Sudan condemns UN sanctions

Jamal Ibrahim, the foreign ministry spokesman, on Wednesday was quoted by the official SUNA news agency as saying:

"The efforts currently being exerted in Abuja have neared their end, and what is needed now is support and not the use of the stick and negative statements," Ibrahim said after Tuesday's vote in the Security Council. Full report Aljazeera 26 Apr 2006.



Photo: Sheikh Musa Hilal, the Paramount Chief of the Jalul ethnic group from northern Darfur and a leader of the pro-government Arab Janjaweed militia (C) addresses a crowd in the Sudanese village of Numu, Darfur province, May 8, 2005. (Beatrice Mategwa/Reuters)

Mr Hilal, a man of considerable wealth, is said to live in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, from where he directs his operations. Read more at BBC profiles of Darfur war crime suspects.

Darfur peace deal proposes a Darfurian takes 4th highest-ranking position in Sudan

IRIN report today says the 85-page draft peace agreement for Darfur proposes a Darfurian takes the fourth highest-ranking position in the Presidency with the rank of "senior presidential assistant", a move meant to defuse a deadlock over rebel demands for a Darfurian to be made Vice President.

It also includes compromises to break long-running deadlocks over power sharing, security, and wealth sharing. Full report.

Joint Ministerial Statement on Darfur - UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Press Release - Foreign and Commonwealth Office April 25, 2006 - 10:28 PM

The Foreign Secretary and International Development Secretary today expressed their concern at reports of recent attacks in Darfur, and the possible effect of these on the peace process.



Jack Straw said: "I am appalled to hear of reports of the apparent use of helicopter gunships against a village in Darfur. I am also very concerned about reports of fighting between different rebel factions recently. We are seeking confirmation of these reports. In any event actions such as these are particularly unacceptable as they come during intensive activity by the African Union to secure a peace settlement in Darfur. I call on all sides to stop fighting and to work in good faith for a settlement within the AU's deadline of the end of April."

Hilary Benn said: "The reports indicate that both sets of attacks forced yet more Darfuris from their homes. The UN estimates that over 200,000 Darfuris have had to flee their homes since December, bringing the total since the conflict began to well over two million. Nearly three and a half million people need food aid. This massive human disaster can only begin to be put right once there is a peace deal. Time is running out for all sides in Darfur to live up to their responsibilities and work for a rapid settlement."



Photo: UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw holds talks with Sudanese officials over Darfur during a two-day visit to Sudan. (Islam Online August 24, 2004) Mr Straw attended visited Darfur and attended the peace talks - see BBC photos of the visit.

Top British ministers looking into reports of Monday's bombing of Joghana, South Darfur

An unsourced article at Sudan Tribune today says reports of fresh fighting in Darfur prompted two senior British government ministers to voice their concern and call on all sides to make peace - excerpt:

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and International Development Secretary Hilary Benn were referring to reports that helicopter gunships, allegedly belonging to the Sudanese government, bombed a village called Joghada [Joghana] in southern Darfur on Monday, forcing women and children to flee.

Straw said: "I am appalled to hear of reports of the apparent use of helicopter gunships against a village in Darfur."

He also highlighted other clashes between different rebel groups and said Britain was trying to confirm the reports.

BBC evidence of Sudanese government's recent bombing of Joghana, South Darfur

The BBC has evidence of a recent attack by Sudanese government forces on Jogana [Joghana], a remote village (12 miles East of Kano) in southern Darfur, western Sudan.

As noted here at Sudan Watch yesterday [see Darfuris flee bombing of Joghana village by Sudan gov't aircraft and attacks by Janjaweed fighting SLA] BBC correspondent Orla Guerin in Darfur witnessed many people fleeing and could hear the sound of bombing from 40km (25 miles) away. The number of casualties is unknown. Click here to view video of Orla Guerin's report aired here in England on BBC1 TV 10pm Monday April 24, 2006.

