Uganda begins ceasefire with LRA

Excerpt from BBC report today:

A ceasefire between Uganda's government and the Lord's Resistance Army rebels has come into force.

The truce, signed on Saturday, gives rebels three weeks to assemble at points in southern Sudan where the regional government will protect them.

Comprehensive peace talks are then meant to start. Uganda has pledged that it will not try to attack the rebels.

Thousands have died during the 20-year conflict in northern Uganda, and more than one million have fled their homes.

The ceasefire took effect at 0600 local time (0300 GMT) on Tuesday.

Ugandan army spokesman Maj Felix Kulayigye told the BBC that so far the truce was holding.

UN's Jan Egeland warns of looming catastrophe in Darfur

The United Nations' most senior humanitarian official issued a dire warning today about the situation in Darfur, stating that "a man-made catastrophe of an unprecedented scale" looms within weeks unless the Security Council acts immediately to deal with the spiralling violence, looting and internal displacement. Full story at UN News Centre 28 Aug 2006.

Dark Clouds Over Darfur

This may be symbolic for AMIS. The NRF and certain breakaway factions of JEM has threatened to target AMIS. They do not agree with what the DPA stands for. (Photo and caption courtesy Werner, Soldier of Africa 27 Aug 2006)

Changing of the Guard in Darfur



Changing of the guard. This is the first time I have really photographed this daily occurrence in our base. (Photo and caption by Werner of Soldier of Africa 27 Aug 2006)

Dinner Time in Darfur



We asked the protection force to prepare the dinner for last night and they did a real good job of it. Not only was the food very good, but the catering staff also dressed very nicely. I believe that the food makes any function good or bad. (Photo and caption by Werner of Soldier of Africa 27 Aug 2006)

SLM faction says Sudan Mujahideen are transported to camps in Darfur's Sarf, Omrah and Kabkabya janjaweed controlled zones

Sudan Tribune Aug 25, 2006 (PARIS):

A Darfur rebel group accused the Sudanese government of transporting Islamists Arab groups to Darfur region in order to train them to face the eventual arrival of United Nations force to the region.

According to a press statement by a faction of rebel Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) signed by Esamedin Al Haj, Sudanese government transports Arab Mujahideen in night flights after the curfew to Nyala and Al-Fasher airports.

Al-Haj added that the Mujahideen are transported to camps in Sarf, Omrah and Kabkabya, areas known as Janjaweed controlled zones.

Sudanese ruling National Congress Party officials renew since several months opposition to UN takeover of the peacekeeping mission in the trouble region of Darfur.

Sudanese Islamist leaders say they will take up arms against United Nations peacekeepers if they deploy to Darfur, and some have warned they will also fight the Khartoum government if it agrees to the force.

President al-Bashir, who swore to lead personally the resistance to a U.N. force, renewed Sudan's rejection to any UN forces in Darfur, considering the draft resolution forwarded by Britain to the Security Council in this regard as a colonial attempt against, a matter which Sudan would not allow.

Despite Sudan's objections, the United States and Britain have introduced a Security Council draft resolution that would deploy up to 17,000 troops and 3,000 police in Darfur, where an overstretched African Union force is monitoring a shaky truce.

The Islamist NCP mobilizes its militias like Popular Defence Forces and Dababin to fight international forces in Darfur.

Leaders of Al Qaeda, Osama bin Laden and his deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri, have called on Muslims to fight any U.N. force in Darfur and while the diplomatic wrangling continues, Khartoum's many Islamic groups have delivered a clear message.

Sudan hosted bin Laden in the 1990s, relations soured and under U.S. and regional pressure Khartoum asked him to leave in 1996. But it is not excluded that Sudanese security service renewed contacts with Islamist groups.

Sudan reiterates rejection of UN force in Darfur, calling for African peacekeepers to be strengthened

AP report 28 Aug 2006 via Easy bourse - excerpt:

A senior US diplomat Jendayi Frazer left Sudan without meeting President Omar al-Bashir after Khartoum rejected demands that it approve the deployment of U.N. peacekeepers in war-torn Darfur.

Frazer departed Sudan late Sunday, a day before the UN Security Council was to discuss a draft resolution on the peacekeepers.

Frazer had been expected to deliver a message from US President George W Bush to al-Bashir.

Sudanese President al-Bashir was unable to meet the American diplomat "due to his crowded schedule," the president's office said.

Instead, Frazer handed the message to presidential adviser Majzoub al-Khalifa Ahmed, who in turn gave her a message from al-Bashir repeating his rejection of the U.N. force, presidential spokesman Mahjub Badry, told reporters.

Instead of the UN force, al-Bashir has called for the African peacekeepers to be strengthened - and he has said he plans to send Sudanese troops to Darfur to pacify the region.

Ismail: Sudan has proposed to boost the AU force in Darfur

Anything that boosts the African Union force in Darfur is better than nothing. News reports from a year or two ago in Sudan Watch archives, show that the late John Garang proposed to help Darfur by suggesting a joint force of 30,000 troops for Darfur - 10,000 each from SPLM/AU/GoS. I don't understand why what Khartoum is proposing can't be made to work, especially if 2,000 UNMIS monitors were deployed with enough of the right equipment and helicopters. A year or so ago, some pundits said Darfur rebels would never agree to such an arrangement. Too bad. John Garang wouldn't have made such an offer if he didn't think it would work.

Sudan Tribune Aug 27, 2006 (KHARTOUM):

Sudan reiterated its rejection to transfer of the mandate of the African Union troops to an United Nation force, instead Khartoum proposed to boost the AU force in the region.

Presidential Advisor, Mustafa Osman Ismail told the press after a meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Jenday Frazer that he renewed Sudan's opposition to UN peacekeepers in Darfur.

Ismail further indicated that Sudan has proposed to boost the AU force deployed in Darfur. Further, the government intends to deploy regular troops in the strife-torn Darfur region, besides troops of the former Darfur rebel groups signatories to the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA).

The Arab League backed this proposal last week. Sudanese president told UN Secretary General Kofi Annan that Khartoum would deploy 10,500 Sudanese troops to Darfur to provide security. However, Frazer had stressed before its arrival to Khartoum that the Sudanese forces "aren't considered neutral and so we don't feel that the people of Darfur will get any comfort" from such a move.

Ismail said they have informed Frazer that US should gives a chance for the implementation of the PDA signed on 5 May, and to allow the president of the Darfur interim authority, Minni Minawi, to form his administration.

