"Meanwhile the people of Darfur continue to suffer. Two million or so are now in camps. Many more are homeless or displaced. Innocent people are still being killed. Women and girls are being raped. Children - the children of those represented here - are dying.
This has to stop. And the people who must stop it - indeed the only people who can stop it - are you, the representatives of the parties to the conflict.
What the international community now wants to see is an end to the haggling and posturing and the start of real action by you to put Darfur back together again. So as a first step I call on you today to take five specific and immediate actions:
First: Declare your positions and deployments as you are committed to doing.
Second: Respect and observe the ceasefire in Darfur, which you signed up to and begin to rebuild security there. The Government of Sudan bears primary responsibility for the events in Darfur and for the failure to ensure the security of its citizens there. It needs to cease its own offensive operations and rein in the janjaweed militias. But at the moment it is the rebel Movements who have been most guilty of late in launching new attacks: they have got to stop and rein in their fighters.
Third: attacks on the AU force and humanitarian convoys has to stop;
Fourth: facilitate the work of the humanitarian agencies not undermine;
And fifth: the perpetrators of atrocities have to be brought to justice not hidden.
So much for action on the ground. We need to see action here in Abuja too. That means an agreement reached here that stops the conflict for good and provides the basis for lasting peace, prosperity and justice in Darfur."
Full text (Sudan Tribune) 14 Feb 2006.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Sudan Blankets of Love - Children's project shines spotlight on war-torn Sudan
On Valentine's Day, when most people were thinking of the person closest to their hearts, a group of local home-schooled children - and parents - tried to draw attention to the suffering people of war-torn Sudan, reports Julia Pecquet Staff Writer for Tallahassee Democrat:
Photo: Baby at ZamZam camp for internally displaced people near El-Fashir, northern Darfur, Sudan by journalist Andrew Heavens
About 20 children gathered Tuesday to share their research on the country's people; they also brought blankets for the inhabitants of Sudan. They hope their actions will bring some comfort to the Sudanese.Since 1998 "Sudan Blankets of Love" project has collected more than a quarter of a million blankets. Teresa Hatler will be collecting blankets for another two weeks. Contact her at 212-5783, or hatler77@yahoo.com. For more information visit Voice of the Martyrs online: www.persecution.com.
"I thought it was good to give blankets," said Andrea Hatler, 12. "I didn't really know about where they lived, how they lived."
"A simple blanket is a night's rest. It is shade by day. It is a way to carry their infant or their few possessions, as well as a powerful reminder that someone in America loved them enough to send a blanket - just for them."
As the home-schooled children found out looking at the ongoing conflict in Darfur, what's going on is complicated.
"I was surprised they were burning down the buildings," said Malachi Hatler, 12. "I thought they would keep them and move some of their people there. I was also surprised that they were burning the food. . . . I thought that they would haul off the food to wherever they lived."
Photo: Baby at ZamZam camp for internally displaced people near El-Fashir, northern Darfur, Sudan by journalist Andrew Heavens
Dr James Moore, one of America's top bloggers, put the world's spotlight on Darfur, Sudan
Photo: Dr James F Moore
Considering today's communication technology, the Internet and free blogging tools, Jim Moore, author of The Second Superpower, comments on the blogging of Darfur and, as insightful as ever, concludes:
"The bad news--very bad--is that we learned a great deal about the limits of public opinion to change history, at least this history. We really did believe that we might be able to stop a genocide. As Ingrid reports, when we started the death toll was reported to be 10,000. Now it is at least 400,000. Probably more. The only thing that limits the actual death toll is that the victims are spread widely across a large geographical area, so they are difficult to completely exterminate. On the other hand, this same dispersal makes keeping an accurate count very diffcult, and terrible things can happen where no one but the victims and the criminals witness.
The good news is that many of us have concluded that we cannot stop particular genocides, but perhaps we can stop genocide. The Genocide Intervention Network has been born of this idea."
Photo: An African Union soldier from Kenya at ZamZam camp for internally displaced people near El-Fashir in northern Darfur, Sudan (by journalist Andrew Heavens at Meskel Square blog)
Sudan oil output to double by end 2006
Sudan's oil output is expected to double from current levels of around 330,000 barrels a day by the end of this year, Oil Ministry and oil executives has said Today, according to Dow Jones Newswires.
