Consultative meeting on Darfur peace strategy in Khartoum, Sudan August 26, 2010 - AU and UN Sudan Consultative Forum in Khartoum July 17, 2010

(L to R) U.S. special envoy to Sudan Scott Gration, Ghazi Salah Eldin, presidential adviser in charge of Darfur file, former South Africa President Thabo Mbeki, head of the African Union High Level Implementation Panel and joint special representative of U.N.-African Union peacekeepers in Darfur (UNAMID) Ibrahim Gambari attend the Consultative meeting on Darfur peace strategy in Khartoum Thursday, 26 August 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah)



Former South Africa President Thabo Mbeki (L), head of the African Union High Level Implementation Panel speaks next to joint special representative of U.N.-African Union peacekeepers in Darfur (UNAMID) Ibrahim Gambari during the Consultative meeting on Darfur peace strategy in Khartoum August 26, 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abd)



U.S. special envoy to Sudan Scott Gration (R) and Joint special representative of U.N.-African Union peacekeepers in Darfur (UNAMID) Ibrahim Gambari arrive for the Consultative meeting on Darfur peace strategy in Khartoum Thursday, 26 August 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah)



Joint special representative of U.N.-African Union peacekeepers in Darfur (UNAMID) Ibrahim Gambari talks to the United Kingdom's Special Envoy to Sudan Michael Ryder (L) and British ambassador to Sudan Nicholas Kay (R) during the Consultative meeting on Darfur peace strategy in Khartoum Thursday, 26 August 2010. (Reuters)



U.S. special envoy to Sudan Scott Gration (R) talks to the United Kingdom's Special Envoy to Sudan Michael Ryder (L) and British ambassador to Sudan Nicholas Kay (C) during the Consultative meeting on Darfur peace strategy in Khartoum Thursday, 26 August 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah)



U.S. special envoy to Sudan Scott Gration (L) talks to Ghazi Salah Eldin, presidential adviser in charge of Darfur file, at the Consultative meeting on Darfur peace strategy in Khartoum Thursday, 26 August 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah)

UNAMID JSR Attends Consultative Meeting on Darfur Peace Strategy
Source: United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID)
Date: Thursday, 26 August 2010
UNAMID PR / 33- 2010

Khartoum, 26 August 2010 – The Joint Special Representative (JSR) of the AU-UN Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), Professor Ibrahim Gambari today attended a Consultative Meeting on Darfur Peace Strategy with Sudanese Presidential Advisor, Dr. Ghazi Salahuddin Atabani; Chairman of the AU High Level Implementation Panel, Thabo Mbeki, and US Special Envoy for Sudan, Scott Gration.

The participants underlined the necessity of having a comprehensive strategy that would encompass all aspects of the Darfur problem, including security, stabilization, development and early recovery.

The meeting agreed that UNAMID and the Government of Sudan (GoS) would cooperate closely to improve the security situation in Darfur and conduct joint action to ensure stabilization and development in the whole region.

The meeting also discussed the GoS Darfur Security Strategy/Plan along with the draft US Security and Stabilization Initiative for Darfur.

JSR Gambari expressed his satisfaction over the strategy saying he would look forward for cooperation between UNAMID and GoS Police and military forces to ensure the security of Darfur.

The JSR also emphasized UNAMID's commitment to support early recovery and development in the region.

"UNAMID will be supporting recovery programs in close consultation and coordination with the UN Country Team," Professor Gambari remarked.

Mr. Mbeki referred to the necessity of involving the Darfurian people in the peace process and its negotiations, expressing his expectation to have a peace deal concluded before the end of this year.

Also present at the meeting was UNAMID's Deputy JSR for Operations and Management, Mohamed Yonis; Force Commander, Lieutenant General Patrick Nyamvumba; and Police Commissioner, James Oppong-Boanuh.

Communication and Public Information Division Media Contacts

Kemal Saïki, Director; saiki@un.org; tel.: +249 (0) 92 244 3529; mobile: +249 (0) 92 241 0020
Chris Cycmanick, Officer-in-Charge, Media Relations; cycmanick@un.org, mobile: +249 (0) 91 253 8436

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AU and UN Sudan Consultative Forum in Khartoum July 17, 2010



The opening session of the A.U. and U.N. Sudan Consultative Forum is pictured in Khartoum July 17, 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah - Sat Jul 17, 2010; 9:26 AM ET)



U.N. Under Secretary General for Peace Keeping Operations Alain Le Roy (L), Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union Ramtane Lamamra and former South African president Thabo Mbeki (R) attend the opening session of the A.U. and U.N. Sudan Consultative Forum in Khartoum July 17, 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah - Sat Jul 17, 2010; 9:18 AM ET)



Chinese special envoy to Darfur Liu Guijin (L) attends the opening session of the A.U. and U.N. Sudan Consultative Forum in Khartoum July 17, 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah)



Former South African president Thabo Mbeki (L) arrives to the opening session of the A.U. and U.N. Sudan Consultative Forum in Khartoum July 17, 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah - Sat Jul 17, 2010; 9:01 AM ET)



