#Minawi reveals himself all too clearly—and his history tells us too much: the only rebel leader to sign the disastrous Abuja agreement, bringing him into the al-Bashir regime as a "vice-president." He is a vicious, foolish man whose threats are dangerous to the people of #Sudan. https://t.co/uM6OxQOy6c
— Eric Reeves (@sudanreeves) November 24, 2021
Showing posts with label Minnawi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minnawi. Show all posts
Monday, November 29, 2021
Minawi is a vicious, foolish man whose threats are dangerous to the people of Sudan. He belongs in jail
Sudan Watch Ed: I totally agree with Eric on this. Minawi has caused so much suffering to millions of Sudanese people he belongs in jail for life.
Friday, February 28, 2020
Sudan allows former foe Israel to fly over its territory - Gaddafi said Israel, not Bashir, behind Darfur war
Sudan allows former foe Israel to fly over its territory
Report by BBC World Service
Report by BBC World Service
Dated 17 February 2020
BBC Image credit and caption: Nur Photo
The first Israeli plane crossed Sudan on Saturday on its way to South America (file photo)
Israel says it has begun flying commercial aircraft through Sudanese airspace under an agreement with the Khartoum government.
The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, told a group of visiting US Jewish leaders that the first Israeli plane crossed Sudan on Saturday, bound for South America.
He said the new air corridor would cut the flying time on the route by three hours.
Sudan said in early Ferbruary that it had given initial approval for Israeli planes to fly over its territory.
Mr Netanyahu said Israel was discussing rapid normalisation of ties with its former foe.
Sudan, which has close ties with the Palestinians, has stopped short of referring to improving ties with Israel.
View Original: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/cq23pdgvgm8t/sudan
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Copy of Reuters report from the archives of Sudan Watch 2009:
Gaddafi says Israel, not Bashir, behind Darfur war
Report from Reuters
Written by Lamine Ghanmi; Editing by Kevin Liffey
Dated 24 February 2009 / 6:43 PM / 11 YEARS AGO
TRIPOLI, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, the current African Union president, on Tuesday accused "foreign forces" including Israel of being behind the Darfur conflict.
Judges from the International Criminal Court are due to announce on March 4 whether they will issue a warrant for the arrest of Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir over allegations that he masterminded genocide in Sudan’s Darfur region. U.N. diplomats have told Reuters the warrant will be issued.
But Gaddafi, addressing a meeting on ways to expand cooperation between the United Nations and African Union, urged the Court to stop its proceedings against Bashir:
"Why do we have to hold President Bashir or the Sudanese government responsible when the Darfur problem was caused by outside parties, and Tel Aviv (Israel), for example, is behind the Darfur crisis?"
Gaddafi suggested, without presenting any evidence, that the Israeli military was among those stoking the conflict:
"It is not a secret. We have found evidence proving clearly that foreign forces are behind the Darfur problem and are fanning its fire," Gaddafi said, according to the Libyan state news agency Jana.
"We discovered that some of the main leaders of the Darfur rebels have opened offices in Tel Aviv and hold meetings with the military there to add fuel to the conflict fire."
Mostly non-Arab rebels took up arms against Sudan’s government in 2003, accusing it of neglecting the Darfur region. Khartoum mobilised mostly Arab militias to crush the rebellion.
International experts say the fighting has killed 200,000 people and uprooted 2.7 million. Sudan’s government denies any genocide, saying that 10,000 have been killed and that Western media exaggerate the conflict.
Gaddafi himself has made a number of attempts to broker peace talks between Darfur rebels and the Sudanese government.
View Original: https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLO50752
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FURTHER READING
From the archives of Sudan Watch:
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FURTHER READING
From the archives of Sudan Watch:
August 17, 2019
Ex-Israel spy admits lobbying US on behalf of Sudan military council
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May 27, 2009
Suspected Israeli airstrike on a convoy in Sudan January 2009 killed 119 people
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April 13, 2009
Envoy to Tehran stresses Mossad's role in Sudan's insecurity
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April 05, 2009
Africa Confidential heard that another arms convoy was moving north near Red Sea coast and Egyptian forces were moving to Sudan border to block it
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March 26, 2009
Unidentified aircraft destroyed suspected arms convoy in E. Sudan last January (Update 4)
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February 28, 2009
AU Chairman: Hard Evidence Proves Israel behind Darfur Conflict
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February 18, 2009
SLM's Abdel Wahid al-Nur visits Israel -
Sudanese rebel leader meets with Israeli spies
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February 03, 2009
Israeli owner of MV Faina pays $3.2m ransom - Its cargo destined for Darfur? JEM has received heavy military logistical support from Israel?