Note, Orla Guerin says the attack took place at 7am (presumably on the day it was aired by the BBC) and African Union soldiers in the area drove away before dark, implying they did not care to protect the frightened villagers. Pity she did not explain that due to a curfew imposed by Sudanese authorities, AU soldiers are not permitted to travel after dark.

Why hasn't the media picked up on this story, particularly the bombing and curfew? Last year, when faced with the threat of a no-fly zone, the Sudanese government promised not to use aircraft for bombing raids on Darfur villages and civilians. But so far, it appears only Garowe Online, Somalia has publicised the BBC report.

On the issue of sanctions imposed yesterday by the UN Security Council, the BBC's correspondent at the UN headquarters in New York, Laura Trevelyan, said the sanctions could be difficult to enforce. BBC's Jonah Fisher in Khartoum, says the effect of the sanctions will be more psychological than physical.

One wonders why sanctions were imposed now, at such a crucial stage in the peace talks, on the same day a draft peace agreement was presented by the AU to the warring parties. Pity there is so little investigative reporting. If the Sudanese government feels misjudged, they ought to open up to responsible broadcasters like the BBC and provide timely, factual interviews and press releases. We don't know half of what really goes on. Greedy, ruthless, ambitious, self serving men using defenceless women and children as pawns in a power game are getting away with murder and there is not much we can do about it except watch it happening in real time, like ghouls.

[Thanks to Eric at TPoTP for pointing out the link to a video of Orla Guerin's report]

US, Chad discuss delaying of presidential election

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Donald Yamamoto said Tuesday that he had discussed Chad postponing its presidential election, which is eight days away, in talks with Chadian President Idriss Deby but declined to go into details. (AP)

TEXT- AU Mediator urges Sudanese to accept Darfur Peace Agreement

In his speech before the Sudanese parties at Abuja peace talks on Darfur crisis, the African Union Chief Mediator Dr Salim Ahmed Salim urged the delegates to "accept these proposals and sign on to the Darfur Peace Agreement at the earliest time possible".

Today, the Sudan Tribune publishes full text of the Statement of Dr Salim on the occasion of the submission of the draft Darfur Peace Agreement to the Sudanese parties.

UN votes yes to sanctions on 4 Sudanese for Darfur war

Just in from Reuters via Scotsman: the UN Security Council voted today to impose sanctions on four Sudanese accused of abuses in the Darfur conflict - excerpt of report by Evelyn Leopold:

The vote on a US-drafted resolution was 12 to 0 with three abstentions -- Russia, China and Qatar, the only Arab member of the 15-nation council.

The sanctions, a travel ban and a freeze on assets abroad, were the first adopted against individuals involved in the Darfur war. The measures were first authorised by the Security Council in March 2005 against those who thwart peace efforts, violate human rights or conduct military flights over Darfur.

The four men, whittled down from a longer British list, include one Sudanese air force commander, one pro-government militia member, and two rebel leaders.

Note, sponsoring the resolution were the United States, Britain, Argentina, Denmark, France, Japan, Peru and Slovakia. See Apr 25 2006 UN draft resolution names four men who would face sanctions.

Apr 25 2006 UN News Centre - Security Council imposes travel, financial sanctions on 4 Sudanese, adopting Resolution 1672 (2006) BY 12-0-3

Apr 25 2006 CNN - Diplomats said they dropped their objections after African nations expressed support for the sanctions.

Sudan: Uranium in Darfur? - Iran 'could share nuclear skills'

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says willing to transfer nuclear technology to Sudan, Associated Press reported today.

Khamenei has said his country is ready to share its nuclear technology with other nations, BBC reported today - excerpt:

Ayatollah Khamenei made the offer during a meeting with visiting Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.

In his meeting with Mr Bashir, Ayatollah Khamenei said Iranian scientists' nuclear capability was "one example of the numerous scientific movements in the country".

"The Islamic Republic is ready to transfer this experience and the technology and knowledge of its scientists," the leader was quoted as saying.

