Photo: An internally displaced Sudanese woman receives with her child medical attention at a Spanish Red Cross health center in Beleil camp, near the town of Nyala in Sudan's southern Darfur region, in 2004. (AFP/Jose Cendon/Yahoo)
Thursday, April 06, 2006
World Health Day
Today is World Health Day. The brain drain siphons away nearly one quarter of the few African doctors available in the poorest parts of the continent, according to a World Health Organisation report.
Photo: An internally displaced Sudanese woman receives with her child medical attention at a Spanish Red Cross health center in Beleil camp, near the town of Nyala in Sudan's southern Darfur region, in 2004. (AFP/Jose Cendon/Yahoo)
Photo: An internally displaced Sudanese woman receives with her child medical attention at a Spanish Red Cross health center in Beleil camp, near the town of Nyala in Sudan's southern Darfur region, in 2004. (AFP/Jose Cendon/Yahoo)
New UN Press Release web site
UN Pulse announces a new Press Release web site has been launched April 6.
UAE, Sudan ink MoU to fight against terrorism
The UAE and Sudan on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the fight against terrorism and organised crimes.
Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior and his Sudanese counterpart Al Zubair Bashir Taha inked the MoU in the presence of top officers from both sides and a representative of UAE foreign ministry. The Sudanese Minister is leading a high-level interior ministry delegation.
Shaikh Saif said: 'It continues the cooperation between us and opens a door for new horizon of coordination between the two countries. This MoU affirms our commitments in establishing the foundation of cooperation with friendly countries.' Full report Khaleej Times Online 6 Apr 2006.
Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior and his Sudanese counterpart Al Zubair Bashir Taha inked the MoU in the presence of top officers from both sides and a representative of UAE foreign ministry. The Sudanese Minister is leading a high-level interior ministry delegation.
Shaikh Saif said: 'It continues the cooperation between us and opens a door for new horizon of coordination between the two countries. This MoU affirms our commitments in establishing the foundation of cooperation with friendly countries.' Full report Khaleej Times Online 6 Apr 2006.
Norway would send troops to Darfur: prime minister
Norway may offer troops for a UN peacekeeping operation in Darfur, Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday.
Mr Stoltenberg said at UN headquarters that his government was "very concerned" that things are getting worse in Darfur.
"We're strongly supporting the work of the African Union (in Darfur)," he said. "We are also considering sending military personnel to Darfur if there is a strong international basis for doing so, but it is not there yet." Full report by Deutsche Presse Agentur via ReliefWeb 6 Apr 2006.
Mr Stoltenberg said at UN headquarters that his government was "very concerned" that things are getting worse in Darfur.
"We're strongly supporting the work of the African Union (in Darfur)," he said. "We are also considering sending military personnel to Darfur if there is a strong international basis for doing so, but it is not there yet." Full report by Deutsche Presse Agentur via ReliefWeb 6 Apr 2006.
Norwegian Refugee Council hopes to return to South Darfur
Some media reports published in the last two days have suggested that Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has been asked to leave Sudan. This is not correct. NRC has been asked to discontinue its humanitarian aid operation in the state of South Darfur in Western Sudan, says NRC 6 Apr 2006.
On Monday NRC was informed by the NRC's agreement with Sudan on camp coordination in Kalma camp would not be renewed. NRC was also informed that its presence in South Darfur was not wanted, and NRC was asked to leave the state. No reasons were given by the authorities as to why NRC had to leave the state of South Darfur. While this is being resolved, NRC continues its humanitarian aid programmes in North and South Sudan.
Photo: African Union soldier at Kalma Camp, South Darfur. Sign says: "WE NEED INTERNATIONAL FORCE TO PROTECT US"
NRC has been coordinating relief work in Kalma camp in cooperation with the local authorities in South Darfur since mid 2004. Kalma camp is the largest camp for internally displaced persons in Sudan with almost 100,000 people. As an implementing partner of World Food Programme (WFP), NRC has also been distributing food aid to some 50,000 people in an area south of the state capital of Nyala in South Darfur, and has been running an education programme for 16,000 children in Kalma camp.
See list of previous entries at Sudan Watch on Kalma camp, South Darfur.
