Sudan, South Sudan in Fresh Border Fight

Armed forces of Sudan and South Sudan are reported to have clashed in several disputed border regions in one of the biggest confrontation seen since South’s independence.

South Sudan reported Sudan’s armed forces had attacked the disputed areas of Jau, Pan Akuach and Teshwin, inside its territory.

Khartoum has confirmed the fighting in its border regions of South Kordofan and southern Unity states, without giving exact locations.

The clashes come ahead when Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir was due to tour South Sudan in April for a summit on negotiations between the two states, which has been since cancelled according to Sudan state radio.

South Sudan believes this latest fighting was triggered by Khartoum, to sabotage the April negotiations, but Khartoum puts the blame squarely on Juba.

President Salva Kiir of South Sudan held that Sudan was spoiling for a war, following the clashes, warning of a looming war between the two states.

“It is a war that has been imposed on us again, but it is Sudan who are looking for it," Kiir said: "This morning the [Sudanese] air force came and bombed... areas in Unity state.

"After this intensive bombardment our forces.... were attacked by the [Sudan Armed Forces] and militia," he added.  Kiir said that the Juba forces had taken control over the key oilfields of Heglig, parts of which are claimed by both sides.

A possible border demarcation remains in dispute since the south seceded last year, over five key oil-rich areas which both sides claim. In February the two sides agreed to settle on possible border areas within three months, with the disputed regions excluded.

South Sudan shut down its oil fields In January, following row over oil transit fees accusing the north of stealing its oil and over excessive transit charges. South Sudan depends on oil it exports for 98 per cent of its national revenue and the shut down have seen the Juba government cut down on its expenditures.

Analysts say the clashes represent victory for the hard-liners in Khartoum who are against the recent series of negotiations to end the long-standing north-south feud which has taken new dimension now.

The South became independent in July 2011 following an earlier January referendum that was overwhelmingly passed in favour of the secession, marking the final phase of the 2005 peace agreement that ended the longstanding Sudanese dispute.

Dakar, Senegal

Senegal Vote Hope for a Democratic Africa

World leaders and international observers in Senegal’s presidential polls have hailed the peaceful vote as a great victory for the continent’s democracy, after President Abdoulaye Wade conceded defeat by Macky Sall in the Sunday run-off.

The Senegal runoff came after both Wade and Sall, top most candidates failed to secure an outright majority in the first round of the polls that had attracted 12 other candidates.

President Wade called his opponent few hours after polling had closed to congratulate him, after preliminary results revealed that Sall was in a commanding lead, prompting thousands to throng into streets to celebrate victory.

"The results coming in indicated that Mr Macky Sall had won. As I had always promised, I called him Sunday night to congratulate him," Wade said in a statement released to reporters on Monday.

The move comes surprisingly; disapproving fears that the country regarded as beacon of democracy in the region, would sway into violence if the 85-year-old leader would try to cling on to power.

African Union has hailed the vote terming it as show of “Maturity of the country’s democracy”, which the European Union called “a great example for Africa.”

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon speaking by phone on Monday with Sall and Wade, congratulated them both and the people of Senegal for the exemplary conduct of the presidential elections saying the civic responsibility displayed by all political actors and civil society was indicative of Senegal's strong democratic commitment.

The UN chief commended Wade "for his gracious and statesmanlike actions" and urged the outgoing and incoming presidents "to work together in the coming days in the interest of the country", said the UN deputy spokesperson Eduardo del Buey.

AU Commission chairman Jean Ping said the peaceful conduct of the presidential elections "proved that Africa, despite its challenges, continues to register significant progress towards democracy and transparent elections".

France, the former colonial ruler has praised Senegal, with President Nicolas Sarcozy saying the peaceful election was “good news for Africa in general and for Senegal in particular".

"Senegal is a major African country and a model of democracy," he said. "When you see what's happening in Mali, it's a reason for hope for all of Africa."

US President Barack Obama paid tribute to Wade for his leadership and friendship to the US during his presidency, congratulating Sall and the people of Senegal, praising the West African nation as "a leading example of good governance and democracy at work."

Obama also paid tribute to Wade "for his leadership and friendship to the United States" during his presidency, where also Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan praised Wade "for graciously accepting defeat, showing great maturity and statesmanship."

During a press conference held midnight at a Dakar hotel, Sall gave few details of his earlier conversation with Wade, where he praised the voters, promising that he would be a president for all under the new era for Senegal.

Sall, a 50 year-old geologist and former mayor of the western town of Fatick served as prime minister from 2004 to 2007under Wade, but fell out later over political differences. 

Sall who is from a modest economic background was the only opposition candidate to carry out a countrywide campaign and was one of the most vocal leaders of the June 23 movement that rose up against Wade’s run for a controversial third term.

Wade rose to power in 2000 after spending 26 years in opposition where he staged four unsuccessful presidential bids. His popularity has dwindled since his easy re-election in 2007 following criticism of doing little to control soaring costs of living and unemployment during his 12 years in power.

Senegal is the only mainland West African nation that has not witnessed coups since independence from colonial powers.