US urges UN force in Darfur 'without delay'

Aug 21 2006 Voice of America:

The United States Monday called on the government of Sudan to allow deployment of a U.N. peacekeeping force in Darfur "without delay."

In a statement, Acting State Department Spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos condemned the attack by unknown assailants in northern Darfur that killed two Rwandan members of the African Union Mission in Sudan, AMIS, and wounded several others.

Gallegos called on the Sudanese government to cooperate fully with AMIS to arrest and prosecute those behind the attack.

"The United Nations force must deploy without delay," said Gonzalo Gallegos.

Yee Haw! It's difficult to imagine thrusting Americans as peacekeepers. Good they're not planning on sending any of their troops to 'save' Darfur.

Arab call to delay UN Security Council meeting on Darfur puzzles key envoy - AMIS costs $17m per month

Aug 21 2006 Reuters via Sudan Tribune:

A key UN Security Council member said Aug 21 he was puzzled by an Arab League request for an indefinite delay in a planned council meeting on Darfur next week in New York.

Aug 21 2006 Sudan Tribune:

The Arab League had requested the UN to postpone Security Council meeting to give Sudan more time to implement its plan to improve conditions and preserve security in Darfur - to allow time for consultation and coordination between regional organizations on the role of AU forces in Darfur - which it presented to the UN on Aug 2.

Under the Sudanese plan, the Khartoum government would send 10,500 new government troops to Darfur.

AMIS costs $17m per month

Note, above report points out the resolution passed by the Arab League called on Arab countries to fulfil a promise, made at a summit in Khartoum in March, to finance the African Union peace operation in Darfur for six months from Oct 1. The operation has been costing about $17 million a month,

UNMIS supports AMIS decision to investigate murders of AU soldiers

UNMIS statement issued in Khartoum says UNMIS supports the AMIS decision to carry out a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators of the attack, urging all parties to fully cooperate in bringing those responsible to justice. - UN News Centre 21 Aug 2006.

Sudan opposes UN plan to deploy peacekeepers to Darfur

One wonders what Eric Reeves et al think when they read news reports such as the one today at Voice of America - excerpt:

Sudanese Justice Minister Mohamed Ali al-Madhi told reporters on Sunday that a draft UN resolution to deploy 17,000 peacekeeping troops in Darfur would be considered a military occupation.

A political analyst on Sudan, Mariam Jooma, says the potential success of any UN peacekeeping mission depends on the cooperation of the Sudanese parties, especially the government and the rebel factions that refused to sign a peace deal in May.

Also worrying, Jooma says, is that a UN mission may have wider repercussions, due to the situation in the Middle East.

"The politicization of any deployment is so likely to be manipulated by belligerents, as you've seen in Sudan," said Mariam Jooma. "President Bashir is saying, they will not allow another invasion, as they have in Iraq. I think is very worrying because whatever the good will from the United Nations, the actual deployment itself is sure to throw up questions of national authority, as well as on the war on terror."

Annan's important 30-page report on Darfur

Excerpt from a post by Mark Leon Goldberg on UN Dispatch: Darfur's Last Chance?. [hat tip CFD] Excerpt:

"...In late July, Kofi Annan issued a little noticed but hugely important thirty page report on Darfur. This report (pdf), which was delivered to the Security Council on July 29th, could be the last chance to save Darfur.

Annan outlines a broad mandate for a United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) to take over from the African Union, which currently fields only 7,000 troops that operate under a limited mandate. By contrast, UNMIS would include some 17,300 peacekeepers, and many thousands of civilians experts to secure, rehabilitate, rebuild and enforce a ceasefire in Darfur. However, Annan acknowledges the hurdles to assembling a peacekeeping force for Darfur. So, as something of a stop-gap measure, Annan proposes that the UN appropriate resources including communications, logistics, and command and control assets, as well as military equipment such as aircraft and armored personnel carriers, to the African Union.

This is a novel idea. And if the Security Council approves it would create what the informative Security Council Report calls "a hybrid force, never before tried by the UN, with UN assets and personnel placed under the command of another institution [the AU]." As envisioned by Annan, the hybridization would commence immediately and continue until the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) is able to deploy a robust peacekeeping force in Darfur.

At least for the moment, Annan's proposal seems to have inspired some members of the Security Council to refocus on Darfur. In the Council's first meeting on Darfur in over six weeks, representatives from the United States and United Kingdom explicitly endorsed Annan's plan in a draft resolution they circulated. Further, the US-UK draft resolution would place eventual peacekeepers under Chapter VII, which seems to heed Annan's call that UNMIS be mandated to protect civilians and keep open lines of humanitarian access, even if this means dealing "proactively with spoilers, including in a pre-emptive manner."

Per Annan's recommendation the US-UK draft proposes 17,300 UNMIS troops for Darfur, with two additional battalions on the ready. And to be sure, the same obstacles that have prevented the deployment of blue helmets to Darfur since May exist to this day; the countries with the most influence over Khartoum continue to refuse to make Sudan's acquiescing to a peacekeeping force a priority in their bilateral relations.

Seeing the light - US stance towards Darfur

Here is a story from Jim Moore.

Moral justifications are not a substitute for wisdom, compassion, pragmatism and competence.

I am reminded of the story of the captain of a powerful naval ship who, seeing the light of another boat in the fog, commanded that the other vessel give way.

Back across the radio came the reply, "We can't, you must give way."

The captain spoke forcefully into his microphone "I am the captain of a United States Navy vessel, I command you to give way!"

Again the reply, quieter this time, suggesting that the captain's ship give way, and recommending a heading that he steer toward.

The captain, by now enraged, shouted into the radio "This ship is a fully-armed destroyer, give way or be rammed! What is your vessel?"

The answer came quickly: "We are a lighthouse."

Posted by James Moore on 8/21/06

Thanks Jim. The US captain's stance reminds me of the US stance towards Darfur!

UNMIS strongly condemns attack on AMIS

The United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) strongly condemns the attack on the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) and the killing of two of its soldiers on 19 August by an unidentified group of armed men in the Kuma area in North Darfur, UNMIS reported via ReliefWeb today [hat tip CFD]

+ + + UNMIS extends its condolences to the families of the victims and to the African Union Mission in Sudan.

[And, sadly, so say all of us. RIP. God bless] + + +

UN condemns killing of AU peacekeepers in N Darfur

Only moronic barbarians kill peacekeepers. This IRIN report excerpt tells us petrol was more important to the killers than the life of a peacekeeper.

UNMIS has condemned the killing of two AU peacekeepers in Darfur, calling it a serious violation of international law, IRIN/ Reuters reported 21 Aug 2006 - excerpt:

A fuel convoy of the AU Mission in Sudan (AMIS) travelling from El Nahud to El Fasher in North Darfur State was ambushed in the Kuma area by an unidentified group of armed men on Saturday. Two Rwandan soldiers were killed in the attack, while three were wounded.

"UNMIS calls on all parties to the Darfur conflict to respect the neutral and impartial status of AMIS," the UN mission said in a statement on Sunday. Any attack against AU personnel deployed in Darfur constituted a breach of existing ceasefire agreements and contravened the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, it added.

The AU called the attack "unprovoked" and "outrageous". It said it would hold the leaders of those groups found responsible personally accountable.

Let's hope the AU will make the leaders personally accountable. Who were the killers, Sudanese militia or SLM/A rebels? More on this later, if I find out.

Arabs back Sudan on UN force - AMIS needs equipment

The following photos and captions by Werner, a South African soldier and UN/AU military observer in Darfur, appear in his blog Soldier of Africa.

The photos are probably a good example of what AMIS means when, year after year, it says it doesn't have enough of the right equipment. Here's hoping they soon receive what they need for the job.

Mud Heaven



On our patrol to a village near the Chadian border today this is the type of roads we had to drive on. (Photo/caption Soldier of Africa 19 Aug 2006)

Camel Trophy?



I think that when I am done here I can seriously think about competing in the Camel Trophy race. I actually drove successfully on these roads today and had Paul and Hassan holding onto anything they could find with white knuckles. (Photo/caption Soldier of Africa 19 Aug 2006)

Paul and I



This wadi was where we decided not to cross since we had heavy APC's with us. Of course Paul wanted to go on with his knife between the teeth attitude. (Photo/caption Soldier of Africa 19 Aug 2006)

Interview



We interviewed the miller of the village near the impassable wadi. The guy talking is Hassan from Egypt and the guy on his left is a GoS representative who went with us. On the far right is the platoon commander of the protection force that protected us today. (Photo/caption Soldier of Africa 19 Aug 2006)

Well Stuck

Lastly, I'm having trouble posting photos right now. Here is the caption for Werner's illuminating "Well Stuck" photo 20 Aug 2006:

This APC deviated just slightly from the road and this was the result. These vehicles are armoured so they weigh many tonnes. Not only do they sink away easily, but if we are not careful we may damage certain areas of road like drifts and cause major problems for the local population. Under the surface of a drift an APC may leave very deep furrows, which can trap the vehicles of the local population passing through.