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October 31, 2008
Ukraine says military hardware carried by hijacked Ukrainian ship MV Faina had been officially sold to Kenya (Update 1)
Sunday, August 04, 2019
UN Envoy Nicholas Haysom: Sudan in deep economic crisis - Fragile transition will need military protection
Note from Sudan Watch Editor: The United Nations Secretary-General's special adviser on Sudan, Nicholas Haysom is interviewed by Asharq Al-Awsat. Below is a copy of the interview. Yellow highlighting is mine.
Note, in the interview Mr Haysom describes Sudan as an Arab country. Also, he explains that Sudan is suspended by the African Union until such time as there is a civilian handover. And that the US Congress passed a resolution maintaining its suspension and sanction against the regime until there is a handover. He says Sudan is in deep economic crisis, so the sooner there is a handover the sooner Sudan can begin to normalise its both diplomatic and economic relations with the rest of the world.
Note, in the interview Mr Haysom describes Sudan as an Arab country. Also, he explains that Sudan is suspended by the African Union until such time as there is a civilian handover. And that the US Congress passed a resolution maintaining its suspension and sanction against the regime until there is a handover. He says Sudan is in deep economic crisis, so the sooner there is a handover the sooner Sudan can begin to normalise its both diplomatic and economic relations with the rest of the world.
In the interview, Mr Haysom talks about how the UN Security Council suspended recently the withdrawal of UNAMID from Darfur and that there needs to be a discussion with the Sudanese government about the pulldown of UNAMID and the consequences of that pulldown, and the question is who to talk to, given that there is going to be a new civilian led government.
Mr Haysom says the UN took a position early on to support the African Union initiative. He added that the international community wanted to “see a clear commitment: a civilian led authority, but we would recognise that the transition would be a fragile and volatile period, and it will need the military to protect it.” Full interview here below.
Mr Haysom says the UN took a position early on to support the African Union initiative. He added that the international community wanted to “see a clear commitment: a civilian led authority, but we would recognise that the transition would be a fragile and volatile period, and it will need the military to protect it.” Full interview here below.
Article from Asharq Al-Awsat
Written by ALI BARADA - New York
Written by ALI BARADA - New York
Date published: Tuesday, 16 July 2019 10:30
Photo: UN envoy Nicholas Haysom (AFP)
UN Envoy to Asharq Al-Awsat: Sudan Transition Will Be Fragile and Need Military Protection
United Nations Secretary-General's special adviser on Sudan, Nicholas Haysom, revealed that the international community has thrown its weight behind the African Union initiative on the transition of power following the ouster of president Omar al-Bashir.
In exclusive remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he said the UN took a position early on to support the initiative. He added that the international community wanted a to “see a clear commitment: a civilian led authority, but we would recognize that the transition would be a fragile and volatile period, and it will need the military to protect it.”
*It seems that the parties in Sudan have made some progress toward settling the situation there after toppling Bashir rule. How do you view this development from a UN perspective?
- The UN took a position early on to support the African Union initiative. The African Union has set a benchmark which was to transfer from military rule to a civilian led authority. It is not quite clear what a civilian led authority means in detail, but of course what is important is that the Sudanese themselves agree on an arrangement that could be suggestive that it has the support of the civilian section of the dispute. It is quite clear from the agreement that there is some kind of partnership or alliance between the civilians and the military. But what is still disputed the exact terms of that partnership. I think from the international community, we would want to see a clear commitment: a civilian led authority, but we would recognize that the transition would be a fragile and volatile period, and it will need the military to protect it. At the same time, we would want to see civilians in charge of the business of governing and some respect for that from the military. How that will exactly play out we’ve yet to see. You may know that they are trying to agree a text as we speak. Hopefully they will finalize that soon to deal with some important issues, such as to how the relationship between the military and the civilians, will the military have a veto over the civilian decisions.
*So you don’t see what they have achieved so far as a breakthrough?
- It is a breakthrough that they reached an agreement. The terms of that agreement once they start to look at it, both sides realize they have different interpretations. So we wouldn’t celebrate it as a done deal until it is a done deal.
*How quickly do you want to see the powers transferred to civilians?
- I think the sooner the better. I must say the international community will feel uneasy dealing and making long term arrangements with the military authority. There is some impatience to see civilian authority in place, so we can begin to deal with some of the important issues which lie ahead. Now let just stress that Sudan is in a deep economic crisis apart from its political challenges. Digging at us is the economic crisis, is a medium to long term endeavor which will require the commitment of the member states, international financial institutions and the neighborhood to put in place a program which will see Sudan’s economic relationship with the rest of the world normalized. As you know, it is listed by the United States as a state sponsoring terrorism, which impacts also its attempts to secure debt relief. These things are all possible: lifting it of the list, securing the debt relief, and there is a considerable good will toward Sudan if it makes progress toward a civilian lead authority…
*How is the UN and yourself helping in achieving these objectives?