Ismail said he told Frazer that tension would increase if a UN resolution was approved to pave way for an international force in Darfur.

The US assistant secretary of state for African affairs did not get much during two other meetings held with the Sudanese Foreign Minister Lam Akol and Majzoub al-Khalifa who headed the government delegation to Darfur peace talks.

Lam Akol said he discussed with the visiting US official the government position that is opposed to the transition as well as the US vision in favour of the UN takeover of the AU mission in Darfur.

Sudanese presidential advisor Majzoub al-Khalifa Ahmed said a transfer of authority from African Union to UN troops would "imply lack of confidence by the UN in the African Union," adding that Khartoum continued to back the AU.

He further added "Sudan's decision is to stick with the African Union. As for their demand for a UN role - yes - but only in humanitarian assistance and in the strengthening of the AU forces - participation in strengthening the humanitarian role and support for the African forces so that they can complete their mandate of organizing security."

Sudan's Darfur plan envisages a joint force of 26,500 GoS/SLM-Minnawi troops by year end

Eric Reeves' latest opinion piece [hat tip POTP ] - excerpt:

As it [Sudan gov't] refuses an invitation even to discuss the UN Security Council resolution on security in Darfur, what has Khartoum proposed instead? Our best guide is again the report of Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Hedi Annabi (to the Security Council, August 17, 2006):

"the plan does not indicate a willingness on the part of the Government of Sudan to agree to a transition to a United Nations operation in Darfur. In addition, the plan seeks to address the security situation outside the framework of the relevant Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) bodies. In particular, it envisages the combined deployment of 26,500 additional Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM)/Minni Minawi troops to Darfur by the end of the year. As members of this Council will appreciate, this would not only be inconsistent with the DPA's restriction on military deployments outside of agreed areas of control, but would also violate the arms embargo imposed by the Security Council in paragraph 7 of resolution 1591 (2005)." (Paragraph 8)

CHAD: NRF rebels aim to extend in South Darfur & Jebel Marra

Via Sudan Vision and African News Dimension Aug 27, 2006:

Reports from Sudanese-Chadian borders indicate that a Chadian cargo of gasoline and petrol is expected to be delivered to the National Redemption Front which rejects the DPA in the regions of Bahai and Al-Tina inside the Chadian frontiers.

Information obtained by Sudan Vision from Chad asserted that the process is being carried through follow up and coordination by Adam Ali Shogar in N'djamena. They added that the Redemption Front needs those supplies to achieve its objectives of extending in South Darfur and Jebel Marra after it occupied Kalkal and Sabah regions, which are still under their control.

Observers stated that the support processes by Chad for Darfur rebels who reject the DPA are still going despite all the agreement and means of understanding signed between the Sudanese and Chadian governments and despite Chad's pledges of abstaining support for rebels.

A Redemption Front force, led by Hassan Bijo, had recently stopped and robbed (17) tankers which contain Avgas that belonged to the African Union and some organizations on their way between Al-Fashir and Um Kadoda and at about (20) kilometers from Um Kadoda.

Information indicate that the whole cargo arrived at Bir Mazza region where Commander Adam Bakhit is stationed and the cargo is on its way to Chad to be swapped for ordinary fuel, arms or land-cruiser vehicles.

These same observers stated that Chad might be unable or unwilling for some internal or external reasons to stop support for groups rejecting the DPA. They asserted that such support will definitely disturb Darfur as well as regional peace and will violate the agreements and all memos and pledges between the two governments.

It is worth noting that a senior delegation from has arrived in Khartoum headed by the Chadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Alami. It is believed that the Sudanese government will deliver to him a strong message on the continued Chadian support to rebels, especially at a time when Sudan is striving hard to implement the DPA in accordance to visions of international intervention, which is still rejected by the Sudanese government.

US envoy Frazer gets a chilly welcome and a "NO" from Sudanese president

Sudan has reserved a chilly welcome to US envoy Jendayi Frazer who arrived yesterday to persuade a defiant president to accept the deployment of UN peacekeepers in Darfur, Sudan Tribune reported 27 Aug 2006. Excerpt:

After the angry mob at the Khartoum Airport orchestrated by the ruling National Congress Party, Sudanese president Omer al-Bashir said that Frazer's mission would do little to change his country'sposition.

"We will not hand over our country to international forces, whether Frazer comes here or not... Frazer might be accustomed to hearing 'yes' from many leaders but here she'll get a 'no'," Beshir said Sunday.

Bashir was speaking before a meeting with the Sudanese journalist in Diaspora. It was not immediately clear who Frazer would be meeting during her visit.

Reeves: If Khartoum's massive military offensive in N Darfur takes place, there will be massive civilian destruction

Coalition for Darfur points today to an interview with Eric Reeves at Democracy Now! Excerpt:

AMY GOODMAN: Can you talk about this latest news and the reaction of the Sudanese government?

ERIC REEVES: There are many facets to Khartoum's decision. It's to date paid no real price for its obduracy, its refusal to abide by international norms, either in the North-South conflict, which nominally ended in January 2005, or in its genocidal conduct of war in Darfur. What I am hearing from my sources on the ground and what the Hedi Annabi, the head of U.N. peacekeeping, recently said in a report to the Security Council that I have seen, is that Khartoum is right now planning a massive military offensive in North Darfur, which has been the most violent of the three Darfur states.

If this offensive takes place, there will be massive, massive civilian destruction. I think we're also likely to see a withdrawal of virtually all humanitarian workers. This will leave some 1.2 million people completely dependent on humanitarian aid, without any assistance whatsoever. By my own calculation, some 500,000 people have already died. As many more could die in the coming year if current trends continue.

Only with the deployment of an effective -- and I emphasize effective -- international force can genocidal destruction be brought to a halt. Khartoum gives no sign of capitulating on this, and I'll be very interested to know what Jendayi Frazer, President Bush's envoy to Khartoum, takes with her in the way of sticks and pressures to bring to bear on this recalcitrant regime.

AU and European diplomats say Taha had in private agreed last year to a UN takeover in Darfur

Reuters' Opheera McDoom report 26 Aug 2006 - Pressure Mounts on Sudan to Accept UN Force [via CFD] excerpt:

"... any reported divisions between Bashir and his deputy on a UN presence in Darfur have disappeared with Vice President Ali Osman Mohamed Taha's first direct and public rebuke of the international community.

"Dialogue is maintained with the international community and it is one of the principles of the foreign policy of Sudan, but it does not mean surrender and cancellation of the national identity and the national will," the state news agency SUNA quoted Taha as saying on Thursday.

