High level Egyptian officials visit Khartoum and Juba - Egypt urges Sudan unity ahead of referendum

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit pressed for the unity of Sudan on Sunday, ahead of a referendum on independence which could call into question current Nile Basin water-sharing agreements.

"Egypt is in favour of the unity of Sudan as a part of Africa and a member of the African Union. We will do everything in our power to save the unity of Sudan," Abul Gheit told reporters in Khartoum after talks with President Omar al-Beshir.

Abul Gheit and Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman are also due in the south Sudan capital Juba later on Sunday where they will meet Salva Kiir, the head of the semi-autonomous region.

If the southern Sudanese vote for independence in next January's referendum, this could have an impact on the disputed sharing of Nile waters.

Further details below.

Aboul Gheit and Omar Suleiman are visiting both Khartoum and Juba
From Arab Republic of Egypt Press Office - Minister's Cabinet
Saturday, 08 May 2010:

The Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry stated that Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit and Minister Omar Suleiman will go on a visit on May 9, 2010, to both Khartoum and Juba, and are expected to meet with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and congratulate him on the occasion of winning the Presidential elections held in Sudan last month, and to congratulate General Salva Kiir First Vice President of Sudan on the occasion of assuming the Presidency of the Government of the South.

The Spokesman added that the visit comes within the framework of underlining Egypt's interest in the security, unity and stability of Sudan whose issues are of a strategic priority to Egypt, in addition to Egypt's interest in the future of southern Sudan, in light of the strong ties binding Egypt and the various powers of Sudan, which is reflected by the Egyptian support for the efforts of the Sudanese government in maintaining stability in various parts of the country.

Photo: Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit arrives to meet Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir in Khartoum Sunday, 09 May 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah)

High level Egyptian officials visit Sudan
From Radio Miraya - Sunday, 09 May 2010 14:05:

The Egyptian Foreign Minister, Ahmed Abul Ghait and the Egyptian Intelligence Chief, Omar Suleiman arrived to Khartoum today. Speaking to Miraya, the Egyptian Ambassador to Khartoum, Mohammed Abdel Munaim Al Chazali, said that Abul Gait and Omar Suleiman will meet President-elect Omar Al Bashir and the Vice President Ali Osman Taha.

The two officials will also travel to Juba to meet with First Vice President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

Photo: Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit speaks to the press after meeting Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir in Khartoum Sunday, 09 May 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah)

Egypt urges Sudan unity ahead of referendum
AFP - Sunday, 09 May 2010:

KHARTOUM - Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit pressed for the unity of Sudan on Sunday, ahead of a referendum on independence which could call into question current Nile Basin water-sharing agreements.

"Egypt is in favour of the unity of Sudan as a part of Africa and a member of the African Union. We will do everything in our power to save the unity of Sudan," Abul Gheit told reporters in Khartoum after talks with President Omar al-Beshir.

Abul Gheit and Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman are also due in the south Sudan capital Juba later on Sunday where they will meet Salva Kiir, the head of the semi-autonomous region.

If the southern Sudanese vote for independence in next January's referendum, this could have an impact on the disputed sharing of Nile waters.

A 1959 accord between Cairo and Khartoum reserves 55.5 billion cubic metres a year for Egypt and 18.5 billion cubic metres for Sudan, a combined total of 87 percent of the river's water, leaving just 13 percent for other Nile Basin states.

Some of these, which include Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo, say past treaties are unfair and they want an equitable water-sharing agreement that would allow for more irrigation and power projects.

"While Egyptian officials try to downplay the water concerns, some worry an independent South would soon join the groundswell of states objecting to the standing agreements," said a report by the International Crisis Group released on Thursday.

Last month, Egypt rejected any new plans for Nile water allocation, stressing that its share in the river was a "historic right" with Sudan considered a strong ally.

"Sudan and Egypt agree completely on the question of Nile waters. We are ready to continue discussions with other countries and to cooperate to build a bridge and reach a final agreement that will satisfy all the Nile Basin Initiative countries," Abul Gheit said.

Egyptian FM and spy chief start visit to Sudan on Sunday
Sudan Tribune - Sunday 09 May 2010 - excerpt:

May 8, 2010 (KHARTOUM) - [...] Egypt is stepping up its involvement on Sudan affairs ahead of the 2011 self determination referendum in the South which is widely expected to result in Africa’s newest state.

Earlier this year, Mubarak has reportedly criticized Khartoum for lacking the will to preserve the unity and warning that there are regional powers wanting to fuel conflict in the area which he described as “vital to Egypt”.

The issue of South Sudan secession is sensitive one to Cairo largely due to its impact on the Nile water agreement and the possible reallocation of share with the new state even though legal experts say that the water agreements are still binding to the new state.

Sudan and Egypt have joined hands last month against other Nile basin which are fiercely pushing for a new agreement fueling tensions and anger on all sides.