- We’ve been confining our support largely to securing international support for the African Union on this issue and its initiative. In other words, we’ve avoided trying to introduce a UN track in addition to the AU track. That would be problematic.
*We witnessed how the Arab world has extended some support in that direction.
- Yes, there is good will towards the efforts that the Sudanese people, because you know they’ve quite bravely trying to take their destiny in their own hands, and they’ve done that with discipline, and they’ve held six months of absolutely peaceful demonstrations despite provocations, and they’ve done so with considerable courage, and the participation of ordinary people. Look at the pictures, we would see women and children and ordinary people who are taking the streets.
Sudan needs Arab support
*What are your expectations from the Arab states? Sudan is an Arab country beside its African identity.
- There was a delegation from the League of the Arab States in Sudan. They’ve expressed support, and we would count on them to continue their support. We also need the support of the neighborhood which are across the Red sea including the Gulf countries. Bear in mind that Sudan is a poor country as well, and would need financial support not only from the Arab world but also from the rest of the world, but certainly from the Arab countries. Sudan itself certainly has an element of Arab and African identity, surrounded by African countries, and in particularly volatile region, the Horn of Africa. It is boarded by countries in conflict: Somalia, South Sudan, Central African Republic and Libya. If things go badly in Sudan, it would have an impact on the region as a whole, which is already quite fragile.
On the other hand, this is a remarkable opportunity for Sudan, not just to deal with its current political crisis, but also to deal with the problems and the fault lines which have affected it for more than fifty years, to create a new social contract which involves also, as they say in Sudan, not only the river on people but also the periphery and Darfur… So what we are hoping for is not this agreement coming up and trying to sign now, but a much larger agreement which would resolve the issues that the Sudanese face with each other across the regions of Sudan.
*Have you conveyed this message to the Sudanese?
- Yes, to the players, all of them, that this is to be sure a challenge, but also an incredible opportunity that shouldn’t let slip.
*What do you hear from them?
- They recognize that, and I think that both sides have prioritized the broader peace. The armed groups in different parts of the country has a priority facing the transitional government.
*So do you think this is an opportunity to lift Sudan not only from the current crisis but also from its chronic ills?
- Yes, from the chronic crisis that has been there for a long time. Yes.
*What do they have to do?
- I think in the first instance, they have to find a way in which the armed groups can participate in a larger discussion about how Sudan should be managed and governed.
*Is the UN willing and working on helping achieve this goal?
- We’ve been speaking to them, and encouraging people.
*Who did you speak with?
- I spoke recently to and to Malik Agar and Minni Minnawi… I was in Addis Ababa also. In the past I had a meeting with the military.
*It is worthwhile mentioning the military because of the major role they are playing now.
- They have both the power to take the country to a better place but also the power to insure that it slips into catastrophic crisis if they try to cling to power.
*So are you worried?
- No, that is why we are happy about the agreement because it seems to signal an appreciation that there needs to be a handover to a civilian authorities.
Jealous sub-regional organizations
*Let me be honest, there is this notion that the UN is useless when it comes to crises like this one. Why the UN would succeed in Sudan if it fails everywhere else?
- Let me try to repeat: we are not trying to lead the efforts in Sudan. It is quite right that the UN shouldn’t lead every effort where in Africa the regional and the sub-regional organizations are quite jealous about the need to be in the first instance those who try to resolve the problems in their own neighborhood. So that is not abandoning those people. We are behaving appropriately and in support of those who should take the lead. I am not sure that the UN is useless to the extent to which is more likely regarded as ineffective is not because of the staff of the UN or its methodologies, but that has been largely a reflection of the member states divisions and inability to find consensus in the Security Council.
*Is there enough support in the Security Council?
- I think there is one circumstance in which it is more likely to be broad base support, and that is the multilateral organizations of the continent have given a lead in the Security Council across its political spectrum is more likely to support that initiative.
*We have not seen a powerful product from the Security Council to support the efforts that you are making, and that of the AU?
- Well they issued a united statement days after they debated the situation in Sudan, and I think that was critically because the African Union had given a clear signal that it expected the Security Council to support it. That doesn’t really apply elsewhere very often.
*You are a mediator. Do you need the support of the Security Council?
- I think at the end of the day, the Security Council is the sort of ultimate authority, and if it can’t muster a voice to give a lead of an issue, then the mediator hands are also weakened.