AU and European diplomats say Taha had in private agreed last year to a UN takeover in Darfur once a peace deal was reached. Since the AU-brokered deal was signed in May, Taha had kept largely quiet on the issue.

In contrast Bashir has made speeches almost daily for the past few weeks, on each occasion making sure to repeat his rejection of the force.

One Western diplomat who declined to be named said: "I think there is little to be positive about at this stage." [edit]

Bashir depicts a U.N. presence in Darfur as a Western attempt to colonise Sudan. But other politicians say his party is worried the troops would be used to arrest officials likely to be indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigating alleged war crimes in the region.

"(There are some who) don't want to accept the U.N. forces if this at the end will mean the signature of their own death certificates," said Ghazi Suleiman, a member of parliament for the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), which formed a coalition government with the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) in 2005.

He said the SPLM would not be part of any confrontation with the international community and said privately Bashir's only worry was about the mandate of the U.N. troops.

"There are reactionary statements but when it comes to real diplomacy real decision-making, the president just wants to be satisfied about the mandate of these forces," Suleiman added.

Sudan's implementing Darfur Peace Agreement with no need for permission or input from UN or anyone else (Polgreen)

Copy of commentary by Lydia Polgreen, New York Times 26 Aug 2006 [US to press Sudan's leader to accept UN Force - hat tip POTP] Excerpt:

Sudan's foreign minister, Lam Akol, said in an interview here [Khartoum] that the plan to use troops to pacify Darfur is already in motion.

"With this plan, we are implementing the Darfur Peace Agreement," Mr Akol said. "We do not need the permission or the input of the United Nations or anyone else." [ ...]

Mr Morrison, who proposed the blueprint that led to United States engagement with Sudan to end its war in the south even before Sept 11, said with little leverage left, the United States should focus on preventing the total collapse of the vast aid effort in Darfur, a lifeline to millions, and on stopping the bloodbath of that the impending onslaught by the Sudanese Army would surely cause.

"I don't mean to pretend there is any fix here," Mr. Morrison said. "What is an option is to face up to a fact that we are in a slide right now and we need to push back and contain the slide to prevent a catastrophe."

Sudanese protesters mob US envoy's car

Angry demonstrators mobbed the car of US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer after she arrived in Sudan, and demanded that she return home.



Photo: Dozens of protesters, chanting slogans and raising banners reading "Go Back Home", "You Want War" and "We Want Peace" showed up at the airport, covered her car with banners and blocked her way before police intervened. (AFP) Full story Sudan Tribune 26 Aug 2006.



Photo: Sudanese demonstrators cover the windshield of the official vehicle of U.S. diplomat to Africa, Jendayi Frazer, with placards as she leaves the airport in Khartoum, August 26, 2006. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdalah)



Photo: U.S. diplomat to Africa, Jendayi Frazer, smiles as she arrives in Khartoum, August 26, 2006. As pressure mounts on Sudan to accept UN troops in Darfur, the Khartoum government is closing ranks in defiance, rising fears of a deadlock that could hasten Darfur's descent into chaos. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdalah)

US warns of security crisis in Darfur unless UN force deploys

Note the last line of this excerpt (from VOA report 25 Aug 2006) tells us Frazer said she does not expect a Chinese veto of the resolution enabling the new UN force, despite reservations expressed by Beijing:

The U.S. State Department's Africa policy chief warned Friday of a severe deterioration in security conditions in Sudan's western Darfur region, unless a proposed United Nations force is allowed to deploy. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer is heading to Sudan for a new effort to persuade authorities to accept an upgraded peacekeeping presence.

Assistant Secretary Frazer gave the grim assessment as she prepared to depart for Khartoum to deliver a message from President Bush to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, urging him to end delaying tactics and accept a revamped Darfur security force.

She said that with Sudan threatening a new military offensive in Darfur, and local rebel groups apparently making similar plans, the security situation could lurch out of control unless the proposed upgrade of the current African Union monitoring mission into a full-scale U.N. peacekeeping force goes forward:

"We're very concerned. It's not just the government of Sudan that's preparing for an offensive. We also have heard reports that the non-signatories to the Darfur Peace Agreement, the National Resistance Movement and others, are also preparing and rearming themselves and preparing for an offensive. So we think the security environment is deteriorating and deteriorating very quickly and we're extremely concerned about this," she said.

When they signed the Darfur peace accord in Nigeria in May, leaders of the Khartoum government signaled acceptance of the plan to upgrade the current seven-thousand member A.U. mission into a much larger United Nations force.

But they have since reneged, with President Bashir even suggesting that Sudan might forcibly resist the introduction of U.N. soldiers.

Assistant Secretary Frazer said one reason for her hastily arranged mission will be to brief the Sudanese leader on details of the peacekeeping plan, and counter complaints by the Sudanese government that it has not been adequately consulted. "We believe that we have consulted them. But we will go the last mile to make sure that we have been able to directly talk to them about the re-hatting (converting) of this force and what U.S. intentions are. This is, of course coordinated with other international actors who I think are delivering a very similar message. But I think that the key to success in Darfur in terms of getting a credible, non-partisan, as such, peacekeeping force there, is for the international community to act together," she said.

The African Union mission has suffered from logistical and budget problems and its mandate expires at the end of September.

Frazer said the United States and its allies want a Security Council resolution enacted by the end of this month that will authorize the force upgrade.

The State Department official said more than five thousand of the best-trained A.U. troops would form the nucleus of the United Nations force on October first, and at least 12,000 more U.N. soldiers would be phased in later.

She said if the transformation was not to occur until the beginning of next year, as some U.N. officials have proposed, the situation in Darfur could slide back to the level of violence that prevailed in 2004, which the United States termed genocide.

In the talk with reporters which immediately preceded her departure for Khartoum, Frazer said she did not expect a Chinese veto of the resolution enabling the new force, despite reservations expressed by Beijing.

Photo: Assistant Secretary Frazer (Aug. 24): "I will stress the United States commitment to ending the suffering of the people of Darfur. We cannot let the violence and atrocities continue. We cannot let humanitarian workers and peacekeepers continue to come under attack and we cannot let the DPA (Darfur Peace Agreement) fail." [Hat tip POTP]

Aug 25 2006 U.S. Department of State report on Assistant Secretary Frazer: Travel to Khartoum, Sudan.

See Remarks by Frazer 24 Aug 2006.