Further reading
UNAMID: 2 Egyptian peacekeepers killed, 3 injured nr Katila, south of Edd al Fursan, S. Darfur, W. Sudan (Update 1)
Sudan Watch - Friday, 07 May 2010

SPLM alleges NCP plot to arm southerner militias - UN urged to check 'security violations' in south Sudan

The Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) has demanded an investigation into an alleged plot by the National Congress Party (NCP) to arm militias in the south aimed at disrupting the work of the North-South Border Demarcation Committee and obstructing South Sudan's self determination process.

Addressing the press in Khartoum on Sunday (9 May), SPLM Deputy Secretary General-northern sector, Yasir Arman said the NCP is hindering the south secession process "through technical ways".

The SPLM has requested that the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) launch the inquiry, calling on UNMIS to exercise its rights within its mandate.

Meanwhile, Head of the Technical Committee for North-South Border Demarcation, Abdulla Al Sadiq, has said that the committee will complete its work by November 2010. Sadiq stated that by then, borders will be demarcated from Central Africa to Ethiopia.

Al Sadiq told Radio Miraya that the final report of the Technical Committee will be raised to the presidency for approval ahead of the Southern Sudan referendum process in November.

Source: Radio Miraya, Sunday, 09 May 2010 - see copy below.

U.N. must verify north-south Sudan clashes: SPLM
From Reuters (Khartoum) by Opheera McDoom
Saturday, 08 May 2010 4:01pm EDT:

U.N. peacekeepers should be more active in monitoring violence in Sudan's south ahead of a key referendum in independence in eight months time, the oil- producing region's main party said on Saturday.

Senior Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) official Yasir Arman also said they had evidence President Omar Hassan al-Bashir's ruling northern National Congress Party was trying to destabilize the south by arming proxy militias in the semi- autonomous region.

"The United Nations should verify and should be present in all the places where there are violations of the security arrangements," Arman told reporters. "This is the mandate of the United Nations force here -- they should take this mandate... seriously."

The peacekeeping mission was deployed to monitor a 2005 north-south peace deal ending Africa's longest running civil war which claimed 2 million lives. A shaky ceasefire has mostly held with sporadic fighting kept in check through a high-level joint defense body between the former foes.

But last month clashes between the south's separate army (SPLA) and Darfuri Arab tribes along the disputed north-south border inflicted heavy casualties on both sides. And the SPLA accused a senior renegade commander of attacking an army base killing at least eight soldiers in Jonglei state last week.

The U.N. mission has not commented on the violence and a spokesman was not immediately available to comment on Saturday.

Arman said the NCP was using the Arab tribes to destabilize the south and delay the referendum.

"The government of south Sudan produced information that the NCP...are trying to destabilize the ..security in south Sudan," Arman said in a news conference in Khartoum.

He added SPLA renegade George Athor was receiving logistical support from outside the south, but did not specify from where.

Bashir's National Congress Party was not available to comment. During the civil war, Khartoum supported militias to oppose the SPLA, but the party denies this policy since 2005.

Most analysts believe the south is likely to secede in the January 9, 2011 plebiscite and fear a heavily armed population, ethnic rivalries and unresolved border disputes could destabilize any new nation and its neighbors, most of whom were dragged into Sudan's civil war.

Arman urged the NCP to reinvigorate a joint defense body to calm any north-south clashes and to allow the United Nations access to tense border areas.

"The United Nations, in particular the Security Council, should put an eye on Sudan and make sure that the security arrangements do not collapse," Arman said.

Sudan's north-south war has raged on and off since 1955, fueled by issues of ethnicity, ideology, religion and oil.

(Reporting by Opheera McDoom)

UN urged to check 'security violations' in south Sudan
From AFP (Khartoum) - Saturday, 08 May 2010:

A former rebel group on Saturday urged the United Nations to verify its charge that the government is arming militias and tribesmen ahead of next year's independence referendum for south Sudan.

"The United Nations should verify and should be present all over the place where there are violations of the security arrangement," Yasser Arman of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) told reporters in Khartoum.

"This is the mandate of the United Nations forces here: they should take this mandate, we call upon them to take this mandate seriously and to verify all accusations from different sides."

"Verification is very important and is not happening," added Arman, whose name appeared on ballot papers in last month's presidential election, despite the fact he withdrew from the race ahead of polling day.

President Omar al-Beshir was returned to power in the election.

Clashes two weeks ago between Arabs of the Rizeygat tribe and southern military forces on the border between war-torn Darfur in west Sudan and south Sudan resulted in the deaths of 55 people.

Earlier, there was fighting between Misseriya Arab tribesmen and southern forces.

In both instances, southern forces accused the central government in Khartoum of arming tribes in a bid to destabilise the vast semi-autonomous south, where an independence referendum is due next January.

"We think there is a big game to destabilise the south from within and from without. From within through militias and other connections and from without in the name of certain tribes," Arman said on Saturday.

Sudan currently hosts two international peacekeeping forces.