- - -

ARABS BACK SUDAN STAND ON UN FORCE

Although the African Union Mission in Darfur is estimated to cost $1 billion each year, it still suffers a shortage of funds and the right equipment.

AFP/Gulf Times report 21 Aug 2006, excerpt:

Arab League committee on Sudan voiced its support for Khartoum's rejection of a US-UK draft UN resolution that would pave the way for the deployment of UN troops to Darfur, the diplomats said.

Instead the committee called for a reinforcement of the African Union mission already on the ground in Darfur.

If members of the Arab League started paying for African peacekeepers in Darfur, perhaps it will enable international donors to help AMIS receive the right equipment and training.

Rwandan peacekeepers killed in Darfur by SLM/A faction?

Rwandan government confirmed the death of two Rwandan soldiers who were among the African Union peacekeeping mission in Sudan in an ambush suspected to have been carried out by a faction of the rebel Sudan Liberation Army. It was also said three Rwandan soldiers were seriously injured in the attack. Full story Sudan Tribune 20 Aug 2006.

Sudan says US-UK draft UN resolution is misleading

Sudanese Justice Minister Mohamed Ali al Mardhi warned that the government would not protect international forces against attacks from the Sudanese people and individuals from neighboring countries, AP/ST reported today.

The "draft resolution that will be presented to the UN Security Council is full of wicked and misleading elements," al Mardhi told reporters.

Al Mardhi said the resolution ignores the Sudanese government.

It "discusses the issue of deploying international forces as if there is no government in the country," he said.

Note, the report also points out the UK's UN ambassador has stressed that no UN force will deploy in Darfur without the consent of the government, but the US' deputy ambassador has said the Sudanese government's consent is not really required by the resolution. I say, going by news reports on such issues over the past year, the US is wrong to make such statements. Yee Haw!

Blair sends letter re Darfur to Bashir

On 17 August, the British Special Envoy for Darfur handed to Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Lam Akol a letter from Prime Minister Blair to President Bashir expressing concern on Darfur, UN Country Team in Sudan reported 20 Aug 2006.

Sudan gov't gets blogging - Website of Sudan National Commission of Investigation into Garang helicopter crash

Today, someone visited this blog via a google search for name of pilot of helicopter that killed John Garang.

Wondering if the answer was here in Sudan Watch archives, I did a search. Not yet found the name but came across a Sudanese government website for Sudan National Commission of Investigation at http://www.sudancommission.org

The site appears to have started 10 June 2006 to report on the Commission formed to investigate causes of the helicopter crash which lead to the death of VP John Garang of Sudan, the crew members and passengers as they were travelling from Entebbe Uganda, to New Site in Sudan.

Note the site has its own blog, the Sudanese government's first blog!?

Sudan's Darfur: SLM-Baasi announces All SLM/A Conference

On 18 August, SLM Field Commander Ahmed Abdel Shafi issued a press statement announcing plans for an all SLM/A Conference within 45 days, and reiterating his group's respect for previous ceasefire obligations. [Source: UN Country Team in Sudan 20 Aug 2006]

Note, upon impeachment of SLMA president Abdelwahid Mohamed Ahmed al-Nur July 28, 2006, SLM/A Commander Ahmed Abdel Shafi Yagoub Baasi was appointed president of the movement and commander in chief of the army. See Aug 1 2006 Sudan Watch: Darfur commanders impeach President of SLM/A Abdel Wahid Mohamed Ahmed Nur

P.S. Sorry I've not yet had time to complete up to date list of Darfur rebels. Until I do, I'm not sure what to call Baasi's rebel group, so meanwhile - until I find its formal name - I've dubbed it SLM-Baasi.

N. Darfur: Armed SLA-Minnawi soldiers at Tawilla market causes panic among traders

Glad to see support for the African Union Mission in Darfur (AMIS) mentioned in this excerpt from UN Country Team in Sudan report 20 Aug 2006 re security situation in North Darfur:

Representatives from Amburunga community expressed support to AMIS operations in the area, asking it to continue its usual confidence building patrol in the area.

The presence of armed SLM/MM soldiers at Tawilla market was also reported. People appealed to AMIS to help stop this menace which is causing panic amongst the traders from the area.

I wonder whose side the traders are on and what they have been told. Note, since the signing of the Darfur Peace Agreement, Minni Minnawi's SLA rebels are being seen as part of Sudanese government forces and are now referred to as soldiers or former rebels.



Photo: An African Union peacekeeper patrols Shok Shok village after an attack by a rebel faction in Sudan's northern Darfur province, May 14, 2006. (Reuters/Candace Feit)

May 18 2006 Sudan Watch: After peace, Darfur's rebel forces turn on each other and fight for Tawilla, North Darfur making it one of the most insecure regions of Darfur.

MILITIA LEADER'S HOMETOWN OF MISTARIHA, NORTH DARFUR

Jun 12 2006 Sudan Watch: RARE INTERVIEW: Sheik Musa Hilal, leader of Um Jalul tribe in his hometown of Mistariha, Darfur (Lydia Polgreen)

Oct 21 2004 NYT Somini Sengupta: Rare glimpse inside Militia's base in Sudan - On the dry grass rests a satellite dish. Nearby is a sparkling mosque. Inside a freshly painted green building is a parlor outfitted with rare amenities - overstuffed vinyl sofas and ceiling fans that gently purr, with the aid of a generator. Men in fresh fatigues loll nearby. The uniforms are like those worn by the Sudanese military, with one important exception: they bear no insignias, no name tags.

S. Darfur: UNMIS asks GoS Military at Duma camp to arrange meeting with Arab nomads

This excerpt from UN Country Team in Sudan report 20 Aug 2006, tells us the UN mission in southern Sudan is able help people in South Darfur, western Sudan:

On 17 August IDPs in Duma camp complained about the activity of the Arab nomads whose animals are grazing on their farms but no incident was recorded. UNMIS requested the GoS Military detachment at the Camp to arrange for a meeting with the nomads to discuss the issue.

W. Darfur: UN report on latest security situation

Here is the security situation in West Darfur, as reported by the UN Country Team in Sudan 20 Aug 2006:

On 15 August in Sarif-Umra Township two horses were stolen by some armed men who shot indiscriminately to threaten the owners of the horses. The case was reported to GoS Police.

S. Sudan: SAF/SPLA investigates shooting of UN Boats

Following the shooting incident on 17 August in Diel, Jonglei State at UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) patrol boats, SAF and SPLA commanders have assured UNMIS that no action would be taken to escalate the security situation and that their investigations on the firing on the UN Boats have commenced.

Source: UN Country Team in Sudan 20 Aug 2006.

Note, the report reveals that UN Police presented a lecture on Crime Scene Investigation to 193 local police officers at the Kudiba Police Station. The UN is doing much to help Sudan install law and order.

S. Sudan: SPLM says Abyei is exclusively for nine Ngok Dinka Chiefdoms

Trouble. UN Country Team in Sudan report 20 Aug 2006 says on 17 Aug the SPLM-appointed Executive Director and Acting Commissioner of Agok, told UNMIS in Abyei that if the government did not soon appoint a Civil Administrator for Abyei, he will move to Abyei town and establish one there by himself.

He rejected any political compromise with Khartoum, stressing that Abyei is exclusively for the nine Ngok Dinka Chiefdoms, and should only be administered by them.
- - -

SUDAN'S MISARIYAH TRIBE SEES ABYEI REPORT AS A CALL FOR WAR

June 20 2006 Sudan Watch:

Sudan's Misariyah tribe sees Abyei Report as a call for war

The Misariyah and Dinka Ngok tribes have been locked in a heated dispute with each claiming ownership of the territory, and the Misariyah have angrily rejected boundaries proposed in a report by an international commission for the district. "This report is a call for war. It is rejected in total and in detail," Sadek Abu Nimir, a senior leader of the Misariyah tribe, said.

For further reports, click on Abyei label here below.

SUDAN'S DINKA NGOK TRIBE SAYS "ABYEI BELONGS 100% TO SOUTHERN SUDAN"

May 30 2006 Sudan Watch:

Interview with Dr Douglas H Johnson, expert on the Abyei Boundary Commission



Photo: About 50 Dinkas staged a demonstration outside the opening ceremony of the NCP-SPLM meeting on Saturday May 27, 2006 in Khartoum, shouting their support for the peace deal and calling for a swift resolution of the Abyei issue. In the picture two demonstrators hold banner "Abyei belongs 100% to Southern Sudan".

For further reports, click on Abyei label here below.

S. Sudan: Wau Commissioner violates women's rights and freedoms

Ha! On 18 August in southern Sudan, the Local Assembly in Wau debated the decree issued by the Wau Commissioner last week whereby he declared that women would not be allowed to enter any UNMIS, UN Agency and/or NGO office premises or accommodation without being registered by his office.

