Is Sudan peace real or just a mirage? 4,000 flee LRA raids in Southern Sudan

Last August, I started a blog called Uganda Watch for the filing of reports about a savagely violent rebel group called the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), and other news highlighting the terrible situation in northern Uganda.

[Background info: In September of last year, the UN warned that northern Uganda was the most neglected humanitarian crisis in the world - 20,000 children suffering - 90% of the population sheltering in 180 refugee camps - 1.6 million fled their homes - 30,000 abducted as slaves and soldiers.

The war between the Ugandan People's Defence Forces (UPDF) and the LRA has been going on for 18 years. There is a history of tension between the north and south. In 1986, Yoweri Museveni, who is from the south, took power and set about trying to control the Acholi in the north. The LRA dominates resistance fighting, so it says, to reclaim Uganda for the Acholi. Now led by Joseph Kony, it is one of the world's most brutal armies and has terrorised its own people. At least 25,000 children have been abducted, the boys ordered to kill or be killed, the girls used as sex slaves. 500,000 people - mostly children - have been killed in the conflict.]


Photo: A Ugandan soldier walks past a charred body, Feb 23, 2004, in the Barlonyo camp 26 kilometers north of the Lira in northen Uganda after a massacre believed to be committed by the Lord's Resistance Army rebel group in which at least 200 people were killed. (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo)

Here today at Sudan Watch, I am posting some news reports on the LRA - along with three opinion pieces by Sudanese blogger Joseph Oloya Hakim. Please bear in mind, the LRA received weapons and training from Sudan's Islamist regime throughout the 1990s. Joseph believes the LRA are still supported by the Khartoum regime.

4,000 flee LRA raids in Southern Sudan

An Associated Press report May 5, 2005 says the UN confirms thousands of Sudanese have fled their homes in the south to escape increasing and brutal raids on their villages by Ugandan rebels.

A report at AllAfrica, May 7, 2005 covers the same story, saying thousands of villagers have fled their homes to escape attacks by the LRA in southern Sudan. The report explains, in the last week thousands of Sudanese have been forced to cross to Kitgum inside Uganda following stepped up attacks by LRA in different parts of the war ravaged south. It goes on to say:

The UN estimates more than 4,000 people have arrived at the refugee transit centre at Palorinya in northern Uganda seeking protection," UN spokeswoman Radhia Achouri said. Many of the refugees said they had seen LRA rebels hacking people to death, cutting their lips off and burning homes, Achouri said. Most of the refugees were in bad health on arrival, she said.

Photo: Two young boy's get treated for severe burn wounds in the Lira hospital in northern Uganda, Feb 23, 2004, after a massacre believed to be committed by the Lord's Resistance Army rebel group in the Barlonyo camp 26 kilometers north of the town that killed at least 200 people. (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo)
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Is Sudan peace real or just a mirage?

Here below is a copy of a first person account published May 8, 2005 by blogger Joseph Oloya Hakim, a native of Sudan and a staff worker for Servlife Africa. Joseph's post provides an insight into what is happening with returnees to Sudan, and the LRA from Uganda. Joseph believes the Khartoum regime are arming and supporting the LRA and says:

"It is becoming clear that the Arab government in Khartoum is still fighting a proxy war using the Uganda Opposition, the LRA, that is has supported for long."

Photo: Joseph of ServLife Workers

In his post of May 8. 2005 titled "Is Sudan peace real or just a mirage?" [click on the photo in the post - it is of a child with a mutilated mouth, presumably caused by LRA rebels who hack people to death or chop off lips and/or ears]. Joseph writes the following:

There is a growing speculation that the long fought war in South Sudan is not over yet. With the increasing attacks by the LRA on civilian population in Southern Sudan sparking another wave of 4000 refugees fleeing across the boarder into Uganda reported a local new paper on 7th May, 2005. It is becoming clear that the Arab government in Khartoum is still fighting a proxy war using the Uganda Opposition, the LRA, that is has supported for long. I have given considerable time on some of these attacks in my previous bloogs.

Reports incicates that refugees reported they saw people being hacked to death others mutilated as they flee. Similarly with the growing concern that Paulino Matip, a former Major General in Sudanese Army who at one time was a power rival with Riak comianding loyal militias in the western Nuer: Unity State, moving in and stationing his troops in and around Bentieu Oilfields at a time when the North and South Peace deal has to be consolidated indicates the cosmetic nature of the agreement that was signed on 9th January 2005 to end 20 years of hostilities in Sudan. It is still unclear as to why the two Sudan backed groups are militarily active when there was suppose to be unilateral ceasefire in the whole South Sudan.
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How Sudan returnees cope with LRA insecurity and meagre food rations

Read Joseph's post May 2, 2005 and see how Sudan returnees cope with LRA insecurity and meagre food rations. The post is copied here in full incase the link to Joseph's blog becomes broken:

After the Indiana team have successfully completed a one week Medical Outreach Program in Sudan refugee camp in Uganda and having had earlier considered doing similar outreach in South Sudan, I decided to Plan a trip to Nimule a boarder town at Uganda/Sudan boarder where Servlife Africa plans to host the next round of medical outreach. The trip itself is an exhilarating as well as an agonizing experience.

One of the few joys of Sudan trip is after 20 years in refugee camps, many Sudanese Voluntary Returnees are making back home. The joy of returning written on the faces of these returnees is something that automatically sparks joy in my heart too. Nevertheless, while most returnees are happy that they are back in their country following attacks and displacements in their Camps in Uganda by the LRA (The Lords Resistance Army) a shadowy Uganda rebel groups known for their atrocities in Northern Uganda, the uncertainties in which most of these returnees live in Sudan is something that is worrying.

Most of these returnees are going back to their traditional home places but are not being provided adequate protections. The fertile areas East of the Nile where most of these returnees are going back are areas that are infected by the LRA. These areas serve as Safe Heavens for the LRA as they are being re-armed by the Sudan Government.

While I was in Sudan, the LRA attached Nimule 3 consecutive days: killing one SPLA soldier and 3 civilian on the first day of attack; and abducted 9 civilians in the following attacks and the reports indicated that all the abductees were harked to death. Previously the LRA had attacked several returnee villages; killed and abducted many. "This turn of events is a worrying development for us" said one village leader.

"We returned hopping we shall be safe here but it is clear now that the Sudan Peace is a private agreement between Garang and Bashir: not for us; otherwise, why are we returnee civilians not being protected from attacks by the LRA?"

Besides the LRA insecurity, most of the returnees do not have returnee packages: no food and the refugee women I met collected wild leaves (View on Servlife Africa Photo Album) which they were preparing to cook. The returnees told me that at return a family just receives 5kg of Maize and nothing else and the 5kg depletes in 3 or 4 days.

Because of the LRA insecurity and the Landmines, the returnees could not venture in to the forest to collect wild fruits and wild vegetables. The medical services are poor and remote too and most returnees are likely to face a disaster if no helps come their way in terms of supplies and civilian protection.

By all standards, I may say the returnees situations are worst than in Refugee camps in Uganda.
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Focus on Darfur and countdown to current genocide?

Note this post by Joseph entitled "Focus on Darfur and countdown to current genocide?" May 5, 2005 [Joseph writes "the LRA attacks on returnee civilian is a political one pinning the Khartoum Government"] - copy in full:

At present the Sudan Government assertions of its authority in Darfur has focused on strengthening the military and establishing direct control with governors appointed form outside the region. The land issue remains unresolved, fighting still going on, government refusing to admit that is fighting anyone other that the bandits, the Fur formed Sudan Federal Democratic Alliance that joined the National Democratic Alliance that began military training in Eritrea in 1997. Rising insecurity engulfed the Masalit in 1998-9 when disputes with Rizaiqat resulted in over 100,000 internally displaced and several hundreds refugees fled to Chad. The government has insisted that it was tribal clashes.

Successive governments in Khartoum have tried to dismiss fighting that broke in the north and South as merely tribal clashes although they have fuelled such fighting with official and semi-official support to so called tribal militias.

Often times, appeals to Islam and Pan Arabism have been used by Khartoum Government to overcome the discontent of marginality elsewhere in the North. These appeals are not only to home grown support but increasingly about access to external powerful allies.

The power of Pan Arabist ideology, however fictitious its actual base, can connect local groups to a wider international community and offers them opportunity to mobilize support for internal conflicts. We have noted: the alliance of Arab tribes in Darfur appealing to Libya outside Sudan and the UMMA and NIF parties inside Sudan; Sadiq rallying Arab North to retake Kurmuk from SPLA forces, the successive governments were appealing to wealthy Muslim States for military hardware in the face of Anti-Arab insurgency in the South etc. etc.

With the above background, it would be naive to see the unfolding events in Darfur outside the policy of successive governments in Khartoum. Government in the West wants the definition of the word to classify the deaths and suffering of Darfurians whether it qualifies to be called Genocide or not. By the sheer scale of death, emptying of villages by para military groups supported by Behsir’s regime, as well as the willingness of the government to wipe out the black population of Darfur, nothing could be outside the term Genocide. The world has failed its mission; Rwanda has taken place in Sudan, and still no concrete action unfolding. More people have died and more will die and the world has sacrificed the Sudanese People on the alter of Islamic terrorism.

Sometimes, it is difficult to be thoroughly objective in a situation like Sudan. Although the North - South problems have reached a stage where no parties expect resumption of hostilities, The LRA attacks on returnee civilians is a political one pinning the Khartoum Government. Most South Sudanese believe that what Khartoum government did not achieve through military means, it is pushing to achieve through the policy of destabilizing the communities. The presence of the LRA, which it has re-armed in the past and which it is still arming, in Sudan is an extension or rather the arm of Khartoum government. Knowing that there would be a referendum in five years and most communities are to vote either for unity or secession,

Khartoum government hopes that by keeping the support for the LRA active, it will keep most communities a bay in exile and they would not have opportunities to participate in the referendum on the South. What is still disturbing is the slow move by the International communities in consolidating that comprehensive peace agreement between the

Khartoum government and SPLA/M signed in January this year. Darfur Situation still captures the spirit and emotion of the international communities. Yes it is correct that efforts be put to bring peace to that part of the region, but with a closed eye on the south problems things will soon fall out of hands; particularly communities that do not enjoy protections would take up arms and they will fight for shear survival of their respective communities: if this happens, something both the International communities and the weak Government in the South of the SPLA would not be able to handle. It will on the scale be a replication of Somalia in Sudan.