The increase in oil production capacity will come with the completion of the Petrodar project in blocks three and seven in southeast Sudan, originally scheduled to come on stream but subject to delays.
- - -
Olympic champion Cheek donates prize money to Darfur
US speedskater Joey Cheek will donate the 25,000 dollars he will receive from the US Olympic Committee for his victory to "Right to Play", an athlete-driven charity organization, with the money earmarked for Darfur.
"I knew if I ever did something like this, I wanted to be able to give something back," Cheek said. "The best way I can say thanks is to donate my money to help somebody else."
Cheek's role model is former Norwegian speedskater Johan-Olaf Koss, who made a similar contribution in 1994 when the program was called Olympic Aid.
"The things he has done for other people have been an inspiration for me," Cheek said. "It's my hope that I can assist some people and walk in his large shoes."
AFP photo via Yahoo news 14 Feb 2006.
The increase in oil production capacity will come with the completion of the Petrodar project in blocks three and seven in southeast Sudan, originally scheduled to come on stream but subject to delays.
- - -
Olympic champion Cheek donates prize money to Darfur
US speedskater Joey Cheek will donate the 25,000 dollars he will receive from the US Olympic Committee for his victory to "Right to Play", an athlete-driven charity organization, with the money earmarked for Darfur.
"I knew if I ever did something like this, I wanted to be able to give something back," Cheek said. "The best way I can say thanks is to donate my money to help somebody else."
Cheek's role model is former Norwegian speedskater Johan-Olaf Koss, who made a similar contribution in 1994 when the program was called Olympic Aid.
"The things he has done for other people have been an inspiration for me," Cheek said. "It's my hope that I can assist some people and walk in his large shoes."
AFP photo via Yahoo news 14 Feb 2006.
Glimmers of democracy breaking out in the Sudan?
Today, Reuters confirms Sudan withdraws controversial presidental decrees:
"I consider this as a victory for all, as a victory for the democratic transformation and the new system," Yasir Arman, the head of the SPLM parliamentary bloc said on Wednesday. He said the decrees were now to be debated as bills, which parliament could amend.I say, things are looking up. Sudan has so much going for it, apart from being beautiful. It is capable of pulling itself out of the dark ages, if only they'd all pull together and use their brains instead of fighting.
One of the decrees gave police and army officers immunity if they used deadly force against civilians and allowed any of Sudan's tens of thousands of largely uneducated police rank and file to use live fire at their own discretion.
Another decree regulated the work of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Sudan, requiring them to place their funds in accounts run by the government and allowing them to be ejected or shut down if they publicly disagreed with government policy.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
SLA shot down gov't helicopter in Shearia, South Darfur
Today, while Darfur rebel groups SLA and JEM negotiate peace with the Sudanese government at talks in Abuja, Minni Minnawi, the leader of a SLA faction, says his group shot down a government helicopter and captured one surviving crew member, named as Captain Muawiya Zubeir.
What are government helicopters doing flying over Shearia, South Darfur? Why are the Janjaweed still attacking rebel held areas? Where are the African Union troops in all of this? It's always the same when the Darfur peace talks are in session. Why aren't the Janajaweed leaders at the peace talks?
Note Sudan Watch entry April 3, 2005 Oil found in South Darfur - Oil issues threaten to derail Sudan hopes for peace
Further reading:
Feb 7, 2006 Controlled anarchy at Kalma camp in South Darfur
Feb 4, 2006 South Darfur: Mershing's entire population of 55,000 fled to Menawashi after raids by Janjaweed
Feb 3, 2006 AU says SLA attacks in Shearia and Golo provoked Sudanese forces and prompted reprisal attacks by Janjaweed
Feb 1, 2006 South Darfur: Janjaweed attack IDP camps Kele, Silo, Tege, Um Gozein, Ton Kittir - Mass exodus from Mershing - Joint Sudan/AU forces to patrol?
Jan 29, 2006 Major escalation of violence in Jebel Marra Darfur forces aid agencies to evacuate - UN condemns attack by SLA on Golo
Jan 19. 2006 Firewood patrols for IDPs at Kalma Camp, South Darfur
What are government helicopters doing flying over Shearia, South Darfur? Why are the Janjaweed still attacking rebel held areas? Where are the African Union troops in all of this? It's always the same when the Darfur peace talks are in session. Why aren't the Janajaweed leaders at the peace talks?