Accountability for past crimes
*One of the other lingering issues is that Bashir and others have been indicted by the ICC, and there is a question about what is going to happen now with them.
- This is an issue that I think you have to turn to the Sudanese people to decide. I can’t be decided solely by the external community. They have to decide whether they want accountability for past crimes and how far they should go. You know the more immediate issue is not President Bashir. The more immediate issue is the killing of the protesters during the course of the this. The protesters have now demanded some form of accountability, and there is currently a debate in Sudan on whether that should have an international character or a national form of accountability. I don’t want to comment now on whether I prefer national or international accountability, but I would stress that the Sudanese should have ownership of it if it is going to have a more lasting effect… They have to support what form of accountability they choose. It needs to be part of there reconciliation process, and that is more likely to happen where there is national ownership, which may mean some international involvement or not.
*When are you going back to Sudan? What are you going to do?
- I hope I can go this week, and that there will be a signing ceremony for the agreement. This agreement will need to be developed as it goes along. It will need to be implemented and it won’t be easy. It is quite clear from what we’ve seen that there are different perspectives on how strong the supervisory role the military should have if at all, and how this will play out as they go forward in establishing a government and appointing ministers and other important aspects of the civilian rule.
*Is there a timeframe?
- There is no timeframe envisaged thus yet. But as we speak, Sudan is suspended by the African Union until such time where a civilian handover. The US Congress passed a resolution maintaining its suspension and sanction against the regime until there is a handover. So the sooner there is a handover the sooner Sudan can begin to normalize its both diplomatic and economic relations with the rest of the world.
*Also the Security Council suspended recently the withdrawal of UNAMID from Darfur.
- That’s right. There needs to be a discussion with the Sudanese government about the pulldown of UNAMID and the consequences of that pulldown, and the question that beg is who do we talk to, given that there is going to be a new civilian led government.
*And ultimately there should be some kind of elections...
- Ultimately this is about a transitional phase, which is about establishing a bridge to a normal situation, a democracy or whatever the country wants to establish. Transition normally culminate an election, then it stops to be a transition. It is a new government.
To view the original article click here: https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1815036/un-envoy-asharq-al-awsat-sudan-transition-will-be-fragile-and-need-military
US backs Sudan transition deal fearing state collapse
Article from The Financial Times 11 July 2019
Sudan Watch - Friday 12 July 2019
Thursday, June 27, 2019
ICC: Violence against civilians in Darfur Sudan must stop and all ICC Darfur suspects must stand trial
UN Photo/Olivier Chassot
Report from UN News.org
19 June 2019
‘Now is the time to act’ for victims of violence in Sudan, ICC Prosecutor urges UN Security Council
The UN Security Council must “seize this moment” presented by the current turmoil in Sudan, to provide justice at long last for the victims of violence in Darfur, and those who have suffered at the hands of the brutal military crackdown earlier this month.
That is according to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Fatou Bensouda, who said she had a “clear message to convey: now is the time to act. Now is the time for the people of Sudan to choose law, over impunity, and ensure that the ICC suspects in the Darfur situation, finally face justice in a court of law.”
She said the Council now had a “unique opportunity to decisively and effectively” address the wrongs committed by the security forces aligned with former President Omar al-Bashir in the Darfur region between 2003-2008, when around 300,000 were killed and 2.7 million civilians driven from their homes, according to UN figures.
She called for the immediate cessation of violence against civilians in the capital Khartoum and elsewhere, since the 3 June wave of attacks against protesters calling for a return to civilian rule, in opposition to the ruling Transitional Military Council (TMC).
All arrest warrants for the five suspects charged with the grave crimes within the ICC’s remit – genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity – remain outstanding, she told members. Both deposed president Bashir, and two others, are now said to be in custody she said and are legally obliged to be transferred by the TMC. Only if they could show willing to prosecute them for the same crimes, could they remain in Sudan, she said.
Monday, November 01, 2010
Sudan's ex SLA rebel leader Minni Minnawi signed Darfur Peace Agreement security deal on Saturday, 30 Oct. 2010
Photo (from Sudan Watch archive): Rebel Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) faction leader Minni Arcua Minnawi signs a deal with the Sudanese government in the Nigerian capital Abuja May 5, 2006, after days and nights of intense talks under global pressure. The government of Sudan and the main Darfur rebel faction signed a peace agreement on Friday to end three years of fighting that has killed many thousands of people and forced 2 million to flee their homes. (Reuters/STR)
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Commissioner for Security Arrangements Arrives in Al-Fasher to Implement Arrangements with Menawi Movement
Source: SUNA - www.sunanews.net
Date: Thursday, 28 October 2010:
(Al-Fasher) - The Commissioner for the Security Arrangements, Gen. Mohamed Ahmed Mustafa Al-Dabi, has affirmed that the commission has reached at joint vision with the Sudan Liberation Movement, Mini Arko Mennawi faction, to meet in Al-Fasher in order to commence adopting the arrangements necessary for including the elements of the movement in the security arrangements, in accordance with Darfur peace agreement.- - -
In a press statements he made upon his arrival at Al-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, Gen. Al-Dabi said that although four years and a half have passed since the signing of Darfur peace agreement, which stipulated implementation of the security arrangements in a two-year period, the government remained leading continuous dialogue with Menawi movement for the implementation of the security arrangements' clause for for the interest of the homeland and peace.