U.S. presidential special envoy to Sudan Scott Gration (L) talks to the Chinese special envoy to Darfur Liu Guijin before the opening session of the A.U. and U.N. Sudan Consultative Forum in Khartoum July 17, 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah - Sat Jul 17, 2010; 8:59 AM ET)



U.S. presidential special envoy to Sudan Scott Gration arrives to attend the opening session of the A.U. and U.N. Sudan Consultative Forum in Khartoum July 17, 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah)



Kamal Hassan (L) from the National Congress Party and Loka Byong from the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) attend the opening session of the A.U. and U.N. Sudan Consultative Forum in Khartoum July 17, 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah - Sat Jul 17, 2010; 9:09 AM ET)



Britain's new minister for Africa Henry Bellingham speaks during his meeting with Sudanese officials in Khartoum July 26, 2010. Britain wants to trade more with Sudan. On his first official visit to Sudan, Bellingham said Britain's new government sought to encourage companies to invest more in Sudan, particularly in its oil and services sectors. (Reuters/Mohamed Nurdldin Abdalla - Mon Jul 26, 2010; 2:28 PM ET)

Sudan: New strategy - South Darfur State sets a plan for illegal arms collection - IDPs in Kalma camp not allowed to practice military activities

Photo: "In Sudan - the beautiful desert" by Douglas Bratthall (Source: Yahoo!)

Kalma IDP camp is a political and military camp to serve SLM-Nur

IN a press conference held last Monday (09 August) South Darfur Governor, Abdul Hamid Musa Kasha, described Kalma IDP (internally displaced persons) camp in South Darfur, western Sudan as a political and military camp to serve Abdul Wahid Al-Nur's Darfur insurgent faction SLM.

Kasha revealed that a joint meeting between the Sudanese government and the joint UN/AU peacekeeping Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) resulted in not allowing IDPs in Kalma camp to practice any military activities besides establishing a joint committee to investigate on the recent incidents.

He added that his government had prepared a plan for disarmament in three stages and taken the necessary measures to transfer Kalma camp to another location.

"The state government has developed a plan to collect arms voluntarily from inside the camp to establish social peace," Kasha said on Friday in statements reported by the official news agency SUNA.

He further presented an overview of the state government’s efforts to upgrade essential services of interest to the citizens in the areas of electricity and water.

For the first time a Sudanese government —State minister for humanitarian affairs Mutrif Sideeq — visited the camp with the head of the peacekeeping mission on Wednesday (11 August) and attended a meeting held between Ibrahim Gambari and six delegates who sought refuge at the UNAMID police center in the camp.

The six IDPs representatives told Sudan Tribune that Gambari tried to convince them to accept joint patrols by the Sudanese police and the peacekeepers.

New strategy for the settlement of the Darfur issue

Vice President, Ali Osman Mohammed Taha vowed to take into consideration the visions and proposals of all political parties in the new strategy for the settlement of the Darfur issue.

In his address to the consultative meeting he held with political forces for solving the Darfur issue at the Friendship Hall, the Vice-president affirmed that the government focuses on and will take on board positive contributions and opinions for achieving peace in Darfur. "We shall take on board the opinion of the Darfurian people and all the political forces in any consultation that lead to a comprehensive solution ", he said. The Vice-president described talk about excluding Darfur insurgent factions in any solution is not accurate.

Objectives and priorities of the new strategy

Dr. Ghazi Salah Addeen, the Presidential Advisor and the in-charge of Darfur File said that the objectives and priorities of the new strategy involve

(1) the achievement of a comprehensive settlement (2); enhancement of security; (3) the establishment of a political process in Darfur(4); acceleration of voluntary sustainable return of the displaced; (5) procedures to be taken by government for the execution of development projects; (6) and the organizing of viable consultations among the various components of the Darfurian society; (7) the implementation of justice for all; (8) the restructuring of humanitarian operations and directing them from relief aid to development; (9) the attraction of regional and international support; (10) the enhancement of reconciliation process amongst the people of Darfur; (11) working with our partners to conclude a final and comprehensive peace agreements.

Dr. Ghazi said that a copy of the strategy was handed over to General Salva Kiir, the First Vice-President of the Republic and President of Southern Sudan government and a copy will be submitted to the Council of Ministers. "It is a flexible strategy and not a rigid one and it can be amended according to developments", he said.

Many thousands of IDPs from Kalma remain unaccounted for

Meanwhile, a news report published by AFP on Saturday (14 August) says Sudan must stop blocking aid agencies from reaching more than 80,000 displaced Darfuri refugees at Kalma camp, the UN's undersecretary general for humanitarian affairs, John Holmes, said on Saturday, quote

"Many thousands of IDPs from Kalma remain unaccounted for.

"We need immediate access so we can respond to the needs and conditions of those remaining there. We also need to find out how many people have left, and where they have gone, in order to provide relief to them too.

"The United Nations has been in close contact with the relevant Sudanese authorities to restore access ... but until today progress has not been forthcoming.