On Monday NRC was informed by the NRC's agreement with Sudan on camp coordination in Kalma camp would not be renewed. NRC was also informed that its presence in South Darfur was not wanted, and NRC was asked to leave the state. No reasons were given by the authorities as to why NRC had to leave the state of South Darfur. While this is being resolved, NRC continues its humanitarian aid programmes in North and South Sudan.
Photo: African Union soldier at Kalma Camp, South Darfur. Sign says: "WE NEED INTERNATIONAL FORCE TO PROTECT US"
NRC has been coordinating relief work in Kalma camp in cooperation with the local authorities in South Darfur since mid 2004. Kalma camp is the largest camp for internally displaced persons in Sudan with almost 100,000 people. As an implementing partner of World Food Programme (WFP), NRC has also been distributing food aid to some 50,000 people in an area south of the state capital of Nyala in South Darfur, and has been running an education programme for 16,000 children in Kalma camp.
See list of previous entries at Sudan Watch on Kalma camp, South Darfur.
RNW: UN envoy criticises Security Council and Khartoum
The following snippets and photo of Jan Pronk are from a Radio Netherlands article, by RN Security and Defence editor Hans de Vreij 6 April 2006, entitled: UN envoy criticises Security Council and Khartoum.
Jan Pronk, former Dutch government minister and now UN envoy for Sudan, has criticised Western diplomacy with regard to Sudan as lacking intelligence. He also says the Khartoum government is held together by lies and tricks, and the UN Security Council's statements are not backed up by deeds. His comments came at a discussion meeting with students, held on Wednesday in the Dutch capital, Amsterdam.
Photo: As head of the UN mission in Sudan (UNMIS), Mr Pronk currently fulfils two different roles. On the one hand, he is responsible for ensuring that peace is maintained in Southern Sudan. For that purpose, he has a UN peacekeeping force in that part of the country, which - as he says himself - is proving successful in calming the sporadic resurgence of the regional conflicts in that area. However, the object of most attention is his second role: that of trying to bring peace to Darfur and of caring for the victims of the ethnic conflict in this western part of Sudan - the two million local refugees which account for around one third of the total population of Darfur.
IN THE DARK
Speaking in Amsterdam, Mr Pronk pointed out, for example, that the AU troops in Darfur are strictly observing the local curfew regulations, which means all kinds of militia groups are free to operate after dusk.
LIES AND TRICKS
The fact that Mr Pronk criticised the government of Sudan - "held together by lies and tricks" - comes as no surprise, especially since there have been many verbal onslaughts from Khartoum against the UN envoy. However, Jan Pronk was also critical of the people who represent the Darfur rebel movements at the peace talks in the Nigerian capital, Abuja: "They are people who live in the Netherlands, Britain or the US and do not feel the urgency of achieving peace."
He believes there's considerably more willingness to achieve peace among the military forces on both the government and rebel sides. They may be engaged in the fighting, but they also have first hand knowledge of the misery it is causing.
MISBEGOTTEN IDEAS
Mr Pronk's criticism also extended to the White House, which has launched the plan to deploy a NATO peacekeeping force in Darfur. He regards this as a misbegotten idea and one which will simply infuriate all Muslims because of the association with events in Afghanistan and Iraq. "Western diplomacy is indeed extremely foolish at this moment," he said, "We're strengthening the regime and strengthening the opponents in Sudan against a UN intervention".
He also played down reports about the threat of war with Sudan's western neighbour, Chad. He believes the risk of all-out war is extremely small, but confirmed that incursions by militia forces have been taking place on both sides of the border.
- - -
LOLOGO TRANSIT CAMP, SOUTH SUDAN
Photo: A Sudanese boy walks in the Lologo Transit camp, near the southern Sudan capital of Juba on 02 April. UN emergency relief coordinator Jan Egeland called on the international community to put pressure on Sudan to allow aid groups to work freely in Darfur. (AFP/File/Simon Maina)
Apr 4 2006 UNMIS statement protesting the decision by the government of Sudan not to welcome the visit of UN's Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr Jan Egeland, to Sudan.
Apr 6 2006 EU Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on access for humanitarian operations in Darfur.