The 10,000-strong United Nation's peacekeeping mission in Sudan (UNMIS) monitors the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement that ended the 22-year north-south civil war in 2005.

UNAMID is a joint United Nations and African Union force deployed in Darfur.

Peacekeepers in Sudan need Sudanese army permission to enter certain areas in the north and authorisation from the southern forces for the south, but sometimes such requests are denied.

SPLM alleges NCP plot to arm southerner militias
From MirayaFM - Sunday, 09 May 2010 19:40:

The Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) has demanded an investigation into an alleged plot by the National Congress Party (NCP) to arm militias in the south aimed at disrupting the work of the North-South Border Demarcation Committee and obstructing South Sudan's self determination process.

Addressing the press in Khartoum on Sunday, SPLM Deputy Secretary General-northern sector, Yasir Arman (photo, left), said the NCP is hindering the south secession process "through technical ways".

The SPLM has requested that the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) launch the inquiry, calling on UNMIS to exercise its rights within its mandate.

Yasir stressed that the vision of both the SPLM in the north and south is that of a new Sudan and called all southerners voluntary unity.

Meanwhile, Head of the Technical Committee for North-South Border Demarcation, Abdulla Al Sadiq, has said that the committee will complete its work by November 2010. Sadiq stated that by then, borders will be demarcated from Central Africa to Ethiopia.

The Technical Head added that the committee's work have not been disrupted by the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) or Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), saying that both armies are only concerned about security issues.

Al Sadiq told Radio Miraya that the final report of the Technical Committee will be raised to the presidency for approval ahead of the Southern Sudan referendum process in November.

Meanwhile, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) has accused the National Congress Party (NCP) of arming militias in the south to impede the work of the North-South Border Demarcation Committee and also to obstruct Southern Sudan's self-determination process.

Addressing the press in Khartoum on Saturday, the SPLM Deputy Secretary General in northern sector, Yasir Arman, called on all parties to accept the outcome of the referendum results.

The Technical Committee on the Demarcation of 1956 Boundaries between Northern and Southern Sudan, had earlier announced the conclusion of the demarcation process in the Eastern Sector, which comprises of White and Blue Nile, Sennar, and Upper Nile States.

Click and listen to SPLM Deputy Secretary General -northern sector, Yasir Arman

Click and listen to Head of North-South Border Demarcation, Abdulla al Sadiq

Further reading

Editor of Sudanese newspaper Ajras AlHuriya charged with publishing false news
Radio Miraya - 09 May 2010
The Editor of Ajras AlHuriya newspaper, Alhaj Warraq was charged on Sunday with publishing false news and undermining the dignity of the state, an offence punishable by up to six months in jail. Faiz al-Silaik, Acting Editor-in-Chief of Ajras AlHuriya, a newspaper alleged to be affiliated to Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), said he considers the charge an attack on press freedom. [...]

SPLM calls for new alliance to support South Sudan referendum
Sudan Tribune - 09 May 2010
May 8, 2010 (KHARTOUM) - The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) today called for the formation of a new political alliance to establish the New Sudan and to support southern Sudan right of self-determination. [...]

Sudan resumes demarcation of north-South border
Sudan Tribune - 29 April 2010
April 28, 2010 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese authorities have started the penultimate stage of North- South boundary demarcation, ahead of the expected referendum on southern Sudan self-determination. [...]

Abyei one year after the Roadmap
Radio Miraya - 09 June 2009

Sudan activists - UNAMID receives US Envoy Gration in Darfur - Sudan's delegation at AU HQ meeting on Sudan

NOTE to self, for future reference. Yesterday evening (Friday, 07 May c. 21:00 hrs UK) I sadly noted here at Sudan Watch that in western Sudan on 07 May 2010 at about 11.30hrs, a military convoy from UNAMID’s Egyptian contingent, with three vehicles and 20 personnel, was ambushed near Katila village, 85km south of Edd al Fursan, South Darfur (click here for map) by a group of unidentified armed men who indiscriminately opened fire, without warning, on the peacekeepers.

This morning (Saturday, 08 May) while searching Google News for reports of the shocking attack, I was surprised to find that among a list of reports, Google had somehow managed to connect and include three seemingly unrelated reports from Sudan Vision Daily, AllAfrica and Sudan Tribune. See copy of the three reports here below, plus several other related reports and a report from Sudan Watch archives regarding an Egyptian peacekeeper killed in El Fasher, the capital city of North Darfur in May 2007.

Gunmen kill 2 peacekeepers in Sudan's south Darfur

‎
The Associated Press - 13 hours ago

Fighting between rebels and Sudanese government forces began there in 2003, killing up to 300000 people and driving 2.7 million from their homes. ...