In return, the Sudanese president praised Iran's enrichment of uranium as a great victory for the Islamic world.

Mr Bashir said last month his country was considering creating a civilian nuclear programme.

Photo: Iranian Ahmadinejadand his Sudanese counterpart Sudanese President al-Bashir listen to Sudan's national anthem after his arrival in Tehran April 24, 2006 (Reuters) - see Sudan Tribune Apr 25 2006 Iran, Sudan discuss bilateral cooperation, investment

Further reading

Dec 4 2004 France is interested in Uranium and has drilling rights in Sudan (Oil and Mineral Riches in Darfur - Uranium discovered in Hofrat Al Nihas) and this excerpt, from a blog entry I wrote August 2, 2004:

At the moment I am searching for maps to pinpoint Hofrat Al Nihas. (Other names: Hofrat el Nahas, Hofrat en Nahas, Hufrat an Nahas, Hofrat en Nahas). I think it may be in South Darfur - maybe close to a border [--] Here's why:

Khaleej Times Online excerpt: "The oil and precious mineral resources such as uranium discovered in Hofrat Al Nihas have set off fierce competition between US and France. The US has started to invest in oil industry in Chad, France's former colony, while France Total company obtained drilling rights in Sudan."

Aug 8 2004 BBC - Press suspicion is rife in Sudan itself, where a writer in Al-Ra'y al-Am calls for dialogue and warns that outside powers could exploit the crisis to control Darfur's reputed mineral resources. "The Naivasha method and spirit ... are the best way of resolving the problem and foiling the desires of foreign states that want Darfur's uranium, copper and oil," the article says, referring to the peace talks in Kenya between the Sudanese government and rebels from the south of the country.

Dec 20 2004 Rebels attack Darfur oil

Apr 3 2005 Oil found in South Darfur

Apr 16 2005 Sudan says oil discovered in Darfur

Apr 18 2005 New oil field in Darfur expected to produce crude oil by August 2005



Photo: An agreement on oil prospecting and production was signed in Khartoum on October 21, 2003 at the Ministry of Energy and Mining for the Block 2 which extends from the Bahr al-Jabal State [southern Sudan] to the borders of the Central African Republic and Chad. Photo shows Eronat's Geneva based financial manager, Jean-Gabriel Antoni, in his grey suit (on the left, almost trying to get out of the picture) signing the Darfur oil deal with Sudan's energy minister Dr Awad Ahmad al-Jaz. Read more in Sudan Watch archive June 17 2005: Chinese sign up with Eronat's Cliveden and Canada's Encana to explore oil in Chad

Jun 9 2005 Friedhelm Eronat is behind Cliveden Sudan and Darfur oil deal

Jun 10 2005 Friedhelm Eronat and Cliveden Sudan named as buyer of Darfur oil rights

Jul 27 2005 Friedhelm Eronat's oil deals in Darfur, Sudan - Secret World of the Chelsea Oil Tycoon

Muslims in Darfur need protection, not jihad - GIF

Statements by Osama bin Laden demonstrate 'deep lack of concern' for Darfuris says the Genocide Intervention Network today.

GIF condemns the statements of Osama bin Laden suggesting that peacekeepers in Darfur, Sudan, are perpetrating atrocities against Muslims.

The international community, Arab nations must not be deterred by terrorist threats, but rather recognize their responsibility to protect civilians in Darfur.

[Well said] Full story GIF 25 Apr 2006.

Sudanese refugees burn effigy of their President Bashir

Two photos of Sudanese residents living in the Chadian capital N'djamena burning an effigy representing Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, Friday, April 21, 2006 during a protest condemning the situation in Darfur.



UN food programme expressed concern the unrest would further complicate the already difficult task of helping the more than 200,000 refugees from neighbouring Sudan who have fled to Chad. (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo)



Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, pictured here in March 2006, is strongly opposed to the UN mission in Darfur, Sudan. (AFP/File/Awad Awad)

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour begins a one-week visit to Sudan on Saturday. In addition to Khartoum, the capital, and Darfur she is scheduled to go to Juba in South Sudan where a peace agreement in January 2005 ended two decades of war between Government and rebel forces. - UN News Apr 25, 2006.