"Five international NGOs and UN humanitarian agencies which have humanitarian programmes in Kalma are still being prevented from entering the camp by local authorities on the ground, despite recent reassurances that such restrictions had not been imposed."

60 cases of malnutrition in Kalma IDP camp

According to a news report by Miraya FM published yesterday (Sunday, 15 August) UNAMID has revealed 60 cases of malnutrition in Kalma IDP camp, as a result of deteriorating humanitarian situation. Also, the UNMAID stated in a press release that, sound of shooting are heard within the camp pointing out the relocation of majority of IDPs, who sought shelter near UNAMID's local Community Policing Center, to other parts of the camp.

No barring of humanitarian workers from accessing the needy

This morning (Monday, 16 August), Sudan Vision Daily Newspaper reported that the Government of Sudan has "slammed the claims made by the UN's humanitarian chief, John Holmes, to the effect that the government had barred relief officials from entering Kalma IDPs camp". Furthermore, Sudan's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Mo'awia Osman Khalid, is quoted as saying, "No barring of Humanitarian workers from accessing the needy."

The report also reveals that "a joint meeting is to be held between the Government of West Darfur State and UNAMID Chief, Ibrahim Gambari within the coming two days with the aim of consultation on Hamedia Camp of Zalinji, besides, studying the situations of all other camps in the state. Also, that the State's Humanitarian Aid Deputy Commissioner, Ismail Adam reported that the meeting targets more coordination and consultation between the two sides on what had been agreed upon in respect of disarming in the camps and protection of people therein. He noted that all camps witness stable security and humanitarian situations".

Finally, news just in from UNAMID - Daily Media Brief dated Sunday, 15 August 2010 - excerpt:

"The security situation in Kalma Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in South Darfur remains unpredictable, with sporadic shooting over the weekend. UNAMID troops continue to patrol the area, 24 hours a day. The majority of IDPs who sought shelter near UNAMID’s local Community Policing Center have relocated to other parts of the camp, suggesting an improvement in the security situation.

Humanitarian conditions in the camp continue to deteriorate. Fuel stores in the camp have been exhausted, and consequently motorized water pumps have ceased to function. Contrary to reports on 12 August, there are two functioning clinics in Kalma camp, albeit with limited resources. One of the clinics yesterday informed UNAMID of over 60 cases of malnutrition".

SOURCES: See 6 reports here below by Sudan Vision Daily, AFP, Miraya FM, Sudan Tribune, UNAMID.

South Darfur State Sets a Plan for Illegal Arms Collection
Report from Sudan Vision (SV) Daily News Paper - Official Website (Khartoum)/via Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan, Washington D.C.
Date: Tuesday, 10 August 2010/ via ISRIA - excerpt:

South Darfur Governor, Abdul Hamid Musa Kasha said that the security situations are 90% stable, pointing out that the government is serious in applying rule of law.

Government announces new strategy on Darfur peace process
Report from Sudan Vision (SV) Daily News Paper - Official Website (Khartoum)
/ via Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan, Washington D.C.
Date: Wednesday, 11 August 2010 - excerpt:

Vice President, Ali Osman Mohammed Taha vowed to take into consideration the visions and proposals of all political parties in the new strategy for the settlement of the Darfur issue.

Sudan blocking access to Darfuri refugees: UN
Report from AFP (Khartoum)
Date: Saturday, 14 August 2010 - excerpt:

"We need immediate access so we can respond to the needs and conditions of those remaining there. We also need to find out how many people have left, and where they have gone, in order to provide relief to them too. The United Nations has been in close contact with the relevant Sudanese authorities to restore access ... but until today progress has not been forthcoming. I am extremely concerned about the welfare of the IDPs (internally displaced persons) at Kalma camp, to whom we have not been able to deliver relief for 13 days," said John Holmes, the UN's undersecretary general for humanitarian affairs. "If access is not urgently restored, the situation risks deteriorating rapidly," he added.

Sudan: 60 cases of malnutrition in Kalma camp, UNAMID says
Report from Miraya FM / via ReliefWeb
Date: Sunday, 15 August 2010

South Darfur to disarm Kalma camp
Report from Sudan Tribune
Published: Sunday, 15 August 2010 - excerpt:

August 14, 2010 (KHARTOUM) — The South Darfur state will launch a campaign to retrieve voluntarily weapons in the restive Kalma camp, the governor said this week. Governor Abdel Hamid Moussa Kasha declared considering to remove the camp and relocate the IDPs in other areas. He said that the camp has become a den of criminals and outlaws. He stressed the proximity of the camp from Nyala airport and railway "increases the security threat for UNAMID planes".

UNAMID Daily Media Brief - Sunday, 15 August 2010
Report from United Nations - African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID)

EL FASHER (DARFUR), Sudan, August 16, 2010/ via APO:

Security situation update
The security situation in Kalma Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in South Darfur remains unpredictable, with sporadic shooting over the weekend. UNAMID troops continue to patrol the area, 24 hours a day. The majority of IDPs who sought shelter near UNAMID’s local Community Policing Center have relocated to other parts of the camp, suggesting an improvement in the security situation.