He said that the remaining period of the agreement does not exceed half a year, a matter that necessitates speeding up the steps to absorb the forces of the movement in the security arrangements.
Meanwhile, the Director of the Technical Department at the Commission, Maj. Abdalla Hassan Al-Amin, explained that his department was ready to implement the security arrangements for Menawi forces, adding that the meeting of Gen. Al-Dabi with the Chief of Staff at Menawi movement in Al-Fasher Thursday comes with the aim to determine and implement the security arrangements as soon as possible.
BH/MO
Agreement on security arrangements reached to finalize Abuja peace deal
Source: SUNA - www.sunanews.net
Date: Saturday, 30 October 2010:
(Al Fashir) - Security Arrangement Commission and Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM)/Minnawi faction on Saturday signed document finalizing security arrangements as provided in Darfur Peace Agreement reached by Sudan Government of the Movement in May, 2006 in Abuja, Nigeria.- - -
Commissioner of Security Arrarngments, Gen Muhamed Ahmed Mustafa Al Dabi in the Transitional Darfur Regional Authority and Chairman of SLM Chief of Staff, Muhamedain Adam Bashr Members of Security Arrangements Commission, representatives of the Army and leader of the Movement attended the signed.
Gen Al Dabi stressed the keenness of the two sides to finalize the security arrangements, hoping that the move would lead to further stability in the region.
The Commission will begin implementing the arrangements according to the timetable set November 15th in favour of the two sides, he said.
Adam Salih Abaker, SLM Spokesman SLM has been keen on the ceasefire as stipulated by Abuja Peace Agreement and support to the security organs in the states.
The Director of Integration Maj Gen Abdallah Hassan Al Ami has said Security arrangements was the backbone of Abuja deal.
AH/MA
Darfur peace partner seals security arrangements deal with the Sudanese government
Source: Sudan Tribune - www.sudantribune.com
Date: Sunday 31 October 2010:
October 30, 2010 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese government and the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) headed by Minni Minnawi signed a security arrangements deal in North Darfur capital of El-Fasher today to more than four years after both sides signed the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) in Abuja.- - -
The delay prevented Minnawi from running in last April’s general elections. He has also yet to retain his position as the senior presidential assistant which he acquired following the DPA.
Sudan official news agency (SUNA) quoted the commissioner for security arrangements at the executive transitional authority of Darfur Lieutenant General Mohamed Mustafa Al-Dabi as saying that the accord demonstrates the determination by both sides to make this the culmination of what was achieved through DPA.
He expressed hope that this would pave the way for peace and stability in Darfur and revealed that the implementation will start in mid-November in accordance with the timetable mutually agreed on between the government and the SLM-Minnawi.
Commander Adam Saleh Abakr told SUNA that they have been keen on making this agreement a reality and will work on getting it implemented as quickly as possible.
Sources in Khartoum say that Minnawi, who has recently moved to Juba, has been reluctant all these years to sign it because he wanted the government to implement a number of provisions in the DPA that he believes Khartoum has been foot-dragging on.
Minnawi persistently accused Khartoum of ignoring the terms of the DPA and has appeared unhappy over being excluded from peace talks with other major rebel groups of SLM-Nur and the Justice and Equality Movement.
SUNA did not provide details of the agreement but it includes integration of Minnawi’s forces into the army after determining their numbers and medical fitness. (ST)
MINNI MINNAWI
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
Suliman Arcua Minnawi known as "Minni" (born 1968 in Furawiyya, North Darfur) is the leader of the what once was the largest faction of the Sudanese Liberation Army until it was weakened by dissention and infighting. A former school teacher, Minnawi was the secretary of Sudan Liberation Army leader Abdul Wahid Nur, before the organization split in 2004.