Aug 25 2006 Reuter's Sue Fleming report: US Says Darfur Is Getting Worse, U.N. Must Go In- "We believe that the time to act is now and that there can't be further delay," Frazer told reporters. "The security environment is deteriorating and deteriorating very quickly."

US says UN force needed to stop Sudan offensive in Darfur

Assistant Secretary of State Jendayi Frazer spoke to reporters hours before leaving for Sudan to exhort Sudanese officials to accept the presence of a UN peacekeeping force, Sudan Tribune reported Aug 25, 2006. Excerpt:

Frazer said the people of Darfur wouldn't regard government troops as a neutral force because of Khartoum's record of supporting Janjaweed militias who have terrorized the region.

At the same time, she said, the abuses of anti-government rebel forces in Darfur shouldn't be ignored.

Frazer, who will meet with el-Bashir in the coming days, said she is willing to go the "last mile" to overcome his opposition to a UN force.

The financially strapped 7,000-strong AU force now deployed in Darfur is to cease to exist on Sept. 30. Under a proposal that Frazer says has broad backing in the UN Security Council, the Africans would be "rehatted" as a U.N. force the next day and eventually be joined by other soldiers.

Unless the UN force can be created, there will be no force in place in Darfur "to stop this government from carrying out what has been the genocide," Frazer said.

She predicted that her mission to Khartoum will be successful.

"I'm fully confident there will be a transition to a UN force," she said.

Vatican Radio: Keeping Peace in Darfur

Vatican Radio news report 25 Aug 2006:

Hopes for peace in Darfur have suffered after Sudan rejected a proposal for peacekeepers from the United Nations. Tens of thousands of people have died and 2.5 million been driven from their homes by violence in Darfur since early 2003. Marina Peter is the director of Sudan Focal Point Europe, an international network of mainly church-based organisations working in the region. She said the chances of reaching agreement over a peacekeeping force were bleak...

PHR condemns Sudanese gov't plan

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) strongly condemns the Government of Sudan's plans to send 10,500 of its own troops to quell continuing violence in Darfur, and calls on the UN Security Council instead to pass the resolution expediting the deployment of a robust UN force to the region. Full report via Coalition for Darfur.

I wonder if it could be possible for the proposed 10,500 Sudanese troops being deployed to Darfur to act as a peackeeping force and operate under the same mandate (not Chapter 6 or 7) as that of the African Union mission in Darfur.

Sudanese Islamists threaten to fight UN Darfur force

Reuters' Opheera McDoom report 25 Aug 2006 via ReliefWeb - excerpt:

Khartoum's many Islamic groups have delivered a clear message.

"We categorically refuse U.N. troops in Darfur," said Abdel Wahhab Mohamed Ali Ahmed, head of the Sudanese higher council for the coordination of Islamic groups, formed last year.

"And if they come we will fight them until they leave."

The council is composed of representatives from Sudan's main Islamist movements, including Ansar al-Sunna and the Hizb ut-Tahrir group, outlawed in neighbouring Egypt.

"The colonialists have united all the Muslim groups in Sudan ... and we support the government in this position," said Ahmed Malik, another member of the higher council.

University professor and respected Islamist preacher Sadiq al-Hajj Abu Dafirah said any U.N. troops had to be given the choice to convert to Islam or leave the country.

"We will use dialogue but finally we would be obliged to fight them if they don't see the validity of our arguments," he said. He added talks could last years.

"A Muslim, when he is forced to fight, does so with sorrow."

Al Qaeda's statements on Sudan raise the spectre of a wider conflict, that could draw in foreign fighters. Osama bin Laden and his deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri have said their movement would fight in Darfur if U.N. troops deploy.

While Sudan hosted bin Laden in the 1990s, relations soured and under U.S. and regional pressure Khartoum asked him to leave in 1996. In April this year, Bin Laden criticised Sudan for agreeing the U.S.-backed peace deal for the north-south war.

Sudan's Islamists say they are not entirely in agreement with Al Qaeda's methods but Ahmed said they would happily take help from anyone to prevent U.N. troops deploying.

"We have camps here and we are training. We are ready."

Others, like preacher Abu Dafirah, were more circumspect.

"I'm sorry to say that yes (Al Qaeda) would find some support here," he said.

The United Nations is aware of the hostility.

It recently raised its security level in Khartoum, where hundreds of U.N. staff live and work, because of what officials called "credible threats to their security."

Islamist leaders said even Bashir would have cause to fear them if he gave in to international pressure on a Darfur force.

"Bashir cannot give in now, his people would not respect him, even his wife would not respect him if he did," said Malik.

Ahmed sai if Bashir's government agreed to allow U.N. troops in Darfur, "Then we will fight them too."

Bush sends envoy to Sudan to push for 2,000 UN troops in Darfur by Oct 1

The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Jendayi Frazer, announced Thursday that she will travel to Sudan on Friday.

The secretary said she would carry a letter from US President GW Bush stating the need for urgent action to halt the violence in Darfur. She said the goal would be to get the first few thousand troops on the ground by October 1. - VOA 24 Aug 2006.

UN Security Council to meet Monday on Darfur without Khartoum attendance

The UN Security Council will hold a meeting next week to discuss Darfur despite Khartoum's refusal to participate, the council president said Thursday.

The meeting on Monday will discuss further a draft resolution by the US and Britain to transfer the AU peacekeeping operation in Darfur to the UN, a move opposed by Khartoum.

Full report by DPA 24 Aug 2006 via M&C.

Sudan's leader postpones UN meeting on Darfur

Sudanese President Bashir on Wednesday declined an invitation to attend a UN Security Council next week to explain his plan to deploy more than 10,000 Sudanese troops to Darfur instead of a UN peacekeeping operation, DPA/M&C reported today - excerpt:

Al-Bashir said such a meeting was welcome to consolidate the peace process in Darfur.

But he added, 'In view of having a fruitful discussion of the council on the matter, with the effective participation of regional organizations strongly engaged in the situation in Darfur, we deem it appropriate to postpone the meeting to enable better preparations.'

There was no immediate response from Effah-Apenteng as the council had no formal meeting on Wednesday. The three organizations invited [the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Conference and African Union] did not respond.

Sudan rejects draft UN Security Council resolution on Darfur

Sudan's ruling party has rejected a US-UK draft Security Council resolution to deploy UN peacekeepers in Darfur, saying it would violate national sovereignty, the official media reported Thursday: Aug 24 2006 AP report via Sudan Tribune Sudan rejects draft UN Security Council resolution on Darfur - excerpt:

According to Radio Omdurman and the SUNA news agency, the draft was discussed by the National Congress Party's ruling council and a parliamentary group chaired by President Omar al-Bashir at a meeting Wednesday night.