Jan Pronk, former Dutch government minister and now UN envoy for Sudan, has criticised Western diplomacy with regard to Sudan as lacking intelligence. He also says the Khartoum government is held together by lies and tricks, and the UN Security Council's statements are not backed up by deeds. His comments came at a discussion meeting with students, held on Wednesday in the Dutch capital, Amsterdam.
Photo: As head of the UN mission in Sudan (UNMIS), Mr Pronk currently fulfils two different roles. On the one hand, he is responsible for ensuring that peace is maintained in Southern Sudan. For that purpose, he has a UN peacekeeping force in that part of the country, which - as he says himself - is proving successful in calming the sporadic resurgence of the regional conflicts in that area. However, the object of most attention is his second role: that of trying to bring peace to Darfur and of caring for the victims of the ethnic conflict in this western part of Sudan - the two million local refugees which account for around one third of the total population of Darfur.
IN THE DARK
Speaking in Amsterdam, Mr Pronk pointed out, for example, that the AU troops in Darfur are strictly observing the local curfew regulations, which means all kinds of militia groups are free to operate after dusk.
LIES AND TRICKS
The fact that Mr Pronk criticised the government of Sudan - "held together by lies and tricks" - comes as no surprise, especially since there have been many verbal onslaughts from Khartoum against the UN envoy. However, Jan Pronk was also critical of the people who represent the Darfur rebel movements at the peace talks in the Nigerian capital, Abuja: "They are people who live in the Netherlands, Britain or the US and do not feel the urgency of achieving peace."
He believes there's considerably more willingness to achieve peace among the military forces on both the government and rebel sides. They may be engaged in the fighting, but they also have first hand knowledge of the misery it is causing.
MISBEGOTTEN IDEAS
Mr Pronk's criticism also extended to the White House, which has launched the plan to deploy a NATO peacekeeping force in Darfur. He regards this as a misbegotten idea and one which will simply infuriate all Muslims because of the association with events in Afghanistan and Iraq. "Western diplomacy is indeed extremely foolish at this moment," he said, "We're strengthening the regime and strengthening the opponents in Sudan against a UN intervention".
He also played down reports about the threat of war with Sudan's western neighbour, Chad. He believes the risk of all-out war is extremely small, but confirmed that incursions by militia forces have been taking place on both sides of the border.
- - -
LOLOGO TRANSIT CAMP, SOUTH SUDAN
Photo: A Sudanese boy walks in the Lologo Transit camp, near the southern Sudan capital of Juba on 02 April. UN emergency relief coordinator Jan Egeland called on the international community to put pressure on Sudan to allow aid groups to work freely in Darfur. (AFP/File/Simon Maina)
Apr 4 2006 UNMIS statement protesting the decision by the government of Sudan not to welcome the visit of UN's Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr Jan Egeland, to Sudan.
Apr 6 2006 EU Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on access for humanitarian operations in Darfur.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
UK wants Egeland to brief UN Security Council "on his entire experience" of problems with Sudan
After it was reported today that Sudan clears UN visit to Darfur, Sudan's Foreign Ministry now says Jan Egeland's visit has been postponed "due to the keenness to make a success this visit", Sudan News Agency reported.
Reuters says Mr Egeland said a visit to Nairobi to launch a famine appeal for East Africa would delay an immediate return to Darfur. "I cannot go now. This is not a game. This is serious humanitarian work," he said. "I had agreed on a time with them and I cannot just come and go when they please."
The UN Security Council was briefed on Egeland's problems with Sudan Tuesday morning by Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Hedi Annab. The UK's UN ambassador, Sir Emyr Jones Parry, said he wants Egeland to brief the Security Council "on his entire experience."
Note, could this be the game Khartoum was playing: a UN Security Council meeting is due to consider travel bans against eight people, including Sudanese officials - late today Reuters says the US recommends sanctions only against one Janjaweed and a rebel - no Sudanese officials, and hey presto, Sudan allows the UN's Jan Egeland to travel to Darfur again.
Reuters says Mr Egeland said a visit to Nairobi to launch a famine appeal for East Africa would delay an immediate return to Darfur. "I cannot go now. This is not a game. This is serious humanitarian work," he said. "I had agreed on a time with them and I cannot just come and go when they please."