The Local Assembly concluded that the move of the Commissioner was illegal, and violated women's rights and freedoms.

In the meantime, some women in Wau organised themselves and marched to the Commissioner's office with a CPA book in order to read for him the relevant chapters which pertain to the freedoms of both men and women.

Source: UN Country Team in Sudan 20 Aug 2006.

Sudan and Iran discuss five MoUs

On 19 August, the Iranian Agriculture Minister discussed with GNU Minister for International Co-operation the implementation of the five MoUs signed on 21 June in Tehran.

The Iranian Minister also carried a message from Iranian President Ahmadinejad to President Bashir.

Source: UN Country Team in Sudan 20 Aug 2006.

UPDATE: Aug 21 2006 Sudan Tribune: Sudan, Iran to reactivate agreements in animal resources - Sudan and Iran have agreed to reactivate the agreements which were signed between them in the fields of establishing modern factories, vaccines and medicines production, training of Sudanese cadres, cooling, fisheries, and opening new markets.

Sudan begins export of crude oil to Japan

The first load of Sudanese crude oil produced at Trajaz oil field left Bashaer Port on the Red sea coast for Japan today, Bahrain News Agency reported 20 Aug 2006:

The 600 thousand oil barrel consignment was exported by the White Nile Corporation for Oil Operations on Sunday where Minister of Energy and Minerals, Dr Awadh Ahmed expressed hope over the promising future of his country in the field of oil industry mainly after Darfur agreement had been signed.

The Sudanese Minister affirmed his country's keenness to develop its ties with friendly states to attain common interests, pointing out to the efforts being exerted to extract oil from under the waters of the Red sea.

SPLM obtains Sudan embassy in US, deputy head of UN delegation

Two of Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) ambassadors have been appointed in Washington and New York, one as Sudanese ambassador in USA and the second as deputy head of Sudan Mission to the United Nations.

Sudan has nominated Mr John Ukac Lueth as Sudan's ambassador to the USA and Dr Akec Khoc Acieu as deputy head of Sudan's delegation to the UN. Full story ST 16 Aug 2006.

Arabs to UN: Give Sudan more time on Darfur

Reuters report Aug 20, 2006, excerpt:

"A resolution passed by the Arab League council of foreign ministers said: "(The council) asks the Security Council to give the Sudanese government more time to implement its plan to improve conditions and preserve security in Darfur, which it presented to the United Nations on August 2."

It added: "It calls for the postponement of the U.N. Security Council meeting which is due to take place next week in New York...to allow time for consultation and coordination between regional organisations on the role of AU forces in Darfur."

Sudanese militia killed two AMIS peacekeepers in Darfur?

An unsourced report at inthenews.co.uk says militia killed the two African peacekeepers in Darfur. Don't know where they got the information, if it means Janjaweed or what. More later.

Meanwhile, the state-run SUNA accused the rebel National Redemption Front (NRF/JEM) of the attack, ST/Agencies reported Aug 19, 2006:

"Leaders of the groups found responsible for this "despicable attack" will be held "personally accountable," said the AU, without specifying which armed groups it suspected of being involved.

"This unprovoked ambush against AMIS peacekeepers is also a clear breach of the ceasefire agreements, with which all parties are bound to comply, as well as the relevant AU PSC and UNSC resolutions," the AU said."

See Aug 29 2006 news reports on N Darfur: 2 Rwandan peacekeepers killed, 4 wounded.

Arab League urges its members to fund AMIS for 6 months

The Arab League on Sunday backed Sudan's rejection of UN troops in Darfur, AFP reported (via Times of Oman) Aug 20, 2006. Excerpt:

A League committee called for a reinforcement of the African Union mission already on the ground in Darfur.

The Arab League meeting also urged its members, which number 22 including Sudan, to fulfill their commitments made at a March summit in Khartoum to provide six months' worth of financing for the African Union mission.

EU's Solana sends Pekka Haavisto to Darfur

European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana on Saturday expressed serious concern over situation in Darfur, PD/Xinhua reported Aug 20 2006:

Solana's office said EU Special Representative for the Sudan Pekka Haavisto will have meetings next week with the Government of Sudan, with Darfur armed movements, the African Union, the UN and other international partners about ways and means to prevent a new escalation of violence and to move the peace process forward.

EU REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR AU UN TRANSITION

EU Press Release, Brussels Aug 20 2006 (via ReliefWeb) Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the CFSP, expresses serious concern about the new deteriorating security situation in Darfur - excerpt:

"In line with the conclusions of the international conference held in Brussels on 18 July, the High Representative reiterates that the European Union fully supports the efforts of the African Union and the United Nations to achieve, in close coordination, a successful transition without which any realistic solution to the Darfur crisis is impossible."

N Darfur: 2 Rwandan peacekeepers killed, 4 wounded

Armed group kills two African Union peacekeepers In Darfur Easy bourse reported today (via Dowjones BN) :

Two African Union peacekeepers were killed and three wounded when their convoy was ambushed in Darfur Saturday, the AU said in a statement.

A group of unidentified armed men attacked an AU fuel convoy traveling to the AU's HQ of El Fasher in North Darfur, the statement said.

From News.com.au:

The attack targeted a convoy carrying fuel in the Kuma area around 80 km northeast of Darfur's main town of el-Fasher. The area is under the control of rebels who did not sign the May peace deal, but the AU said it was not clear who the attackers were.

One AU source said the soldiers who were attacked were from Rwanda. Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa supply the majority of the soldiers in the AU force.

From AFP via News24:

Two Rwandan peacekeepers were killed and four wounded when unidentified gunmen ambushed their convoy in North Darfur on Saturday.

The six peacekeepers had been escorting a fuel convoy from El-Nahud to El-Fasher, said African Union Mission in Sudan spokesperson Mousa Hamani.

He said the attack was "a clear breach" of truce agreements in the war-ravaged western region.

"Two soldiers were killed and four others were injured," said Hamani.

"Two of them sustained serious injuries and were flown to Khartoum for medical treatment, while the other two are now being treated at a medical centre in El-Fasher. All of the six were from the Rwandese contingent."

The AU said three of its soldiers were killed by Sudan Liberation Army rebels in October. An AU peacekeeper was killed in an ambush in Darfur on May 29.

Pronk: Enforce implementation of DPA and start DDD

"The solution of this crisis should be found, first, by enforcing the implementation of what has been agreed, rather than allowing the Government and the Minawi faction to disregard their commitments," writes UN SRSG Jan Pronk in his latest blog entry Aug 18, 2006. He goes on to say:

"Second, by getting all parties on board (instead of alienating dissenters and attacking non-signatories) and inviting them to participate in all inclusive Darfurian institutions, whether they have signed the agreement or not (yet).

Third, by starting an all inclusive Darfur-Darfur dialogue as soon as possible and by linking this dialogue with reconstruction, return and reconciliation programmes, irrespective of the political stance of the groups concerned.

Last but not least, by establishing a robust international peace force, capable to deter and contain old and new assailants, Janjaweed as well as NRF, bandits as well as warlords. The DPA is more than a security arrangement. However, without an improving security situation all other elements of the DPA are bound to fail."

Sudan plans to send 10,500 troops to Darfur

The New York-based Human Rights Watch said it had obtained a copy of a proposal, drawn up by Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, to send 10,500 new government troops to Darfur. Full report Reuters Aug 18, 2006 (via ST) - excerpt:

Bashir, quoted by the official Sudanese News Agency, told a gathering of the armed forces on Monday, "We are determined to defeat any forces entering the country just as Hizbollah has defeated the Israeli forces.

Photo: Soldiers man a Sudanese army checkpoint outside the abandoned village of Hashaba, south of Al-Fasher in Darfur, in June 2006. A UN-led force for Darfur would need up to 18,600 troops and intense international pressure has to be put on Sudan to accept the intervention, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said. (AFP Aug 1, 2006/Charles Onians)

Aug 18 2006 HRW report: U.N.: Reject Sudan's Darfur Plan - Khartoum tries to head off UN force to protect civilians (hat tip CFD)



Photo: A soldier with the Government of Sudan sits next to weapons and ammunition at an outpost in Sudan's northern Darfur town of Tawilla May 17, 2006.



Photo: Sudanese protestors from student and youth organisations rally in front of the parliament building in Khartoum, to protest against UN plans to deploy peacekeepers in Darfur in June 2006.

U.S. dismisses Sudan president's threat

The Bush administration on Friday dismissed a threat by Sudan's president to fire on any UN force sent to Darfur, AP's Barry Schweid reported Aug 18, 2006. Excerpt:

The African Union, which has peacekeeping troops in the western Sudanese region, would make up the majority of an expanded UN force that would benefit the Sudanese government as well as the people of Darfur, State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey said.

"Ultimately, we believe that this is in the interest of all the participants in Sudan, including the government, and we expect that they will ultimately agree to let this go forward," he said.