"The draft resolution is worse than the previous ones because it constitutes an attempt to impose complete guardianship on the Sudan," lawmaker Ghazi Salah Eldin Atabani said after the meeting.

"It did not pay any consideration to the bodies set up for implementation of the Darfur peace agreement and was not presented to the Sudanese authorities."

He said any council member who supported the draft would be considered an enemy of Sudan.

Photo: Members of the Sudanese Popular Defence Forces, hold knifes and guns while another carries a banner with Arabic writing reading 'Death to America' during a demonstration, in Kartoum, Sudan, Mar 8, 2006. (AP)

Aug 24 2006 Sapa/AFP report by Mohammed Ali Saeed in Khartoum via Mail & Guardian: Sudan reiterates rejection of UN peacekeepers

"The draft resolution is worse than previous ones as it is an attempt to impose complete tutelage on the Sudan," National Congress Party chairperson Ghazi Salah Eldin Atabani was quoted as saying after a meeting on Wednesday.

"Any state that sponsors this draft resolution will be regarded as assuming a hostile attitude against the Sudan," said the official, describing the draft as "unacceptable and not negotiable under any sort of pressure".

UPDATE: Aug 24 2006 IRIN via ReliefWeb: Sudanese President Omer Al-Bashir has called on the United Nations Security Council to "be patient" in resolving the conflict in Darfur and indicated, in a letter to the Council President earlier this week, that the UK-US draft resolution for a UN peacekeeping force in Darfur was unacceptable to Khartoum.

"We request the Security Council to be patient and not to be in a hurry to adopt a new resolution on the matter, and to allow the government of the Sudan sufficient time to resolve the situation in Darfur," according to the August 21 letter to Council President, Ghanian Ambassador Nana Effah-Apentang.

Sudan's leader asks UNSC to delay UN force to give him time to bring peace to Darfur

My take on the following excerpt from today's AP report by Edith Lederer is that Sudanese President Bashir has explained in writing to the UN Security Council that Sudan's six-month plan for Darfur is to implement the Darfur Peace Agreement calling for GoS/AU/UN to "return security and humanitarian situation in Darfur to normal", that he wants to be given time to succeed in this within six months, and urges the Council to delay transferring peacekeeping duties to a UN force because such a force would lead to violence and UNMANAGEABLE CONFRONTATIONS among all parties in Darfur, including the UN forces. Also, I take the President's letter to mean Sudan won't be explaining its plan further to an open UN Security Council next week. Ball appears now to be in Arab League court. Everyone has to pull together to fund the AU in Darfur for 6 months from Sep 30 and ensure it receives the right equipment asap.

Excerpt from AP report Aug 23, 2006 (via Forbes.com):

Sudan's president asked the UN Security Council to give him time to bring peace to conflict-wracked Darfur and urged it to delay action on transferring peacekeeping duties to a UN force, according to a letter circulated Wednesday.

Omar al-Bashir said there was strong opposition from residents and leaders in Darfur to the UN force and warned that deployment would lead "to acts of violence and unmanageable confrontations among all parties in Darfur, including the United Nations forces."

Al-Bashir's letter seeking more time to restore peace appeared to be a response to an invitation from the current Security Council president to the Sudanese government and other key players in Darfur to a meeting Monday to discuss the draft resolution.

The Security Council was scheduled to meet Thursday morning to discuss Al-Bashir's letter.

In the letter, Al-Bashir said he wants to concentrate on implementing the peace agreement under a six-month plan he already submitted to Secretary-General Kofi Annan. He said it calls for the government, in cooperation with the African Union and U.N. agencies, to "return the security and humanitarian situation in Darfur to normal."

Floods kill 27, damage 10,000 houses in Sudan - AU soldiers battle sand, rain, mud

The Blue and White Nile rivers, which meet in Khartoum, are threatening government ministries and the Republican Palace as the water in the capital rose to less than a metre below Nile street, home to the government's main buildings, Reuters' Opheera McDoom reported today:

Tens of thousands of square kilometres of farmland, in a country where most people depend on agriculture as a way of life, have been engulfed by the water.

A boy washes rickshaw



Aug 22, 2006: A boy washes a rickshaw in the overflowing Nile river in Omdurman, near Khartoum Aug 22, 2006. (Reuters/Candace Feit)

Rain storm



Aug 22, 2006: Yesterday morning we had a very large rain storm that lasted about ten to twenty minutes. (Soldier of Africa in Darfur, W Sudan)

Alotta water



Aug 22, 2006: As you can see from this photo a lot of water flowed off in a very short time. For some reason water in Darfur stays on the surface for hours and does not sink into the earth like in South Africa. (Soldier of Africa in Darfur, W Sudan)

Well stuck



Aug 20, 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. (Soldier of Africa in Darfur, W Sudan)

Stuck in the mud



Aug 15, 2006: Being stuck in the sand has just changed to being stuck in the mud. George, one of the EU reps, from Slovakia managed to drive into this wadi. I pulled him out with my vehicle. The guy in white is our interpreter. He used to be the headmaster of one of the local schools. (Soldier of Africa in Darfur, W Sudan)

Mud



Aug 15, 2006: Another photo to show where George got stuck. The harder road was about ten metres further to the left, where we crossed. (Soldier of Africa in Darfur, W Sudan)

Green day



Aug 15, 2006: Hard to imagine that less than two months ago this was all just sand, now it is green. We were on our way to Ushara Hadahid, a very small village for a confidence building patrol this morning. (Soldier of Africa in Darfur, W Sudan)

Start of a Sandstorm



Aug 14, 2006: Yesterday afternoon we had another sandstorm and as usual afterwards a lot of rain. This photo does not do it justice. The wind was so strong I held onto the hardboard door in my tent lest it be blown off. (Soldier of Africa in Darfur, W Sudan)

Inaugural meeting of Sector 3 Cease Fire Commission (CFC)



Aug 15, 2006: Yesterday afternoon we had the inaugural meeting of the new Sector 3 Cease Fire Commission (CFC). Hopefully we will have success as they monitor the implementation of the DPA (Darfur Peace Agreement). (Soldier of Africa in Darfur, W Sudan)

New MILOB in Darfur



Aug 23, 2006: Capt Modipa is a new MILOB [military observer] from Pretoria. He arrived here yesterday. Good luck with your deployment. Poor guy. (Soldier of Africa in Darfur, W Sudan)

Detention of Sudanese journalists in Khartoum and Marawi

SOAT Human Rights Alert: 23 August 2006 - excerpt:

On 16 August 2006 at 02:30am, approximately twenty police officers arrested Naser Eldien Ahmed Altayeb, (26 yrs), journalist working for the Arabic daily, Alayam newspaper. Following his arrest, Mr. Naser Eldien was taken to a nearby police vehicle. Inside the car, Mr. Naser Eldien was beaten with sticks by two of the arresting officers.