Photo via Joseph's post with thanks.
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Two Red Crescent staff members killed

Geneva (ICRC) - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was saddened to learn of the killing on 1 May of two members of the Sudanese Red Crescent Society by unidentified individuals who fired at their ambulance in the area of Kassala, east of Khartoum.

Faki Mohammed Nour, the driver of the vehicle, and Hassan Mohammed Ali, a nurse, reportedly died from their wounds on the spot. Mahmoud Adam Idris, a Red Crescent medical assistant accompanying them, was injured and taken to a nearby hospital. The patient who was being transported remains missing and is believed to have been abducted.

The ICRC expresses its heartfelt sympathy to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims and hopes that the fate of the missing person will soon be elucidated.
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Kofi Annan calls for more African Union troops in Darfur

Bearing in mind the above news re LRA, see what Kofi Annan said in this excerpt from an Associated Press report May 7, 2005.

The AU peacekeeping mission in Darfur needs to be strengthened but help from UN soldiers will be limited, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said in a report Friday.

Mr Annan said although violence in Darfur was not occurring on the massive scale of last year, the general level of insecurity in Darfur was still hindering humanitarian aid and remained "unacceptable."

The UN and its mission in Sudan could, however, help the African Union mission with technical advice, training support, help in choosing police, by developing an expansion plan and by convening troop contributors and pledging conferences.

An even larger deployment of 12,000 troops would be needed to keep the peace throughout Darfur to enable the return of all displaced people by the 2006 planting season, according to Annan.

He stressed that although it would be up to the African Union to decide how to organize this, its leaders might decide it was time for the wider international community to play a part in this complex operation which would require "a substantial increase in resources," he said.

He said the UN peacekeeping mission to Sudan would only be able to offer limited help to the AU troops in the coming months because it needed to focus all its attention on monitoring a north-south peace deal struck earlier this year between the government and southern rebels that ended a 21-year civil war.
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New Blog

Best wishes to Kukuziwa at Relief to Darfur? and thanks for the link.

Update May 8: I have just visited this link and was surprised to see a message from Sarah, the author of the blog. Sarah will be in North Darfur over the next two months. Be sure to read Distillations of Darfur. Hope we don't have to wait two months for Sarah's next post.
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Tags: Darfur Sudan Uganda Africa

Janjaweed leader preaches peace in Darfur - Some Darfur tribes agree local settlement

Interesting report here by Opheera McDoom for Reuters May 5, 2005. Ms McDoom has written many credible reports for Reuters, which is why I am copying this one in full for future reference - and the one below titled "Janjaweed leader preaches peace in Darfur".

UMM KADDADA, Sudan, May 5 (Reuters) - Sudan's first vice president witnessed the signing of a peaceful settlement of tribal conflict in Darfur on Thursday in a remote part of the region after weeks of talks.

Thousands of cheering villagers, brightly dressed women and white-turbanned camel riders greeted Ali Osman Mohamed Taha in Um Kaddada in the northeast of troubled Darfur.

Some in the crowd said their solution to the tribal clashes in the east of the region should be used as a template for the rest of Darfur.

The agreement came after 2 weeks of talks between local tribes, Arabs and non-Arabs, and involved drawing boundaries between farms and nomadic cattle herders' grazing paths.

"We say here again that the only solution to the problem in Darfur is through peace and negotiations," Taha told thousands of Darfuris.

"We say to those who are carrying arms amongst us now and to the world: our hands are outstretched to you, our hearts are open to you. We don't want war anymore," he said.

The rebellion in Darfur by non-Arab tribes is now in its third year. Tens of thousands have been killed in violence and more than two million fled their homes in the remote west.

The rebellion hardly affected the northeast but the web of tribal tensions did touch some villages.

Amid Abdallah from an Arab tribe said rebels attacked a few villages in the region and tried to force people to join their military campaign and turn the non-Arabs against the Arabs.

"But instead we united all the tribes and discussed and solved the problem ourselves," he said.

Those from non-Arab tribes were difficult to find among the crowd but Ahmed Ibrahim who was there said he thought tribal talks were the best way forward.

The tribal talks began in Khartoum between Arab tribes led by Musa Hilal, who the United States says is a top Arab militia leader suspected of war crimes during the rebellion.

They came to an agreement with some of the non-Arab Fur tribal leaders, one of the main tribes involved in the rebellion. They then moved the talks to the grass roots in Darfur. The agreement in Um Kaddada is the result of such talks.

Taha, the interior minister, the minister of humanitarian affairs and the U.S. charge d'affaires were among the dignitaries who travelled to Um Kaddada to witness the signing.

The town has a new hospital, which the governor said was part of the development needed to stop the fighting in Darfur.

Taha signed a peace deal in January to end more than two decades of civil war in the south. The president then asked him to turn his attention to Darfur.

But some local sheikhs in other areas of Darfur have cast doubt over whether armed groups will listen to tribal leaders.
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Janjaweed leader preaches peace in Darfur

Copy of a report entitled "Tribal leaders preach peace in worn-torn Darfur" by Opheera McDoom via Reuters and ReliefWeb 8 May 2005:

NUMU, Sudan, May 8 (Reuters) - An Arab tribal chief accused by the United States of being a leader of a brutal militia is now touring Darfur with a message of peace and reconciliation.

Musa Hilal and other tribal leaders in the western Sudanese region, including some from non-Arab groups, are taking part in a government-sponsored initiative to persuade villagers displaced by two years of fighting return home.

They offer people in some of the worst affected areas money as well as beefed-up security to encourage them to go back to their homes in the vast and arid region they fled in fear.

"No matter what it costs, no matter what the price, we have to restore normality in Darfur and reunite Darfuris," he told people in the northern non-Arab village of Numu on Sunday.

Hilal said a succession of governments in Khartoum had failed to develop Darfur, an impoverished region long suffering from conflict between mostly Arab nomadic tribes and non-Arab farmers over scarce resources.

"We have to put our home in order from within," said Hilal, 44, wearing a white turban and a long white gown.

But the initiative, agreed in Khartoum last month, has failed to win support from the main guerrilla groups.

The leader of the rebel Sudan Liberation Movement, Abdel Wahid Mohammed Ahmed Nour, said those from his non-Arab Fur tribe, Darfur's largest, who had signed the accord did not represent his people.

Darfur rebels launched an uprising in 2003 against what they say is government discrimination in favour of Arab tribes.

The United Nations says Khartoum responded by arming Arab militias, known as Janjaweed, who now stand accused of a campaign of rape, murder and burning non-Arab villages.

Tens of thousands have been killed in the violence and more than two million have been displaced, creating what the United Nations calls one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

Hilal rejected U.S. accusations he was one of the leaders of militias involved in the atrocities, saying he answered a government call to defend his land and people and joined the official Popular Defence Forces, a local security force trained by the army.

KHARTOUM DEAL

He and other tribal leaders, including some from the Fur tribe, agreed in April on ways to encourage people to return and to ensure that a shaky ceasefire signed a year ago is respected.

Their plan includes more police to boost security in Darfur villages and money and food to help people rebuild their lives.

On his way to the Fur village of Numu, Hilal travelled in an armed convoy, even though he said the roads are now safe. It drove past a mountain where he said the first rebel training camp was set up by young men from the Fur and Zaghawa tribes.

He was also accompanied by a local Fur leader, who said his people had not backed the insurgency. "These rebels did not consult the people before taking up arms so why would we support them?" said Ismail Abakr Ibrahim.

A crowd of about 50 people gathered next to the village market, a few stalls selling fruit and vegetables. Camels and donkeys lay near army soldiers protecting the village about 200 km (125 miles) west of the capital of North Darfur state, El-Fasher.

Hilal said the government had promised $16 million to help those displaced by the conflict. A local committee would be formed to record the names of those families who had displaced relatives to facilitate their return home, he said.

"Each large family will get 2.5 million (Sudanese) pounds ($1,000), medium-sized families 1.5 million and small families will get 1 million," he told the crowd of white-clad men and women dressed in gaudy red and pink wraps.

The leader of the village mosque, Mohamed Khatir, said Numu had suffered economically from the war but that it had not been directly touched by the violence.

"I have relatives who ran to Kebkabiya (a nearby town) because they had no food," he said. "They will come back once all those citizens who are carrying arms leave from here."

Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa

UN Sudan Situation Report 26 April - 4 May 2005

4 May 2005 Report - Highlights

On 3 May, First Vice-President Taha chaired an expanded Ministerial meeting on Darfur

On 3 May, the SRSG met with SPLM/A Chairman Garang to discuss CPA implementation and the supportive role of UNMIS

According to press reports, the National Assembly (NA) on 4 May approved a resolution condemning SCRs 1591 (2005) and

On 1 May, a Sudanese Red Crescent vehicle travelling to refugee camps near Port Sudan was stopped and hijacked by armed gunmen reportedly from the Eastern Front

On 3 May, a large scale cattle-rustling incident was reported in Yirol (southern BEG )

Political Affairs:

On 3 May, First Vice-President Taha chaired an expanded Ministerial meeting on Darfur including the Ministers of Defense, the Interior, Humanitarian Affairs, and Foreign Affairs. According to press reports, the Vice-President called on the armed groups to restrain themselves to avoid causing a deterioration of the situation in Darfur, and stressed the need to intensify humanitarian work and support reconciliation efforts between Darfur's different tribes. The GoS has also announced that it is studying the Draft Framework Protocol on the Abuja talks and stands ready to resume negotiations with the SLM/A and JEM in the near future.

