US urges UN force in Darfur 'without delay'

Aug 21 2006 Voice of America:

The United States Monday called on the government of Sudan to allow deployment of a U.N. peacekeeping force in Darfur "without delay."

In a statement, Acting State Department Spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos condemned the attack by unknown assailants in northern Darfur that killed two Rwandan members of the African Union Mission in Sudan, AMIS, and wounded several others.

Gallegos called on the Sudanese government to cooperate fully with AMIS to arrest and prosecute those behind the attack.

"The United Nations force must deploy without delay," said Gonzalo Gallegos.

Yee Haw! It's difficult to imagine thrusting Americans as peacekeepers. Good they're not planning on sending any of their troops to 'save' Darfur.

Arab call to delay UN Security Council meeting on Darfur puzzles key envoy - AMIS costs $17m per month

Aug 21 2006 Reuters via Sudan Tribune:

A key UN Security Council member said Aug 21 he was puzzled by an Arab League request for an indefinite delay in a planned council meeting on Darfur next week in New York.

Aug 21 2006 Sudan Tribune:

The Arab League had requested the UN to postpone Security Council meeting to give Sudan more time to implement its plan to improve conditions and preserve security in Darfur - to allow time for consultation and coordination between regional organizations on the role of AU forces in Darfur - which it presented to the UN on Aug 2.

Under the Sudanese plan, the Khartoum government would send 10,500 new government troops to Darfur.

AMIS costs $17m per month

Note, above report points out the resolution passed by the Arab League called on Arab countries to fulfil a promise, made at a summit in Khartoum in March, to finance the African Union peace operation in Darfur for six months from Oct 1. The operation has been costing about $17 million a month,

UNMIS supports AMIS decision to investigate murders of AU soldiers

UNMIS statement issued in Khartoum says UNMIS supports the AMIS decision to carry out a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators of the attack, urging all parties to fully cooperate in bringing those responsible to justice. - UN News Centre 21 Aug 2006.

Sudan opposes UN plan to deploy peacekeepers to Darfur

One wonders what Eric Reeves et al think when they read news reports such as the one today at Voice of America - excerpt:

Sudanese Justice Minister Mohamed Ali al-Madhi told reporters on Sunday that a draft UN resolution to deploy 17,000 peacekeeping troops in Darfur would be considered a military occupation.

A political analyst on Sudan, Mariam Jooma, says the potential success of any UN peacekeeping mission depends on the cooperation of the Sudanese parties, especially the government and the rebel factions that refused to sign a peace deal in May.

Also worrying, Jooma says, is that a UN mission may have wider repercussions, due to the situation in the Middle East.

"The politicization of any deployment is so likely to be manipulated by belligerents, as you've seen in Sudan," said Mariam Jooma. "President Bashir is saying, they will not allow another invasion, as they have in Iraq. I think is very worrying because whatever the good will from the United Nations, the actual deployment itself is sure to throw up questions of national authority, as well as on the war on terror."

Annan's important 30-page report on Darfur

Excerpt from a post by Mark Leon Goldberg on UN Dispatch: Darfur's Last Chance?. [hat tip CFD] Excerpt:

"...In late July, Kofi Annan issued a little noticed but hugely important thirty page report on Darfur. This report (pdf), which was delivered to the Security Council on July 29th, could be the last chance to save Darfur.

Annan outlines a broad mandate for a United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) to take over from the African Union, which currently fields only 7,000 troops that operate under a limited mandate. By contrast, UNMIS would include some 17,300 peacekeepers, and many thousands of civilians experts to secure, rehabilitate, rebuild and enforce a ceasefire in Darfur. However, Annan acknowledges the hurdles to assembling a peacekeeping force for Darfur. So, as something of a stop-gap measure, Annan proposes that the UN appropriate resources including communications, logistics, and command and control assets, as well as military equipment such as aircraft and armored personnel carriers, to the African Union.

This is a novel idea. And if the Security Council approves it would create what the informative Security Council Report calls "a hybrid force, never before tried by the UN, with UN assets and personnel placed under the command of another institution [the AU]." As envisioned by Annan, the hybridization would commence immediately and continue until the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) is able to deploy a robust peacekeeping force in Darfur.

At least for the moment, Annan's proposal seems to have inspired some members of the Security Council to refocus on Darfur. In the Council's first meeting on Darfur in over six weeks, representatives from the United States and United Kingdom explicitly endorsed Annan's plan in a draft resolution they circulated. Further, the US-UK draft resolution would place eventual peacekeepers under Chapter VII, which seems to heed Annan's call that UNMIS be mandated to protect civilians and keep open lines of humanitarian access, even if this means dealing "proactively with spoilers, including in a pre-emptive manner."