Mr. Naser Eldien was arrested whilst reporting on the forced relocation of residents at Dar al Salaam, situated 20 miles South of Khartoum in Algazera province following a Court Order to evict the residents. The residents of Dar al Salaam, mainly IDPs from Southern Sudan and Darfur have resided in the area for over two decades and have refused to move pending a suitable alternative, which they were negotiating with the government. The land in Dar al Salaam has been sold to an Egyptian businessperson who planned to develop the land as a Theme Park.

In a separate incident, on 15 August 2006, at 02:00am, four journalists were detained and prevented from entering Amri, Marawi, Northern Sudan. The journalists had travelled to Marawi to report on the plight of thousands of people made homeless following flood caused by heavy rains on 10 August 2006, which destroyed all the homes constructed by the government to house the displaced population in the region. The details of the journalists are as follows:

1. Mougahed Abdalla; Ray Alshab Daily Newspaper

2. Aboulgasiem Farahna; Alowan Daily Newspaper

3. Moutaz Mahjoob; Al Adwaa Daily Newspaper

4. Mouheb Maher; Al Sudani Daily newspaper

Kalma Camp, S Darfur: Resuming AU firewood patrols is vital

More than 200 women have been sexually assaulted in the last five weeks alone around Darfur's largest displaced camp, Kalma, IRC reported today via Reuters. Excerpt:

The situation is so dire that about 300 women convened a meeting in Kalma on Aug 7 to plead for more help from the outside world -- particularly from African Union troops mandated to protect civilians.

"This is a massive spike in figures. We are used to hearing of 2 to 4 incidents of sexual assault per month in Kalma camp," said Kurt Tjossem of the International Rescue Committee, which collected the figures.

Note the report points out that resuming regular African Union firewood patrols is vital to the women's immediate security needs.



"We are not in safety where is the international forces" photo released by the United Nations shows refugees at the Kalma Camp in south Darfur, in 2005. (AFP/UN-HO/Aug 17, 2006/Evan Schneider)

JEM leaders detained by Chad for handover to AU?

Yesterday, I noted here that the leader of the JEM was in Paris, France. Now, a Reuters report says Chad's Foreign Minister told Reuters today, the leaders of JEM, which did not sign the DPA, have been detained by Chad and would be handed over to the AU.

One could take this to mean Ibrahim is now barred from entering Chad. Why he is not behind bars is beyond me.

NRF press release says it is the main rebel group in Darfur

National Redemption Front (NRF) says it does not constitute a minority in Darfur while forces of Minni Minnawi, the newly appointed Senior Assistant to President Albashir enjoys a dominant position in the region.

See NRF Press Release signed by Dr Abdullahi Osman El-Tom for JEM/NRF 20 August 2006 (via Sudan Tribune).

Voluntary disarmament succeeds in Jonglei, S Sudan

More than 1,200 rusted Kalashnikovs and machine guns were laid out on a football pitch in Akobo, southeast Sudan on Monday, raising hopes that clashes that killed hundreds of people earlier this year will end, Sudan Tribune reported 21 Aug 2006.



Photo: A UN peacekeeper takes pictures during the first peaceful civilian disarmament in Akobo, Jonglei state, August 21, 2006. (Reuters) Via Sudan Man blog entry - excerpt:

Young men eyed the 1,300 guns laid out in a field in the southern Sudanese town of Akobo. The rifles would once have been worth a fortune to these members of the Lou Nuer, who typically used weapons to defend themselves or to raid neighbouring villages.

Arms were once considered integral to life in this region. But in July, more than 1,000 men and boys in Akobo County relinquished their weapons to local authorities, asking nothing in return. See full report.

Proponent of AU peacekeepers

Rob's blog entry at Sudan Man re Darfur Peace Keeping Force says:

"I'm a proponent of keeping the AU forces in control, and ensuring that there is adequate funding to expand and equip them. Even then there needs to be seriousness on the part of the rebel movements and the government to broker a peace agreement on the lines of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement now implemented in Southern Sudan. Without that the chances of any peacekeeping force - UN or AU - being able to protect the IDP's."

Sudan invited to brief UN Security Council on Darfur

Reuters' Irwin Arieff report 23 Aug 2006 - excerpt:

Arab League UN Observer Yahya Mahmassani said he had pressed [UN Security Council President] Effah-Apenteng to hold the planned council meeting [scheduled for next Monday] behind closed doors, so that participants could speak frankly.

"An open meeting is very bad. If they want to do something, let's have a closed meeting (or) everyone speaks to the media, to the street," he said.

The goal of such a meeting should be to convince Khartoum to accept a UN force, he said. "If you can, give them some guarantees, give them some explanation, don't give them a diktat," he said.

One wonders what he means by "guarantees". For a UN force not to arrest any of the 51 people on UN/ICC list of suspected Darfur war criminals?

NRF/JEM's 'peace lover' Ibrahim in Paris calls for a large front, says Sudan unity best choice

Khalil Ibrahim, leader of JEM rebel group opposed to the Darfur Peace Agreement called upon Sudanese political forces to form a large front for the marginalised region in the country, affirming that the safeguard of the Sudanese unity still best option, Sudan Tribune reported 21 Aug 2006. Excerpt:

Ibrahim, invited all the political forces form the different Sudanese regions to constitute a large front to defeat the ruling National Congress Party in the future elections.

Khalil, who was speaking Sunday in a political meeting with Sudanese community in Paris, said all the political regional forces have to unify their efforts to break the domination of northern forces represented today by the National Congress Party. He added that marginalized northern Sudanese have also to join us.

He further said the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) should join us with the Eastern Sudan Front, the Nouba Mountains and any marginalized people in the country. He underscored that the objective of this front is to realize a just repartition of wealth and to assure political representation of all regions in the central government.