Two Egyptian peacekeepers killed in Darfur‎ - BBC News
AU and UN call for holistic approach to Sudan crises‎ - Sudan Tribune
Two Egyptian peacekeepers killed in Darfur ambush‎ - AFP
Press TV - Sudan Vision
all 194 news articles »

Government Delegation to Addis for Joining AUHQ Meeting on Sudan
From Sudan Vision Daily - Saturday, 08 May 2010 @ 00:10:00 BST by Staff Writer:

Government delegation chaired by the State Minister of Culture and Youth, Dr. Amin Hassan Omer headed yesterday to Addis Ababa for participating in the international two-day consultative meeting on Sudan's present and future political developments.

The meeting was scheduled to convene yesterday at the African Union Headquarters in the Ethiopian Capital, Addis Ababa.

In a press statement on Thursday, Deputy Chief of Sudan Mission to Addis Ababa, Akoi Bona Malwal, reported that the Head of the AU Panel on Darfur, Thabo Mbeki would present there a comprehensive report on Darfur peace process, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement implementation progress, as well the arrangements for the self-determination referendum.

According to Malwal, participants in the meeting would include: AU, UN, EU, UNAMID Chief, Gambari, AU-UN Joint Chief Mediator, Djibril Bassolé, Organization of Islamic Countries, and the Qatari mediator, Egypt, Libya, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia. The five permanent members of the UN Security Council are expected to join the meeting today.

Diplomatic sources informed that the Sudan official delegation to the meeting included the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mutrif Siddig and ruling party leading figure, Sayed Alkhatieb.

Analysts suggest that the high level of participation in the said meeting reflects the international community’s concern over the risks South Sudan’s secession might pose to the regional and global security.

Sudan: Unamid Receives U.S. Envoy Gration
United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (El Fasher)
From UNAMID - (hat tip AllAfrica) - Thursday, 06 May 2010:

A delegation led by US Special Envoy to Sudan Scott Gration today visited UNAMID's headquarters in El Fasher, North Darfur.

Mr. Gration met with Deputy Joint Special Representatives Henry Anyidoho and Mohamed Yonis, Force Commander Patrick Nyamvumba, senior UNAMID officials, and UN Deputy Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Sudan Toby Lanzer.

The US envoy shared his views on how to better integrate the efforts of the Government of the Sudan, UNAMID, aid agencies, and other stakeholders to secure peace and stability in the region. Among the issues discussed were programmes that promote reconciliation, recovery and development, as well as the challenges of their implementation.

Mr. Gration later met with representatives of various humanitarian organizations operating in Darfur, before departing for Solinga, a model village in North Darfur to which some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have voluntarily settled.

The US envoy plans to travel to Addis Ababa on 9 May and participate in African Union meetings on Sudan to discuss the Darfur peace process and the implementation of the CPA.

AU and UN call for holistic approach to Sudan crises
From Sudan Tribune - Saturday, 08 May 2010:

May 7, 2010 (ADDIS ABABA) - In a joint meeting held with United Nations in Addis Ababa, the African Union on Friday called for a holistic approach to be taken in dealing with the different crises in the Sudan

The African Union and the United Nations stressed "the necessity of reaching a political agreement before the referendum on independence (in southern Sudan) in January 2011", and for an "inclusive" political process in Darfur.

The meeting between the two organizations aimed to evaluate the strategies they should follow, "with a particular emphasis on the post-electoral context, the peace process in Darfur and the preparations for the referendum".

The former South African President, who is charged by the AU to identify the best way to bring justice in Darfur and to settle the political problems in the country, briefed the UN Security Council last December on the conclusions of a report he complied about the Sudan.

Thabo Mbeki, who sought the support of the UN, reiterated the root cause of the conflict in Darfur and Sudan being the "concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a Khartoum-centered elite and the consequent marginalization of the so-called periphery, including Darfur".

However, the UN Security Council pointed out the need to coordinate the efforts of the two organizations in a way to not obstruct the ongoing attempts or to interfere with the International Criminal Court jurisdiction. The AU wants to suspends the ICC referral and the UN Security Council supports it.

The statement also stressed "the need for greater support from the international community and close coordination among international actors". (ST)

Further reading

Sudan's delegation participates in Addis Ababa's international consultative meetings
From MirayaFM - Saturday, 08 May 2010 14:48 - Updated Saturday, 08 May 2010 15:11:

The head of Sudan's delegation to the international consultative meetings on Sudan held in Ethiopia's Addis Ababa, Dr Amin Hassen Omer, conducted on Saturday a number of meetings with key officials including US envoy to Sudan, Scott Gration, and Head of the African Union - United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNMAID), Djibril Bassole.

On Saturday, the African Union will hold deliberations on implementing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and current efforts at resolving the Darfur conflict, among other issues.

Participants include international envoys for Sudan as well as representatives from the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Arab League, Egypt and Qatar. The delegates aim to formulate strategies to coordinate regional efforts on issues pertaining to Sudan for the near future.