Under Minnawi's leadership, his SLA faction signed a peace agreement, known as the May agreement, with the Khartoum government in May 2006. Nevertheless, fighting has continued with Minnawi's group fighting other SLA factions. In July 2006, fighting broke out around the northern Darfur town Korma, resulting in the deaths of at least 80 people. [2] Minnawi was appointed the top Sudanese official in the Darfur region, as chairman of the Transitional Darfur Regional Authority, and is technically the fourth ranking member of the Presidency, as Senior Assistant to the President of the Republic but has been progessively shut out from power by his "peace partners" of the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) of President Omar al-Bashir. Minnawi belongs to the Ila Digen (or Awlad Digayn) clan of the non-Arab Zaghawa people.
On September 14, 2006, Minnawi broke ranks with the Sudanese government when he stated that he does not object to the new UN peacekeeping force detailed in UNSC Resolution 1706. [3]
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Sudan: April elections as scheduled - Election monitor deadline extended - SLM's Minnawi calls for delay
SUDAN'S elections on the 11th, 12th and 13th of April, will be keenly watched by the international community.
At an International donor conference for Darfur on the weekend, organisers in Cairo, Egypt fell far short of the $2 billion they'd hoped to raise, due to concerns over Sudan's security situation ahead of April's elections. Read more at Deutsche Welle (DW-WORLD.DE) Tuesday, 23 March 2010: Sudan instability hampering international aid to Darfur.
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April elections as scheduled
THE National Elections Commission (NEC) has repeated its commitment to conduct the April elections as scheduled.
Also, the NEC has extended the period for receiving applications from local and international observers who would wish to participate in the April elections.
However, the leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM), Mini Arkou Minnawi, says that the postponement of the April general elections, will pave the way for the conduct of free and fair elections in Sudan.
Note that the SLM is not registered as a party to participate in April’s elections. Reportedly, Mr Minnawi claims his party is being intentionally excluded from participating in the elections.
Full story here below.
NEC Still Committed To April Elections
From SRS - Sudan Radio Service, Tuesday, 23 March 2010:
Election Monitor Deadline Extended
From SRS - Sudan Radio Service, Tuesday, 23 March 2010:
Minnawi Calls For Delay in Elections
From SRS - Sudan Radio Service, Tuesday, 23 March 2010:
More news from SRS
At an International donor conference for Darfur on the weekend, organisers in Cairo, Egypt fell far short of the $2 billion they'd hoped to raise, due to concerns over Sudan's security situation ahead of April's elections. Read more at Deutsche Welle (DW-WORLD.DE) Tuesday, 23 March 2010: Sudan instability hampering international aid to Darfur.
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April elections as scheduled
THE National Elections Commission (NEC) has repeated its commitment to conduct the April elections as scheduled.
Also, the NEC has extended the period for receiving applications from local and international observers who would wish to participate in the April elections.
However, the leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM), Mini Arkou Minnawi, says that the postponement of the April general elections, will pave the way for the conduct of free and fair elections in Sudan.
Note that the SLM is not registered as a party to participate in April’s elections. Reportedly, Mr Minnawi claims his party is being intentionally excluded from participating in the elections.
Full story here below.
NEC Still Committed To April Elections
From SRS - Sudan Radio Service, Tuesday, 23 March 2010:
(Khartoum) – The National Elections Commission has repeated its commitment to conduct the April elections as scheduled.- - -
The NEC met on Monday in Khartoum to analyze a report by the Carter Center last week requesting NEC to delay the elections. The deputy chairman of the commission, Prof. Abdallah Ahmed Abdallah, addressed the press after the meeting.
[Prof. Abdallah Ahmed Abdallah]: “The report by the Carter Center stirred up the media. However, we would like to inform you that the report is not from NEC. The NEC has gone through the details. We saw a need to study the report in detail and that’s why we formed a committee to look into the report. And the conclusion is the elections will be conducted as scheduled, God willing, on the 11th 12th and 13th of April.”
Aside from a newly-deployed European Union mission, the Carter Center is the only international elections observation mission in Sudan.
Election Monitor Deadline Extended
From SRS - Sudan Radio Service, Tuesday, 23 March 2010:
(Khartoum) – The National Elections Commission has extended the period for receiving applications from local and international observers who would wish to participate in the April elections.- - -
An NEC expert on elections, Mohamed Abdul-Daiem, told the press in Khartoum on Monday that they have received hundreds of applications from NGOs willing to observe the conduct of elections in Sudan.
[Mohamed Abdul-Daiem]: “After we had declared the 21st March as the final date for accepting applications for institutions wanting to observe the elections, we continued to receive applications and we realized that many civil society organizations are still carrying out trainings. And so, in appreciation of their efforts, we decided to include them in the observation process and we extended the initial date until 30 March. This will enable these organizations to participate in the first democratic exercise in Sudan. This morning, we received 8192 applications from local observers all over the country. We are now examining these applications and we will then issue them with identity cards.”
