JUBA // South Sudanese voted overwhelmingly to declare independence from the north in a referendum, according to officials in seven out of the region's 10 states polled by Reuters yesterday.
The poll is in line with widely held expectations of the result of last week's plebiscite, the climax of a peace deal in 2005 that ended decades of north-south civil war. Official results are not expected to be announced until early February.
Referendum officials reported large votes in favour of independence, some releasing early figures, some saying trends pointed to support of more than 90 per cent, in the southern states of Central Equatoria, Unity, Lakes, Jonglei, Warrap, Western Bahr al Ghazal and Eastern Equatoria.
Alfred Sebit Lokuji, the chairman for the referendum committee covering Central Equatoria state, a territory that includes the southern capital, Juba, said: "From the figures we have so far the vote is overwhelmingly for independence … more than 90 per cent across the board.
A total of 153,839 people voted for independence in Western Bahr al Ghazal state, against 7,237 for continued unity with the north, said that state's committee chairman, Wol Madut Chan.
Western Bahr al Ghazal lies on the south's border with the north, neighbouring the Darfur region. Its figures amounted to a 95 per cent vote for separation, once spoilt and unmarked ballots were accounted for.
Referendum officials in Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria states said they were heading towards a 99 per cent vote for separation.
Michael Moyil Chol, the chair of the referendum committee for Unity state, an oil-producing area which also borders the north, said: "So far it looks like more than 80 per cent are in favour of independence."
Officials did not release figures or give any indications in the states of Western Equatoria and Upper Nile while no one immediately answered calls in Northern Bahr al Ghazal.
Referendum officials have reported large votes for independence among groups of southerners voting in Egypt, Kenya and Ethiopia.
Southern leaders have urged people from the oil-producing region not to hold premature celebrations and to wait for the final figures.
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).