Tensions are rising in Sudan as the country prepares for elections in 2010 and a subsequent referendum over whether the people of South Sudan want to break away and become an independent state.

The Obama administration's new "incentives and pressure" policy toward S Sudan confirms that it will resort to punishing errant African governments only after diplomatic engagement has failed.

Parliament is in a tug-of war with the Foreign Affairs Ministry over Shs17 billion the ministry says it needs to build a market for Ugandan traders in Juba. Whatever reasons Parliament has this money should not be passed.

The African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council have endorsed the recommendations of the AU High-Level Panel on Darfur (AUPD) which seeks the creation of a hybrid court to end the Darfur crisis.