Note Sudan Watch entry April 3, 2005 Oil found in South Darfur - Oil issues threaten to derail Sudan hopes for peace
Further reading:
Feb 7, 2006 Controlled anarchy at Kalma camp in South Darfur
Feb 4, 2006 South Darfur: Mershing's entire population of 55,000 fled to Menawashi after raids by Janjaweed
Feb 3, 2006 AU says SLA attacks in Shearia and Golo provoked Sudanese forces and prompted reprisal attacks by Janjaweed
Feb 1, 2006 South Darfur: Janjaweed attack IDP camps Kele, Silo, Tege, Um Gozein, Ton Kittir - Mass exodus from Mershing - Joint Sudan/AU forces to patrol?
Jan 29, 2006 Major escalation of violence in Jebel Marra Darfur forces aid agencies to evacuate - UN condemns attack by SLA on Golo
Jan 19. 2006 Firewood patrols for IDPs at Kalma Camp, South Darfur
Britain's top diplomat Jack Straw at Darfur peace talks - Warns of sanctions
"Progress in the talks has been far too slow," British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw told delegates on a visit to the Darfur peace talks in Abuja, adding that neither side had done enough to observe a ceasefire in Darfur, reports Reuters today:
He said Britain would add names to a list of people from both sides already before the U.N. Security Council's Sanctions Committee for consideration. "Nor do we rule out additional U.N. sanctions against either the government of Sudan or the (rebel) movements if they fail to make progress," Straw said.
Darfur rebels have been most guilty of recent attacks
Britain believes that, while the Sudanese government bears responsibility for the security of its citizens there, it is the rebels who have been most guilty of recent attacks. "Our patience is not unlimited," Straw said, adding that if no agreement is reached soon, Britain and other countries will start looking at alternatives.
"You may well find that such alternatives leave some of the parties here and the absent leaders with a smaller role to play," he said, referring to the rebel commanders who were not present at the talks.
Straw also announced that Britain will give a further 1 million pounds ($1.74 million) to the African Union for its work in supporting the peace process.
He said Britain would add names to a list of people from both sides already before the U.N. Security Council's Sanctions Committee for consideration. "Nor do we rule out additional U.N. sanctions against either the government of Sudan or the (rebel) movements if they fail to make progress," Straw said.
Darfur rebels have been most guilty of recent attacks
Britain believes that, while the Sudanese government bears responsibility for the security of its citizens there, it is the rebels who have been most guilty of recent attacks. "Our patience is not unlimited," Straw said, adding that if no agreement is reached soon, Britain and other countries will start looking at alternatives.
"You may well find that such alternatives leave some of the parties here and the absent leaders with a smaller role to play," he said, referring to the rebel commanders who were not present at the talks.
Straw also announced that Britain will give a further 1 million pounds ($1.74 million) to the African Union for its work in supporting the peace process.
AU top mediator hails UK efforts to bring peace in Darfur
TEXT - AU top mediator hails UK efforts to bring peace in Darfur. Excerpt:
"The fighting, the banditry and the level of violence on the ground in Darfur, is impacting negatively on our Talks, which is why we need once more to call upon the Parties, particularly, those who feel that they can fight and talk peace at the same time, to immediately put an end to all offensive actions on the ground in Darfur, as a mark of their commitment to a negotiated settlement of the conflict."
"The fighting, the banditry and the level of violence on the ground in Darfur, is impacting negatively on our Talks, which is why we need once more to call upon the Parties, particularly, those who feel that they can fight and talk peace at the same time, to immediately put an end to all offensive actions on the ground in Darfur, as a mark of their commitment to a negotiated settlement of the conflict."
Africa 'a base for terrorism'
News 24 South Africa, 14 Feb 2006 - excerpt:
UK foreign minister Jack Straw said on Tuesday Africa is an attractive base for militants looking to launch worldwide attacks and the risk is set to grow over the next decade.
"Nowhere in the world is immune from terrorism, but Africa is now at particular risk," said Straw, on a three-day visit to Nigeria.
"Africa's porous borders, stretched security forces and location in relation to the Middle East and Europe make it attractive to terrorists", he said. "Sadly we think that the terrorist threat to and from Africa is likely to grow over the next 10 years."