The UN Security Council was briefed on Egeland's problems with Sudan Tuesday morning by Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Hedi Annab. The UK's UN ambassador, Sir Emyr Jones Parry, said he wants Egeland to brief the Security Council "on his entire experience."
Note, could this be the game Khartoum was playing: a UN Security Council meeting is due to consider travel bans against eight people, including Sudanese officials - late today Reuters says the US recommends sanctions only against one Janjaweed and a rebel - no Sudanese officials, and hey presto, Sudan allows the UN's Jan Egeland to travel to Darfur again.
US recommends sanctions on one Janjaweed and a rebel
The US is opposing the inclusion of any Sudanese official on a potential UN Security Council sanctions list of individuals blocking peace in Darfur, two diplomats said on Wednesday, reports Evelyn Leopold for Reuters today:
Britain and other nations on a council sanctions committee have recommended a list of eight names of people including some Sudanese government officials who would be subject to a travel ban and an assets freeze. All 15 council nations have to approve.
But the US recommended just one middle-ranking Janjaweed militiaman and a rebel fighting opposing the militia, the diplomats said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The names were not disclosed.
Washington expects to include names of government officials in the future, a US official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. It wants to be able to gradually increase pressure on Sudan and to make sure there is a solid case against any people on the sanctions list, he said.
Russia, China and Qatar, the only Arab member of the council, appear to want to ditch the sanctions list altogether, diplomats said.
Britain and other nations on a council sanctions committee have recommended a list of eight names of people including some Sudanese government officials who would be subject to a travel ban and an assets freeze. All 15 council nations have to approve.
But the US recommended just one middle-ranking Janjaweed militiaman and a rebel fighting opposing the militia, the diplomats said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The names were not disclosed.
Washington expects to include names of government officials in the future, a US official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. It wants to be able to gradually increase pressure on Sudan and to make sure there is a solid case against any people on the sanctions list, he said.
Russia, China and Qatar, the only Arab member of the council, appear to want to ditch the sanctions list altogether, diplomats said.
EU on Europe's Darfur role
Cristina Gallach, Brussels Spokesperson of EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, writes the following commentary in the International Herald Tribune April 5, 2006 entitled Europe's Darfur role:
Regarding "Where is Europe's voice against genocide?" by Kenneth Jacobson (March 21, Views): Far from being "missing in action," Europe is taking center stage in the effort to bring about a solution to the crisis in Darfur, Sudan.
Since January 2004, the European Union has been the main provider of support to the African Union's efforts to stabilize Darfur on all fronts: humanitarian, political and in the security field, including police and military. So far the European Union has also provided 500 million euros in humanitarian aid.
Jacobson claims that the EU has not supported the United States in requesting stronger action by the United Nations. This is not true. Only a few weeks ago, high level EU officials hosted a series of meetings in Brussels between representatives from the United States, Sudan, the African Union and the United Nations. The aim was to get agreement on a smooth transition from the current, overstretched AU force to a stronger UN force later this year. Two days later, the African Union took the decision to do just that and speed up the peace process.
In the coming months, the European Union will step up assistance for the peace process; increase financial aid and other support for the African Union mission; and help the United Nations to prepare for its mission.
It is also factually wrong to suggest that the European Union has remained silent on the human rights abuses in Darfur. The European Union has repeatedly spoken out against them.
More importantly, these are not just words. The EU applies an arms embargo to Sudan, and the EU ministers have also stressed support for targeted sanctions against those blocking the peace process, committing human rights violations or violating the cease- fire and the arms embargo.
Jacobson asks if there is truly "a new Europe." I would draw his attention to the 12 crisis-management operations that the EU is conducting worldwide.
Of course we should always see if we can do more. But the empirical record backs up the assertion that the European Union is fully engaged to promote peace and protect the vulnerable.
Regarding "Where is Europe's voice against genocide?" by Kenneth Jacobson (March 21, Views): Far from being "missing in action," Europe is taking center stage in the effort to bring about a solution to the crisis in Darfur, Sudan.
Since January 2004, the European Union has been the main provider of support to the African Union's efforts to stabilize Darfur on all fronts: humanitarian, political and in the security field, including police and military. So far the European Union has also provided 500 million euros in humanitarian aid.