Humanitarian conditions in the camp continue to deteriorate. Fuel stores in the camp have been exhausted, and consequently motorized water pumps have ceased to function. Contrary to reports on 12 August, there are two functioning clinics in Kalma camp, albeit with limited resources. One of the clinics yesterday informed UNAMID of over 60 cases of malnutrition.

UNAMID patrols
UNAMID military forces conducted 76 patrols including routine, short-range, long-range, night and humanitarian escort patrols covering 66 villages and IDP camps.

UNAMID police advisors conducted 119 patrols in villages and IDP camps.

Govt. Dismisses Holmes' Claims of Blocking Humanitarian Access to Kalma Camp
Report from Sudan Vision Daily News Paper - Official Website (Khartoum)
Date: Monday, 16 August 2010 by Mohammed Abdallah - excerpt:

The Government has slammed the claims made by the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, John Holmes, to the effect that the government had barred Relief Officials from entering Kalma IDPs camp.

Foreign Ministry spokesman, Mo'awia Osman Khalid, said, "No barring of Humanitarian workers from accessing the needy." And further stating that the government respects international agreements and commitments and works for integrating the roles of the international partners for accomplishing the humanitarian objectives set for Darfur.

The spokesman underlined the importance of respecting the sovereignty and integrity of the country, adding that the government is properly discharging its responsibilities towards its people.

The government stressed the importance of adherence to security controls, stipulated in the humanitarian agreements; on the part of UNAMID and relief workers own safety against all risks. [...]

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Darfur's tribes dance during a rally to support Darfur peace talk



Photo: Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir waves to Darfur's tribes during a rally to support the Darfur peace talk, in Khartoum 06 August 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nurdldin Abdallah)



Photo: Members of Darfur's tribes perform a traditional dance during a rally to support the Darfur peace talk, in Khartoum 06 August 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nurdldin Abdallah)
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UNAMID: Sudan govt's dealing with Kalma camp incident contradicts signed deal - Large regions of Kalma deserted

AN inter-agency mission carried out from 4 to 8 August and covering eleven villages near Nyala, South Darfur, western Sudan estimates that around 450 to 500 households have arrived there from Kalma IDP camp, South Darfur.

The United Nations-African Union mission in Darfur (UNAMID) team recommended immediate humanitarian intervention to all eleven villages, even those where no Kalma refugees were found, due to dire conditions, especially in sanitation, health and education.

The head of UNAMID, Ibrahim Gambari, said that threatening and setting a date for handing over culprits of the Kalma camp incidents does not conform to signed deals between the mission and the Sudanese government.

At a press conference held in Khartoum at the beginning of this week, the Governor of South Darfur State, Abdel Hamid Musa Kasha, disclosed the government's intention to remove Kalma camp described as military base and political platform for Abdel Wahid Al-Nur.

There was an exchange of gunfire at Kalma camp, a U.N. spokesman said on Wednesday. "The situation in Kalma remains tense and insecure," U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky told reporters. "There were reports of gunfire overnight." It was not clear who fired the shots, though there has been sporadic fighting between supporters of Darfur peace talks in Doha and those who oppose the talks.

The Department of Peacekeeping Operations says that the Joint AU-UN Special Representative, Ibrahim Gambari, and the UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator, George Charpentier, travelled with Government interlocutors to the Kalma camp on Wednesday, 11 August 2010 for meetings with senior authorities in Nyala. They discussed the need to find amicable and practical solutions to resolve the situation and ensure protection for all displaced people and civilians.

SOURCES: Five reports here below.

SUDAN: Thousands struggle to survive as Kalma aid cut off
Source: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN)
Date: 12 Aug 2010 /via ReliefWeb - excerpt:

NAIROBI, 12 August 2010 (IRIN) - Humanitarian access to Kalma, the largest settlement for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sudan's Southern Darfur State remains cut off ten days after the government blocked UN agencies and the last five NGOs still operating in the camp from distributing food and medical aid to an estimated 82,000 IDPs. [...]

At a press conference held in Khartoum at the beginning of this week, the Governor of South Darfur State, Abdel Hamid Musa Kasha, disclosed the government's intention to remove Kalma camp described as military base and political platform for Abdel Wahid Al-Nur.

More gunfire at Darfur camp, aid workers barred: UN
Source: Reuters by Louis Charbonneau
Date: Thursday, 12 August 2010 at 14:17 GMT - excerpt:

UNITED NATIONS - There was an exchange of gunfire at a refugee camp in Sudan's western Darfur region that has been the focus of a tense standoff between international peacekeepers and Khartoum, a U.N. spokesman said on Wednesday.

Sudan has demanded that U.N.-African Union peacekeepers in Darfur (UNAMID) hand over six Darfuris accused by Khartoum of instigating clashes in South Darfur's Kalma Camp in late July that killed at least five people. UNAMID has refused to do so.

"The situation in Kalma remains tense and insecure," U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky told reporters. "There were reports of gunfire overnight."

It was not clear who fired the shots, though there has been sporadic fighting between supporters of Darfur peace talks in Doha and those who oppose the talks.