Gration: 'crucial time for Sudan'
From Politico.com - Saturday, 08 May 2010 by Emily Canal 11:57 AM EDT:

Special Envoy to Sudan Scott Gration said it is a crucial time for the nation in a briefing Wednesday on his just-finished two-week trip to Chad, Sudan, Qatar and Rwanda.

With the south moving toward a 2011 referendum on secession following this month's elections held amidst widespread reports of irregularities, Gration has been pushing for a peace deal between senior officials in the national capitol of Khartoum, which represents the nation's mostly Muslim north, and those in Juba, the de facto capitol of the largely Christian and animist south.

"We must not let this opportunity to promote Sudan-wide political transformation, to improve the overall security, to facilitate a lasting peace pass us by," Gration said. "We will not rest until we've done everything we can to secure a brighter future for the next generation of Sudanese. Failure in this case is not an option, and we'll strive for success."

Gration said he spent much of the trip discussing Comprehensive Peace Agreement issues with the National Congressional Party.

State Department Spokesman Phillip Crowley said Thursday in a briefing that Gration is on his way to Khartoum to continue discussions with representatives of the government of Sudan.

"Tomorrow, he will travel to Addis Ababa to participate in African Union meetings on Sudan and discuss regional strategies and international coordination in support of CPA implementation and the Darfur peace process," Crowley said.

The Enough Project released a benchmark report card for Sudan this week that found national reform and humanitarian access had worsened across the board.

The group warned that "[n]o progress has been made on substantive national reforms critical to addressing some of the root causes of conflict in Sudan."

JSR Gambari meets AUHIP
From UNAMID website - Thursday, 06 May 2010:

06 May 2010 - The African Union High Level Panel on Darfur, chaired by former President Thabo Mbeki, and a UNAMID team led by Joint Special Representative (JSR) Ibrahim Gambari met in Addis Ababa today to explore areas of mutual interest ahead of a United Nations/African Union meeting scheduled to take place soon.

Among the topics covered was the Sudan’s current political landscape following the recent elections and the possible implications for the implementation of the Mission’s mandate.

Consultative meetings on Sudan kick off in Addis Ababa without Sudanese delegation
From MirayaFM - Friday, 07 May 2010 20:13 - Last Updated ( Saturday, 08 May 2010 00:22 ):

International envoys and representatives from the African Union, and United Nations convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital, on Friday to begin consultative meetings on Sudan, without the participation of the Sudanese government.

Sudan's Deputy Ambassador to Addis Ababa, Akoi Bona Malwal, said that the government has not received an official invitation to attend the high level meeting, but added that a delegation led by State Minister of Youth and Sports, Amin Hassan Omar, will be taking part in minor side meetings.

Malwal further said that he is aware that foreign ministers from neighbouring countries will be attending the meeting but could not disclose any other information, saying he does not know "what else is happening" even though the discussions are about Sudan.

The meeting is scheduled to discuss the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and ongoing efforts to resolve the Darfur conflict among other issues.

Special Envoys for Sudan from China, France, Russia, UK, and the US as well as representatives from the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) will attempt to coordinate regional efforts on issues pertaining to Sudan for the near future.

Meanwhile, Brussels-based International Crisis Group has said that if Southern Sudan secedes after the referendum in 2011, diplomatic support must be achieved will neighboring countries to ensure that the decision is respected in order to prevent a new civil war from ensuing.

The latest NGO report "Regional Perspectives on the Prospect of Southern Sudan Independence", calls on the African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development to harmonize efforts in support of the referendum, recognize its results and assist in the peaceful implementation of its outcome

Click and listen to Sudan's Deputy Ambassador to Addis Ababa, Akoi Bona Malwal.

05 May 2010 - UNAMID urges all parties in Darfur to remain committed to the peace process
From UNAMID website - Wednesday, 05 May 2010 - PR/ 18-2010 PRESS RELEASE:

UNAMID urges all parties in Darfur to remain committed to the peace process
El Fasher, 5 May 2010 - The Government of North Darfur has declared curfew in El Fasher town and its environs starting 23:00 hours (11:00pm) of Tuesday 4 May 2010, to 15:00 hours (3:00pm) of Wednesday 5 may 2010.

The curfew has been lifted on the scheduled time.

UNAMID reminds all parties that the Darfur crisis cannot be resolved through military means but can only come through negotiations.

The AU-UN Joint Special Representative, Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, urges all parties to remain committed to their engagement in the political process and implement the provisions of the Framework Agreements signed between JEM and the Government of Sudan.
*****
Communication and Public Information Division Media Contacts
Kemal Saïki, Director; saiki@un.org, tel.: +249 (0)92 244 3529 / mobile: +249 (0)92 241 0020
Noureddine Mezni, Spokesperson; mezni@un.org, mobile: +249 (0)91 253 8420/ +249 (0)91 217 4276
Chris Cycmanick, OiC, Media Relations; cycmanick@un.org, mobile: +249 (0)91 253 843
*****

Sudan: Activists From Across the Country Support Congressman Wolf's Call for a Change of Course on Sudan
Press Release from Pax Communication (Washington, DC) - Wednesday, 05 May 2010 - [hat tip AllAfrica]:

Today Sudan activists and Sudanese expatriates from around the country commended Congressman Frank Wolf for his bold call to President Obama for a change of course in dealing with Sudan. Twenty-five regional groups representing 18 states have joined together in a show of bipartisan support for the policy recommendations outlined in Wolf's statement and his letter to President Obama.