Jacobson claims that the EU has not supported the United States in requesting stronger action by the United Nations. This is not true. Only a few weeks ago, high level EU officials hosted a series of meetings in Brussels between representatives from the United States, Sudan, the African Union and the United Nations. The aim was to get agreement on a smooth transition from the current, overstretched AU force to a stronger UN force later this year. Two days later, the African Union took the decision to do just that and speed up the peace process.
In the coming months, the European Union will step up assistance for the peace process; increase financial aid and other support for the African Union mission; and help the United Nations to prepare for its mission.
It is also factually wrong to suggest that the European Union has remained silent on the human rights abuses in Darfur. The European Union has repeatedly spoken out against them.
More importantly, these are not just words. The EU applies an arms embargo to Sudan, and the EU ministers have also stressed support for targeted sanctions against those blocking the peace process, committing human rights violations or violating the cease- fire and the arms embargo.
Jacobson asks if there is truly "a new Europe." I would draw his attention to the 12 crisis-management operations that the EU is conducting worldwide.
Of course we should always see if we can do more. But the empirical record backs up the assertion that the European Union is fully engaged to promote peace and protect the vulnerable.
Sudan clears UN visit to Darfur
Quelle surprise. Sudan has said it will allow Jan Egeland, the UN undersecretary, to visit Darfur, three days after it barred his flight to Darfur. Will we ever know what this stunt and media game was all about? More later, if I can find out.
Photo: Elsamani Elwasilah Elsamani, Sudan's state minister for foreign affairs, said in a press statement that "we reiterate our commitment to receive concerned officials from the United Nations and all other those who are engaged in extending humanitarian aid and assistance".
The visit of Egeland, the UN Undersecretary for Humanitarian Affairs, had been postponed for 10 days because of "internal reasons", the statement said, without elaboration.
Full report AP/Aljazeera 5 Apr 2006. Photo courtesy Sudan Tribune.
Apr 3 2006 What's going on in Janana, S Darfur? 60 villages attacked by Janjaweed while Khartoum "safeguards" Norwegians from being in Sudan for next 2 weeks?
Apr 4 2006 Annan met with AU, EU on Darfur - Seeks to speak to Sudan's president over ban on UN aid chief's trip to Darfur
Apr 4 2006 Amnesty International Statement on Sudan's blockade of humanitarian aid
Apr 5 2006 Norway sends protest to Sudan
Photo: Elsamani Elwasilah Elsamani, Sudan's state minister for foreign affairs, said in a press statement that "we reiterate our commitment to receive concerned officials from the United Nations and all other those who are engaged in extending humanitarian aid and assistance".
The visit of Egeland, the UN Undersecretary for Humanitarian Affairs, had been postponed for 10 days because of "internal reasons", the statement said, without elaboration.
Full report AP/Aljazeera 5 Apr 2006. Photo courtesy Sudan Tribune.
Apr 3 2006 What's going on in Janana, S Darfur? 60 villages attacked by Janjaweed while Khartoum "safeguards" Norwegians from being in Sudan for next 2 weeks?
Apr 4 2006 Annan met with AU, EU on Darfur - Seeks to speak to Sudan's president over ban on UN aid chief's trip to Darfur
Apr 4 2006 Amnesty International Statement on Sudan's blockade of humanitarian aid
Apr 5 2006 Norway sends protest to Sudan
Amnesty International Statement on Sudan's blockade of humanitarian aid
Amnesty International Statement April 4, 2006 condemns Sudan's blockade of humanitarian aid . The Statement points out this latest trend does not affect only international NGOs - on 13 March 2006, SUDO was ordered by HAC to close its offices in al-Jeneina, capital of West Darfur State, and Zalingei, West Darfur State.
Also, a further concern is the enactment of new legislation regulating the work of NGOs - excerpt:
Also, a further concern is the enactment of new legislation regulating the work of NGOs - excerpt:
"Amnesty International calls on the government of Sudan to abide by its repeated commitments to cease the obstruction of humanitarian aid. The undue delay and/or often unreasonable withholding of travel permits and exit visas should cease. Illegal closure and suspension of humanitarian organisations must also be halted.Note, Mar 15 2006 Sudan closes offices of rights group
Amnesty International also calls on the President of Sudan not to sign into effect the 'Organisation of Humanitarian and Voluntary Work Act, 2006' until all provisions that contravene international standards on freedom of association and the Sudanese Interim National Constitution are amended.