UN - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
Date: Wednesday, 11 August 2010 /via ISRIA
The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s noon briefing by Martin Nesirky, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. Excerpt:

The situation in Kalma in Darfur remains tense and insecure, according to the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). There were reports of gunfire overnight. The Department of Peacekeeping Operations says that the Joint AU-UN Special Representative, Ibrahim Gambari, and the UN Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator, George Charpentier, travelled with Government interlocutors to the Kalma camp today for meetings with senior authorities in Nyala. They discussed the need to find amicable and practical solutions to resolve the situation and ensure protection for all displaced people and civilians.

Darfur/UNAMID Daily Media Brief
Source: United Nations – African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID)
El Fasher Darfur, western Sudan
Date: Wednesday, 11 August 2010 /via APO Thursday, 12 August 2010:

Security situation update
The general security situation in and around Kalma Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in South Darfur is relatively calm, but remains unpredictable. UNAMID troops continue to patrol the area, 24 hours a day.

A UNAMID team which visited Kalma camp yesterday has reported that large regions of the settlement appeared deserted, the inhabitants having left for either the nearby UNAMID Community Policing Center, Nyala or one of the surrounding villages.

An inter-agency mission carried out from 4 to 8 August and covering eleven villages near Nyala estimates that around 450 to 500 households have arrived there from Kalma. The team recommended immediate humanitarian intervention to all eleven villages, even those where no Kalma refugees were found, due to dire conditions, especially in sanitation, health and education.

UNAMID patrols
UNAMID military forces conducted 102 patrols including routine, short-range, long-range, night and humanitarian escort patrols covering 93 villages and IDP camps.

UNAMID police advisors conducted 145 patrols in villages and IDP camps.

Government's dealing with Kalma Incident contradicts signed deal says UNAMID
Source: Miraya FM
Date: Wednesday, 11 August 2010 20:11
Last Updated Thursday, 12 August 2010 10:43

The head of the United Nations/African Union mission in Darfur (UNAMID), Ibrahim Gambari, said that threatening and setting a date for handing over culprits of the Kalma camp incidents does not conform to signed deals between the mission and the Sudanese government.

In the same context, Mutrif Siddiq, the state minister of humanitarian affairs confirmed that the demands made by the government of southern Darfur are as follows, handing over of the perpetrators of the Kalma incidents, re-locating the camp, rehabilitate those who fled the camp to other areas.

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News from SRS - Sudan Radio Service:

Wednesday, 11-Aug-2010

• 6 Million Sudanese Pounds Recovered From GOSS Payroll Cleansing
• GOSS Captures Militias Allied To Renegade General George Athor
• Civic Education On Referendum To Be Conducted In Unity State
• Episcopal Bishops in southern Sudan Against Any Delay Of The Referendum
• Schools Re-open In Rumbek After One Month Closure

Tuesday, 10-Aug-2010

• Referendum To Be Conducted As Scheduled
• Civil Servants To Receive Pensions
• Campaigns To Support Southern Sudan’s Secession Kicks Off In Malakal
• Kenya Airways Flight To Juba Reports Technical Difficulties
• Unity State Government Reconciles With Opposition Group
• Security Situation In CES Calm
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Ramadam in Sudan: Restaurants stay open in Khartoum - Gambari urges Darfurians to pray for peace

THE chairman of the non-Muslim commission in Khartoum, Joshua Dau, has affirmed continuity of the last year's deal between the commission and the localities, which stipulates opening all restaurants in Khartoum to give non-Muslims and those who are unable to fast a chance of having their meals during Ramadan.

Source: Miraya FM - Thursday, 12 August 2010 02:50
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Gambari urges Darfurians to pray for peace during Ramadan
Source: www.afriquejet.com
Date: Thursday, 12 August 2010:

(Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) - Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the AU-UN Joint Special Representative for Darfur, on Wednesday appealed to the people of Darfur on the occasion of the Ramadan, saying the Islamic fasting month 'is not a time for violence, but for reconciliation', PANA reported from here.

'On the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, I would like to take the opportunity to convey my best wishes to the people of the Sudan and of Darfur in particular.

'May the light of this holy month of purity in thoughts and deeds touch us all and engage us in generosity and charity,' Gambari stated.

He urged all Darfurians to let the spirit of Ramadan prevail and 'to take this chance to extend a hand to those in need and to pray that peace and stability grace this land.'

