Police strip ladies half naked during Christmas Sudan Referendum Commission rejects lawsuit over delays in the registration Kiir: Unity is not probable option The dynamism of politics in Sudan at the verge of the Referendum Al Bashir pledges to help new Southern state Southern Sudan Referendum Commission hands out monitoring cards to party representatives National Congress Party (NCP): Parliament to continue session in both cases of Unity or Separation The end of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) to be proved on 9th January 2011 UN handed over the ballot papers to the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission (SSRC) in Juba The United States stress that the Referendum on Sudan's future must go ahead

26 25 The Government of Southern Sudan is capable of establishing and maintaining a successful new state The Government of Central Equatorial state launched a Referendum mobilisation campaign The representative of civil society in the state Mohamed Alhaj said they are advocating for separation Salva Kiir: We must be very vigilant because the enemies of peace are not sleeping President Omar Bashir has strongly reacted to the call by the national opposition forces for the formation of the Government of National Unity in case the South is to secede The two Comprehensive Peace Agreement partners reached agreement on the most of the outstanding post Referendum issues Government of Southern Sudan council of Ministers reviews political development in the country and preparation for the Referendum in an extra ordinary meeting The United States of America vice President Joseph Biden has up the Sudanese vice President Osman Taha on Friday to discuss the state of South Sudan Referendum On Christmas day, the deputy General Secretary for the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Movement (SPLM) Ann Itto said Southern sector has maintained the appeal for reconciliation and unity ahead of the Referendum Government of Southern Sudan presidential advisor in legal affairs Riek Teny on Thursday said secession of South Sudan through Referendum is not a threat to Northern Sudan. South Sudan President returns to Juba after an official visit to Uganda. Speaker for the Parliament of South Sudan calls on the registered voters from Lainya County to vote for separation in the forthcoming Referendum. SPLM Southern sector launch voter education campaign in Central Equatoria The future of the South Sudan lies in the hands of women said Goss Minister of Labour Arab league in Juba to meet South Sudan leadership and assess preparation for Referendum Police Minister condemns woman's beating in Juba on Christmas day The speaker of South Sudan legislative assembly, James Wani Igga, congratulates with the President of Southern Sudan and his cabinet on Christmas celebration The Catholic Bishop of Wau archdiocese calls on the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) partners not to take the country back to war The vice President of Kenya calls on the IGAD Countries to stand with Sudan in this critical time The Minister of Internal Affairs in the Government of South Sudan, Gier Chuang Aluong, regrets the recent police actions against a woman beaten up for wearing trousers The Referendum campaign programme launches an out of out reach programmes for voters

27 26 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 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 Strengthening of Media component Support to Southern Sudan Referendum Project (SSRP), 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.