A draft resolution by the United States and Britain was introduced at the United Nations on Thursday.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has warned that Sudan's army would fight any UN forces sent to Darfur, while Britain's UN Ambassador Emyr Jones Parry stressed that no UN force would be deployed in Darfur without the consent of the government.

Casey said the Sudanese government has said in the past it would welcome the UN forces to help monitor and enforce a peace agreement. "That's what we are trying to do here," the spokesman said.

"And, ultimately, we believe that is not only what should happen but that is what will happen," Casey said.

With violence escalating in Darfur, Jones Parry said he hopes the resolution can be adopted by the end of August.

In New York, the deputy secretary-general of the United Nations, Mark Malloch Brown, said, "We are extremely worried about the deterioration of the humanitarian and security situation in Darfur, and the absence of a clear political path to the deployment of the U.N. force."

"It is very important that we all pay lots of attention to Darfur," he said. "Something very ugly is brewing there."

- - -

US THREATENS SUDAN AFTER UN RESISTANCE

Aug 19 2006 Sapa-AFP report by P Parameswaran (via IOL) US threatens Sudan after UN resistance:

A senior US State Department official warned Friday about "the reality" facing Sudan if it "confronted with a unified international community" and a UN resolution that was "the will of the international community."

Referring to Beshir's threat, the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, asked: "Do they want to defy that, and if they do, then what are the potential consequences for them?"

"Don't forget there is a process in The Hague going on in terms of investigations of potential war crimes," the official said, referring to demands by the international community that Darfur war crimes suspects be tried by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.

- - -

THEY'RE WASTING PRECIOUS TIME ARGUING

Commentary by Drima: The Sudanese Thinker re U.S. Dismisses Sudan President's Threat:

"The debate on UN troops hasn't ended yet and it doesn't seem like it will end any time soon. I'm tired. They're wasting precious time arguing.

As I've stated previously, AU being in command is the best option we have. Bashir's regime doesn't trust the UN troops coming into Darfur under chapter 7. The UN should just accept it. They should also take Al-Qaeda's threats seriously.

Darfur will turn into a war zone if the UN troops come into it without the Sudanese dictatorship's consent. That ought to make things real "humanitarian" for the people there."

- - -

DISPLACED WOMEN WAITING ... FOR WHAT? MORE WAR?



Feb 19 2005 photo: Displaced Sudanese women from Darfur. Violence in refugee camps sheltering 2.5 million people in Darfur has rocketed since a peace deal was signed in May and threatens to jeopardise the world's largest aid operation, a joint statement by four major aid agencies said on Tuesday. (Stringer/Reuters Aug 8, 2006)



May 2006 photo: Displaced Darfuris are seen in the town of Gereida, southern Darfur, May 2006. The US and Britain presented a draft resolution to the UN outlining the deployment of 17,000 peacekeepers to Darfur, despite opposition by the Sudanese government. (AFP Aug 17, 2006/Jonah Fisher)



Photo: A woman stands in front of her shelter at a camp for Internally Displaced Persons in North Darfur, June 13 2006. (Reuters Aug 17, 2006/Zohra Bensemra)

UPDATE: US EXPECTS SUDANESE ACCEPTANCE OF UN FORCE

Coaliton for Darfur points to VOA report US Expects Sudanese Acceptance of UN Force. Report excerpt:

Sudan has strongly opposed the proposed upgrade of the international peacekeeping presence in Darfur, with President Omar al-Bashir even threatening to forcibly resist the introduction of U.N. troops.

However, officials here say they think the Khartoum government will eventually relent, and they make clear that the introduction of Thursday's U.N. resolution is aimed at building international pressure on the Sudanese leadership to reconsider.

At a news briefing, State Department Deputy Spokesman Tom Casey noted that Sudanese officials initially signaled acceptance of the force upgrade when a Darfur peace agreement was forged between the government and rebel groups last May in Nigeria.

He suggested that once the global community, through the Security Council, has spoken forcefully about the need for the Darfur force, the Sudanese government will reconsider.

"Once the international community has spoken to this issue, then let's see what the reaction of the Sudanese government is," said Mr. Casey. "Again, I think if you look historically at what's occurred here, the government of Sudan has, when appropriately presented with facts on the ground, responded to them. I think at this point what we need to do is not worry about where they are today, but worry about where they are once we get a resolution passed that authorizes this force."

Casey noted that there already is a United Nations force in Sudan working to implement the country's north-south peace accord, and that the envisaged 17,000-member Darfur peacekeeping mission would be built on the existing African Union presence.

Veto-wielding Security Council members Russia and China have expressed reservations about the U.S.-British draft but spokesman Casey said the Bush administration is optimistic about chances for its early adoption.

He said Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, though nominally on vacation, has been conducting telephone diplomacy on behalf of the resolution and spoke about it this week with, among others, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

"Something very ugly is brewing there," Mark Malloch Brown - UN troops cannot be sent without agreement from Khartoum

UN troops cannot be sent without agreement from Khartoum, Reuters report reminds us Aug 18 2006 (via ST).

Also, the report reveals that Mark Malloch Brown, the deputy UN secretary-general, has told reporters:

"Something very ugly is brewing there. We are extraordinarily concerned. We are extremely worried about the deterioration of the humanitarian and security situation in Darfur, and the absence of a clear path to the deployment of a UN force."

Photo: The United States warned Sudan of potential consequences if it continued to resist UN peacekeepers in Darfur, hinting of stepped up moves for an international probe on alleged war crimes in the region. Sudanese President Omar al-Beshir, seen here in June 2006, has warned that his country would confront any UN-sponsored forces sent to Darfur (AFP/Aug 18, 2006/Issouf Sanogo)

Note, the above Reuter's report states that in Washington, State Department spokesman Tom Casey said "the Sudanese government has both a need and an obligation to accept this force as part of the peace deal that they, themselves, agreed to." From what I can gather, the Sudanese government has never accepted a UN force as part of the peace deal. Unlike the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) for southern Sudan, the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) does not include a peacekeeping force.

UN troops would reinforce AU presence already in Darfur

The British officials who drew up the latest draft resolution on Darfur say they hope it can be adopted by the Security Council within a month, to enable troops to be deployed in January, BBC news reported Aug 19, 2006.

The BBC report tells us Russia and China have some reservations. And that new troops would reinforce an African Union presence already there in Darfur.



Photo: An African Union armoured personnel carrier patrols the Sudanese village of Gos Beina, south of the town of al-Fasher in Darfur. (AFP Aug 1, 2006/Charles Onians)

Note, earlier news reports filed here at Sudan Watch, suggest there's talk of using peacekeepers from the UN mission in southern Sudan (UNMIS).



Photo: An African Union soldier stands guard in the village of Gos Beina during an AU patrol south of the town of al-Fasher in Darfur, June 2006. (AFP Jul 29,2006/Charles Onians)

Sudan removes squatters' slum housing nr Khartoum

Khartoum is surrounded by miles of slum housing where millions of Sudanese from the war-torn south and west of the country have sought shelter over the past two decades from conflict, disease and famine.

But land prices have soared and the government wants the land the build houses or sell to investors. Full report Sudan Tribune Aug 18, 2006.
- - -

Aug 17 2006 BBC report - UN call to stop Sudan demolitions - Heavily armed policemen and tanks had surrounded the squatter camp at Dar es Salaam, some 40km from the capital, before moving in at 0800 local time, the UN said in a statement on Thursday. United Nations officials in the area were barred from entering the area, but heard gunshots. There are reports of deaths, including a child.
- - -

THOSE FILTHY CRIMINALS

In the comments at Drima's Sudanese Thinker blog, a reader called Tse asks:

How come land prices skyrocketed for land near Karthoum? Does the government provide alternative housing? What's gonna happen to these unfortunate people now?

Drima replied:

"Land prices are skyrocketing in Khartoum because of the massive number of foreigners and companies moving into Khartoum's best districts. Demand is increasing quickly and as a consequence so are the prices. Higher prices mean more profit for businessmen with conncetions to the government or in the government. Since normal business in Sudan is risky because of corruption and a screwed up economy, many people over the years have turned to investing in real estate because it's much less riskier. There are so many foreigners in Khartoum now and it's slowly getting crowded. Investors want to develop massive areas of land surrounding Khartoum to accomodate the growing demand. They clear the land. They use it and they make more money. The rich gets richer and the poor get poorer.

Alternative housing??! LOL. Welcome to Sudan where there is no such thing. Here in Malaysia, the government by the law must provide decent alternative housing before removing illegal squaters. Sudan? Nada, zip, nothing! These people have to go and squater somewhere else now. They'll be forced to move to worse places with no proper access to water or electricity. Getting some water will require a longer walk.

It's one sad disgusting reality that I can't stand Tse. Sudan now is like Europe during the dark ages.

JEM calls upon Sudan to release Slovene envoy

Aug 17 2006 Darfur outlaws JEM (Khartoum declared them terrorists) appeal to Sudan's president for release of Slovenian envoy, Tomo Kriznar.