On 3 May, the SRSG met with SPLM/A Chairman Garang to discuss CPA implementation and the supportive role of UNMIS. They talked about how to activate some of the CPA-derived implementation mechanisms. They agreed on using the Joint National Transitional Team (JNTT) to expeditiously address the issue of the SOFA. The SRSG encouraged Chairman Garang to speed up the nomination of the SPLM/A members on the Ceasefire Joint Monitoring Committee (CJMC) due to be launched on 8 May, which could in turn be used to tackle growing tensions in the Abyei area. On the Collaborative Committee on Other Armed Groups, of which UNMIS is a permanent observer, both the SRSG and Chairman Garang felt that it should be made operational as soon as possible to enable it to deal with the integration of the militia into the organised armed forces. Finally, the situation in Darfur was discussed, as well as the follow-up to the South-South Dialogue (SSD).

Before leaving Nairobi, the SRSG met with former Kenyan President, H.E. Daniel Arap Moi, to discuss how UNMIS could support the Moi African Institute ensure sustained progress in following-up on resolutions adopted at the South-South Dialogue.

According to press reports, the National Assembly (NA) on 4 May approved a resolution condemning SCRs 1591 (2005) and 1593 (2005) for ignoring international law and the role of regional organisations, and adopting double standards. Noting that the Sudanese judiciary is capable of trying those accused of war crimes, the NA called on the Government to deal with the resolutions on legal grounds, and on political forces to join ranks to tackle the "great challenges that faced Sudan." GoS President el-Bashir opened the NA session on 3 May with a speech in which he blamed the "negative signals and unfair pressures from the Security Council" for the slow progress with the Darfur talks, alleging that several measures had been successfully implemented to "contain the Darfur crisis."

Following discussions on the time-table and the internal rules of procedure, the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) began discussions on the draft constitution.

Returns reintegration and protection

UNMIS HROs reported on 4 May that two IDP girls living in Abu Shouk camp (North Darfur) one aged 13 years and the other 15 years, have been raped on 3 May by GoS soldiers when they went to collect firewood in Golo location (13 km west of El Fasher). According to UN reports the two survivors were released by the perpetrators this morning and are under treatement.

A possible outbreak of Lezmaniosis has been reported by WHO in Malha administrative unit (North Darfur). To date WHO has identified 25 reported cases and is planning an urgent investigation. The cases are under treatment in Al Malha hospital.

On 4 May, during a meeting called for by the Kass Commissioner and the HAC in Kass (South Darfur), the Commissioner raised issues of relocation/return, security/protection and the food gap in surrounding areas. The Commissioner was adamant that the IDPs would have to “evacuate” the schools as soon as possible. It was also stated that IDPs could not move into the open spaces in the town.

In West Darfur, the HAC has requested a meeting with all heads of UN agencies and NGOs to meet with the GoS reconciliation team that arrived 4 May from Khartoum.

Humanitarian:

SudanAid distributed 8.5 MT of various seed crops to 750 households yesterday in Rukon, Bahr El Jebel. In the same state, UNHCR distributed 2.6 MT of food to 147 Ethiopian refugees in Lologo, covering needs for the month of May. (South Sudan).

Insecurity:

On 1 May, a Sudanese Red Crescent vehicle travelling to refugee camps off the main highway (Es Showak-Port Sudan) was stopped near Showak and hijacked by armed gunmen alleged to be rebels from the Eastern Front (Free Lion Movement and Beja Congress). Two employees were killed. One was injured and a passenger in the vehicle is still missing.

On 2 May two commercial trucks escorted by GoS Police en route to Kabkabiya were ambushed by bandits between Tawila and Kabkabiya (North Darfur). Police allegedly opened fire on bandits, killing one and wounding a second.

On 2 May in the village of Ribash, few km south of Seleah (West Darfur), armed clashes occurred between armed tribesmen, nomads and the local population. Initial reports suggest up to nine people were injured during the fighting.

On 3 May, following the shooting incident reported on 1 May in Shangil Tobaya (North Darfur), a UN team which visited the area to assess the security and humanitarian situations found the situation to be calm. Interviewees confirmed that small arms fire lasted for 4 hours, but confirmation on identity of the parties to this firing has not yet been received from the AU.

UN Security conducted an assessment of the road and area Geneina – Masteri – Kongo Harasa finding the area stable and open for UN Movements.

A large scale cattle-rustling incident was reported in Yirol area in southern BEG on 3 May. The fighting was between the Ciec Dinka and the Aliab Dinka fighting against the Atuot Dinka over cattle and goat looting and grazing lands. The Ciec Dinka claim to have had 27 persons killed in the fighting and the Ciec Dinka claim to have 16 persons killed in the fighting. The number of Aliab Dinka killed or wounded is unknown. The SPLA says that the situation is under control and that some of the stolen property has, under their direction, been returned. An unspecified number of Dinka have been displaced to the east of the Bahr el Jebel River.

Zam Zam camp (North Darfur): following allegations regarding the rape of two women near the IDP camp, a crowd of over 2,000 IDPs formed outside the camp at the same time as sheiks and police forces met to discuss the cases. The crowd showed aggressive intent and GoS police intervened to control the crowd. According to UN sources, CS (teargas) rounds and automatic weapons were fired within the camp and an international NGO clinic received one case thought to be a bullet injury (not yet confirmed). On the afternoon of 4 May the overall situation in and especially to the North of the camp was reported as tense. UN and NGOs personnel have restricted movement to the area. UN will conduct a security assessment early on 5 May.

According to reports, daily fighting has occurred between Marla and Hijer (South Darfur), with tension increasing over the past week in view of expectations of a larger-scale clash in the near future.

The build up of militias south of Thur and in Abu Jabra/Tege (west and east Jebel Marra, respectively- South Darfur), and especially the increased aggressive behavior of militias in Abu Jabra/Tege is disconcerting. Rumors of an attack on the Jebel continue, and fears of violence, fueled by past incidents are keeping agencies from accessing these areas.

The AU conducted investigations in the area of Tina (North Darfur) into attacks by militia on 30 April and 3 May. In the first attack one person was killed and another injured. In the second, three other were killed and one injured.

UN reports militias patrolling in and around Saniafandu (South Darfur), also known as the 'White Army", growing increasingly aggressive, reportedly attacking and looting several lorries on 1 and 2 May between Saniafandu and Yassin. No casualties were reported.

Reports indicate that a military build-up appears to be taking place in the Wadi Seleh (West Darfur) locality with increased military patrolling, movement and tension in the communities. In Mukjar, trenches are being constructed and military presence has increased. In the same locality, nomads are moving closer to the village of Dambar, displaying aggressive attitudes despite the deployment of GoS police in the area.

It was reported on 30 April that Jikany Nuer tribesmen attacked the Lou Nuer villages of Guola (about 5km south of Doma) and Dor (between Doma and Ulang). During these attacks 3 Lou Nuer were killed and 6 Jikany Nuer were wounded. VMT reported that SPLM/A representatives are travelling into Upper Nile in an attempt to resolve these disputes.
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26 April - 2 May 2005 Report - Highlights

The Umma Party and Democratic Unionist Party boycotted the National Constitution Review Commission inauguration that took place on 30 April.

The GoS remains sternly opposed to Council Resolutions 1591 and 1593.

The AU Peace and Security Council decided to augment the number of AMIS personnel deployed in Darfur to 7, 731 by the end of September.

The Nairobi- based Pre-Deployment Training for Senior Staff Officers is ongoing (26 April -7 May).

The security situation continued to hamper humanitarian operations throughout Darfur, and in particular in South Darfur

Political Affairs:

Despite intense efforts by the GoS and SPLM/A joint committee to woo political opposition parties to join the National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC), the Umma Party and Democratic Unionist Party boycotted the NCRC inauguration that took place on 30 April. However, the GoS appears to be trying to open up the political space - the leader of the Popular Congress Party, Hassan al-Turabi, was moved out of prison and placed back under house arrest, while the Communist Party recently called on its members abroad to resume political activities from within Sudan.

The GoS remains sternly opposed to Council Resolutions 1591 and 1593. Following a declaration by President Al-Bashir earlier during the week that he would not extradite any Sudanese citizen for trial outside Sudan, on 30 April, the National Assembly decided to form a committee to discuss SCR 1593.

On 28 April, the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) decided to augment the number of AMIS personnel depolyed in Darfur to 7, 731 by the end of September. Both the SRSG and PDSRSG attended the PSC meeting, and also met with Ethiopian Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi. Efforts to re-start the stalled Abuja process were also stepped-up during the week, with the arrival of an AU delegation in Khartoum. The delegation met with the GoS First Vice-President, Ali Osman Taha, and plan to travel to Asmara to consult the SLM/A and the JEM on the Draft Framework Protocol. Both sides are expected to provide comments on the Protocol before the formal resumption of the talks, now scheduled for late May. Separate talks between the GoS and the National Movement for Reform and Development (NMRD) began in Abeche, Chad, on 25 April. A meeting of partners is expected to take place before the resumption of the main process in Abuja to co-ordinate the Chadian, AU, as well as other initiatives to bring peace to Darfur.

Military:

To date of the SitRep, 3 of the 4 chalks bringing the Nepalese TCC advance party including Contingent Owned Equipment (COE) have deployed into the UNMIS Logistic Base at EL OBEID. The Final advance party chalk was due to land at El Obeid on 2 May. The road convoy to KASSALA was due to depart El Obeid on 1 May 05.

The deployment of Engineer Platoons with air transportable plant equipment into Sectors 1 (JUBA- Bangladesh), III (MALAKAL-India), IV (Kadugli- Egypt) and V (Ed Damazin –Pakistan) is likely to slip by up to 14/21 days. This is due to lack of load lists being presented in a timely manner to DPKO and UNMIS MSD by the TCCs.

The Nairobi- based Pre-Deployment Training for Senior Staff Officers started 26 April and is due to finish on 7 May. The induction programme for future UNMOs and Staff Officers in Khartoum is being finalized in conjunction with the UNMIS Integrated Training Unit.

Induction of new personnel, training and establishment of JOC are key short-term activities. LOs have been successfully deployed to work with JMC and VMT and to JUBA, WAU and MALAKAL.

The Italian led SHIRBRIG TCC arrived in the mission on 27 April 05. The Team was briefed and had detailed discussions with the Military and MSD Staff on operational and logistics issues. During their visit the team undertook reconnaissance of all relevant sites (Mission HQ, FHQ Company Camp Site and Hotel accommodation for SOs).