UK foreign minister Jack Straw said on Tuesday Africa is an attractive base for militants looking to launch worldwide attacks and the risk is set to grow over the next decade.
"Nowhere in the world is immune from terrorism, but Africa is now at particular risk," said Straw, on a three-day visit to Nigeria.
"Africa's porous borders, stretched security forces and location in relation to the Middle East and Europe make it attractive to terrorists", he said. "Sadly we think that the terrorist threat to and from Africa is likely to grow over the next 10 years."
Flowers in Darfur, Western Sudan
Photo: Flowers in El-Fashir, northern Darfur, Sudan (by journalist Andrew Heavens at Meskel Square blog)
Quote of the Day
Annan and President Bush agree to 'work together' on Darfur:
"I'm very happy that we have agreed to work together on the Darfur issue, working with other governments from Europe, from Asia and other regions to ensure that we do have an effective security presence on the ground," Mr. Annan told reporters after meeting the President. - UN News Centre 13 Feb 2006.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Sudan: Interview with Daniel Toole, director, Office of Emergency Programmes of UNICEF
Q: So Darfur has a dire year ahead?
A: I think so. It is a key year for Darfur. If we can't get progress, people will be very used to being in camps. Whereas southern Sudan is important because people have to see progress for normalisation, in Darfur the people have to see progress so that they can start thinking of normalisation and start to move home. It is not looking very likely.
Read full interview 13 Feb 2006 courtesy IRIN/ReliefWeb.
A: I think so. It is a key year for Darfur. If we can't get progress, people will be very used to being in camps. Whereas southern Sudan is important because people have to see progress for normalisation, in Darfur the people have to see progress so that they can start thinking of normalisation and start to move home. It is not looking very likely.
Read full interview 13 Feb 2006 courtesy IRIN/ReliefWeb.
Ministers underscore commitment to NATO Response Force
NATO Update - 13 Feb. 2006 - Ministers also discussed the way ahead for NATO's operations and missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Mediterranean, as well as the Alliance's assistance to the African Union in Darfur.
Edith Lederer blogs behind the scenes at the UN
UN Correspondent Edith M. Lederer writes a periodic blog about life behind the scenes at the U.N. headquarters in New York. - via AP 13 Feb 2006.
Britain's top diplomat Straw to attend Darfur peace talks
On February 3, 2006 the UK set a list of priority actions on Darfur for the new Sudanese Government of National Unity.
Today, AFP reports British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw will address everyone at the Darfur peace talks tomorrow, February 14 during a visit, an African Union spokesman said today:
Photo: Jack Straw holds talks with Sudanese officials over Darfur during a two-day visit to Sudan (Islam Online August 24, 2004)
See BBC photos of Mr Straw's Darfur visit August 2004.
Update
Feb 13, 2006 Straw to underscore democracy in Nigeria.
Feb 13, 2006 Harold Doan.com Press Release Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Jack Straw, is expected to criticise the lack of progress in the Darfur peace talks taking place in Abuja, during his visit to Nigeria on 14 and 15 February. He will also deliver a keynote speech outlining the UK's agenda for Africa in 2006 and beyond.
In his address to the Darfur peace talks, Mr Straw will say that the commitments made by the participants to the talks have not been met and that both the Government of Sudan and the rebel movements have repeatedly violated the ceasefire.
Today, AFP reports British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw will address everyone at the Darfur peace talks tomorrow, February 14 during a visit, an African Union spokesman said today:
"Mr. Straw will visit the venue of the talks in Abuja and will brief the parties, international partners and donors and observers during a plenary session," Nouredeen Mezni told AFP.[via Coalition for Darfur with thanks]
He said Britain's top diplomat will be received by the AU special envoy to Darfur, Tanzanian-born Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim, at 10:00 am (0900 GMT).
"You know as a partner in the talks, it is appropriate that Mr. Straw share his experiences and makes his valuable contributions to get the talks going," he said.
Photo: Jack Straw holds talks with Sudanese officials over Darfur during a two-day visit to Sudan (Islam Online August 24, 2004)
See BBC photos of Mr Straw's Darfur visit August 2004.
Update
Feb 13, 2006 Straw to underscore democracy in Nigeria.
Feb 13, 2006 Harold Doan.com Press Release Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Jack Straw, is expected to criticise the lack of progress in the Darfur peace talks taking place in Abuja, during his visit to Nigeria on 14 and 15 February. He will also deliver a keynote speech outlining the UK's agenda for Africa in 2006 and beyond.