Foreign donors turning backs on Darfur - UNICEF
International donors are turning their backs on Darfur UNICEF said on Wednesday - Reuters:
Cartoon by M.e Cohen, Politicalcartoons.com courtesy EditorialCartoonists.com.
Note, Apr 5 2006 Sudan clears UN visit to Darfur
Dan Toole, head of emergency programmes for UNICEF, said large parts of Darfur were off limits to aid workers as government forces and local militias battled each other as peace talks faltered.[I say, "fed up" may be an understatement. How many more years will this go on for? 20 ... 50 ... or what? Surely if the Arabs were made to cough up a few billion dollars for humanitarian aid for the Sudanese people, they'd pay more attention to what their brothers in the Sudan are doing]
"Donors are just not coming up with the money. I can understand that they are fed up [--] the peace process isn't moving forward, security is deteriorating -- we have no access to the area of the border with Chad, there are parts of south Darfur you can't even travel anymore -- and donors have not kicked in adequate funds."
Cartoon by M.e Cohen, Politicalcartoons.com courtesy EditorialCartoonists.com.
Note, Apr 5 2006 Sudan clears UN visit to Darfur
International Day for Mine Awareness
Why aren't landmines banned? Who manufactures and sells them? The UN's mine action office in South Sudan, in a statement issued to mark the first International Day for Mine Awareness, stressed that thousands of landmines were obstructing the implementation of South Sudan's peace deal.
Without demining, reconstruction of roads, schools, hospitals and any other post-war recovery and development project cannot be implemented.
According to UN estimates, 1,800 people have been killed by landmines in the Sudan. Between 15,000 and 20,000 are killed by landmines and unexploded ordnance around the world each year. Some 20 percent of them are children. AFP/ST 5 April 2006.
Without demining, reconstruction of roads, schools, hospitals and any other post-war recovery and development project cannot be implemented.
According to UN estimates, 1,800 people have been killed by landmines in the Sudan. Between 15,000 and 20,000 are killed by landmines and unexploded ordnance around the world each year. Some 20 percent of them are children. AFP/ST 5 April 2006.
Sudan VP Garang crash initial report blames pilot-SPLM
A report into the death of Sudanese First Vice President John Garang blamed pilot error for the crash of the helicopter last year.
The initial report also ruled out mechanical failure in the helicopter which crashed into a hill killing all 14 passengers last year just three weeks after Garang took office, a spokesman of Garang's Sudan People' Liberation Movement (SPLM) said on Wednesday.
"The initial report suggested it was pilot error," said Walid Hamid of the SPLM. He said the report added there was no hill sensor on the helicopter and the pilot was flying at 5,300 feet and the hill was 6,000 feet. There was no mention of foul play. Full report Reuters 5 April 2006.
Aug 1 2005 John Garang Sudan's first VP and former rebel leader killed
Aug 1 2005 Sudan VP Garang killed in crash
Mar 14 2006 Insurers pay out on Garang crash
The initial report also ruled out mechanical failure in the helicopter which crashed into a hill killing all 14 passengers last year just three weeks after Garang took office, a spokesman of Garang's Sudan People' Liberation Movement (SPLM) said on Wednesday.
"The initial report suggested it was pilot error," said Walid Hamid of the SPLM. He said the report added there was no hill sensor on the helicopter and the pilot was flying at 5,300 feet and the hill was 6,000 feet. There was no mention of foul play. Full report Reuters 5 April 2006.
Aug 1 2005 John Garang Sudan's first VP and former rebel leader killed
Aug 1 2005 Sudan VP Garang killed in crash
Mar 14 2006 Insurers pay out on Garang crash
AU's Darfur troops in abuse probe
On March 16, 2006 More4News, an offshoot of Channel 4 TV here in the UK, claimed that Sudanese air force resumes bombing Darfur villages. I don't recall seeing any other news sources reporting such a story.
Today, a report by Jonah Fisher in Khartoum for BBC News says AMIS will look into claims that its troops committed sexual abuse in Darfur. Excerpt from Mr Fisher's report 4 April 2006:
"The UK's More4 TV channel last week aired allegations [see More4 Exclusive: More abuse in Darfur?] that AU soldiers paid women, some as young as 11, for sex.