UN Police:

Maj Gen Abdul-Rahman Ya’goub former Director of Planning and Information, has been appointed as Director of International Cooperation Department within MoI. Returns reintegration and protection

According to OCHA, 1,447 persons from Khartoum, Madeni, Sennar and Gedaref transited through Kosti to various locations in the South and the Nuba Mountains during the week. The 1,447 returnees included 358 people who moved from White Nile State (Kenana, Rabak and Kosti). A total of 950 IDPs have arrived in Bazia, Eastern Equatoria from Mabia camp as of 10 am on the morning of 26 April. These IDPs have all been registered. Seventy three IDPs were reported to have fallen ill, mainly with diarrhea and malaria, with one child passing away.

The GoS Minister of Humanitarian Affairs announced on 26 April that the government has devised new procedures to enforce humanitarian work following the signing of the peace agreement and to improve humanitarian aims for refugees, displaced people and returnees. The Minister indicated that the measures mainly deal with the registration of organisations, facilitations of tax procedures, facilitations of movement to Darfur and the issuance of cards to humanitarian workers in Darfur to assist movement.

With respect to funding, the Emergency Operation faces a 78 percent shortfall against its operational requirements, after taking into account a recent contribution from Australia (US$2.3 million). Pipeline breaks started in April will directly affect the food distribution and the nutritional status of more than 2.5 million targeted beneficiaries. To date, this EMOP, valued at US$ 302 million, has so far received about US$ 69 million, representing approximately 22 percent of the total operational requirements.

The security situation in the Kutum area, North Darfur, has been increasingly tense due to a large militia presence in the area. These militia have not been disarmed and removed from the IDP areas as promised by the GoS. IDPs are reporting that they cannot travel freely outside the camps for fear of being assaulted, raped or killed by militias.

Harassment against IDPs in Kalma and other camps continued to be reported by DSS and several NGOs. However, the purpose of this harassment remains unclear. Traditional leaders have requested that the AU’s role be extended to the protection of IDP camps, as their current role of monitoring the ceasefire has yet to bring an end to the violence.

Registration is ongoing at the registration points along the major return routes into Northern Bahr el Ghazal(South Sudan). Since 27 April, a total of 30 enumerators are being trained in Yei.

Preparation is ongoing for the forth-coming joint humanitarian response mission to Tongar-Zeraf, Sobat and Kodok Corridors in Upper Nile scheduled for 3rd to 21st May 2005.

Two international staff members of IOM in Nyala, South Darfur, have been charged with falsification of travel documents. The case is pending: the Chief of National Security has indicated that it will be dealt with by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is part of a pattern of reports from international organizations of continued instances of harassment, restrictions of freedom of movement, and criminal charges being laid by HAC in South Darfur. DDR:

On 27 April, the GoS DDR Interim Authority commenced 5 day orientation training course on DDR programme for 50 GoS Senior Army Officers. The training course will address the importance and orientation of the DDR programme in Sudan, as well as train some trainers for further information dissemination to large number of the military units of the GoS.

The UN DDR Unit gave an overview of the DDR programme being planned for the Sudan, the expected target groups and need for Government to continue to be fully involved in the process of the development and subsequently in the implementation. Hon. Hussein reiterated the GoS commitment to the implementation of DDR programme and expressed the continuation of support to the GoS Interim Authority and UN DDR Unit.

Humanitarian:

The security situation continued to hamper humanitarian operations throughout Darfur, and in particular in South Darfur.

In South Darfur, the HAC Commissioner informed agencies that all public statements or interviews given to journalists must be in the presence of the HAC for approval prior to publication. IOM and NRC continue to be harassed by HAC officials in Nyala and Kalma. OCHA has discussed with HAC numerous times about the role of IOM, the MCM agreement, and the need for a collaborative effort.

With respect to the situation in Khor Abeche, agencies have made clear to the AU Force Commander that they will return to the area once the AU has established a base in the village and the environment is more secure. The AU activities in this area are currently hampered by logistical problems.

On 26 April, MoH delivered a letter to all UN agencies and NGOs informing them that it would be raising the minimum level of incentives to the MoH staff seconded to UN agencies and NGOs to between 50% and 100% higher. All agencies found this unacceptable and decided that MDM and UNICEF would represent the international community in communicating their intent not to adhere to these new regulations. UNICEF and MDM were due to meet with the MoH on 30 April to discuss this matter.

In West Darfur, WHO reported that they are monitoring meningitis following three confirmed cases in the state (Riyad, Adamata and Abusourug camps). WHO and MoH are carrying out a collaborative active case assessment in these camps. The interagency assessment to Um Kedada in North Darfur was completed on 27 April. The team is expected to finalise the report early by next week. Preliminary findings include an acute shortage of water especially in the SLA controlled areas. General recommendations include interventions on water, food aid, seeds/tools, shelter/NFIs, market interventions and protection.

As a result of the fighting in Yirol East/Awerial and Yirol West (Bahr el GhazalSouth Sudan), it has been reported that approximately 2,400 people were forced to flee from Bonagok, Abuyong and Dor to Padak in Bor South County in Jonglei State. Yirol Town has not been affected and remains relatively calm and quiet. However, the Regional Administration is advising that agencies restrict their movements to the three locations mentioned. OLS Security is planning an assessment of the area.

Mine Action:

The mission of the Mine Action Support Group (MASG) took place from 25-29 April. Participants from 8 countries and the European Commission were briefed by Directors of the Mine Action Office in Khartoum and Rumbek, and had the opportunity to visit mine action projects in Kadugli and Yei. The Sudan Campaign to Ban Landmines and NGOs participating in mine action in Sudan had the opportunity to make presentations to the MASG in order to increase funding.

A Victim Assistance monthly meeting was held. Documentation for the “Approached to Recovery and Reintegration of Survivors of War-Related Injuries” conference was also finalized.

Human Rights:

The local judiciary in North Darfur continued to be unable to function effectively because a majority of its members are working on the three committees established out of the recommendations of the National Commission of Inquiry.

The pattern identified last week, i.e. HAC insisting on gaining access to all cases of rape treated by international NGOs, this week continued in South Darfur.

Civil Affairs:

Recent violence in El Fasher University has subsided, though police and national security forces still maintain a presence on campus. Even though these events have not affected daily life in the city, strong feelings abound on the GOS’s perceived heavy-handed approach in quelling the violence. Most of the students arrested are Zaghawa, and connected to the Wadi Hawar Community Association, which is reportedly linked to the SLA. Others were said to be members of the opposition Popular Congress Party.

Insecurity:

The security situation continues to be fluid with pockets of clashes and tribal clashes all over Darfur. In North Darfur banditry activity was prominent with two incidents where commercially hired UN trucks were looted. An international NGO staff member and vehicle was detained and released two days later. The obstruction of humanitarian activities by SLA is ongoing. In South Darfur armed attacks and banditry activity was prominent. On the Nyala -Ed Daien and Nyala – Manawashi road banditry activities were reported. The attempted arrest of a UN Staff member by GOS indicated the hardened position taken by GOS against humanitarian community, in particular in South Darfur. In West Darfur the control of Jebel Moon was fluid after clashes between the Maseria Jebel Tribe and the NMRD. The control of Masterei is also fluid with reports of attacks on police patrols by SLA. An influx of Chadian tribes has been reported into the areas of Seleha and possible tribal/armed clashes can not be excluded.

Safety of Personnel:

The safety of humanitarian personnel and property continues to be under threat although no direct attacks against UN staff members were reported. The continuous looting of food commodities from UN commercially hired convoys is of serious concern. The detention of a humanitarian worker by an armed group in North Darfur is also worrisome. The establishment of a checkpoint in the area 10 km West of Tawilla by SLA raises concern and action by SLA at the checkpoint resulted in the looting of a truck carrying relief commodities.

Tony Blair's Commission for Africa - The world's first blogging Lord: Clive Soley

Apologies for intermission at Sudan Watch over next few days. Today is the final 24 hours of the run up to the General Election here in Britain. Much bitterness is felt by many voters in the UK about British Prime Minister Tony Blair supporting the US with military intervention to remove the dictatorship in Iraq and enable Iraqis to vote and elect their leaders.

No doubt many Americans don't give two hoots about who is in power outside of America. Today, I feel like writing a vent about all those who mindlessly argue and spread political propaganda in mainstream media, on the Internet and in blogland and make concerted attempts to drown out political discussion, but I shan't because it would be complete waste of time and energy.

Suffice to say, Tony Blair has done more for Africa than any other British prime minister. Through his leadership, the UK is second to the US in its huge contribution to help the people of Sudan. The next G8 meeting is to be chaired by a British prime minister which Tony Blair has spent several years working towards with the aim of getting the G8 to agree on cancelling the debts of the world's poorest nations.

For this reason, and many others, I hope he wins another term in office, which I believe he will. Former prime minister Margaret Thatcher won another term for the Conservatives after taking Britain to war not in a fight against terrorism but over a piece of rock, in the middle of nowhere, that never seemed to belong to us in the first place. There's an old saying that goes something along the lines that "there is nought so queer as folk". If things go pear shaped tomorrow because of the UK's support to the US over Iraq, it is questionable if any more help will be coming from the UK for the people of Sudan and Darfur, not to mention the whole of Africa and the world's poorest nations.

On this note I shall say a warm hello and congratulations to my most favourite British blogger Clive Soley who, having recently retired as an MP after 26 years of great service to this country, has just been made a Lord. Surely Lord Clive of British Blogland must qualify for an entry into the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's first blogging Lord.

[Note to any new readers: please understand, this is not a political blog. The only reason this post appears here today is to encourage any British readers, no matter where they are on the political spectrum, to please vote tomorrow. Comments are welcomed if they are non-political and relate to a genuine and kindly interest in peace and prosperity for Africa and in particular DRC, Uganda and the Sudan. Thank you.]

Further reading:

Tony Blair's Commission for Africa, La Commission pour l'Afrique.
Clive Soley's Why MP's Should Get Blogging plus Fabian paper on Iraq.