In a press conference this morning on Capitol Hill, Wolf said it is time for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice to re-take control of U.S. policy involving Sudan. Wolf also made a series of other recommendations, including calling on the administration to not recognize the outcome of the recent presidential elections in Sudan and to move forward with its stated aim of strengthening the capacity of the security sector in the South. In addition, he said priority must be given to ending the attacks in Darfur and completing restoration of humanitarian aid in region. (Full text of Wolf's statements and letter here.) [ http://wolf.house.gov ]

"On behalf of the many Americans who are concerned about the Obama Administration's weak implementation of its stated Sudan policy, I commend Congressman Wolf for his leadership on Sudan and his bold call today for a change of course," stated Eric Cohen, Chairperson of the Massachusetts Coalition to Save Darfur. "It is far past time for the Administration to implement the policy that was announced five months ago which stated that benchmarks would be applied to Sudan based on verifiable changes in conditions on the ground with disincentives applied for backsliding or lack of progress. We strongly agree that Secretary Clinton and Ambassador Rice should directly oversee the implementation of that policy."

The anti-genocide organizations and Sudanese diaspora organizations supporting Congressman Wolf's request of the President include: Americans Against the Darfur Genocide, Washington, DC; Connecticut Coalition to Save Darfur, Bloomfield, CT; The Massachusetts Coalition to Save Darfur, Boston, MA; The San Francisco Bay Area Darfur Coalition, San Francisco, CA; Idaho Darfur Coalition, Boise, ID; New York City Coalition for Darfur, New York, NY; The Essex County Coalition for Darfur, Montclair, NJ; Save Darfur Washington State, Seattle, Washington; Georgia Coalition to Prevent Genocide, Atlanta, GA; Jewish World Watch, Los Angeles, CA; i-ACT, Los Angeles, CA; Investors Against Genocide, Boston, MA; STAND, University of Maryland's chapter, College Park, MD; Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy, Washington DC; Stop Genocide Now, Los Angeles, CA; Operation Broken Silence from Memphis, TN; "Change the world. It just takes cents," Denver, CO; Genocide No More--Save Darfur of Redding, CA; Use Your Voice to Stop Genocide RI, Portsmouth, RI; Darfur and Beyond, Phoenix, AZ; Miami Help Darfur Now, Miami, FL; Kentuckiana Interfaith Taskforce On Darfur, Louisville, KY; Never Again Coalition, Portland, OR; Champion Darfur, Las Vegas, NV; and the Equatoria Sudanese Community Association in the USA.

Copyright © 2010 Pax Communication. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).

Note the following copy of an insightful comment by khalid.mustafa published at AllAfrica on Thursday, 06 May 12:18:25 2010 in reply to the above press release from Pax Communication:

"Save Darfur Coalition has not helped Darfur's people; but has spent money on activities to disrupt Sudanese -American relations. These ideological activists have already forced Dr Andrew Natsios to end his role as envoy for president Bush. They try to repeat the campaign with Gn Gration. Natsios now calls for engagement with Sudan . The call to divest from Sudan was started by Netanyahu at the AIPAC conference in 07. It has nothing to do with US interests . The attemot to forge a neo-con policy again (as if G. Bush has not lost the elections!) would poison relations with the whole Muslim world. This runs counter to president Obama's Cairo speech."

POSTSCRIPT
Recently, here at Sudan Watch, I decided to stop publishing news of bandits, pirates, kidnappers and terrorists and other evil doers who aim to destabilise Sudan. In my view, many of the civilian gunmen in and around Sudan are terrorists who belong in jail. I doubt that JEM et al will give up using propaganda and violence in their attempts to gain power and remove the Sudanese government. Terrorists thrive on spreading fear. They use the world's media and gullible activists to spread propaganda and garner support. Sudan Watch archives show that terrorists such as JEM have orchestrated attacks in and around Sudan in order to generate publicity and avoid communicating through official peace mediators, which is why I have stopped publicising their wicked words and evil deeds. This could be the last blog post at Sudan Watch featuring attacks on peacekeepers. Because of its timing and style, I fear that yesterday's attack on Egyptian peacekeepers in Darfur was premeditated in order to maximise publicity and send out messages aimed at destablising Sudan. I suspect the recent kidnapping of South African peacekeepers in Darfur was also terrorist related. From now on, no more publicity for terrorists unless there is verifiable news of them being arrested or attending peace talks.