In his address to the Darfur peace talks, Mr Straw will say that the commitments made by the participants to the talks have not been met and that both the Government of Sudan and the rebel movements have repeatedly violated the ceasefire.
British PM Blair vows to keep up pressure on aid for Africa
British Prime Minister Tony Blair is currently in South Africa for a summit of centre-left government leaders, reports Reuters today.
Mr Blair vows to keep up pressure on international help for Africa, saying the wealthy world still needs to make good its promises to give aid, trade and peacekeeping help.
Britain was on track to meet a goal of devoting 0.7 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to aid for poor countries and that other initiatives, such as a plan for near universal access to treatment for HIV/AIDS, were also making headway.
Full report (Reuters) 13 February 2006.
Further reading:
Feb 1, 2006 (Reuters) - At the UN, the US and Britain were drafting a Security Council statement for approval next week that would ask UN officials to draft plans for a Darfur force as a first step, council envoys said. But the diplomats did not expect council authorisation this month when US Ambassador John Bolton holds the rotating presidency of the 15-member body.
Oct 3, 2005 Message to Sudan: What happened to Tony Blair's 5-point plan?
Photo: British PM Tony Blair in Khartoum, October 2004: the first visit to Sudan by a British leader since Sudan gained its independence from Britain in 1956. See Oct 6, 2004 Blair arrives in Khartoum to press for Darfur peace - Blair outlines demands to Sudan.
Mr Blair vows to keep up pressure on international help for Africa, saying the wealthy world still needs to make good its promises to give aid, trade and peacekeeping help.
Britain was on track to meet a goal of devoting 0.7 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to aid for poor countries and that other initiatives, such as a plan for near universal access to treatment for HIV/AIDS, were also making headway.
Full report (Reuters) 13 February 2006.
Further reading:
Feb 1, 2006 (Reuters) - At the UN, the US and Britain were drafting a Security Council statement for approval next week that would ask UN officials to draft plans for a Darfur force as a first step, council envoys said. But the diplomats did not expect council authorisation this month when US Ambassador John Bolton holds the rotating presidency of the 15-member body.
Oct 3, 2005 Message to Sudan: What happened to Tony Blair's 5-point plan?
Photo: British PM Tony Blair in Khartoum, October 2004: the first visit to Sudan by a British leader since Sudan gained its independence from Britain in 1956. See Oct 6, 2004 Blair arrives in Khartoum to press for Darfur peace - Blair outlines demands to Sudan.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair writes "Towards real action in Africa" - AU Standby Force of 20,000 personnel
Read Towards real action in Africa by British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Excerpt:
"The UK has set out a series of milestones for this year which, if met, will see comprehensive plans across Africa for achieving free healthcare and schooling, and an African Union (AU) Standby Force ready to deploy 20000 personnel to conflict zones on the continent."Feb 22 Update: See Feb 10 2006 Reuters report NATO commander fears rapid-reaction force delay.
BBC Arabic road show at Khartoum University, 6 March 2006
Today, Trade Arabia.com reports that BBC Arabic radio and online have launched an interactive road show of events in five locations across the Arabic-speaking world designed to involve young people and encourage them to debate the key issues which affect their daily lives and their long-term future: 'Your future, who decides it?' launches in Cairo February 20 with interactive booths and conversation-promoting materials at places young people meet and mingle, such as universities, shopping malls, gyms and coffee shops.
'Your future, who decides it?' debates are broadcast live on BBC Arabic and webcast live on bbcarabic.com at 15.00 GMT. Note:
Khartoum University, March 6: Sudanese youth and the search for identity. Guest speakers include Sudan media specialists, Ali Shamou and Ammar Ahmed Adam. BBC presenter Safaa Faisal.
'Your future, who decides it?' debates are broadcast live on BBC Arabic and webcast live on bbcarabic.com at 15.00 GMT. Note:
Khartoum University, March 6: Sudanese youth and the search for identity. Guest speakers include Sudan media specialists, Ali Shamou and Ammar Ahmed Adam. BBC presenter Safaa Faisal.