Tags: Blair Soley Darfur Sudan Africa

ABC's Interview with Janjaweed leader Musa Hilal in Sudan

American journalist Jonathan Karl recently visited Sudan where he interviewed one of the most notorious leaders of the Janjaweed, Sheik Musa Hilal. Here is an excerpt from Mr Karl's report for ABC News titled "Darfur Notebook: Death in the Desert" May 2, 2005:

With the press conference now ready to start any second, I found another local journalist who agreed to call him back on my behalf to request the interview in Arabic. There security guards were now yellowing at my translator to hang-up because Zoellick was about to walk in, but he kept talking, talking and talking. When he finally hung up, he turned to me and said, "he says 'no way,' but I still think I can convince him to do it." It wasn't until after 9 o'clock at night that I heard back. Hillal had agreed to do the interview.

Richard, Wayne and I piled into a tiny Toyota taxi cab (every car in Sudan seems to be a Toyota) and took the 25 minute ride to our appointed meeting place.

Surprisingly, we found him at a meeting with leaders of one of the non-Arab Fur tribe -- one of the tribes he is accused of terrorizing. One of the fur tribe leaders, told us Hillal had come to seek reconciliation and forgiveness.

He agreed to an interview as "chief of the chiefs" of the Fur tribe sat beside him. Hillal repeatedly told me, "I am not a war criminal."

"Are you part of the problem?" I asked him.

"I am part of Darfur," he said, "and everyone who is part of Darfur is part of the problem."

But Hillal denies committing any of the crimes he's blamed for.

"You have been named by many as a war criminal," I said.

"If I am a war criminal, all the other tribal chiefs, they have the power to put me on trial and question me. I will accept their judgment, even if it means being shot."

But even through the denials, he offered a familiar defense. He was only following orders. He said all he had ever done was help the government deal with a rebellion.

"And a lot of innocent people got killed, didn't they?" I said.

"When you have a war," he said coolly, "normally innocent people are affected."

Hillal insisted reports of widespread destruction in Darfur are a "media fabrication." The Fur tribal leader told us the violence has forced the vast majority of his tribe from their homes and into refugee camps.

"That doesn't sound like a media fabrication," I said to him.

"It's reality," he said.

Hillal is widely expected to be indicted soon by the International Criminal Court. Indictment, is one thing, but don't expect Hillal to be arrested anytime soon -- the place we met him was a police officers club.

Full report.
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UN Sudan Situation Reports 26, 27, 30 April 2005

Click here for latest reports by UN personnel in Sudan.

Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa

SOAT Alert: Disappearance of 3 Men in Nyala, Darfur, Sudan

SOAT Human Rights Alert May 3, 2005 excerpt:

On 20 April 2005, armed men in military uniform stopped a passenger bus travelling from Belail Internally Displaced Persons camp to Nyala and boarded the bus. The armed men selected three male passengers belonging to the Zaghawa tribe and ordered them off the bus. According to eyewitness accounts, the armed men beat the three passengers with the butt of their guns before taking them away in a Land Rover. The details of the passengers are as follows:

1. Ahmed Manees Maalla, (60 yrs), from Marla and lives in Nyala

2. Adam Abdella Mohamed Tor, (34 yrs), from Marla

3. Ibrahim Khidir Abdella, (30 yrs), from Marla

The Omda (Mayor) of the Zaghawa group has visited the police stations and security offices in Nyala but the whereabouts of the three men are unknown.

SOAT expresses fears for the safety of the three men and is calling on the GoS to immediately investigate the incident, make known their whereabouts and give assurances that they will not be tortured or ill-treated.

Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa

Two million people live in camps in Darfur, Sudan

Even if some of the two million people living in camps in Darfur return home soon, October 2006 would be the date of the next harvest, says Oxfam UK in a BBC report today.

[Note, a recent post here points to a report where UN envoy Jan Pronk suggests 12,000 peacekeepers for Darfur starting next year, for four years]
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Oxfam sending 4 planeloads of water and aid for Darfur and Chad

Oxfam is sending two planeloads of vital aid supplies to Darfur and another two to neighbouring Chad, where it said refugees in overcrowded camps face water shortages and disease.

One of the Oxfam flights was to set off on Monday for El Fasher in North Darfur with 34 tons of water and sanitation equipment to provide drinking water to more than 200,000 refugees.
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Darfur Mortality Update: April 30, 2005

Professor Eric Reeves, in his latest analysis re Darfur, predicts that even with urgent humanitarian intervention, many tens of thousands of people will eventually die. Humanitarian capacity is not adequate to present needs and will be overwhelmed by the 3.5 to 4 million people needing food and aid during the impending rainy season.

Most threatening, he says, is the possibility that insecurity will force the suspension of relief operations. If this happens, the UN's aid chief Jan Egeland has estimated that Darfur's death toll may increase to 100,000 per month.

Prof Reeves points out the acute water shortages are likely to remain chronic, given the extent of deliberate destruction of wells and irrigation systems by the Janjaweed (maintenance of water resources has also been severely curtailed by insecurity).

He says he is modestly encouraged by news that the AU has sought logistical help from NATO. But he fears both the time frame and nature of help sought suggest that nothing approaching the required humanitarian intervention is in the offing and that it reflects a lack of urgency.

Full Report.

[My argument against military intervention during past year is it would defeat the object as Khartoum would dismiss aid workers from the counrty. See comment I left at Bradford Plumer's super post on this issue.]
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Tribal leaders 'looting Darfur food aid'

Correspondent David Blair writes from Kalma refugee camp in Southern Darfur. Note his report at Telegraph UK May 2, about corruption bedevilling food distribution in many camps in Darfur.
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Darfur: Refugees Call for British Aid

Hundreds of Darfur's refugees protested outside Downing Street today (Monday) to demand £30 million to fund an expanded peacekeeping force for the troubled region, writes PA correspondent James Reini in the Scotsman, May 2. Excerpt:

More than 250 asylum seekers staged the 'die-in' by laying on the street and brandishing placards bearing names of the conflict's 400,000 victims.

Among the protesters was political rap star Emmanuel Jal, 25, whose song 'Gua', the Arabic word for 'Power' is currently topping the Kenyan charts.

The singer said he became a child soldier armed with an AK47 at the age of eight after being lured into the Sudan People's Liberation Army in the country's long-running ethnic conflict.

"The British are respected in Sudan, and we believe the British can play a part in bringing peace to my troubled country."

The protest, organised by Waging Peace, brought many of Darfur's refugees to London from their new homes in Britain, mostly in the Midlands. Full report.

Further reading:

May 2 Darfur protest at Downing Street.



Photo: Darfur refugees in Netherlands demonstrate on Friday 29 April. Another demonstration was organised in Italy in favour of Darfur on the same Friday. (ST)
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Irish troops requested for Sudan

The UN has asked the government to send Irish troops to southern Sudan to monitor the fragile ceasefire, reports Stephen O'Brien in the London Times May 1, 2005.

Willie O'Dea, the defence minister, said the Sudanese assignment would be one of the more dangerous postings in the history of Irish peacekeeping overseas, but he said he would withhold judgment until the risk assessment report was complete and would bring a recommendation to cabinet where the final decision would be made.

Ireland has seconded one army officer to Darfur, and has provided financial support for the African Union Mission in Sudan. The government has also pledged 15m Irish pounds for the recovery and reconstruction of Sudan from 2005 to 2007, as part of a 4.5 billion USD international aid package.
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Thank You

Thanks to Global Voices Online for pointing here, via Bill's great post at Jewels in the Jungle, the high quality flash clip on Darfur by Physicians for Human Rights - and drawings by some children in Darfur.

Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa

EU's Solana to start dialogue with US on China - CIA supports genocide in Sudan?

For future reference, here below is a copy of a Reuters report April 29 on Javier Solana's important talks starting today in the US re China and his peace mission to Sudan and DRC.

[Note, the timing of Mr Solana's visit to America and the Sudan. Khartoum's intelligence chief - who, according to Eric Reeves' latest analysis, is one of the 51 suspects - was recently fetched by an executive jet, courtesy of the American Government, for a meeting with the CIA in Washington.

News reports say the intelligence information Khartoum provides has proven most useful and up to date. Regarding the report in the LA Times, logged here April 29, titled "Sudan considered valuable ally in US war on terrorism", one wonders if they on the trail of Bin Laden et al.

My theory, mentioned here several times, is the Bush administration, ever since Colin Powell's visit to Khartoum, has some sort of deal with Khartoum to desist from using the word genocide and quoting top end death tolls.

Watch the press, and notice if you see the Bush administration mentioning the g-word or high death tolls: next day or so news from Khartoum [usually Ismail] will hit the wires giving a clue that Khartoum has blown another gasket under pressure and threaten something or other - usually veiled in terms that go something like: "Sudan will not be able to fulfil its commitments as agreed if ..." - which is probably Khartoum speak for "not willing to provide more intelligence info if you continue using the g-word and referring to 400,000 dead". You have to wonder if Jack Straw was getting at something or someone recently when he mentioned the g-word in relation to Sudan because his speech always sounds measured.

Meanwhile, Robert Zoellick is taking flack from Sudan watchers such as John Prendergast and Eric Reeves [see his latest analysis] - even the Sudanese Embassy in Washington got involved with the politcs of numbers]. Here is the Reuters report:

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana will start a strategic dialogue with the United States about managing the emergence of China when he visits Washington for talks next week, diplomats said on Friday.

Solana's office announced that he would meet US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley on May 2-4. He is also to address the House of Representatives International Affairs Committee.

The EU and the United States are at odds over moves to lift a European arms embargo on China, imposed after the crushing of a pro-democracy movement in Tienanmen Square in 1989.

The Europeans have put their plans on hold because of China's recent adoption of an anti-secession law threatening force if Taiwan declares independence, and in response to fierce opposition from Washington and Japan.

Congress has threatened to retaliate by freezing European countries out of military technology sharing if they lift the arms ban, while the Europeans swear they don't plan to sell any more weapons but just want to remove a diplomatic stigma.