Note, Sudan Watch report dated 27 May 2007 re Egyptian peacekeeper killed in El Fasher, North Darfur: UN NGO's Leave El Fasher - Egyptian UN soldier killed in Sudan's North Darfur - excerpt:

The circumstances surrounding the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Ehab Nazih, a Military Staff Officer from Egypt, are still under investigation, according to UNMIS, which confirmed that late Friday, three armed men, wearing civilian clothes, broke into the private house he shared with seven other UNMIS staff.

After taking money and valuables from the other occupants of the house, the armed men moved to the victim's room and demanded money from Lt. Colonel Nazih, who gave them all the money he had and was then shot.

He was rushed to the a Hospital run by the African Union Mission in Darfur (AMIS), where he was pronounced dead, UNMIS said, offering thanks to "the AMIS staff and medical personnel who did all they could to save the life of their UNMIS colleague." + + +

Note, Sudan Watch report dated 24 March 2009 re report from Sudan Watch archives March 2006: Al Qaeda terrorists are already entrenched in Sudan, U.N. Envoy Jan Pronk warns



More than 20 peacekeepers have been killed since the joint UN-African Union mission was deployed in Darfur in 2008. (Photo and caption from Press TV news report 08 May 2010)

Before checking and without re-reading Sudan Watch, I reckon the number of African Union or UN personnel attacked/killed in Darfur could be around one hundred.

+ + + God help and bless the peace workers and children of Sudan + + +

UNAMID: 2 Egyptian peacekeepers killed, 3 injured nr Katila, south of Edd al Fursan, S. Darfur, W. Sudan (Update 1)

UNAMID calls upon the Government of the Sudan to identify, capture and swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice and reminds all parties that any attack against peacekeepers constitutes a war crime.

Two UNAMID peacekeepers killed in South Darfur
Source: United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID)
Date: Friday, 07 May 2010/PR/ 19-2010/via ReliefWeb

El Fasher, 07 May 2010 – Today at about 11.30hrs, a military convoy from UNAMID's Egyptian contingent, with three vehicles and 20 personnel, was ambushed near Katila village, 85km south of Edd al Fursan, South Darfur, by a group of unidentified armed men who indiscriminately opened fire, without warning, on the peacekeepers.

The attackers fled when the convoy returned fire. The attack left two peacekeepers killed in action and three seriously wounded. The injured soldiers were air-lifted to UNAMID's hospital in Nyala, South Darfur, and are reported in stable condition.

The AU-UN Joint Special Representative (JSR) Ibrahim Gambari expressed outrage at this cowardly attack against UNAMID's peacekeepers, who are in Darfur to help restore peace and stability. UNAMID remains undaunted and unwavering in its commitment to carrying out its mandate in the service of peace.

UNAMID calls upon the Government of the Sudan to identify, capture and swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice and reminds all parties that any attack against peacekeepers constitutes a war crime.

This attack brings to 24 the number of UNAMID personnel killed in hostile actions since the Mission's was established in January 2008.

Communication and Public Information Division Media Contacts

Kemal Saïki, Director; saiki@un.org, tel.: +249 (0)92 244 3529 / mobile: +249 (0)92 241 0020

Noureddine Mezni, Spokesperson; mezni@un.org, mobile: +249 (0)91 253 8420/ +249 (0)91 217 4276

Mayada Umbadda, Media Relations; umbadda@un.org, mobile: +249 (0)91 250 1966

+ + +

Further reports
Gunmen kill 2 peacekeepers in Sudan's south Darfur
The Associated Press (CAIRO) ‎Friday, 07 May 2010 - excerpt:

Egypt's Foreign Ministry also condemned the attack, and said in a statement that Egyptian officials were working with their Sudanese counterparts to find out who was responsible.

Two Egyptian peacekeepers killed in Darfur ambush
AFP (KHARTOUM, Sudan) Friday, 07 May 2010 - excerpt:

In New York, UN spokesman Martin Nesirky said: "The secretary-general is equally incensed" by this attack. (...)

The statement also said that UNAMID "remains undaunted and unwavering in its commitment to carrying out its mandate in the service of peace" despite the bloodshed. "There is absolutely no reason why our peacekeepers should have been attacked. This is a criminal act of violence that we are forcefully denouncing," Saiki said on UN radio. (...)

AU chief Jean Ping also confirmed the deaths earlier in a statement to AFP in Addis Ababa, expressing "shock and regret" at the deaths of the two Egyptians.

In April four South African peacekeepers who had been held in Darfur were freed unharmed after 15 days in captivity.

Their abductors said the kidnapping occurred in order to show the world "that security conditions in Darfur did not allow for elections".

Click on labels here below to view previous reports.