See Tomo Kriznar - official website where one can read the first chapter of Tomo Kriznar's book NUBA, Pure People. [hat tip POTP]

Sudan rejects US-UK proposal of UN troops in Darfur

Aug 18 2006 The New York Sun (Benny Avni) - excerpt:

An American-British proposal to deploy 17,000 troops in Darfur was immediately rejected yesterday by Khartoum. President Bashir threatened that if the UN-led force reaches his country, it will be "defeated" like Israel by Hezbollah.

"We are determined to defeat any forces entering the country, just as Hezbollah has defeated the Israeli forces," [Sudanese president] Mr Bashir said yesterday.

"Legally speaking, the African Union" does not have "the right to transfer" the mandate in Darfur to a UN-led force, Sudan's ambassador to the United Nations, Omar Bashir Manis, said. "The Sudan government is opposed to the sending of troops, and I cannot see how anyone can envisage sending troops to a country which is not welcoming those troops."

Earlier this year the African Union's Peace and Security Commission met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where it decided "in principal" to pass the mandate of its force to the United Nations.

Sudan gov't consent not required in the resolution

Excerpt from commentary by Tim Fernholz at New Republic Aug 17, 2006:

"Transcript of a press gaggle with Ambassador Jackie Sanders, the alternative representative for special political affairs to the United Nations:

Reporter: Ambassador, on that last point, [Sudanese] President [Omar Al] Bashir said as recently as yesterday that not only will he not welcome a U.N. force, he would attack it. What do you plan to do about that?

Ambassador Sanders: Well, there are a number of high level dialogues going on including from the United States. The UK is sending an envoy to the region to speak with him, and I think--as was discussed in the Council today--all the countries of the Council and any country that has any influence with this government is welcome and encouraged to use its influence to get the president to get on board with this... .

Reporter: Is the consent of the government of Sudan required by this resolution as far as you see it?

Ambassador Sanders: I would say it is not required. The fact of the matter is it's in our job description to get this thing adopted, then it's in the job description of the government of Sudan to consent to it and to move forward. And that's what we are expecting and that's what we're going to work toward.

Reporter: Sorry, you just said not required?

Ambassador Sanders: The consent is not required in the resolution.

Reporter: But it's required for the force?

Ambassador Sanders: Well practically speaking, it's going to be useful to have the government on board to get this accomplished."

- - -

Deteriorating situation calls for action, US diplomat says

From US Department of State 17 Aug 2006 re US, UK submit resolution on UN peacekeepers for Darfur:

"After a private meeting with the Security Council to present the resolution, U.S. Ambassador Jackie Sanders said, "Hopefully, we'll get a resolution adopted quickly and unanimously."

"We hope the government of Sudan will do its part," said Sanders, the deputy U.S. envoy to the United Nations."

Unanimously? Everyone on UN Security Council, including China and Russia? She can't be serious.

NATO's helping AU forces headed to Darfur

US Department of Defence News Briefing with Gen. Jones from the Pentagon Aug 17, 2006 - excerpt:

"We have a small mission in support of the African Union in Ethiopia, in which we bring some capacity building to the African forces that are headed to Darfur and also some strategic lift in and out of Darfur for the nations that are committing those battalions." - Commander, U.S. European Command, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander, General James L. Jones.

Sudan may be gearing up for major offensive in Darfur, UN peacekeeping official warns

Aug 17 2006 UN News Centre report says Sudan may be gearing up for major offensive in Darfur, UN peacekeeping official warns:

The Sudanese Government seems to be determined to pursue a major military offensive in strife-torn Darfur, building up its armed forces in the region as the situation there deteriorates, the Security Council heard today.

In a closed-door briefing, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hedi Annabi also warned the Council that Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has reiterated his opposition to a United Nations peacekeeping force in Darfur and vowed that the Sudanese armed forces would fight any UN force dispatched to the region.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York that Mr Annabi urged the Council to consider re-engaging Khartoum directly for a final discussion on the question of whether it would agree to a UN peacekeeping operation in Darfur.

The President of the Security Council, Ambassador Nana Effah-Apenteng, told reporters following the meeting that a draft resolution had been introduced on Sudan. "We are looking at the possibility of bringing all the major players to a meeting here, the League of Arab States, the OIC (Organization of the Islamic Conference), the African Union and a representative of the Sudanese Government," he said, adding that the first two had already accepted.

Draft resolution proposes extending UNMIS to cover Darfur; AU force would transfer to UN by end Sep

FT.com report Sudan under pressure to admit UN force by Jonathan Birchall at the UN and Andrew England in Nairobi Aug 17 2006. Excerpt:

Diplomatic efforts to persuade Sudan to admit United Nations peacekeepers to Darfur intensified on Thursday, as Britain introduced a draft Security Council resolution that could lead to the deployment of up to 20,000 UN troops and police in the troubled region.

The draft resolution came as the Security Council met to discuss the continuing violence in Darfur, despite a peace agreement signed in May by the government and one of the three main rebel groups.

The draft resolution would require the consent of President Bashir for the force to be deployed to Darfur, but is seen as a way of increasing the pressure on him to do so. It proposes extending the existing UN mission in Sudan - Unmis - to cover Darfur as well, and giving its military commander the ability to move troops between the two regions as required.

Under the draft resolution, the African Union force would be transferred to the UN's authority by the end of September, with UN members providing additional logistical and transport support that would increase its ability to move across a region the size of France.

Meanwhile, the rebels have split into numerous factions and the fighting often turns into banditry, creating an environment that would pose enormous challenges for any peacekeeping force.

U.S. and Britain want UN to authorise troops for Darfur

Britain and the United States on Thursday introduced a UN Security Council resolution to send some 17,000 UN peacekeepers to the Darfur region of Sudan, despite opposition from the Khartoum government, Reuters (Matthew Verrinder)/Scotsman reported Aug 17 2006. Excerpt:

The resolution can be adopted without any consent from Sudan, US Deputy Ambassador Jackie Sanders said. But in practice troops cannot be deployed until Khartoum agrees.

"I hope that when we negotiate this text, there will be clarity from the government of Sudan that such an operation, favoured by the African Union and favoured by the Security Council should take place," Britain's UN Ambassador Emyr Jones Parry told reporters.

The draft resolution asks UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to work out a plan and timetable with the African Union for a transition and for sending in reinforcements no later than October 1.

The number of troops to be authorised in the resolution suggests 17,300. But this figure is not settled yet, and Jones Parry said he expected the number to be closer to 15,000.

HUMANITARIAN WORKERS ENDANGERED

Parts of the resolution are under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which allows troops a greater use of force. Sudan objects to this provision, viewing it as tantamount to an invasion or occupation.

"I understand Khartoum and the perception they have with Chapter 7," Jones Parry said. "Those perceptions are not soundly based."

He said the resolution was meant only to support a peace agreement in Darfur and help endangered humanitarian workers who have been under attack in recent weeks. Eight aid workers died in July, more than in the previous two years.

Some diplomats questioned whether Russia and China, who have veto power in the 15-nation Security Council, would support any measure disapproved by Khartoum.

Arab nations, who prefer the African Union stay in Darfur, are also allies of Khartoum and have rarely criticised its policies in Darfur.

Should U.N. troops go to Darfur, Jones Parry said UN peacekeepers in the field would number more than 100,000, the highest number ever in 18 missions.

The United Nations already has close to 10,000 troops in southern Sudan to monitor a peace agreement between Khartoum and the former southern rebels.

The draft resolution follows a letter on August 10 to the council by Annan on escalating violence in Darfur.

"While the government maintains its firm opposition (to U.N. troops), the situation on the ground is deteriorating, and the AU mission's ability to function for the remainder of 2006 is being jeopardised by a funding crisis," Annan wrote.

[Note, the report quotes Sir Emyr Jones Parry as saying that should UN troops go to Darfur, UN peacekeepers in the field would number more than 100,000, the highest number ever in 18 missions]

Darfur holdout rebels accuse AU of ending truce - Sudan gov't declares Darfur rebel holdouts "terrorists"

The African Union said it took the decision to evict holdout rebels from its HQ after the Sudanese government declared the non-signing groups "terrorists" and told the AU it could not guarantee the safety of the representatives in AU camps. - Reuters' Opheera McDoom/Scotsman report 17 Aug 2006 - excerpt:

Darfur rebels accused the African Union on Thursday of supporting what it said was government aggression against them by evicting them from homeless camps in Sudan's remote western region.

Only one of three rebel negotiating factions signed an AU-brokered peace deal for the region in May and on Wednesday the AU evicted officials from factions which did not join up.

Prior to May's deal, the pan-African body employed representatives of all three groups to help investigate violations of a shaky truce agreed in 2004.

The AU said it took the decision after the government of Sudan declared the non-signing groups "terrorists" and told the AU it could not guarantee the safety of the representatives in AU camps.

"Given the far-reaching implications of that decision, and the fact that (The AU) did not want to expose the personnel of these movements to any personal risks, it had no other option than to suspend their participation," the AU said in a statement.