The AU said the claims were disturbing, but added there had recently been many allegations against its mission - all of which had been found to be baseless. The AU has 7,000 troops guarding some of Darfur's 2 million displaced people.
The report broadcast on More4 showed interviews with two women at a camp in south Darfur called Gereida. One said she had been paid for sex with an AU peacekeeper and was now pregnant. The other, an 11-year-old, said she was paid, then raped by a soldier. According to the reporter, many other women at the camp said they were being paid for sex.
A statement from the AU mission in Sudan said the accusations were very disturbing and that a committee including representatives from outside the AU had been set up to investigate them. It went on to say that there had been a spate of orchestrated allegations against the AU in recent months - all of which had been proven, after investigation, to be baseless.
The Sudanese government is keen for the AU peacekeepers to remain but Darfur's rebels would like to see them replaced by a larger, more robust United Nations force."
UPDATES
Apr 5 2006 Channel 4 acknowledges the report.
Apr 5 2006 More4 Darfur investigation
Today, a report by Jonah Fisher in Khartoum for BBC News says AMIS will look into claims that its troops committed sexual abuse in Darfur. Excerpt from Mr Fisher's report 4 April 2006:
"The UK's More4 TV channel last week aired allegations [see More4 Exclusive: More abuse in Darfur?] that AU soldiers paid women, some as young as 11, for sex.
The AU said the claims were disturbing, but added there had recently been many allegations against its mission - all of which had been found to be baseless. The AU has 7,000 troops guarding some of Darfur's 2 million displaced people.
The report broadcast on More4 showed interviews with two women at a camp in south Darfur called Gereida. One said she had been paid for sex with an AU peacekeeper and was now pregnant. The other, an 11-year-old, said she was paid, then raped by a soldier. According to the reporter, many other women at the camp said they were being paid for sex.
A statement from the AU mission in Sudan said the accusations were very disturbing and that a committee including representatives from outside the AU had been set up to investigate them. It went on to say that there had been a spate of orchestrated allegations against the AU in recent months - all of which had been proven, after investigation, to be baseless.
The Sudanese government is keen for the AU peacekeepers to remain but Darfur's rebels would like to see them replaced by a larger, more robust United Nations force."
UPDATES
Apr 5 2006 Channel 4 acknowledges the report.
Apr 5 2006 More4 Darfur investigation
Advance team of Chinese peacekeepers arrive in Sudan on UN mission
An advance team of Chinese peacekeeping troops to serve on a UN peacekeeping mission in south Sudan arrived in Sudan by plane yesterday. The 25 members of the advance team were met at the airport by officials of the UN Mission in Sudan and Military Attache of the Chinese Embassy in Sudan Li Jingping. The team is to head for south Sudan today, according to sources.
Some 400 Chinese peacekeepers are due to arrive in Sudan in April and May. - Xinhua via PDO 5 April 2006.
Some 400 Chinese peacekeepers are due to arrive in Sudan in April and May. - Xinhua via PDO 5 April 2006.
Norway sends protest to Sudan
As noted here previously, Norway's Jan Egeland, the UN's coordinator of emergency aid, was told he would not be allowed to enter Darfur or even Khartoum for two weeks and yesterday Sudan asked the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) terminate its work in the whole of Darfur. NRC operates the largest refugee camp in Darfur, housing 100,000 displaced persons.
Today, Norway has sent a note to Sudan, expressing the Norwegian Government's concern over the development of the situation in the country, Norway Post reported. The note points to the working conditions for the humanitarian organisations, the Sudanese authorities lack of ability to protect its own population and Jan Egeland being denied entry to Sudan.
Norway has been heavily involved in the Sudan, both with emergency aid and in connection with the peace process to end the civil war between North and Southern Sudan.
Today, Norway has sent a note to Sudan, expressing the Norwegian Government's concern over the development of the situation in the country, Norway Post reported. The note points to the working conditions for the humanitarian organisations, the Sudanese authorities lack of ability to protect its own population and Jan Egeland being denied entry to Sudan.