Dar es Salaam - Pana 12/08/2010

Darfur, Sudan: Security situation update - Kalma leaders threatened over Doha - AU asks UN to suspend ICC arrest warrants for President Bashir

Photo: Sudan's President Omar Hassan al-Bashir (C), First Vice President Salva Kiir Mayardit (L) and Vice President Ali Osman Taha sit for a presidency meeting before al-Bashir left for Chad, in Khartoum, Wednesday, 21 July 2010. Chad said on Wednesday it would not arrest al-Bashir who arrived in the country for his first visit to a full member state of the world court which is demanding his arrest for genocide. (Reuters /Mohamed Nureldin Abdallh)



Photo: Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir walks towards his plane at the airport in Khartoum, Wednesday, 21 July 2010 as he prepares to leave for Chad to attend the summit of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States. An international row raged on Thursday over the presence of genocide accused Bashir of Sudan as he took his place among African leaders at a regional summit in Chad. (AFP/Ebrahim Hamid)



Photo: Sudan's President Omar Hassan al-Bashir (2nd R) walks with First Vice President Salva Kiir Mayardit (L) as he prepares to leave for Chad, in Khartoum, Wednesday, 21 July 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallh)



Photo: Sudan's President Omar Hassan al-Bashir (R) shakes hands with First Vice President Salva Kiir Mayardit as he prepares to leave for Chad, in Khartoum, Wednesday, 21 July 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallh)



Photo: First Vice President Salva Kiir waits to meet Sudanese opposition leaders in Khartoum Thursday, 22 July 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah)

Bashir to meet opposition leaders
Report from SRS (Sudan Radio Service) - Friday, 23 July 2010:

(Khartoum) – The first Vice President and President of Southern Sudan government, Salva Kiir, met with the leaders of northern opposition parties in Khartoum on Thursday.

The SPLM deputy secretary general-northern section, Yasir Arman, spoke to the press after the meeting.

[Yasir Arman]: “The meeting discussed the invitation by the chairman of the NCP, President al-Bashir, to meet with the political forces on Saturday. After extensive negotiations, the participants agreed that the intended meeting should be a comprehensive meeting in viewing Sudan’s issues. The first and most important issue to be discussed is availing freedoms as an entrance to discuss all the issues facing Sudan. Secondly, the importance of conducting a free and fair referendum as scheduled, and with the support and participation of all political forces in order to have the referendum done in a peaceful manner in case of unity or separation. The meeting also tackled the importance of a comprehensive and just peace in Darfur.”

After the April elections, the leaders of the opposition parties rejected to participate in the current government, claiming that the NCP rigged the elections.

Photo: First Vice President Salva Kiir (L) welcomes leader of the opposition Umma Party and former prime minister Sadiq al-Mahdi in Khartoum, Thursday, 22 July 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah)



Photo: First Vice President Salva Kiir (R) talks to the leader of the Islamic opposition Popular Congress Party (PCP) Hassan al-Turabi during a meeting with opposition leaders in Khartoum, Thursday, 22 July 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah)

Bashir's meeting with opposition postponed indefinitely
ACCORDING to a report published by SRS on Monday, 26 July 2010, the meeting between the National opposition parties and the ruling the National Congress Party has been postponed until further notice. The Minister of Information in the national government, Dr. Kamal Obeid, said that the meeting has been postponed to give time for more preparations. Obeid spoke to SRS from Khartoum on Sunday, 25 July 2010. Click here to visit SRS and read full story.



Photo: Sudan's President Omar Hassan al-Bashir steps off the plane from Chad, in Khartoum, Friday, 23 July 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nurdldin Abdallh)



Photo: Sudan's President Omar Hassan al-Bashir (R) is welcomed by First Vice President Salva Kiir Mayardit (L) as he steps off the plane from Chad, in Khartoum, Friday, 23 July 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nurdldin Abdallh)



Sudan hails Bashir trip to Chad as 'victory' against ICC
Report from AFP by Guillaume Lavallee (Khartoum), Friday, 23 July 2010 - excerpt:

[...] Bashir arrived in Khartoum at 8:20 pm (1720 GMT) after a two-day visit to Chad seen as a breakthrough after years of proxy warfare between the two countries in Darfur.

He left for Sudan after talks with his Chadian counterpart Idriss Deby Itno, whose villa he had stayed at near Ndjamena airport protected by an impressive security detail.

The summit backed Bashir on Thursday, saying it rejected "all accusations" against him, while Deby called on regional leaders to support the peace process in Sudan and help solve the Darfur crisis.

"Darfur continues to be a source of concern. CEN-SAD refutes all accusations against President Bashir. These accusations do not contribute to bringing peace to this part of Sudan," said CEN-SAD chief Mohamed al-Madani al-Azhari.

"We declare our total support and our solidarity to Sudan and its people," he added, speaking to an audience that included 13 heads of state including Bashir.

The ICC, which has no police and relies on states that support it to carry out arrests, in March last year accused the veteran Sudanese leader of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur, and issued a further arrest mandate for genocide earlier this month.

Chad was strongly criticised by the European Union and human rights groups for its refusal to arrest Bashir.

On Thursday, EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton had urged Chad to arrest him and hand him over to the court based in The Hague to face the charges.

The United States urged Chad to consider "its responsibilities." [...]

African Union asks United Nations to suspend arrest warrants for al-Bashir
Excerpts from a report by Fred Ojambo for Bloomberg, Tuesday, 27 July 2010; 6:45 PM GMT:

The African Union called for the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants against Sudanese President Umar al-Bashir to be suspended while the continental body carries out a probe into alleged genocide in Darfur.