EU foreign ministers, meeting in Luxembourg on April 15, said it was up to Beijing now to make gestures on easing tension with Taiwan and improving human rights, notably by releasing political prisoners held since 1989.

EU diplomats said Solana hoped to defuse tension over the issue by starting a broader, regular transatlantic dialogue about how to integrate China's growing economic, political and military power into a cooperative international system.

He is also expected to discuss plans for an international conference to support Iraq's new government, to be hosted jointly by the EU and the US in Brussels in late June -- a symbol of common purpose after bitter transatlantic rifts over the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

The diplomats said Solana would also discuss efforts to bring peace to Sudan'stroubled Darfur region and to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he is on a peace mission.
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Re LA Times report above

Jim at Passion of the Present has a post today titled CIA supports genocide in Sudan?

[You have to wonder what the US Government is expected to do if Khartoum contacts them with ultra important information that leads to the whereaobuts of Bin Laden et al or tip offs to avert another 9/11. Surely it is in everyone's interest that the US takes any information it can get. Governments are responsible for working in the best interests of their country. I don't blame the American Government at all. It's interesting the dealings have been made public. Charles Snyder was recently quoted in a recent interview as saying the US gave Sudan top marks for its cooperation on terrorism. Sharing intelligence information need not detract from helping the people of Sudan. It stands to reason no country these days can afford to turn down useful intelligence information.]
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When Interests Trump ideals -- How Do You Choose Between Evils?

Continuing on with above issue, Jim Portland (sadly not a blogger) in the comments at a great post on Darfur by Bradford Plumer, writes this comment:

Phil Carter at Intel Dump has some cogent thoughts about the tradeoff of intelligence from Sudan on terrorism versus opposing genocide.

His summary position:

In the final analysis, I think that the U.S. government has made the right decision there to work with the Khartoum regime to get intelligence about Al Qaeda. But I'm very uncertain about that judgment. We know that genocide itself can breed instability and terrorism, just as failed states like Sudan can. And we also know that many, many more have perished in Darfur than from all of the terror attacks in the last 100 years combined. Should this effort bear no fruit, I will likely question my judgment that this policy is prudent, and lament the lost opportunity to save the victims of genocide in Darfur.

[See comment by Panzerlawyer at Phil's post.]

Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa

Garang's speech to Sudan's parliament: Seek forgiveness and tolerance and give peace a chance

On April 30, 2005 in a 20-minute speech to Sudan's parliament [broadcast live by Sudanese TV and delivered on his behalf by Nhial Deng Nhial, a senior aide] former Sudanese rebel chief John Garang urged citizens to ensure that the recently signed peace agreement was fully implemented so as stabilise and develop Sudan. He also urged the international community to honour pledges made during the recent conference in Norway over the reconstruction of southern Sudan.

On commencement of the speech, he asked everyone to "rise and observe one minute silence in memory and honour of our nation's fallen heroes, from both sides of the divide, who paid the ultimate sacrifice." [The silence was observed]

Unusually [Europe doesn't get much appreciation from Sudan or the U.S. - which is why I making a point of blowing Europe's trumpet here] he said thank you and paid tribute to peace partners, saying:

"The efforts, which the SPLM made in realising a consensus and peace under the auspices of IGAD (Inter-Governmental Authority on Development) led by Kenya, achieved substantial support from the friends of IGAD, Britain, Italy and blessed with the signing of the peace agreement in January 2004 in Nairobi.

Allow me, therefore, to greet in your name the Sudanese people and recognise the governments of the aforementioned countries. You were our friends, supporters during difficult times."

Here in this excerpt, best of all, he asks everyone to seek forgiveness and tolerance and give peace a chance:

"The implementation of the comprehensive peace agreement does not only give peace a chance but also creates an opportunity for Sudanese people to, wisely and optimally, seek forgiveness and tolerance as well reconstruct a strong Sudan based on equality and justice. The comprehensive peace agreement is a good agreement, if wholly implemented, and could be used as a model for the resolution of other conflicts in Sudan, Africa and world."

See full text of John Garang's speech - courtesy BBC Monitoring Service via Sudan Tribune, May 1, 2005.


Photo: We want peace..peace

Further reading:

May 1, 2005: Former Sudan Foes Dance to Celebrate Constitution - Reuters report by Opheera McDoom - Government ministers and former rebels danced and embraced in Khartoum on Saturday to celebrate the start of work on a new constitution which will pave the way for a government of national unity in Sudan.
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Irish troops requested for Sudan

The UN has asked the government to send Irish troops to southern Sudan to monitor the fragile ceasefire, reports Stephen O'Brien in the London Times May 1, 2005. Excerpt:

Lieutenant General James Shreenan, chief of staff of the Defence Forces, has asked for volunteers throughout the army and is likely to meet the number required even though 150 Irish officers are already serving overseas. The army is carrying out a risk assessment to categorise the level of threat posed by the peace monitoring mission before the government makes a final decision on whether to send Irish personnel.

Willie O'Dea, the defence minister, said the Sudanese assignment would be one of the more dangerous postings in the history of Irish peacekeeping overseas, but he said he would withhold judgment until the risk assessment report was complete and would bring a recommendation to cabinet where the final decision would be made.

The mission was requested by the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations to support the peace agreement for southern Sudan signed in January by the Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement.

Ireland has seconded one army officer to the troubled region of Darfur in western Sudan, and has provided financial support for the African Union Mission in Sudan. The government has also pledged 15m Irish pounds for the recovery and reconstruction of Sudan from 2005 to 2007, as part of a 4.5 billion USD international aid package.

Two million people died in a bitter civil war in Sudan, and while peace talks continue between warring southern Sudanese factions in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, some observers are concerned that not all the influential militia leaders of the region are participating.

Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa

Sudan: The Merowe/Hamadab Dam Project

May 2005 report from a visit to Sudan and a fact-finding mission to the Merowe Dam Project 22 February - 1 March 2005 by International Rivers Network. Excerpt:

The Merowe/Hamadab Dam Project is the largest hydropower project that is currently being developed in Africa. Once it is completed, a dam with a height of 67 meters on the fourth cataract of the Nile in North Sudan will create a reservoir with a length of 174 kilometres and a surface area of 476 square kilometres. The reservoir will displace about 50,000 people. (The project's Environmental Impact Assessment states that the reservoir will have a reach of 200 kilometres. This would affect a larger number of people, particularly on the island of Mugrat.)

The purpose of the Merowe Dam is to generate hydropower with an installed capacity of 1,250 megawatts. The project is expected to be completed between 2007 and 2009. It will roughly double Sudan's power generating capacity. According to the Environmental Impact Assessment, the project includes an irrigation component. There is uncertainty, however, as to whether or not the irrigation component will proceed, with Sudanese government officials giving different views.

The total cost of the Merowe Project is budgeted to reach $1.2 billion. In addition to the Sudanese government, the main funders of the dam include the China Export Import Bank, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, and the Development Funds of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, and the Sultanate of Oman. Since many problems of the project, including the resettlement of the affected communities, have not yet been resolved, it is impossible to gauge the project's final cost at this point.

The dam and the transmission lines are mainly being constructed by Chinese companies. Sudanese contractors are involved in building the dam and the resettlement sites. Western companies are also involved in the project: Lahmeyer International of Germany manages the construction of the project; Alstom of France is supplying electro-mechanic equipment; and ABB of Switzerland is building transmission substations.

The Merowe Dam is currently under construction. The Corner House and International Rivers Network did not receive permission to visit the construction site. Together with representatives of the affected communities and the Environmentalists' Society, however, they were able to visit the project's first resettlement site at El Multaga.

Full report at nilebasin.com via Nile Basin Blog with thanks.
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Did you know?



The Nile River is the longest river in the world. From its major source, Lake Victoria in east central Africa, the White Nile flows generally north through Uganda and into Sudan where it meets the Blue Nile at Khartoum, which rises in the Ethiopian highlands. From the confluence of the White and Blue Nile, the river continues to flow northwards into Egypt and on to the Mediterranean Sea. From Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea the length of the Nile is 5,584 km. From its remotest headstream, the Ruvyironza River in Burundi, the river is 6,671 km long. The river basin has an area of more than 3,349,000 sq. km.

Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica: Sudan, history of the Abay (Nile)

[via Nile Basin Blog with thanks]

UPDATE May 2: Sudan Tribune has just published this story with a link to the pdf report. About the publishers:

International Rivers Network links the environment and human rights. For 20 years, IRN has worked with local communities to protect their rivers and watersheds, and has encouraged sustainable methods of meeting needs for water, energy and flood management. IRN is based in the USA. www.irn.org, info@irn.org

Founded in 1997, The Corner House aims to support democratic and community movements for environmental and social justice through analysis, research and advocacy work. The Corner House is based in the United Kingdom. www.thecornerhouse.org.uk, enquiries@thecornerhouse.org.uk
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Aquaplastics 2005

Over one billion people, one sixth of the world's population, do not have access to safe water.

Through aquaplastics website, WaterAid and the European plastics industry are working together to help tackle this huge problem.

Every day you click on this site, the European plastics industry will donate 10 cents to help WaterAid deliver clean, safe water and sanitation to people in Ethiopia. If they reach 1.5 million clicks by 22 June 2005 then a total of 150,000 euro will be donated to WaterAid.

Please help them to reach their target by clicking there once a day - it only takes seconds and it doesn't cost you anything! Thank you.

Water Aid is a UK Registered Charity No. 288701
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Ethan's Waterbottle WiFi and Geekcorps Mali



See Ethan's post on Waterbottle WiFi and Geekcorps Mali.

Plus, excerpt from Water bottle WiFi in Mali: In the great tradition of DIY wireless comes another project underway in Mali. The project is investigating best practices for building small DIY antennas and router enclosures at low-cost to serve the Malian television and WiFi markets. Designs were taken from numerous sources and adapted to use materials readily available in Mali such as plastic water bottles (peep the "BottleNet" antenna at right), used motorbike valve stems, and window screen mesh. Goals included reducing cost and making assemblages simple enough to require little technical skill. For about $40 per antenna, the project could end up satisfying most of the needs of the WiFi market in Mali. Want to piggy-back off your neighbor's broadband? Start saving your bottles.

Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa

Greece takes over chair of sanctions committee for Sudan

A report today by Athens News Agency says diplomatic sources think the UN sanctions committee for Sudan could play a decisive role in dealing with the crisis in Darfur.

After the conclusion of Friday's Security Council meeting, the Greek UN ambassador Adamantios Vassilakis announced that Greece had been unanimously voted to head the sanctions committee for Sudan, provided for under UN resolution 1591 (2005).

He said the committee will be in charge of monitoring the implementation of specialised sanctions and an arms embargo in the three provinces of Darfur, as well as regularly briefing the Security Council on the progress made, starting from the coming week.
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Nearly 200 Rwandan troops leave for Darfur AU mission

A total of 194 Rwandan troops left Kigali April 30 for Darfur to but they are not part of the long overdue 1,000 AU soldiers who are now expected to be deployed by the end of this month.

The contingent left to replace their compatriots who have been in Darfur for the last six months. The new Rwandan contingent is serving in the AU peacekeeping mission in Darfur along side with Nigeria who are supported by the British Government.



Photo: Rwandan soldiers belonging to the African Union force wait to board a plane to be dispatched to Darfur (AFP). The AU mandate is six months and those leave to Darfur will be replacing their compatriots who left late last year, Lt. Col. Charles Karamba, the research and development officer of the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF), told reporters at Kigali International Airport as the troops board the plane.

Technorati tags: Darfur Sudan Africa

UN Sudan Situation Reports 26, 27, 30 April 2005

Here are the latest reports by UN personnel in Sudan for April 26, 27, 30, 2005.

April 30, 2005:

Key Developments:

The National Assembly met in emergency session on 30 April to discuss SCR 1591 and 1593. Foreign Affairs Minister Mustafa addressed the Assembly, reiterating President Bashir vow not to extradite any Sudanese person and ciriticizing the UN Security Council and Secretary-General. The Assembly decided to form a committee to discuss SCR 1593 in particular.

Political:

PDSRSG Zerihoun attended the inauguration of the National Constitutional Review Commission on 30 April. The event was boycotted by major political parties based in Khartoum.

Leader of the Popular Congress Party, Hassan al-Turabi, has been moved out of prison and placed back under house arrest north of Khartoum. The move, is consistent with a trend in recent weeks to open up the political space in Khartoum.

Military:

The Italian led SHIRBRIG TCC Reconnaissance Team continues meetings with Military and MSD staffs.

UN Police: NSTR
Returns:
465 returnees were registered passing through Kosti on 28 and 30 April to various locations in south Sudan.

DDR: NSTR
Humanitarian:

On 29 April the UN received reports that the population of IDPs in the Camps at Mournei (Al-Genaina- West Darfur) had increased to 82000 with over 8000 not yet registered. The reasons for the increase in IDP population in the area, are both the relative peace in the Mournei Camp and the insecurity in the surrounding camps.

On 29 April, the UN received reports that the resident of Aloua village (North Darfur) are in dire need of humanitarian assistance.

OCHA registered 100 IDPs in Bazia, Eastern Equatoria this morning. IDPs continue to be affected by malaria and diarrhea, with 54 cases reported yesterday.

OCHA reports that Kosti Wharf is becoming congested. There are currently 176 families on the wharf.

An assessment mission comprising ADRA, ACF, Sudan Council of Churches, Health Aid International, UNICEF, FAO, UNHCR, OCHA and HAC was fielded on 28 April to Mayo 39, a location southwest of Juba along the Juba-Yei road to gauge the number of returnees arriving along the route and to assess the suitability of the location as a registration site for returnees. No evidence was found along the route of civilian settlements between Juba and Mayo 39, all the communities were decimated by the war. The road between Juba and Mayo 40 is still infested with UXO and landmines.

On 30 April, OCHA and UNJLC carried out a survey of Dali and Jebel Si IDP camps, around Tawila (North Darfur), to gather information on the return of IDPs after previous violent incidents in the camps on 1 April, involving the death of a child and the injuring of three people. According to the information gathered, in Dali, less than 42% of the IDPs had returned to the camps by 30 April.

The long overdue registration exercise for Abu Shouk (North Darfur) is planned to take place within the next week.

On 29 April, the HAC Commissioner of West Darfur (as a result of a direct order from the South Darfur Wali and in coordination with the Committee for voluntary return) transported 78 households/233 people from Otash, Kalma and Nyala to Garsilla (South Darfur) When interviewed by UNHCR, most of the IDPs expressed that there return was voluntary.

Mine Action: NSTR
Human Rights:

During a field visit to Kabkabiya, approximately 150 km West of Al Fasher, HROs met with the leader of all Fur tribes ("Shartaj") and head of the native administration in this area. The Shartaj explained that the Wali of North Darfur had, in response to a request by the governor of Kabkabiya from June last year, deprived him on 10 March of his original power of office. Instead, he had appointed Abd Al Baghi Abd al Rahman, (known as the main leader of Arab militias in Kabkabiya) as the head of all Arab tribes in the region. The Shartaj interpreted the decree as an attempt by the government to gain control over all land.

Civil Affairs:

On 28 April 2005, the Civil Affairs team in El Fasher met with Fur, Zaghawa, Tunjor and Berti tribal leaders in Abushouk IDP camp to follow-up on reconciliation and return issues. The tribal leaders stressed that current government reconciliation efforts are for propaganda purposes only, and that tribal leaders who signed the agreements are not representative. The tribal leaders reiterated that no returns should take place unless the perpetrators of the crimes in Darfur have been tried internationally, security is provided, and the Janjaweed are disarmed, Furthermore, they requested that the AU role be extended to the protection of IDP camps and villages.

Public Information: NSTR
Media: NSTR
Insecurity:

The UN received reports that an alleged exchange of fire between the GOS Police and Forces suspected to be SLA/JEM near OMM Check Point (North Darfur) on the night of 28 April 05. The GoS further claimed that during the incident one person from amongst their adversaries was alleged killed and one injured.

On 29 April the UN received reports that 2 trucks were robbed along Omm-Tawila road (Al-Fasher-North Darfur)

On 29 April, the UN received reports that isolated cases of criminal activities took place in the area of Ladub, Sani Afondo and Muhajariya villages (South Darfur). Safety of Personnel: NSTR Casualties: NSTR Comments: NSTR
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Situation Report 27 April

Click here for UN Sudan Situation Report 27 April 2005.
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Situation Report 26 April

Click here for UN Sudan Situation Report 26 April 2005.

Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa

Darfur Sudan: Flash Movie by Physicians for Human Rights

Physicians for Human Rights in Washington DC have put together a nice little flash movie from their travel to Darfur Sudan that is worth taking a look at - Click here to view.



[via Zayd's Dad with thanks]
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Joseph Oloya Hakim

Joseph Oloya Hakim is a native of Sudan and a staff worker for Servlife Africa. Joseph's blog is about Discourse on African Issues: Social, Political, Economic, Cultural and Religous Issues seen and reflected in an African Christian Prespective.
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The Reality of Darfur in Pictures

Excerpt from Two and Two Makes Five blog The Reality of Darfur in Pictures:

During a scene in Hotel Rwanda, Paul - the hotel manager - sees some footage that the Western journalists have shot in the streets that shows piles of bodies and roving gangs with machetes in the streets. He is certain that once this is shown on American and European television that the powers in the West will come to the aid of the Rwandan victims of genocide. In one of the most gut-wrenching moments of truth I've ever seen on film, the cameraman replies, "I think if people see this footage, they'll say 'Oh, my God, that's horrible.' And then they'll go on eating their dinners."

Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa

Is Democracy Possible in the Middle East?

Amid the First Signs of Change, Longing Competes with Mistrust of Western Democracy - Commentary By FAWAZ A. GERGES - ABC News: Is Democracy Possible in the Middle East?

Fawaz A. Gerges holds the Christian A. Johnson Chair in Middle East and International Affairs at Sarah Lawrence College and is senior analyst for ABC News. He is author of the forthcoming book "The Far Enemy: Why Jihad Went Global." - via ABC News April 30, 2005.

Technorati tags: Darfur Sudan Africa

More Children's Drawings from Darfur, Sudan

Further to yesterday's post here, featuring Ethan Zuckermann's post on children's drawings from Darfur, here are some more images and captions, courtesy Human Rights Watch:



Above drawing by Mahmoud, Age 13
Human Rights Watch: What's happening here?
Mahmoud: These men in green are taking the women and the girls.
Human Rights Watch: What are they doing?
Mahmoud: They are forcing them to be wife.
Human Rights Watch: What's happening here?
Mahmoud: The houses are on fire.
Human Rights Watch: What's happening here?
Mahmoud: This is an Antonov. This is a helicopter. These here, at the bottom of the page, these are dead people.



Above drawing by Doa, Age 11 or 12
Janjaweed descend on a village on horses and camels, a woman flings her arms in the air as she is targeted for sexual violence or execution. A soldier takes a woman to be raped. She has a cell phone next to her head: "She wants to call the agencies for help."



Above drawing by Leila, Age 9
Human Rights Watch: What is going on here?
Leila: My hut burning after being hit by a bomb.
Human Rights Watch: And here? [Pointing to the drawing of what looks like an upside-down woman]
Leila: It's a woman. She is dead.
Human Rights Watch: Why is her face colored in red?
Leila: Oh, because she has been shot in the face.
Human Rights Watch: What is this vehicle? Who is this in green?
Leila: That is a tank. The man in green is a soldier.



Above drawing by Ala, Age 13
Like many other children, Ala witnessed conflict between rebel groups and the Janjaweed. This drawing depicts a rebel soldier first shot in the arm, then executed by gunshots to the groin. Ali, a teacher in a refugee camp, said the rebels are killed this way to emasculate them. "They [the Janjaweed] know what they are doing," he said. "They are doing it with purpose."

Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa

UN Sudan Situation Report 27 April 2005

Here is the situaton report by UN personnel in Sudan for April 27, 2005.