Congo leader's GBP 169,000 hotel bill
Yesterday's Sunday Times article by Tony Allen-Mills says the leader of one of Africa's poorest countries paid more than GBP 100,000 in cash towards a GBP 169,000 hotel bill run up by his entourage during last year's UN summit in New York, according to court documents obtained by The Sunday Times:
Photo (Wikepedia): Jacques Chirac (R) and Denis Sassou-Nguesso president (1979-92, 1997-) of Congo (Brazzaville)
Jan 25, 2006 New AU chairman would welcome UN support for AU troops in Darfur: International force in Darfur must be African-led.
Jan 23, 2006 President of Congo (Brazzaville) to succeed Obasanjo as AU chair
"Aides to President Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of Congo startled staff at the Palace hotel on Madison Avenue by pulling out wads of $100 notes to settle a bill for 26 rooms.Full story.
Sassou-Nguesso, who is chairman of the African Union, representing all the continent's governments, is negotiating with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to cancel many of his country's debts on the grounds that it cannot afford to repay them. Yet the president spent a week last September in the Palace hotel, one of Manhattan's most prestigious addresses."
Photo (Wikepedia): Jacques Chirac (R) and Denis Sassou-Nguesso president (1979-92, 1997-) of Congo (Brazzaville)
Jan 25, 2006 New AU chairman would welcome UN support for AU troops in Darfur: International force in Darfur must be African-led.
Jan 23, 2006 President of Congo (Brazzaville) to succeed Obasanjo as AU chair
Darfur peace talks in Slovenia postponed indefinitely
Feb 12, 2006 SudanTribune article confirms peace talks between the warring sides in Darfur, scheduled to take place on Monday and Tuesday in Slovenia, have been postponed indefinitely, the office of President Janez Drnovsek told the Slovene state-run STA on Sunday:
Photo: Slovenia's President Janez Drnovsek - The Slovene president's duties are largely ceremonial, as the Cabinet and parliament hold most powers.
Note, Sudan Watch Jan 31, 2006 Sudan's expecting two new presidential boats - the first one was made in Slovenia.
Further reading
Feb 9, 2006 Slovene president calls for peace talks on Darfur - Drnovsek said he has expanded his proposed peace agreement for Darfur from 10 to 16 points. This is no longer just a draft version of a peace agreement but a proposal that has been sent to the Sudanese government and rebels for consideration, Drnovsek said.
Feb 8, 2006 Darfur rebel groups support Slovene initiative - SLA and the JEM said that Drnovsek's plan presents a good basis for concluding a peace deal. Earlier in the day Sudan's president Omar al-Bashir also expressed his support for Drnovsek's peace plan, labelling the initiative a friendly gesture stemming from a sincere and heartfelt desire to help in finding a lasting solution for the region.
Feb 8, 2006 Darfur rebel groups support Slovene initiative - The plan includes a political solution that is similar to the one used to resolve the crisis in southern Sudan several years ago; also includes provisions for ensuring security and special provisions that deal with the involvement of the international community in the peace process.
Jan 30, 2006 Slovene president leaves Liberal Democrats for civic movement - Slovenia's President Janez Drnovsek said Monday he has left the Liberal Democrat party and has formed a civic movement to fight for global justice and development. The Slovene president's duties are largely ceremonial, as the Cabinet and parliament hold most powers.
Jan 19, 2006 Slovene's "The World for Darfur" initiative welcomed in France - "China maintains a strong economic presence in Sudan and could strengthen the African Union-led peacekeeping mission, which is understaffed and ill-equipped for the task, Drnovsek was quoted as saying."
"Officials in the president's office explained that it was obvious the participants were pressured not to take part in the meeting. There was obvious pressure from a number of international organizations, the office explained, adding that UN reps also failed to show much enthusiasm for helping to bring about the meeting. The pressure on the warring sides included threats that their participation in negotiations in Slovenia could endanger the Abuja peace process, the office added.The article says according to Drnovsek's aides, additional diplomatic efforts are needed to ensure that a meeting takes place in Slovenia in the near future.
Photo: Slovenia's President Janez Drnovsek - The Slovene president's duties are largely ceremonial, as the Cabinet and parliament hold most powers.
Note, Sudan Watch Jan 31, 2006 Sudan's expecting two new presidential boats - the first one was made in Slovenia.
Further reading
Feb 9, 2006 Slovene president calls for peace talks on Darfur - Drnovsek said he has expanded his proposed peace agreement for Darfur from 10 to 16 points. This is no longer just a draft version of a peace agreement but a proposal that has been sent to the Sudanese government and rebels for consideration, Drnovsek said.