But Khalil Ibrahim, leader of the rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), which did not sign the May deal, said the AU decision was "legitimising this aggression from the government side against us".

"By doing so the AU is terminating the ceasefire agreement of April 2004," Ibrahim told Reuters from Paris.

The move could hinder investigations of truce violations as AU troops may not be able to travel safely in areas controlled by the two factions that did not sign the peace deal.

The humanitarian truce in April 2004 was agreed by all rebel groups and the government to allow aid agencies to access those in need. UN officials called Darfur the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

JEM and some other non-signatories formed a new alliance called the National Redemption Front which attacked the town of Hamrat al-Sheikh in Kordofan neighbouring Darfur in June.

The government reacted by attacking their positions in Darfur, the NRF and the AU said.

JEM's Ibrahim said the truce was legally binding in Darfur alone and not in any other parts of Sudan, so they were not violating the truce with the attack on Hamrat al-Sheikh.

[Note, the report tells us that JEM leader Khalil Ibrahim is now in Paris, France. How does he afford his lifestyle, does anybody know?]

GIF's "Scorecard" grades Congress efforts to end Darfur war

Click here to read about GIF's Darfur Scorecard, grading US Congress on its efforts to end the war in Darfur, Sudan. - via US Newswire/Ivan Boothe Genocide Intervention Network (GIF):

The scorecard measures whether each member of Congress supported and voted in favor of significant Darfur legislation introduced in the 109th Congress. The scorecard also recognizes extraordinary actions, such as sponsoring key legislation and congressional visits to the Darfur region.

The scorecard also gives constituents the tools to contact their members of Congress about their records and potential future actions on Darfur.

Nomads live with constant fear of being attacked by rebels mistaking them for Janjaweed - Kabkabiya town in N Darfur is marked "empty"

According to an IRIN report here below, an assessment report jointly published in April 2005 by relief agencies working in Sudan, said "African communities" constituted the majority of people living in the three states of North Darfur, South Darfur and West Darfur. The nomads, it added, made up about 20 percent of the population living in the three states.

IRIN's report quotes a nomad as saying the SLM/A rebels have guns and cars and are well organised. I still wonder how Sudanese rebels get guns, cars, satellite phones, petrol and money to pay for years of war. Can't help thinking it is all somehow connected to oil exploration and land rights.

Also, IRIN's report quotes the religious leader of a semi-nomadic clan as saying his clan was not in a camp for internally displaced persons, as is the case with most communities in Darfur, as they were afraid of losing their culture and customs. He said many nomads felt the need to protect themselves after the Darfur conflict started and some joined the Janjaweed voluntarily. The Janjaweed is a looting group, they are not real Arabs, they are made up of thieves from different tribes, he told IRIN.

See IRIN's report July 28 2005 on The forgotten nomads of Darfur.



Photo: A nomadic man from the Maharia-Riziegat community pictured near Kabkabiya. (IRIN)



Photo: The nomads in North Darfur moving during rainy season. (IRIN)



Photo: A nomad from the Mahami-Rizieget community in south Kabkabiya town, North Darfur. (IRIN)

5m IDPs in Sudan, including 1.8m from Darfur

I wonder how many of these were nomads:

More than one year after the signing of a Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) which ended 21 years of civil war between the central government and the southern-based Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army, there are still an estimated five million internally displaced people in Sudan, including 1.8 million from the separate conflict in the western Darfur region

Source: Internal Displacement Centre - Sudan: Slow IDP return to south while Darfur crisis continues unabated 17 Aug 2006. (via ReliefWeb)

Reporters Without Borders calls for release of Slovenian envoy Tomo Kriznar jailed for 2 years by Darfurian court

Aug 17 2006 Reporters sans fronti�res report excerpt:

Reporters Without Borders called today for the release of Slovenian writer and activist Tomo Kriznar after he was sentenced on 14 August by a court in Al Fashir, the capital of the western state of North Darfur, to two years in prison on charges of spying and publishing false information. Kriznar, who was acting as a special envoy of his country's president, was arrested in Darfur on 19 July.

"We condemn this outrageous manoeuvre by the Sudanese government, which is clearly aimed at discouraging journalists and humanitarian activists from investigating the large-scale massacres that have been taking place in Darfur for the past three years," Reporters Without Borders said.

"Kriznar used his position as a writer, photographer and human rights activist to denounce this major humanitarian crisis," the organisation added. "The government cannot negotiate with rebel groups under Slovenia's aegis and at the same time jail a Slovenian representative under an absurd pretext."

See Aug 16 2006 - Jailed Slovene envoy Tomo Kriznar to appeal against verdict



Photo: Tomo Kriznar (Yahoo News)

Sudan's Darfur: Where's Mama Mongella and the voices of the AU born Pan-African Parliament (PAP) to mobilise the Arab world, Egypt and Saudi Arabia?

Note to self. Here is a copy of April 6 2005 report (via 2005 Sudan Watch archive - AU report says Sudan's Darfur force should be 7,000 by August):

Pan-African Parliament wants AU soldiers to protect civilians in Darfur



Photo [AFP April 2005]: A Rwandan soldier operating under the African Union mandate plays with children outside the AU base in Kab Kabiya, north west of El-Fasher, Sudan.

AFP report April 5 [2005] says the Pan-African Parliament Tuesday urged the African Union to extend the mandate of its soldiers to include the protection of civilians in Darfur, a spokesman said. Excerpt:

"The mandate of the protectors in the ceasefire commission must be enhanced to go beyond protection of military observers," said PAP spokesman Khuitse Diseko.

This plea forms part of the recommendations of a PAP report on a fact-finding mission presented before the parliament at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, some 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Johannesburg. The report said the mandate of the AU soldiers should include the protection of the population in the Darfur region.

"All the necessary institutions and resources should be mobilised to ensure that ceasefire agreements are observed," said Diseko.

"The PAP delegates appealed for ceasefire agreements to be observed, as there was still a low scale war going on in the region," said Diseko.

"This problem is not only depressing but continues to hold us back as a continent geared on making the 21st century an African century. We want to build roads and telecommunication lines to develop Africa," said Diseko.

PAP sent its fact-finding mission to Sudan last November with a mandate to examine what was happening on the ground in Darfur. The PAP recommendations follow an internal AU report calling on the 53-member bloc to double the size of its military force in Darfur over the next four months.

The AU has some 2,200 troops in Darfur protecting AU observers monitoring a shaky ceasefire between Khartoum, its proxy militia and two rebel groups who have been fighting the government for two years. By the end of May, the AU plans to have boosted that number to 3,200 soldiers.

Established in March by the African Union, the PAP has no powers to pass laws and has no budget for this year although the 265-seat assembly plans to evolve into a law-making body around 2009.

Mar 26 2005 - PAP urges Sudanese to disarm Janjaweed - Gertrude Mongella, President of PAP

Oct 24 2005 - Calling Mama Mongella: The stability of Sudan is fundamental to the whole of the African continent:

EU Press Office Mary Brazier wrote: "We need the good will of everyone and we need to mobilise the Arab world, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Finally, and above all, we must support the African Union, which is doing a great deal of work on the ground and is seeking to secure a lasting settlement of the crisis in Darfur. That is why the cooperation under way in Darfur between the European Union and the African Union, which I regard as exemplary, is so important and why it sets a good precedent for our relations in the future in other African theatres."

Photo: PAP President Gertrude Ibengwa Mongella: an astute diplomat, at an official function at the US Embassy in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. At present, Mongella is a member of CCM's top decision-making organ, the National Executive Committee. She is also Tanzania's Goodwill Ambassador to the World Health Organisation, a member of the Council of The Future at Unesco and the President of NGO Advocacy in Africa. (via Sudan Watch archive Oct 24 2005)

Mar 3 2006 Sudan might pull out of AU - Sudan restructures armed forces - A Sudanese minister says his country might pull out of the African Union if the AU's Peace and Security Council approves replacement of the AU force in Darfur with a UN force.

Mar 20 2006 NATO - NATO ready to help UN in Darfur - What happened to NATO supporting African Union Mission in Darfur?

Apr 10 2006 UN SRSG Jan Pronk on Why a more robust force in Darfur needs to be a UN force

Jun 10 2006 What Sudan really fears is UN troops may be used to arrest officials and militia likely to be indicted by the ICC investigating war crimes in Darfur

Darfur factional fighting and banditry keeps WFP food trucks away

Sapa-AFP report 17 Aug 2006 says Darfur violence keeps WFP food trucks away and more than 500,000 people in Darfur are in need of food, but aid workers are unable to reach them because of factional fighting and banditry, the World Food Programme (WFP) said on Wednesday.

"It would be a disaster for the people of Darfur if security deteriorated to the point where we were unable to deliver more widely," the UN agency's Sudan representative, Kenro Oshidari, told a Khartoum press conference.