Key developments

On 26 April, the AU mediation team met with First Vice-President Taha to discuss the resumption of the Abuja peace talks.

On 27 April, SPLM/A Chairman, John Garang, met with the leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

On 26 April, unconfirmed fighting was reported in the Jabal Moon area (North Darfur) between the GoS and NMRD.

Political Affairs:

On 26 April, the AU mediation team met with First Vice-President Taha to discuss the resumption of the Abuja peace talks. Taha affirmed the GoS's readiness to resume the negotiations, and stated that GoS officials were working on a Draft Framework Protocol earlier circulated to the parties. The AU team is expected to travel to Asmara to hold similar discussions with SLM/A and JEM officials, after which time both sides will submit their comments on the Protocol.

On 27 April, SPLM/A Chairman, John Garang, met with the leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Mohammed Osman el-Mirghani in Asmara and according to press reports, discussed the finalisation of the Cairo negotiations between the GoS and the NDA in time for the establishment of interim institutions.

Following the controversy around a plot of land alloted to UNMIS in Tongping by the Bahr el Jebel (Juba) local government (several residents allege they are being displaced from the land in question), UNMIS has made clear that prior to an article that appeared in a local paper in Khartoum on 26 April, the Mission was not aware of the allegations. Nonethe-less, the Mission has decided to halt developments on the site until the allegations can be verified.

The Communist Party has called on its members in the diaspora to return to Sudan and resume political activities within the country. This follows the emergence of its leader from hiding, and reflects a continuing trend of opposition groups returning to the country. While the party will reportedly re-open its office in Khartoum, Party spokesman, Farouk Kadoda, stated that they would not participate in the National Constitution Review Committee unless the representation quotas are re-visited.

With the number of refugees returning to the South on the increase, an international anti-landmine delegation including several EU countries, the US, Japan and Canada met on on 25 April with the GoS Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Ibrahim Mahmoud Hamid, as well as other GoS officials and NGOs in Khartoum, to discuss mine clearing efforts in the region.

Military:

The Italian led SHIRBRIG TCC Reconnaissance Team met with FC and CAO before receiving initial OPS and MSD briefings. Further, detailed, MSD briefings with Section Heads will take place tomorrow with Camp Site visits to follow.

The Canadian Chief of Defense Staff, Gen Rick Hillier met with the SRSG and FC.

The HOM of the Joint Military Commission ( JMC) had discussions with the Force Commander and Military Operations Staff on the hand over of Sector IV to the Egyptian Contingent.

UN police: NSTR
Civil Affairs

Although the situation in El Fasher University is calm, police and national security forces still maintain a presence on campus and in the lecture halls, leading to what students say is a 90 per cent drop in attendance. On 26 April 2005, some students formed a committee and unsuccessfully tried to meet with the Vice Chancellor to discuss what led to the crisis, and ways of diffusing it. On the other hand, the university administration arranged meetings between NCP and NIF students.

Human Rights

According to information received by the Human Rights Officers (HROs), the Committee to Combat Gender-Based Violence established in February by the South Darfur Wali, has not met since 31 March 2005. No date for the next meeting has been set yet.

Returns

According to OCHA, 1,447 persons from Khartoum, Madeni, Sennar and Gedaref transited through Kosti to various locations in the South and the Nuba Mountains during the week of 20-26 April. The 1,447 returnees included 358 people who moved from White Nile State (Kenana, Rabak and Kosti).

IDP registration

OCHA registered 215 IDPs in Bazia, Eastern Equatoria this morning. Cases of malaria and diarrhea are still being reported, with 42 people falling ill during the last twenty four hours. OCHA is waiting for food deliveries to be made so that the IDPs who arrived last night and this morning from Mabia camp can be assisted.

Protection Issues

The INGO driver abducted on 25th April in Kafod (North darfur) has been released.
On 26 April, reports indicate that one woman was stabbed five times by Arab militias after being subjected to several attempts of rape in Saga village.
Harassment against IDPs in Kalma and other camps continues to be reported.

Food/NFIs

WFP distributed a one-month full ration to 6,530 registered IDPs in Nhialdiu town, Unity State, who fled fighting in Nhialdiu, Dhorkan and Jikang areas during the week

Assessments: NSTR
Insecurity:

On 26 April, unconfirmed fighting was reported in the Jabal Moon area (North darfur) between the GoS and NMRD.

On 26 April, reportedly three people were abducted from Arusharow IDP camp by unknown armed men.

Children's Drawings from Darfur, Sudan

Ethan Zuckermann has a super post featuring children's drawings from Darfur. Please read it to view larger images and click into his links for further details. Here are the drawings and captions Ethan published April 29:

In February 2005, Human Rights Watch sent researchers Dr. Annie Sparrow and Olivier Bercault to Chad to talk with refugees who'd fled from the bombings and Janjawid militia attacks in Darfur. A pediatrician, Dr. Sparrow usually gives crayons and paper to children to entertain them while she interviews their parents. When she gave crayons to children who've fled Darfur, the results were harrowing and powerful.



Without prompting, the children drew scenes of horse-mounted militiamen riding into villages, large airplanes dropping bombs, and gun-wielding men raping women. The children's drawings are a visual record of the atrocities committed in Darfur that aren't available through any other medium. Human rights workers have received extensive testimony about bombing of villages and rape as a weapon, but these drawings provide visual evidence that international media organizations have not been able to provide, as they've been blocked by the Sudanese government from travelling in Darfur.



Realizing the importance of these drawings, Sparrow and Bercault started collecting school notebooks from children in refugee camps. They found in many of them that class notes suddenly gave way to sketches of battlefield scenes, burning huts and the destruction of villages. The two began interviewing children about their drawings:

Leila, Age 9
Human Rights Watch: What is going on here?
Leila: My hut burning after being hit by a bomb.
Human Rights Watch: And here? [Pointing to the drawing of what looks like an upside-down woman]
Leila: It's a woman. She is dead.
Human Rights Watch: Why is her face colored in red?
Leila: Oh, because she has been shot in the face.
Human Rights Watch: What is this vehicle? Who is this in green?
Leila: That is a tank. The man in green is a soldier.

The researchers brought hundreds of drawings back to their offices. When I was at Human Rights Watch a week ago, there was a pile of these sketches on a conference room table, along side a pile of photographs from Janjawid militamen. What amazed me was how details in the children's drawings echoed details from the photos - the stocks of the automatic rifles, the round shape of the houses, the posture of two gunmen riding on horseback. It was immediately clear to me that these drawings weren't of weapons imagined by children, but eye witness accounts.



The New York Times will be running some of these pictures in their Sunday magazine, and German television will be featuring the images on a broadcast this weekend. Perhaps these images will help the world pay attention to the ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity taking place in Darfur and the refugee camps in Chad.

[Great Ethan. Thanks. God bless. - sorry I had to post the same images - couldn't get flickr to reduce size of others at HRW]

See more at Human Rights Watch - Darfur Drawn: The Conflict in Darfur Through Children's Eyes.

Technorati tags: Darfur Sudan Africa

NATO's role in Darfur - AU commission chairman will visit NATO headquarters May 17

Talks with the African Union on a Nato role are expected to start "very, very quickly" a Nato spokesman said, ahead of an expected May 17 visit by Konare to Nato headquarters in Brussels.

An internal assessment obtained Wednesday by the Associated Press at African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, said it may need to increase the force to 12,300 to restore order.

In Washington, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist welcomed the African Union's request for Nato assistance, saying "I'm ... hopeful that a partnership between Nato and the AU will help bring stability and restore order to this troubled region."

Nato officials have suggested alliance help could include transport, communications and planning for an expanded military mission.

However, France has been wary about Nato involvement in Africa, concerned that Paris' traditional influence on the continent could be undermined.

Nato officials said France went along with the decision to open talks with the African Union, but stressed the alliance would remain in close touch with the European Union and the United Nations in mapping out international help for the African peacekeepers.

The European Union has sent military advisers to help the peacekeeping mission and is spending 120 million US dollars to cover almost half the costs of the operation.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has urged Nato and the EU to do more to back African efforts to end the violence in Darfur.

See full report by AP Writer Paul Ames at Newsday.
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NATO to provide support in Darfur mission

Nato, the alliance created in the cold war to protect western Europe from the Soviet Union, is set to go to Africa to provide logistical help for Darfur.

See full report by Daniel Dombey in Brussels, April 28 2005 - FT.com.
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NATO poised for first African engagement in Darfur

One French idea for Darfur was that its logistical support and air surveillance operation, based in Chad, might be turned into an EU military mission. That prospect seems less likely following April 27 written request to Nato from Alpha Oumar Konare, the chairman of the AU Commission, who is expected to visit the alliance's Brussels headquarters next month.

James Appathurai, Nato's chief spokesman, said: "What has to be decided is what the AU needs and what is already provided and whether Nato can add value. But certainly this is the first time Nato would be engaged in any significant way in sub-Saharan Africa."

The Sudanese government insists only African troops can be involved in intervention and other Nato and EU diplomats are frustrated by the limited progress made by the AU. "It is a question of choosing the most appropriate organisation for the operation," one official said.

See full report by Stephen Castle in Brussels, 28 April 2005, Independent UK.



Photo: The AU commission chairman will visit Nato headquarters May 17, 2005 - via Aljazeera.
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Analysis: NATO's role in Darfur

Nato officials will be engaged in intensive discussions during the next few weeks following a formal invitation from the African Union (AU) for military help in Darfur.

Please read analysis by David Loyn, Developing World Correspondent, BBC News, April 29, 2005.
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Top European Union official to meet President Mbeki

Good news. European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana is on his way to South Africa to boost the EU's "strategic partnership" with Pretoria before heading to the Democratic Republic of Congo, his office said in a statement.

Mr Solana is flying to Pretoria today for talks with South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki. AFP report via monuc April 28 says Solana is to speak with South African President Thabo Mbeki about various African issues including the Sudan, the statement said.

The aim of the talks was to "reinforce the dialogue and strategic partnership" between the EU and South Africa.

EU development commissioner Louis Michel is to accompany Solana to Kinshasa.

Technorati tags: Darfur Sudan Africa