Feb 8, 2006 Darfur rebel groups support Slovene initiative - SLA and the JEM said that Drnovsek's plan presents a good basis for concluding a peace deal. Earlier in the day Sudan's president Omar al-Bashir also expressed his support for Drnovsek's peace plan, labelling the initiative a friendly gesture stemming from a sincere and heartfelt desire to help in finding a lasting solution for the region.
Feb 8, 2006 Darfur rebel groups support Slovene initiative - The plan includes a political solution that is similar to the one used to resolve the crisis in southern Sudan several years ago; also includes provisions for ensuring security and special provisions that deal with the involvement of the international community in the peace process.
Jan 30, 2006 Slovene president leaves Liberal Democrats for civic movement - Slovenia's President Janez Drnovsek said Monday he has left the Liberal Democrat party and has formed a civic movement to fight for global justice and development. The Slovene president's duties are largely ceremonial, as the Cabinet and parliament hold most powers.
Jan 19, 2006 Slovene's "The World for Darfur" initiative welcomed in France - "China maintains a strong economic presence in Sudan and could strengthen the African Union-led peacekeeping mission, which is understaffed and ill-equipped for the task, Drnovsek was quoted as saying."
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Reuters exclusive interview: Mahamat Nour the Chad rebel leader demands change, by force if needed
[Sudan Watch Editor's Note: This entry has been updated on 05 Dec 2010 as the original hyperlinks, published here in 2006, have become broken due to Reuters archiving of the report on another page]
HERE below is a copy of an exclusive interview (by Opheera McDoom for Reuters, reporting from the Sudan-Chad border Feb 12) with 35 year old Mahamat Nour, the leader of the insurgents trying to topple the Chadian president.
In this, his first interview with a Western journalist, he said well-armed defectors are flocking to his remote camps on the Sudanese border and are eager to take power and his forces are now "eight times stronger" than when they attacked the Chad border town Adre in December, a raid he describes as a test run. Copy in full:
EXCLUSIVE-Chad rebel leader demands change, by force if needed
12 Feb 2006 11:55:47 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Opheera McDoom
Further reading
Feb 10, 2006 report at Sudan Tribune says the chairman of one of the SLM two factions, Abdelwahid Mohamed al-Nour his faction would sign a peace agreement on its own without involving the JEM and "Menni Minawi's group".
Jan 28, 2006 Sudan accuses Chad of shelling Arm Yakui, West Darfur - NMRD Darfur rebels attack Sudan army base in Arm Yakui.
Jan 13, 2006 Sudan says UN peace force in Darfur unwelcome - See comment from Sudan Watch reader: "The commander in charge of the massacres in Darfur is called MAHAMAT NOUR ABDELKRIM: http://genocidedarfour.blogspot.com/
The "captain" Mahamat Nour, ex-officer of the chadian army, has commanded the Jandjawids with the sudanese logistic. He has been the principal planner of the genocide in Darfur. Thanks to his chadian nationality, he was used as an alibi by the Sudanese government."
Dec 21, 2005 Chad and its links to crisis in Sudan's Darfur.
HERE below is a copy of an exclusive interview (by Opheera McDoom for Reuters, reporting from the Sudan-Chad border Feb 12) with 35 year old Mahamat Nour, the leader of the insurgents trying to topple the Chadian president.
In this, his first interview with a Western journalist, he said well-armed defectors are flocking to his remote camps on the Sudanese border and are eager to take power and his forces are now "eight times stronger" than when they attacked the Chad border town Adre in December, a raid he describes as a test run. Copy in full:
EXCLUSIVE-Chad rebel leader demands change, by force if needed
12 Feb 2006 11:55:47 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Opheera McDoom
SUDAN-CHAD BORDER, Feb 12 (Reuters) - Confident and relaxed, the leader of the insurgents trying to topple the Chadian president says well-armed defectors are flocking to his remote camps on the Sudanese border and are eager to take power.- - -
In his first interview with a Western journalist, Mahamat Nour said his forces are now "eight times stronger" than when they attacked the Chad border town of Adre in December, a raid he describes as a test run.
A stocky man with a commanding presence and an organised mind, Nour, 35, comes from a family that has played a key role in making and breaking Chad's leaders over the past two decades.