The Hague-based court earlier this month charged al-Bashir with three counts of genocide against the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa ethnic groups in the western Sudanese region of Darfur. The court had issued a warrant against al-Bashir in March for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

“We have decided to establish our own mechanism,” AU President Bingu wa Mutharika told reporters today in Kampala at the end of a three-day summit of African leaders. “We are asking the United Nations to suspend for the period of 12 months” the arrest warrants against al-Bashir, he said. [...]

The AU questioned whether the United Nations-backed court has the authority to prosecute al-Bashir. Sudan is not a signatory to the 1998 Rome Statute under which the court was established.

“Let us look at the position of the ICC,” Mutharika said. “Do they have a right to try Sudan which is not a member of the ICC? I think it is something we have to look at.”

Although African countries don’t “condone impunity,” they should carry out their own investigations other than relying on reports by a body which is based outside the continent, he said. [...]

To contact the reporter on this story: Fred Ojambo in Kampala at fojambo@bloomberg.net.

FURTHER READING

Briefing on the African Union summit
Click here to read a briefing from U.S. Department of State by Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs - and U.S. Ambassador to the African Union Michael Battle - via Teleconference in Washington, DC, Tuesday, 27 July 2010.

Visit to Darfur by U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan
Click here to read a report at the website of U.S. Department of State entitled 'Visit to Darfur' by U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan Scott Gration, Monday, 26 July 2010.

Sudan update - U.S. Department of State, 10 July 2010
Click here to read a report at the website of U.S. Department of State entitled “We Must Not, Will Not Lose Sight of Darfur” by U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan Scott Gration, 10 July 2010.

Security situation update
Russian pilot missing in Darfur copter incident‎
Report from Associated Press by Edith M. Lederer, Wednesday, 28 July 2010 - excerpt:

A Russian-owned helicopter that landed in the wrong place in Darfur has been recovered with all the passengers and crew except the Russian pilot, the top international envoy in the volatile Sudanese region said Tuesday.

Ibrahim Gambari, the joint representative of the United Nations and African Union, said peacekeepers from the U.N.-AU force in Darfur are working with the Sudanese government and rebel movements to locate the missing pilot and "see to his release."

The helicopter, which was assigned to the U.N.-AU force, disappeared Monday while transporting three members of the rebel Liberation Justice Movement from peace negotiations with the government in Doha, Qatar, to locations in South Darfur, Gambari said. He spoke with reporters after briefing the U.N. Security Council in New York.

Early Tuesday, Gambari said, the peacekeeping force, known as UNAMID, made contact with three of the four crew on the helicopter and an international staff member.

They reported that they were at a Sudanese government location south of Menawashi in South Darfur, he said.

Gambari said a UNAMID helicopter went to the site with another pilot who flew the helicopter, the crew and passengers to safety.

"Apparently, they landed in what was the wrong place, and it seems that it was a place not fully in control of the government," he said.

"The good news is the government took it very seriously and worked with us and we retrieved the helicopter and everybody except the captain," Gambari said.

Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement earlier Tuesday that four Russians and five Sudanese nationals were aboard the helicopter, which it said had been seized Monday [26 July] by rebels. It said the men were not hurt.

Gambari told the Security Council on Tuesday that there has been "a spike in criminal acts and attacks against U.N. and humanitarian personnel" in Darfur.

In 2009, he said, UNAMID peacekeepers were attacked on 28 occasions resulting in 10 deaths and 26 injuries, and two UNAMID personnel and six humanitarian workers were kidnapped. [...]

Abducted" Russian chopper returns to base: airline
Report from Xinhua, Tuesday, 27 July 2010:

(Moscow) - Russian airline UTair on Tuesday claimed that a helicopter belonging to the company that was previously reported to have been abducted by militants in Sudanese region of Darfur has returned to its permanent base.

"The helicopter with its crew on board returned to its permanent base, the community of Nyala, Sudan, at 7:39 p.m. Moscow time (1539 GMT) on July 27," said the company as quoted by the Interfax news agency.

"No one among the crew members and passengers has been harmed, and the aircraft has not been damaged," it added.

Earlier in the day Russian Foreign Ministry said Darfur militants abducted the helicopter with four Russian crew members and five Sudanese passengers on board on Monday.

The helicopter was on a joint peacekeeping mission of the United Nations and the African Union in Darfur.

However, according to the airline, the Mi-8MTV chopper was seized by Sudanese authorities after landing for a stopover on Sudanese territory.

"UN employees are investigating the incident. The UTair airline, along with the Russian Embassy and UN officials in Sudan, is taking the necessary measures to clarify the situation," said the company. Editor: yan

27 Jul 10 - Security situation update
Report from UN-AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) - Tuesday, 27 July 2010:

27 July 2010 - Two aid workers from the German government’s disaster relief organization, Technisches Hilfswerk (THW), have been released after 35 days in captivity. They were picked up safely today near Kabkabiya, North Darfur, by a UNAMID helicopter and taken to Nyala, South Darfur. Both are reportedly in good health.

In Kalma Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, five IDP sheikhs (leaders) who fled to UNAMID’s local police center on 25 July remain in the Mission’s facility at the camp. They had sought refuge after allegedly receiving threats for opposing the Doha negotiations.