Mohamed Abdul-Daiem was speaking to the press in Khartoum on Monday.
Minnawi Calls For Delay in Elections
From SRS - Sudan Radio Service, Tuesday, 23 March 2010:
(Khartoum) – The leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement says that the postponement of the April general elections, will pave the way for the conduct of free and fair elections in Sudan.- - -
Mini Arkou Minnawi, who is the senior presidential assistant, spoke to SRS from Khartoum on Tuesday.
[Mini Minnawi]: “The voices that are calling for postponement of the elections are right. Although the NCP do not accept the idea, it would have a positive impact on the security situation in Sudan. It would also impact on whether the elections will be free and fair. So we should consider all these issues, then move together towards finding the solution. But personally, I’m not part of these elections.”
Minnawi’s movement is not registered as a party to participate in April’s elections.
Minnawi claims that the NCP and the intentionally excluded his party from participating in the elections.
[Mini Minnawi]: “Our brothers in the NCP and the NEC have colluded to exclude us from these elections. But we will talk about that after the elections, because it is premature to talk about the result of the elections before we discuss the conduct of the elections.”
That was the leader of SLM, Mini Arkou Minnawi speaking to SRS from Khartoum.
More news from SRS
Tuesday 23-Mar-2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
SLA Minni Minawi welcomes new Doha framework agreement for Darfur peace
Minni Minawi welcomes new Doha framework agreement for Darfur peace
From Radio Dabanga, Friday, 19 March 2010:
From Radio Dabanga, Friday, 19 March 2010:
KHARTOUM (19 Mar.) – The Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Minni Minawi supports the new Doha Framework Agreement between the Government and the Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM) which was signed in Doha yesterday. Mini Minawi said that he supports Tijani Sissi, who signed the agreement and stands for achieving a just and comprehensive peace in Darfur. Minawi is the leader of an ex-rebel faction that signed a peace deal with the government in 2006 in Abuja, Nigeria.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
SLM's Minnawi calls for more opposition demonstrations to establish a 'better Sudan'
Report from SRS - Sudan Radio Service, 16 December 2009:
Minawi Calls For More Opposition Demonstrations
Minawi Calls For More Opposition Demonstrations
(Khartoum) – Senior presidential advisor Minni Arko Minawi is calling on political parties to continue staging demonstrations, saying it is the only way to establish a 'better Sudan'.
Minawi, who is also the leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement-Minawi faction, spoke to SRS during a ceremony to celebrate the release of the people who were detained following demonstrations on Monday in Khartoum.
[Minni Minawi]: “If the situation is complicated, people will become more agitated. Why? Because next April people are hoping that the elections will determine the destiny of Sudan. But I say it is time to establish the real Sudan, because as it is, the real Sudan is not well established. If we build Sudan on mistakes, it will continue to have catastrophes but if it is correctly established, it will move forward. If we continue to be scared of the authorities and those in power, our rights will be lost forever. But if people stand together today, men and women, for sure things will change. For that reason I would like to appreciate, praise and thank our brothers who participated in the demonstrations.”
About 50 people were arrested by police on Monday following an attempt to stage a rally in front of the National Assembly to demand pro-democracy reforms to pave the way for 2010 elections.
Monday, December 14, 2009
SLA's Minnawi calls for implementation of Darfur Peace Agreement
On Saturday, Minni Arko Minnawi met with the First Vice-president of the Republic of Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit.
From SRS - Sudan Radio Service, Monday, 14 December 2009:
Minawi Calls For Implementation of DPA
From SRS - Sudan Radio Service, Monday, 14 December 2009:
Minawi Calls For Implementation of DPA
(Khartoum) – The senior Presidential Assistant, Minni Arko Minawi is urging the Government of National Unity to implement the Darfur Peace Agreement.
Minawi spoke to journalists in Khartoum on Saturday following his meeting with the First Vice-president of the Republic, Salva Kiir Mayardit.
[Minni Minawi]: “We discussed major issues concerning Sudan and Darfur. The First Vice-president briefed us on the meetings between the SPLM and the National Congress Party. I demanded that there must be a statement regarding the implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement and that the DPA should be implemented as soon as possible. In addition, laws should be enacted so that all of us are on an equal footing in implementing the agreements, passing key laws and moving the democratic transformation process forward.”