+ + + UPDATE on Sunday, 09 May 2010 + + +



Photo: Egyptian peacekeepers carry one of the coffins of the two Egyptian peacekeepers who were killed on Friday, as their bodies are prepared for repatriation at Nyala airport in Sudan, Saturday, May 8, 2010. (AP Photo/UNAMID, Albert Gonzalez Farran) EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NO SALES



Photo: An Egyptian peacekeeper prays beside the coffins of the two Egyptian peacekeepers who were killed on Friday, as their bodies are prepared for repatriation at Nyala airport in Sudan, Saturday, May 8, 2010. (AP Photo/UNAMID, Albert Gonzalez Farran) EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NO SALES



Mohammed Hossain, one of the three Egyptian peacekeepers who were injured, in addition to two colleagues who were killed, is treated at a UNAMID medical facility in Nyala, Sudan, Saturday, May 8, 2010. (AP Photo/UNAMID, Albert Gonzalez Farran) EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NO SALES

High level Egyptian officials visit Sudan
From MirayaFM - Sunday, 09 May 2010 14:05:

The Egyptian Foreign Minister, Ahmed Abul Ghait and the Egyptian Intelligence Chief, Omar Suleiman arrived to Khartoum today. Speaking to Miraya, the Egyptian Ambassador to Khartoum, Mohammed Abdel Munaim Al Chazali, said that Abul Gait and Omar Suleiman will meet President-elect Omar Al Bashir and the Vice President Ali Osman Taha.

The two officials will also travel to Juba to meet with First Vice President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit arrives to meet Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir in Khartoum May 9, 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah)



Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit speaks to the press after meeting Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir in Khartoum May 9, 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah)

Note, Sudan Watch report dated 27 May 2007 re Egyptian peacekeeper killed in El Fasher, North Darfur - UN NGO's Leave El Fasher - Egyptian UN soldier killed in Sudan's North Darfur - excerpt:

The circumstances surrounding the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Ehab Nazih, a Military Staff Officer from Egypt, are still under investigation, according to UNMIS, which confirmed that late Friday, three armed men, wearing civilian clothes, broke into the private house he shared with seven other UNMIS staff.

After taking money and valuables from the other occupants of the house, the armed men moved to the victim's room and demanded money from Lt. Colonel Nazih, who gave them all the money he had and was then shot.

He was rushed to the a Hospital run by the African Union Mission in Darfur (AMIS), where he was pronounced dead, UNMIS said, offering thanks to "the AMIS staff and medical personnel who did all they could to save the life of their UNMIS colleague." + + +

BREAKING NEWS: Malakal, Upper Nile - S. Sudan govt will not take any military actions against George Athor

GREAT NEWS just in from SRS (Sudan Radio Service) via email. Today, Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) spokesman, Paul Mayom Akech told SRS that his government will not use force against George Athor or any of his followers. High level GoSS officials are in consultation with Mr Athor in order to resolve the issue amicably and peacefully.

With special thanks to SRS for their brilliant journalism and speedy snappy balanced fact-packed reporting, here is a copy of their report in full:

Thursday, 6 May 2010 (JUBA, S. Sudan) – The Government of Southern Sudan says it will not take any military action against one of its generals who allegedly perpetrated an attack on an SPLA barracks in Upper Nile state a week ago.

Last week, General George Athor, who was contesting as an independent candidate against the Jonglei state governor Kuol Manyang, allegedly orchestrated an assault on the SPLA barracks in Doliep Hills, because he refused to concede defeat in the elections.

General Athor had demanded the resignation of Jonglei state governor-elect Kuol Manyang, and asked for an amnesty for all the soldiers that joined his contingent.

After a week of silence, GOSS spokesman, Paul Mayom Akech told SRS on Thursday from Juba that the government will not use force against General Athor.

[Paul Mayom]: “The Government of Southern Sudan looks at the matter as an unfortunate incident in which lives of innocent people have been lost; be they soldiers or civilians. And the government has not made up its mind to go on an offensive against the perpetrators of this particular incident. There is no question of a military offensive against General George Athor. There are youths from the villages in the areas of Khorfulus and around Nyirol county that were frightened following the incident and they ran into the bush; and if the government is to carry out an offensive against the people you term as the followers of General George, then you are virtually operating against the civilians community. It is not an option for the Government of Southern Sudan to operate against its citizens.”

Paul Mayom added that the government is in consultation with the aggrieved general in order to resolve the issue.

[Paul Mayom]: “We are in contact with General George Athor. I am told he is speaking to the headquarters of our president. I have also been told informally that General Athor had asked that his Excellency Lual Ding, General Anthony Bol, one minister from the state government of Upper Nile and I should meet him and discuss the grievances with the intention of amicably and peacefully resolving the issue. And I understand the chiefs are already there in Malakal meeting him. George Athor is not someone new to the movement and we expect that whatever mistake has occurred, there is a room to settle it.”

Paul Mayom Akech, GOSS caretaker minister of information and broadcasting, was talking to SRS from Juba on Thursday.

Click on Athor label at the foot of this entry to view related reports.

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04-May-2010

• Minister Calls For Re-Run
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03-May-2010

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