Nick and George Clooney urge Darfur aid

Journalist Nick Clooney says he hopes a recent trip to Sudan and Chad with his son, Hollywood movie star George Clooney, will help boost humanitarian aid for two million refugees.

They both plan to attend a rally organised by the Save Darfur Coalition next Sunday in Washington. - UPI April 24 2006.

See Apr 27 2006 - Sudanese Embassy says the 'Stop Genocide' rallies April 30 tells Darfur rebels: "Don't Make Peace. The US supports you" - Hollywood actor George Clooney will speak at the Save Darfur Rally to Stop Genocide in Washington, D.C. A video of his recent trip to southern Sudan and eastern Chad is available at: www.thenewsmarket.com/clooneyinsudan

UPDATE: Apr 28 2006 The Cincinnati Post: 'You must help us,' victims cry by Nick Clooney - you can write to him at The Cincinnati Post, 125 E. Court St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. [via PoTP with thanks]

Job: Administrative Coordinator, Sudan, International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee seeks an Administrative Coordinator for its Sudan program, based in Khartoum. To apply submit resume and salary requirements on the website. [via Eldis]

Job: ACTED seeks Logistics Coordinator, Sudan

More details at: http://www.eldis.org/jobs/logmach06.doc [via Eldis]

New film project: Darfur Diaries - Message from Home

Click here to launch a clip of the film Darfur Diaries: Message from Home and see the drawings and testimony of a ten year old Darfuri boy whose father and brothers were killed in Darfur.

[via Coalition for Darfur Synopsis of the new film project]

Sudan: Child soldiers return to their families in the south

At least 300 child soldiers in southern Sudan handed in their guns and uniforms on Monday and will return to their families as part of an ongoing demobilisation exercise supported by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the agency said. Full report IRIN 24 Apr 2006.



Photo: Child soldiers in southern Sudan (IRIN)

AU to give warring parties draft Darfur Peace Agreement

Today, the African Union will present the warring parties from Darfur with a draft peace agreement, AFP/antara reported Apr 25 - excerpt:

The document will be given to delegates at the talks in Abuja just as the UN Security Council is expected to hear a US proposal for targeted sanctions against four individuals driving the conflict.

"Today at 6:00 pm the chief mediator, Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, will convene a plenary to officially table a comprehensive peace agreement comprising protocols on power-sharing, wealth-sharing and security arrangements," AU spokesman Noureddine Mezni told AFP.

The Khartoum delegation told AFP it had submitted its position on a proposed security agreement.

"We have submitted our position to the AU today ... and that will constitute a basis for agreement, with some amendments," Khartoum government chief negotiator Majzoub al-Khalifa told AFP late Monday.

Darfuris flee bombing of Joghana village by Sudan gov't aircraft and attacks by Janjaweed fighting SLA

Last night's news on BBC1 TV here in England showed a short news report on Darfur. The reporter (a woman, I didn't catch her name) featured in the film talked of the Sudanese government and Janjaweed attacking, bombing and burning a village called Joghana. The fight was between Sudanese government forces and militiamen against Darfur rebel group SLA. Something to do with fighting for position. (See other report here below). The film showed civilians - men, women and children, walking in the dust or sitting on donkeys. Some were interviewed. African Union soldiers were shown at the roadside beside a water truck, giving drinking water to those fleeing. The film showed a government bomber plane in sky. The reporter said the attack happened yesterday morning, 7am but did not state actual date. I've not found any reports on this story, apart from the following excerpt from a BBC news report today, 25 April, 2006:

In Darfur itself, a BBC correspondent has found evidence of continuing attacks on civilians by militias.

The BBC's Orla Guerin in Darfur met streams of civilians, who said they were fleeing their remote village of Jogana [Joghana].