The JEM leader insisted that the unity of the Sudan is the best solution for the benefit of all the Sudanese. He added that some southern Sudanese think they have oil and they can choose the independence. "Actually oil is everywhere in the Sudan, and all of us have great benefit to establish a big internal market, because great states are countries that have big internal market. So, we have no interest to establish a small state".

Last June during a visit to Slovenia, the JEM leader said "Now as the next step that means that we will ask for self-determination - we're going to have our own country".

In Paris, Khalil told the young Darurians refugees that Darfur people have no interest to plaid for such orientation.

JEM AND NRF CONTROL DARFUR MILITARILY

On the political situation in Darfur, Khalil said "we peace lovers" and we want to negotiate peaceful settlement with the Sudanese government. Now three months after the signing of the peace deal, international community understands better why we are opposed to the DPA.

The JEM leader said that the demand of one Darfur region and the fair compensations for the refugees and IDPs are the main points in the regional level.

He said that JEM and its allies in the NRF are now the first military force and the Sudanese army can't defeat them militarily.

He announced that the first NRF conference will be held in Darfur at the end of the current month to adopt the structures of the movement.

On 30 June, the Sudan Liberation Movement of Khamis Abdalla Abakr; Justice & Equality Movement of Khalil Ibrahim and the Sudan Federal Democratic Alliance of Ahmed Ibrahim Diraig and Sharif Harir founded from Asmara the NRF. Since, most of Minni Minawi troops rejoined the newly formed group.

Darfur rebels JEM/NRMD attack Sudan gov't soldiers in Goz Mino, W Darfur killing 3, injuring 2

"On 18 August a SAF camp has been attacked in Goz Mino by rebel group believed to be JEM and NRMD*, killing one officer, two soldiers and injuring other two. The situation in Jabel Moon remains tense. The SAF is preparing to clear the rebel from the area", UN Country Team in Sudan reported 21 Aug 2006 via ReliefWeb. Note further excerpts and mention of green uniforms:

South Darfur Security:

On 17 August a commercial truck loaded with goods and passengers from Graida to Salamala village was attacked by some armed men dressed in green uniform. A man was shot dead while four others sustained injuries. Goods worth several thousands of dinars were looted by the attackers.

West Darfur Security:

On 19 August it was reported that a group of Chadian army ran away from their barrack and entered Sudan. A group from the Chadian army who pursued to capture the deserter soldiers met with SAF and clashed on the border near Kulbus. No information of casualties or killed has been reported. After a brief exchange of fire, the Chadian army went back to the Chadian side.

[*Could this be NRF? - see links here below]
- - -

NMRD and NRF

Darfur rebels broke away from the JEM group and called themselves the National Movement for Reform and Development (NMRD).

Excerpt from The Sudanese Thinker 15 Aug 2006 - Darfur Rebels: Who's Who?:

National Redemption Front (NRF): The recently formed NRF is a coalition of rebels opposed to the peace deal, including JEM, former commanders from both SLA factions (al-Nur has disassociated himself from the group) and the Sudan Federal Democratic Alliance.

The Sudan Tribune's website has a copy of NRF's founding declaration, including its objectives. It calls for "a just system of sharing wealth and power between the various regions of Sudan", "regional self rule" and "fair participation" in national politics.

The NRF now holds sway in much of north Darfur. It has reportedly been involved in offensive actions, such as an attack on a town in North Kordofan and a military base belonging to Minnawi's faction in Sayah. This week it said it had shot down a Sudanese government bomber, but the government denied the report.

JEM/NRF CONTROL DARFUR MILITARILY?

Sudan Tribune report 21 Aug 2006 claims JEM & NRF control Darfur militarily. Excerpt:

On 30 June, the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) of Khamis Abdalla Abakr; Justice & Equality Movement (JEM) of Khalil Ibrahim and the Sudan Federal Democratic Alliance (SFDA) of Ahmed Ibrahim Diraig and Sharif Harir founded from Asmara the National Redemption Fron (NRF). Since, most of Minni Minawi troops rejoined the newly formed group.

I wonder how and why Ibrahim gains entry to France and Sudan whenever he pleases. Immigration rules seem bent in favour of criminals.

U.S. says UN deployment in Darfur should be immediate

The State Department called Tuesday for deployment of a U.N. force in Darfur without delay.

"Only a large, mobile, fast-reacting and robust U.N. peacekeeping force is capable of confronting the multiple, complex challenges that currently exist in Darfur," State Department press officer Curtis Cooper said. - AP Aug 22, 2006 via ST.

U.S. opposes Sudan plan to send troops to Darfur

The United States on Tuesday strongly criticized Sudan's plan to send more of its own troops into Darfur and said a "credible and legitimate" U.N. force was needed to stop the carnage, Reuters reported Aug 22, 2006 (via ST). Excerpt:

State Department spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos said the United States was very concerned about the plan and urged Sudan's government to allow a U.N. force into Darfur without delay to stop what the United States say is genocide.

"Only a large, mobile, fast-reacting and robust (U.N.) force is capable of confronting the military challenges that exist in Darfur," Gallegos told Reuters.

"This credible and legitimate U.N. force, with African forces forming its core, should include Africans in key leadership positions," he said.

Gallegos said the goal of a U.N. force would be to help those displaced by the conflict and to stop increasing attacks on humanitarian workers as well as get life-saving humanitarian aid to those who needed it most.

"The Sudanese government must do its part to enable this transition to move forward immediately," he said.

Why don't the Government of Sudan order its forces (if as it says it has control over its forces) to act as if it has the mandate of African Union peacekeepers in Darfur?

AMZAR Trading & Services Ltd., in Khartoum provides disgusting $3,60 meals to African soldiers in Sudan's Darfur

Here below is a photo from Soldier of Africa showing what AMZAR food services and catering company in Khartoum feed to young fit African soldiers in Darfur. Disgusting.

I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen this photo with my own eyes. Werner says the beans had sand in them and no bread was provided. Why no bread?

The AU mission in Darfur costs $17m per month. You'd think it could take better care of its troops and employ cooks to at least bake fresh bread. In war zones, mealtimes are the highlight of any soldiers day and can be a morale booster. Here's what Werner wrote to accompany the photo:

My $3,60 Meal



"This is what we had to eat today. I could not eat the beans because it had too much sand in. Guess who is hungry. AMZAR, the company who is supposed to cater for us regularly surprises with little food, terrible quality meat with more bones than the actual meat and no bread. The Sudanese people are eating better than us, which is actually good, but AMZAR gets millions of dollars to give us reasonable standard food and as you can see it is not happening. At least the potato salad was very good, but for seconds I would have had to give another meal coupon, which would have cost me another $3,60."