Norway has been heavily involved in the Sudan, both with emergency aid and in connection with the peace process to end the civil war between North and Southern Sudan.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Annan met with AU, EU on Darfur - Seeks to speak to Sudan's president over ban on UN aid chief's trip to Darfur
Secretary-General Kofi Annan is seeking to speak to Sudanese President al-Bashir after his Government banned a visit by Jan Egeland, the top UN relief official to Darfur UN News reported 4 April 2006.
Note, UN News says Mr Annan held separate talks in New York March 31 with top African and European officials on the situation in Darfur. In a meeting with the Chairman of the AU Commission, the two discussed the Darfur peace talks. They also discussed support for the AU force in Darfur, including the possibility of a donors' conference, and the situation on Chad-Sudan border and steps being taken to defuse the tension there.
Darfur was also on the agenda at a separate meeting between Mr Annan and European Common Foreign and Security Policy High Representative Javier Solana. They reviewed European Union support for the AU force in Darfur.
Note, UN News says Mr Annan held separate talks in New York March 31 with top African and European officials on the situation in Darfur. In a meeting with the Chairman of the AU Commission, the two discussed the Darfur peace talks. They also discussed support for the AU force in Darfur, including the possibility of a donors' conference, and the situation on Chad-Sudan border and steps being taken to defuse the tension there.
Darfur was also on the agenda at a separate meeting between Mr Annan and European Common Foreign and Security Policy High Representative Javier Solana. They reviewed European Union support for the AU force in Darfur.
First Sudanese refugees from Ethiopia arrive home under UN programme
Seeing this photo today of a UNHCR convoy of refugees returning to Sudan yesterday brought tears to my eyes.
Photo: First Sudanese refugees from Ethiopia arrive home under UN programme - UNHCR convoy of refugees returning to Sudan (UN) Full story UN News Centre 4 Apr 2006 - and Ethiopia Watch.
Photo: First Sudanese refugees from Ethiopia arrive home under UN programme - UNHCR convoy of refugees returning to Sudan (UN) Full story UN News Centre 4 Apr 2006 - and Ethiopia Watch.
Dramatic development in next few days? African leaders to push for Darfur talks breakthrough
Sudanese Vice-President Ali Osman Mohamed Taha might attend Darfur peace talks Saturday in what observers said was perhaps a signal Khartoum would be willing to make new concessions.
Congo Republic's President Denis Sassou Nguesso, current chairman of the AU, Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and AU Commission Chairman Alpha Oumar Konare are due to take part in Saturday's meeting in Abuja, Nigeria.
The African heads of state will push the warring parties to clinch a peace agreement at a meeting on April 8 that all sides said on Tuesday could help break the deadlock.
"Vice-President Taha would not be coming if the talks hadn't reached a critical stage ... I expect dramatic developments in the next few days," said a government delegate.
"The presence of heads of state at peace negotiations in Africa is a big deal and it usually ends up breaking impasses," said Berhanu Dinka, who chairs negotiations on power-sharing, one of the three areas under discussion.
"We are in the last straight line before the finish ... We have high hopes of securing an agreement before the 30th," said Boubou Niang, who chairs the wealth-sharing negotiations.
"What we need now is for the two sides to take courageous political decisions and make concessions," he added.
Full report Reuters 4 Apr 2006.
Congo Republic's President Denis Sassou Nguesso, current chairman of the AU, Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and AU Commission Chairman Alpha Oumar Konare are due to take part in Saturday's meeting in Abuja, Nigeria.
The African heads of state will push the warring parties to clinch a peace agreement at a meeting on April 8 that all sides said on Tuesday could help break the deadlock.
"Vice-President Taha would not be coming if the talks hadn't reached a critical stage ... I expect dramatic developments in the next few days," said a government delegate.
"The presence of heads of state at peace negotiations in Africa is a big deal and it usually ends up breaking impasses," said Berhanu Dinka, who chairs negotiations on power-sharing, one of the three areas under discussion.
"We are in the last straight line before the finish ... We have high hopes of securing an agreement before the 30th," said Boubou Niang, who chairs the wealth-sharing negotiations.
"What we need now is for the two sides to take courageous political decisions and make concessions," he added.
Full report Reuters 4 Apr 2006.
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