What do people expect will happen if a UN force without a Chapter 6 or 7 mandate (such a mandate would never be approved by the Chinese and Russians sitting on the UN Security Council) marched into Darfur? My understanding is the AU's Peace and Security Council are free to change the mandate of its troops in Darfur at any time without requiring permission from Khartoum.

UN: Half a million Darfurians cut off from aid

IRIN report 17 Aug 2006 excerpt:

"We are looking at the lowest level of access since the beginning of the conflict - we are very concerned," Imogen Wall, public information officer for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Khartoum, said. "Nearly half a million people can't get food during the height of the hunger season. That is half a million too many."

UN Security Council may authorise communications and command and control equipment to be transferred to AMIS

From the UK's Independent by Diplomatic Editor Anne Penketh, 17 August 2006 (via POTP):

The Security Council is also expected to consider how to help the African Union mission - it may also authorise communications and command and control equipment to be transferred to the mission. But the aftermath of the Lebanese conflict will weigh heavily on the discussions. "It's true, there is heavy demand because of Lebanon," said one council diplomat.

See Aug 17 UN Security Council Consultations on Sudan/Darfur.

UN Security Council Consultations on Sudan/Darfur

Coalition for Darfur points out UN Security Council Consultations on Sudan/Darfur to be held 17 August 2006, and the Council's Update Report No. 2 Sudan/Darfur 16 August 2006:

Members are expected to discuss the recent report of the Secretary-General containing options for transition and for assistance from the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) to the AU Mission in the Sudan (AMIS), as well as his 10 August update on Darfur. Khartoum's recent plan for increasing security in Darfur is also expected to be discussed.

JEM outlaws regard AU's decision "as a declaration of war"

The JEM rebel faction that refused to sign the Darfur Peace Agreement was ordered to leave the African Union HQ in Darfur, the AU said Wednesday, as delegates for JEM warned the move could push it to resume full fledged fighting. - AP report Aug 16 2006 (via Sudan.Net/POTP) - excerpt:

"Members of JEM have been advised to leave the AU headquarters because they are not supporting the peace implementation," Sam Ibok, the AU's chief negotiator in Sudan, said in a telephone interview.

Ibok said the group did not participate in the various ceasefire commissions and that the SLM led by main rebel chief Minni Minnawi -- who signed the peace deal -- refused to sit with them.

"There is no alternative but to ask them to leave," Ibok said. "It doesn't mean we have lost hope that JEM will eventually join the peace process, but it reflects that we can't fund and host people who are doing nothing."

JEM delegate Mohammed Abbasher Ahmed said the AU's decision could lead it to resume open warfare in Darfur. "We regard this as a declaration of war, a return to the fighting square," Ahmed was quoted as saying by the Akhbar Al Youm newspaper.

JEM delegates were stationed at the AU headquarters in the North Darfur town of El Fasher as part of an effort to bring peace to a region. Though JEM isn't deemed the largest rebel force in Darfur, authorities suspect its militants were involved in several small-scale raids that have recently plagued the region.

Also - excerpt from Dow Jones version of AP report (via Easy bourse/POTP):

John Bolton, US ambassador to the UN, said earlier this week he hoped the push for an international peacekeeping force in Darfur would make progress in the coming days.

"The question, as always, is whether the Security Council can overcome the political objection from several significant member governments, including two permanent members and the government of Sudan," Bolton said, in an apparent reference to China and Russia.

JEM delegate Mohammed Abbasher Ahmed was quoted as telling Sudan's Akhbar Al Youm newspaper his group regarded the AU's decision "as a declaration of war."

Sudanese minister advises to not read internet news

I quite understand why a Sudanese minister would advise southern Sudanese in Nairobi not to get information about Sudan from the internet. The regional minister said these news are disseminated by enemies of peace, SRS/ST reported today:

"Education minister for Central Equatoria state, Dr Lokulenge Lole, says most information published is opinion and lacks objectivity, the Sudan Radio Service (SRS) reported.

The minister told southern Sudanese students at a Nairobi hotel last week that most information about Sudan on the internet is aimed at attacking individual personalities and the government.

"When you read the internet these days and you read the attacks on government, on individual politicians in southern Sudan I feel very sorry. Sorry in the sense that somebody sits on his computer in New York doing nothing, he has not even seen southern Sudan and he becomes an expert of analysis of the situation in southern Sudan", the minister explained.

Dr Lokulenge said that people he considers "the enemies of peace" are using all possible avenues to derail the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

He said the President of the Government of Southern Sudan, Salva Kiir, has on many occasions been attacked on the internet over alleged corruption "without any basis or proof." He warned all southern Sudanese not to succumb to-what he called-"wild allegations" made on the internet "unless they want to remain permanent slaves."

Welcome to the world Sudan! The Internet can work for the benefit of good and bad. Key is to enlighten readers and voters without resorting to propaganda.

AMIS orders Darfur outlaws to leave its camps

Action. Reuters' Opheera McDoom report just in, 13:44 GMT - excerpt:

The African Union's peace monitoring force in Darfur has ordered all representatives of rebel groups who did not sign a May peace deal to leave its camps, officials said on Wednesday.

"The AU have ordered us to leave their camps within 24 hours from this morning," Hamad Hassan Hamad of the rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) told Reuters.

"This includes all those who did not sign the peace deal, the JEM and the Abdel Wahed faction," said Hamad, who was a JEM representative at the AU base in el-Geneina town in West Darfur state.

One AU official confirmed the decision, which had been requested by the government in Khartoum, but did not give further details. The government says those who did not sign the agreement in May are outlaws.

Non-signatories, including the JEM, formed a new alliance called the National Redemption Front (NRF) and renewed hostilities with the government, which calls them "terrorists."

They say they now control large areas of North Darfur, although this has not been independently verified.

Eleven aid workers have been killed since the deal was signed, more than during the entire three-year conflict.

The World Food Programme (WFP) said on Wednesday that they could not distribute food to 470,000 people in need in Darfur in July, a big increase from the previous month. It added that high malnutrition rates have been reported in recent months.

"The safety of staff is crucial and we take great precautions to avoid dangerous situations," Kenro Oshidari, the head of WFP in Sudan, told reporters in Khartoum. "It would be a disaster for the people of Darfur if security deteriorated to the point where we were unable to deliver more widely."

Jailed Slovene envoy Tomo Kriznar to appeal against verdict

Photo: Tomo Kriznar, humanitarian worker (L) and special envoy of Slovenian President Janez Drnovsek (R) for Darfur, speaks during a news conference in the Slovenian capital Ljubljana in this January 12, 2006 file photo. Sudan sentenced Kriznar to two years in prison in Darfur for espionage, publishing false information and violating immigration laws, the state news agency said on August 14, 2006. (Reuters/Srdjan Zivulovic)

The defence lawyer of Tomo Kriznar, Mohammed Madjub, intends to appeal on Wednesday against the verdict, Sudan Tribune reported Aug 15/16, 2006 - excerpt:

Speaking for TV Slovenija by telephone, Madjub said that the prison sentence was too high given that the Sudanese prosecution had no evidence of Kriznar spying.

The lawyer, who said Kriznar feels fine after a court of first instance in the capital of North Darfur Al-Fasher pronounced its verdict on Monday, believes that there are good chances the Sudanese authorities would expel Kriznar from the country.

See some previous news reports re Slovene 'spy' Tomo Kriznar jailed in Sudan.

Sudanese blogger Fluent-Sudani on "Lost Identity"

The author of Fluent-Sudani blog was born and bred in Sudan and now lives in New York. Excerpt from blog entry Aug 13, 2006:

Photo: Northern Sudan kid

"Outsiders who do not have any background on Sudan history are always skeptical about our race, tend to randomly pick whatever they desire to call us; Arabs or Nubians. Sudan is a diverse land, I say. Having skittles-skin color folks. Asking any Sudan native, they answer you "we're Sudanese." without adding any other preferences to feed doubts.



Photo: Southern Sudan kid

Over history, spread of Islam throughout Africa, resulted in mingling between missionary men who brought books to enlighten us about the faith, living peacefuly among us, emanicipating slaves, built mosques. Also, spread of christianity beforehand coptics fled from Egypt settled in northern Sudan. Italian missionary men and women also built Catholic schools and churches mainly in the Southern Sudan and the capital, Khartoum. I find it appalling few blocks away from my old house, a mosque and a church seperated by one wall.



Photo: Eastern Sudan kid

No matter what classification others come up with, we are brothers and sister of the same blood. Afro-arab culture/food/values, understand ourselves instantly despite dialect differences. Embracing our historical heroes that kicked British colonization our of our land and gained us independence.