AMZAR Trading & Services Ltd., Khartoum



Photo: AMZAR's Khartoum Office. Blurb from its website:

AMZAR Trading and Services Ltd., was established in 1988 by its two founders and sole shareholders, Mr Amin Ahmed Hassab El Rasoul and Mr Nazar El Sammani Yacoub.

The Company, (registration No. C/6427) was set up in order to meet the demand for
- a professional food services and catering company in the Sudan to operate at the highest levels in terms of professionalism, customer service and food hygiene
- a trading services company that could source and supply both locally and for export a wide range of Sudanese produce of consistently high quality at competitive prices.

Amzar Trading & Services Ltd. PO Box 2506 Khartoum, Sudan. Tel: (+249 1) 83 472508 Fax:(+249 1) 83 474990

Amzar contact details says "if you have any query, require further information or wish to use our services, please get in touch with us and we will be delighted to help you." I might send them a link to this post and ask them if they think the meal in the photo is fit for young soldiers on active service in a war zone.

Wear a blue (or green!) hat on September 17th

Following on from previous Sudan Watch entry - Activists' Global Day for Darfur campaign Sep 17 calls for world leaders to push for UN force in Darfur - here is a copy of a blog entry by Abbas at 3quarksdaily.

Wear a blue hat on September 17th

Despite the signing of a Darfur peace agreement on 5 May 2006, the violence in western Sudan has not stopped; in fact, in some parts of Darfur, the violence has grown worse.

People are still being killed and raped and displaced - every single day.

On September 17 people around the world will take part in the Global Day for Darfur to show world-wide support for the Darfuri people and to put pressure on our Governments to protect the civilians.

We hope that you will be able to join us on the Global Day for Darfur.

More here. [Thanks to Veronica V. Mittnacht.]

And more info available here.

Hey, those in favour of African Union peacekeepers ought to wear green AU hats in protest of the misguided activists wearing blue UN hats!



WHAT OTHER BLOGGERS ARE SAYING

Aug 22 2006 Pinko Feminist Hellcat: Global Day for Darfur

On May 5, a peace agreement was signed in the hopes that it would stop the bloodshed in Sudan. This has not happened yet.

September 17 is the Global Day for Darfur. The day will feature candle light vigils, rallies, exhibitions, and performances.

Go to the site and sign the petition to strenghten efforts to keep the peace and stop the genocide.

Activists' "Global Day for Darfur" campaign Sep 17 calls for world leaders to push for UN force in Darfur

Click onto the flags at Global Day for Darfur and see events taking place in those countries on Sep 17. Here's some of what you see when you click onto the UK flag at the site:

Sudanese Embassy Demonstration

What: Demonstration outside the Sudanese Embassy in London.
When: Sunday 17th September, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Organiser: David Brown, Aegis Trust, +00 44 (0)1623 836 627, and Ishag Mekki, Darfur Union.
Supported by: Aegis Trust, Darfur Union
Further information: www.aegistrust.org - Genocide Prevention Charity the Aegis Trust is organising a demonstration outside the Sudanese Embassy to protest against the continued opposition to UN deployment in Sudan. The people of Darfur desperately need a UN force that can bring peace and stability to this troubled region of Sudan. The Government of Sudan has so far blocked efforts to put a UN peace keeping mission on the ground. This must stop.

Day for Darfur UK Rally and Darfur Exhibition launch

What: Indoor Rally with political speaker and supporters
When: Sunday 17th September, 12:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Where: TBC
Organiser: Hratche Koundarjian, Aegis Trust, +44 207 735 3154 (for Rally) and David Brown, Aegis Trust, +00 44 (0)1623 836 627 (for exhibition).
Supported by:
Further information: www.aegistrust.org - Genocide Prevention Charity the Aegis Trust is organising a indoor rally at a central London location to include speakers from the world of politics, film and music. A preview of a new mobile exhibition on genocide and the responsibility to protect, with reference to Darfur as well as to past genocides including the Holocaust and Rwanda, will also be unveiled at the event. The event will aim raise the profile of the Darfur crisis and call on world leaders to push for a deployment of UN peacekeepers.

A Prayer for Darfur

What: Active Faith: A Prayer for Darfur
When: Sunday 17th September, Time TBC
Where: Gates of Downing Street, Whitehall, SW1A
Organiser: Christa Bennett, 0207 243 0300
Supported by: Waging Peace
Further information: www.wagingpeace.info - We welcome this opportunity to remind the Prime Minister of his moral obligation. We ask that:
- Britain push the UN to enforce its resolutions on Darfur and put genuine pressure on the government of Sudan;
- to strengthen the African Union force;
- and to provide a well-equipped UN peacekeeping force a mandate to protect civilians and disarm those who terrorise, rape, and kill them.

Sudan's plan for Darfur involves its own force, not the UN's

In her commentary in the New York Times Aug 22, 2006, Lydia Polgreen notes that Sudan's Darfur protection plan, delivered to the UN Aug 2, does not explicitly reject a UN force. Fellow blogger Ed posted a copy of the commentary before it slipped into NYT archive. Not sure if this is an excerpt or copy in full:

Sudan's Plan for Darfur Involves Its Own Force, Not the U.N.'s
By LYDIA POLGREEN KHARTOUM, Sudan, Aug. 21 2006

Sudan's government has proposed using more than 10,000 of its own troops to quell the violence in the troubled region of Darfur instead of the United Nations peacekeeping force that it has repeatedly refused.

The Sudanese plan was presented to the United Nations Security Council last week, but whether it is a serious blueprint or another tactic in the country's efforts to stall or thwart a United Nations peacekeeping force remains to be seen. Sudan's president, Omar Hassan al-Bashir, has been engaged in an escalating war of words over the proposed United Nations peacekeeping force in Darfur, declaring that Sudan would "defeat any forces entering the country just as Hezbollah has defeated the Israeli forces," according to the state-run news agency, Suna.

Under the plan, the Sudanese government would use the troops to "gain control of the security situation and achieve stability in Darfur" and to "deal with the threats posed by the activities of groups that have rejected the Darfur peace agreement," which was signed on May 5.

The plan does not explicitly reject a United Nations force, which the United States and others have advocated to secure the shaky peace agreement. But it makes clear that Sudan believes it should be responsible for stabilizing the worsening crisis in Darfur.

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.

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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.
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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."