They said they had been attacked by government aircraft and militiamen, who were fighting rebel forces in the area.

Our correspondent said she could the sound of bombing from 40km away.

African Union peacekeepers met the civilians and gave them water but did not intervene in the fighting.



Photo: The civilians described attacks by government aircraft and militiamen (BBC)

SLA's President Minni Minnawi threatens to suspend Darfur peace talks

On April 22, 2006 Darfur rebel SLA group leader Minni Minnawi, threatened to suspend Darfur peace talks by the end of this month if the government did not retreat from its hard-line position Sudan Tribune reported April 23 - excerpt:

In a press statement signed by Menni Arkoi Menawi, the SLM said the government was responsible for the failure of the peace talks because of its persistence in rejecting the representation of the Darfur people by a vice-president of the Republic during the transitional phase and the return of Darfur to one state with its original borders of 1956 and not compromising in all other areas of negotiation.

Photo: Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) fighters on patrol near Gereida, South Darfur in Western Sudan. (Derk Segaar/IRIN) Sudan Watch archive 2 Mar 2006.

On April 22, SLM leader Menni Minawi (pictured below) handed a strongly-worded statement to the AU and partners in Abuja. The 13-point statement accused the government of violating the ceasefire following the visit of deputy ruling National Congress party leader Nafei Ali Nafei to the Darfur states and of evasiveness in order to waste time.

The statement said the SLM had already paid its dues towards peace and that its leader had ordered all the SLM forces to be on high alert and await directives at any moment to implement orders.

The statement further called on the government to withdraw its forces from the areas it seized in Al-Tinah, Bassawa, Kernwi, Ambro, Anabaji, Al-Dor, Abdelshakoor, Ain saro in North Darfur State. It also demands the withdrawal of the Sudanese army from areas seized during the fourth round of peace talks like: Ashma, Al-Layat, Jar-AlNabi, Al-Tiwasha, Abu Karninka, and Mahalia.

Photo: A soldier from the SLA stands guard against crowds who gathered to witness the rebel SLA unity conference in Haskanita, in Sudan's eastern Darfur province October 29, 2005. (Reuters). Sudan Watch archive 11 March 2006.

China wants "nothing until Abuja talks" are completed

UN draft resolution names four men who would face sanctions:

- Gaffar Mohamed Elhassan, former commander of the Sudanese air force's western region. Council diplomats said he had direct operational command of Sudan's army in Darfur from 2004-2006 and coordinated operations between government forces and the Janjaweed which resulted in scores of attacks on non-Arab villages. He was also a supplier and conduit for weapons getting into Darfur, the diplomats said.



- Sheikh Musa Hilal (pictured above) chief of the Jalul tribe in North Darfur. He is a Janjaweed leader and some of the worst atrocities, including rape, robbery and the burning of villages, occurred under his command, with government assistance. His record dates back to 1997 when he was jailed for killing 17 people in Darfur, according to the diplomats, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

- Adam Yacub Shant, a commander in the rebel Sudan Liberation Army (SLA). Diplomats said he violated the ceasefire in July 2005 by ordering SLA soldiers to attack government forces in Darfur. The attack killed three government soldiers.

- Gabril Abdul Kareem Badri, a rebel commander in the National Movement for Reform and Development (NMRD). Diplomats said he kidnapped members of the African Union peacekeepingmission in Darfur in October 2005 and threatened to shoot down AU helicopters in November 2005.

Full report by Edith M Lederer Associated Press Apr 25, 2006 via Aljazeera.

Note, the report says that when asked whether they would veto the resolution or abstain, Konstantin Dolgov, Russia's deputy UN ambassador, and Wang Guangya, China's UN ambassador, said they had not yet received instructions.

"We think that we should not take any steps which could have a negative bearing on the Abuja peace talks," Dolgov said. "But at the same time, decisions that have been previously taken by the council, they are to be implemented. It's a matter of how and when."

Wang said China wants "nothing until Abuja talks" are completed.