Photo: Western Sudan kid

[thanks to Drima, The Sudanese Thinker: It's Slowly Happening]

Blogging Amanda in South Sudan

Here's another reason why I support the African Union Mission in Darfur. Excerpt from Amanda Wadud's blog in South Sudan Aug 13 2006:

"I have been speaking with some people about some of my skirmishes with the local Dinkas and then last night I spoke with a sister from Khartoum about some experiences she has had (very scary) and she had to point out to me something that I had thought about before I arrived in Rumbek but dismissed too quickly. It seems that my issue is that I am being mistaken for a northern Arab. To me that is ridiculous, but virtually any Black person whose skin is more brown than ebony could be mistaken for someone from the North.

Firstly let me help you to expand your definition of an Arab. In the United States at least, and I believe the same is true for much of Europe we think an Arab is a light skinned/olive skinned individual with curly to kinky hair who, speaks Arabic. Like African Americans, Arabs come in all shades of skin color. I used to look at all Sudanese as being Black, after all As-Sudan literally means the Land of the Blacks in Arabic. I was initially shocked and offended some years ago to learn that the northern Sudanese consider themselves Arabs and not Black, after all they look like they would fit in at one of my family reunions. But being here has helped me understand why they consider themselves Arab. So an Arab is defined by language and culture and not skin color. I had previously written about how as a Black person in Africa I am often put into a local ethnic group, well that can be a good thing because it makes me less conspicuous, but it can also be dangerous depending on socio-political and historical factors."

[via Drima of The Sudanese Thinker: It's Slowly Happening - with thanks]

A proud Muslim, Sudanese, Arab, African & Human in UAE blogs "Why Science Fails to Explain God"

From Hipster in UAE: "Why Science Fails to Explain God".

[Thanks to Drima of The Sudanese Thinker: It's Slowly Happening]

Juba Blog: BBC in Juba on FM 88.2

From Juba Blog Aug 14, 2006:

"Juba citizens welcomed the official launching of the BBC relay transmitter on FM 88.2 today.

Welcome to Juba, BBC. You have been part of our struggle."

[hat tip The Sudanese Thinker: It's Slowly Happening]

Readers' comments - Disingenuous Eric Reeves is more than annoying

Eric Reeves is disingenuous. In his latest rant entitled The "Perfect Storm" of Human Destruction Reaches its Crescendo, he calls for a UN peacekeeping force to deploy without delay but, once again, omits to mention the International Criminal Court and UN list of 51 suspected Darfur war criminals.

I challenge anyone pushing for UN troops in Darfur to please address the issue of Khartoum's fears, the UN list, the ICC and all of the Sudanese officials, locals and so-called "janjaweed" who are against foreign intervention. US President GW Bush has made clear that no American citizen will ever be tried by a foreign body. How would Americans feel if foreign troops forced themselves into the USA, armed with weaponary and a mandate to haul in top US officials, including the president, for questioning by the ICC?

How can Khartoum agree to UN troops coming face to face with anyone on the list? What are UN troops to do when faced with Janjaweed leader Musa Hilal, haul him off for questioning and shoot/kill janjaweed when they attack in retaliation? And then what about risks to aid workers and humanitarian access and international personnel being dismissed from the country?

Eric Reeves fails to mention these issues because doing so would make his arguments fall apart. Knowingly, he misleads his readers by spinning fairy tales. Kristof et al do the same. Shame on them for failing to properly inform readers.

DISINGENUOUS ERIC REEVES IS MORE THAN ANNOYING

A few days ago, here at Sudan Watch, British blogger Daniel Davies of dsquared blog posted the following comment:

"God Reeves is annoying. I don't recall him ever having had a bad word to say about Minawi until he signed a peace agreement. And this is really quite disingenuous:

"Recent reports from the ground make clear that Minawi's rebel faction is actively coordinating with Khartoum's regular military forces in attacks on civilians and other rebel forces that have not signed the DPA."

Well, if you are enforcing a peace agreement, what do you do to people who break it? Any peacekeeping force (including the UN/NATO Khartoum decapitation operation of Reeves' dreams) would have to attack "other rebel forces" because people like SLA/Wahid are part of the problem. I am not aware of any more hard evidence for the accusation that the Khartoum military are attacking civilians than there was for the Chad invasion story that I see he is no longer pushing.

Thanks for that Daniel. Glad to know I'm not the only one saying such things. I find Eric Reeves more than annoying. He tells the rebels what they want to hear: Americans onside (read money) pushing for international troops. Why should holdout rebels sign peace deals and abide by ceasefires when they're encouraged to hold out for a better deal? Never mind the millions of Sudanese women and children imprisoned in refugee camps for years on end, waiting to return home.



Photo: President Bush shakes hands with SLA rebel group leader Minni Minnawi, in the Oval Office, 25 July 2006 (AFP) Jul 26 2006 Washington Post: Bush Meets Rebel Leader To Discuss Darfur Accord:

Bush met for about 40 minutes in the Oval Office with Sudanese Liberation Army leader Minni Minnawi. He was the lone rebel leader to agree in May to a U.S.-brokered peace accord to end what the United States calls genocide in western Sudan. The president asked Minnawi to support a U.S.-backed plan to bring African Union peacekeepers in Darfur under the blue flag and helmets of the United Nations, said Frederick Jones, a National Security Council spokesman. (From News Services)

Photo: The leader of Darfur's Sudan Liberation Army, Minni Minawi, left, who signed Darfur Peace Agreement, shakes hands with Sudanese President Omar el-Bashir, right, Monday, Aug 7, 2006, in Khartoum, Sudan, after being appointed senior presidential Assistant and Head of the provisional authority in Darfur state. (AP Photo/Abd Raouf)

AU TROOPS IN DARFUR CAN'T DELIVER BECAUSE THEY LACK TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT?

The fledgling African Union Mission in Darfur (AMIS) can't deliver because it lacks training and equipment? Is this true? Sudan Watch archives contain many reports praising AU professionalism and diplomacy - and details of training and logistical support given to AMIS that's ongoing by NATO, UK, Canada, to name a few.

Here is a copy of a reader's comment 13 Aug 2006.

RA Soenke Franzen said ...

"Actually SPLA troops are not the answer to Darfur's problems, just as only South Africa might have the african troops needed.

From a military point of view the situation in the vast savannahs and semi-arid lands of Darfur need quick reaction forces, not truckmobile at best footsloggers.

Actually the ideal force mix would contain aero cavalry plus attack choppers, reconnaissance flights, some of the light and mechanized infantry the African Union has in place, plus at least one heavy armoured unit that could take on everything that might be met in Sudan.

Light armour like what Canada delivered to upgun the AU force can't suffice, because there are still some Milan missiles in Chad from the Toyota Wars.

If one wants to stop atrocities against civilians, one needs either a lot of troops or preferably a nimble and agile force. And unfortunately this can neither be delivered by the SPLA, nor the AU.

That is why a UN force with a robust mandate and preferably spearheaded by NATO troops would be so helpful. Not because the AU troops can't be trusted, but because they can't deliver, because they lack training and equipment."

Thanks Soenke. Enjoyed reading your comment. Sorry it fails to take into account (a) a UN Resolution (b) a UN peacekeeping mandate: Khartoum totally reject a UN force, especially one with a Chapter 6 or 7 mandate; (c) UN list of 51 names (d) ICC (e) Sudanese officials and locals against foreign intervention.



Photo: See full report June 26 2006 Thousands of protestors gathered in Khartoum to protest against UN and its proposed peacekeepers.



Photo: President Bush shakes hands with the First Vice President of the Government of National Unity of Sudan Salva Kiir, a former rebel who is also President of Southern Sudan, in the Oval Office, July 20, 2006 REUTERS/Jason Reed

For crying out loud - last month Darfur's worst-ever for violence towards aid workers - please don't waste any more time: back the African Union Mission in Darfur and provide the support they need. They deserve medals.

Like Drima says:

To the UN: For the Kazillionth time, REINFORCE THE AU TROOPS! That's all you need to do!:

Darfur previously = Disaster
Darfur now = Worsening disaster?
Darfur + UN troops = Bigger disaster
Darfur + UN troops + Al Qaeda = One big ass GIGANTIC Disaster !!!
Darfur + AU troops reinforced by UN & NATO = HUGE improvements.

AU Darfur force asked for more equipment - has no funds beyond mid October

Ethiopian Herald report Aug 15, 2006 - excerpt:

According to a report filed by Reuters from Khartoum AU spokesman Noureddine Mezni said that a donor pledging conference in July provided some 181 million USD for the mission.

"This money will suffice only until mid-October so far," he said, adding he hoped donors would come through.

The AU mission costs just under 40 million USD a month to run, but in order to do the job properly the AU also asked for more equipment like attack helicopters.

UN officials said without additional funding, almost 3.6 million Darfuris could see a period where troops were withdrawn or unable to work to deter rape, murder and pillage in Sudan's remote west.

The top U.N. envoy to Sudan, Jan Pronk, said many people including Western nations thought the AU force could stay in Darfur until the end of the year.

"That is a misconception and that's extremely risky," he told reporters in Khartoum.

"If the African Union have to leave because they cannot pay their soldiers anymore and the United Nations is not being allowed to come ... then you have a void in between," he added.