Tensions are high in the camp after fighting broke out on 24 July between IDP representatives who attended the latest round of Doha talks and those who did not participate. One person was injured, but no fatalities were reported. Two suspects were also arrested by the Sudanese authorities for the attempted assault of a sheikh who attended the conference.

UNAMID has increased its presence in the camp and is working with community leaders and local authorities to help resolve the situation.

26 Jul 10 - Security situation update
Report from UN-AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) - Monday, 26 July 2010:

26 July 2010 - The situation in Kalma Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp is calm but remains tense following events on 24 July when gunmen identifying themselves as members of the Sudan Liberation Army-Abdul Wahid faction (SLA-AW) began shooting indiscriminately, protesting the involvement of several IDP leaders in the Doha talks. Although no fatalities were reported, one person was injured. UNAMID has increased its presence in the camp and is working in collaboration with local authorities and community leaders to defuse tensions.

No further incidents have been reported in the past 24 hours.

Kalma IDP camp leaders threatened over Doha participation
Report from UN-AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) - Sunday, 25 July 2010:

25 July 2010 - Sporadic shooting was heard around midnight yesterday at Kalma Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, in South Darfur. According to UNAMID police, gunmen identifying themselves as members of the Sudan Liberation Army-Abdul Wahid faction (SLA-AW) began shooting indiscriminately from about 0020 hours until 0130 hours.

Kalma camp has over 100,000 IDPs and is the second largest in the world after Graida camp in South Darfur. Tensions had been rising in the settlement since the conclusion of the latest round of Doha talks last week, with a number of IDPs claiming that they were not fully represented.

One person sustained a gunshot injury, but no fatalities have been reported. Two suspects have been arrested by the authorities for the attempted assault of a sheikh (tribal leader). Five sheikhs have sought refuge this morning at UNAMID’s nearby location, fearing for their lives. UNAMID peacekeepers have increased their patrols in the area and the Mission is currently negotiating with the camp’s leaders to prevent a further escalation of violence.

Two hundred and fifty representatives of Darfur’s civil society attended the negotiations, which began on 12 July. The 60 representatives of IDPs and refugees had been in Doha, Qatar, since 27 June to attend a separate two-day meeting held the next day aimed at addressing their concerns. All envoys were elected by their constituents after months of deliberation, gatherings and training workshops, many of which were facilitated by UNAMID.

Ardamata IDPs report harassment, seizure of farmland
Report from UN-AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) - Sunday, 25 July 2010:

25 July 2010 - Leaders in Ardamata IDP camp, near El Geneina, West Darfur, have approached UNAMID with reports that a number of residents who left the camps to cultivate crops on their lands were harassed by armed men.

IDPs claimed that they were physically assaulted in four locations less than 10 kilometers outside El Geneina. The armed men reportedly destroyed the seedlings and replanted the farmlands, having claimed them as their own.

With the beginning of the rainy season this month, IDPs all over Darfur have received seeds and farm tools and many felt safe enough to leave the camps regularly to farm their lands. UNAMID brought the matter to the attention of local authorities and will meet with them about helping to prevent similar incidents in the future in order to encourage IDPs to voluntarily return to their regions.

Sudanese singer and Darfur native, Omer Ihsas, performs the final match of the Nelson Mandela Cup, organized by UNAMID in El Fasher, Darfur, western Sudan



Photo: Football players from Abu Shouk playing the final match of the Nelson Mandela Cup, organized by UNAMID. (Albert Gonzalez Farran/UNAMID)



Photo: Sudanese singer and Darfur native, Omer Ihsas, performs the final match of the Nelson Mandela Cup, organized by UNAMID in El Fasher. (Albert Gonzalez Farran/UNAMID)



Photo: Football players from Abu Shouk playing the final match of the Nelson Mandela Cup, organized by UNAMID. (Albert Gonzalez Farran/UNAMID)

News from SRS (Sudan Radio Service):

Tuesday, 27 July 2010

• Border Demarcation Process Is Far Behind Schedule, Says Official
• Taha And Machar Launch Development Projects In South Sudan
• Sudan Criticizes JEM-UNICEF Agreement
• Foreigners Have Two Weeks To Register In Southern Sudan
• Tension In South Darfur After IDPs Return From Doha Talks
• Government To Pay Southern Pensioners
• Islamic Bank To Help Develop South

Monday, 26 July 2010

• AU Not To Co-operate With ICC in Apprehending Bashir
• Bashir's Meeting With Opposition Postponed Indefinitely
• Referendum Preparations Have Started, Says GOSS Minister
• Dinka Ng'ok Demand Removal Of Misseriya Leaders From Abyei Administration
• No Polio In South Sudan, Says Health Ministry

Friday, 23 July 2010

• Chad May Answer To The UN Security Council
• Catholic Bishops Statement On Referendum
• Bashir To Meet Opposition Leaders
• DUP Urges Wider Consultations On Referendum
• Ambororo Demand Settlement In WES
• Digital Atlas For Southern Information Launched
• Sudan Sports Latest