Minawi, who is also the leader of the Sudan Liberation Army, signed the DPA with GONU in the Nigerian capital Abuja 5th May 2006, before breaking ranks with GONU later in the year over the issue of UN troop deployment in Darfur.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Memorial for five Rwandan UNAMID peacekeepers killed in North Darfur, western Sudan
Reading and reporting news of the slaying of peacekeepers in Darfur, western Sudan upsets me as much now as it did when the first peacekeeper departed from Sudan in a coffin. Sorry I lost count a few years ago, but I reckon the Sudan peacekeeper death toll might be nearing 80. Watch out when activists and the ICC's chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo target and speak out in the press against Sudan. Very few UN peacekeepers have perished in southern Sudan where every Tom, Dick and Harry carries a loaded gun.
Photo: Memorial service for the five Rwandans killed in North Darfur. (Source: Rob Crilly)
Five Rwandan UNAMID peacekeepers were killed in North Darfur
Report from SRS - Sudan Radio Service , Monday, 7 December 2009:
UN report from NEW YORK, December 9, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - excerpt:
Postscript
Any attack on peacekeepers constitutes a war crime. For more details, click on Haskanita label here below.
Archived photo: An African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) peacekeeper looks out over North Darfur, western Sudan. (AFP/AMIS/File/Stuart Price)
Photo: UNAMID peacekeepers patrol in North Darfur, 12 October 2009. (UN Photo/Olivier Chassot)
The Punch - AllAfrica.comall 316 news articles »
ICC Prosecutor Briefs Media on Sudan
See UN News Centre report Darfur crimes continue and Sudan still not cooperating with ICC – Prosecutor (also UN webcast Security Council meeting - 4 Dec. '09)
Photo: Luis Moreno-Ocampo, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), speaks to reporters following his briefing to the Security Council on the situation in Sudan, 04 December 2009, United Nations, New York. (UN)
Photo: Memorial service for the five Rwandans killed in North Darfur. (Source: Rob Crilly)
Five Rwandan UNAMID peacekeepers were killed in North Darfur
Report from SRS - Sudan Radio Service , Monday, 7 December 2009:
[El Fashir] – Five Rwandan UNAMID peacekeepers were killed in North Darfur in two separate incidents on Friday and Saturday.+ + + Rest In Peace + + +
The peacekeepers were distributing water to internally displaced persons.
On Friday, three peacekeepers were shot dead after coming under fire in North Darfur. Their two colleagues were killed on Saturday in a government-controlled area, also in North Darfur.
Ali Hamati, from the UNAMID press office, spoke to SRS from Darfur on Sunday.
[Ali Hamati]: “Unfortunately, the last incident happened on Saturday, just a day after the Friday incident in Saraf Omra. The last incident happened in Shangel Tobaya in North Darfur, and the Rwandan soldiers who belonged to UNAMID were apparently helping to distribute water to the citizens when they were attacked by people dressed in traditional attire and underneath the attire they had guns. Two peacekeepers working with UNAMID from Rwanda died on the spot and another, who was wounded in the attack, died later on.”
The governor of North Darfur, Mohamed Osman Kibir, announced on Saturday that the men behind the attacks had been arrested and had been transferred to El-Fashir.
On Sunday, the Rwandan government accused the government of Sudan of being behind the attacks.
UN report from NEW YORK, December 9, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - excerpt:
The Secretary-General reiterates the commitment of the AU-UN mission to carry out its important work in Darfur. He notes the Government of Sudan’s rapid action to apprehend the alleged perpetrators and renews his call that those guilty of these cowardly attacks should be brought to justice immediately.- - -
The Secretary-General expresses his condolences to the families of the peacekeepers who lost their lives and to the Government of Rwanda and reiterates his appreciation for their service and commitment to the search for peace in Darfur.
Postscript
Any attack on peacekeepers constitutes a war crime. For more details, click on Haskanita label here below.
Archived photo: An African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) peacekeeper looks out over North Darfur, western Sudan. (AFP/AMIS/File/Stuart Price)
Photo: UNAMID peacekeepers patrol in North Darfur, 12 October 2009. (UN Photo/Olivier Chassot)
Ex Darfur rebels detain men over peacekeeper killing
Reuters South Africa - Dec 8, 2009
Two Rwandan members of the joint UN/African Union UNAMID peacekeeping mission inSudan's Darfur region were shot dead as they distributed water in a refugee ...
Sudan Arrests Suspects in Attack on Rwandan Peacekeepers in Darfur Voice of America
ICC Prosecutor Briefs Media on Sudan
See UN News Centre report Darfur crimes continue and Sudan still not cooperating with ICC – Prosecutor (also UN webcast Security Council meeting - 4 Dec. '09)
Photo: Luis Moreno-Ocampo, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), speaks to reporters following his briefing to the Security Council on the situation in Sudan, 04 December 2009, United Nations, New York. (UN)
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