His father, the head of a powerful east Chadian tribe, helped launch both the coup that brought President Idriss Deby to power in 1990 and that of his predecessor Hissene Habre.
Many of the area's tribes span the long and porous border, making it almost impossible to differentiate nationalities.
Nour himself is fluent in Arabic, French and his native tribal language Tama, speaking each with a slight stutter.
His desert bases are well defended. A jolting three-hour drive on dirt tracks through Sudan's Darfur region brings the visitor to a narrow opening between two hills, where vehicles full of armed men appear from nowhere and surround the car.
From the French spoken by the men in new green uniforms, it is clear this is one of the insurgents' camps.
Both Deby and Nour know this rocky terrain well from the days when coups were planned here. Sudan's western Darfur region is now in the throes of its own civil war.
Nour left Deby's government in 1994, disillusioned with what he calls Deby's "autocratic and corrupt ways." Since then he has remained in opposition, spending time in Khartoum and other African capitals.
FINAL CHANCE
Nour has said he has offered Deby a final chance to accept a national forum to discuss democratic change or face removal by force.
"No one wants a war, but if that's the only way, we will go to Chad," he said.
His ambitions have fuelled tension between Sudan and Chad and prompted Deby to declare a "state of belligerence" with Sudan, which he has accused of supporting Nour.
Last week the two states' presidents agreed at a mini-summit in Tripoli to ban insurgents from setting up bases in each country, but the border is remote and largely unsupervised.
Nour said December's failed attack on Adre was a test run and, with deserters arriving every day including high-level government officials, he now had thousands of troops.
Truckloads of young men and supplies, including brand new weapons, were arriving every day at the well-secured camp. Heavy weapons including rocket and mortar launchers were out of sight just beyond the deceptively simple entry checkpoint of a branch and two stones. There appeared to be no shortage of funds.
Chadian Colonel Ahmed Youssef Bishara, one of a group of senior officers who deserted recently and came to the rebel camp, said he was surprised at the strength of Nour's forces.
"There's not been anything as big as this in all my experience," he said. "Here we have many heavy weapons and many troops -- much more than Deby had."
JOIN NOUR'S RANKS
Bishara said he had some 1,800 troops in southern Chad near the border and was ready to join Nour's ranks to oust Deby.
"Deby has taken the money from the Chadian people -- now we want freedom," said Bishara, a tall, sinewy figure wearing dark glasses and green army uniform.
"We have people in the high ranks with us. When Deby is sleeping we know what he just ate for dinner," he said with a grin.
Colonel Bishara Moussa Farid, who took part in peacekeeping operations in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has also turned on Deby.
"He accused me of attempting a coup and imprisoned me for six months," said Farid, 52, a vetern who took part in the coups which installed both Deby and his predecessor Hissene Habre in power in N'Djamena.
"These troops here are much better off than the previous resistances," he said. "We didn't have equipment and heavy weapons as we do now," he added.
Some members of the opposition groups that signed an agreement in December to form the United Front for Democratic Change said there were doubts over whether Nour was strong enough to unite them.
"Everywhere in the world there are problems like this," was Nour's reply. "But I can say that as of today, it's all going well."
Nour and his troops were confident of success. "We will invite you to N'Djamena when we arrive," he said, laughing with his officers.
Further reading
Feb 10, 2006 report at Sudan Tribune says the chairman of one of the SLM two factions, Abdelwahid Mohamed al-Nour his faction would sign a peace agreement on its own without involving the JEM and "Menni Minawi's group".
Jan 28, 2006 Sudan accuses Chad of shelling Arm Yakui, West Darfur - NMRD Darfur rebels attack Sudan army base in Arm Yakui.
Jan 13, 2006 Sudan says UN peace force in Darfur unwelcome - See comment from Sudan Watch reader: "The commander in charge of the massacres in Darfur is called MAHAMAT NOUR ABDELKRIM: http://genocidedarfour.blogspot.com/
The "captain" Mahamat Nour, ex-officer of the chadian army, has commanded the Jandjawids with the sudanese logistic. He has been the principal planner of the genocide in Darfur. Thanks to his chadian nationality, he was used as an alibi by the Sudanese government."
Dec 21, 2005 Chad and its links to crisis in Sudan's Darfur.
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