Per Annan's recommendation the US-UK draft proposes 17,300 UNMIS troops for Darfur, with two additional battalions on the ready. And to be sure, the same obstacles that have prevented the deployment of blue helmets to Darfur since May exist to this day; the countries with the most influence over Khartoum continue to refuse to make Sudan's acquiescing to a peacekeeping force a priority in their bilateral relations.

Seeing the light - US stance towards Darfur

Here is a story from Jim Moore.

Moral justifications are not a substitute for wisdom, compassion, pragmatism and competence.

I am reminded of the story of the captain of a powerful naval ship who, seeing the light of another boat in the fog, commanded that the other vessel give way.

Back across the radio came the reply, "We can't, you must give way."

The captain spoke forcefully into his microphone "I am the captain of a United States Navy vessel, I command you to give way!"

Again the reply, quieter this time, suggesting that the captain's ship give way, and recommending a heading that he steer toward.

The captain, by now enraged, shouted into the radio "This ship is a fully-armed destroyer, give way or be rammed! What is your vessel?"

The answer came quickly: "We are a lighthouse."

Posted by James Moore on 8/21/06

Thanks Jim. The US captain's stance reminds me of the US stance towards Darfur!

UNMIS strongly condemns attack on AMIS

The United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) strongly condemns the attack on the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) and the killing of two of its soldiers on 19 August by an unidentified group of armed men in the Kuma area in North Darfur, UNMIS reported via ReliefWeb today [hat tip CFD]

+ + + UNMIS extends its condolences to the families of the victims and to the African Union Mission in Sudan.

[And, sadly, so say all of us. RIP. God bless] + + +

UN condemns killing of AU peacekeepers in N Darfur

Only moronic barbarians kill peacekeepers. This IRIN report excerpt tells us petrol was more important to the killers than the life of a peacekeeper.

UNMIS has condemned the killing of two AU peacekeepers in Darfur, calling it a serious violation of international law, IRIN/ Reuters reported 21 Aug 2006 - excerpt:

A fuel convoy of the AU Mission in Sudan (AMIS) travelling from El Nahud to El Fasher in North Darfur State was ambushed in the Kuma area by an unidentified group of armed men on Saturday. Two Rwandan soldiers were killed in the attack, while three were wounded.

"UNMIS calls on all parties to the Darfur conflict to respect the neutral and impartial status of AMIS," the UN mission said in a statement on Sunday. Any attack against AU personnel deployed in Darfur constituted a breach of existing ceasefire agreements and contravened the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, it added.

The AU called the attack "unprovoked" and "outrageous". It said it would hold the leaders of those groups found responsible personally accountable.

Let's hope the AU will make the leaders personally accountable. Who were the killers, Sudanese militia or SLM/A rebels? More on this later, if I find out.

Arabs back Sudan on UN force - AMIS needs equipment

The following photos and captions by Werner, a South African soldier and UN/AU military observer in Darfur, appear in his blog Soldier of Africa.

The photos are probably a good example of what AMIS means when, year after year, it says it doesn't have enough of the right equipment. Here's hoping they soon receive what they need for the job.

Mud Heaven



On our patrol to a village near the Chadian border today this is the type of roads we had to drive on. (Photo/caption Soldier of Africa 19 Aug 2006)

Camel Trophy?



I think that when I am done here I can seriously think about competing in the Camel Trophy race. I actually drove successfully on these roads today and had Paul and Hassan holding onto anything they could find with white knuckles. (Photo/caption Soldier of Africa 19 Aug 2006)

Paul and I



This wadi was where we decided not to cross since we had heavy APC's with us. Of course Paul wanted to go on with his knife between the teeth attitude. (Photo/caption Soldier of Africa 19 Aug 2006)

Interview



We interviewed the miller of the village near the impassable wadi. The guy talking is Hassan from Egypt and the guy on his left is a GoS representative who went with us. On the far right is the platoon commander of the protection force that protected us today. (Photo/caption Soldier of Africa 19 Aug 2006)

Well Stuck

Lastly, I'm having trouble posting photos right now. Here is the caption for Werner's illuminating "Well Stuck" photo 20 Aug 2006:

This APC deviated just slightly from the road and this was the result. These vehicles are armoured so they weigh many tonnes. Not only do they sink away easily, but if we are not careful we may damage certain areas of road like drifts and cause major problems for the local population. Under the surface of a drift an APC may leave very deep furrows, which can trap the vehicles of the local population passing through.

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ARABS BACK SUDAN STAND ON UN FORCE

Although the African Union Mission in Darfur is estimated to cost $1 billion each year, it still suffers a shortage of funds and the right equipment.

AFP/Gulf Times report 21 Aug 2006, excerpt:

Arab League committee on Sudan voiced its support for Khartoum's rejection of a US-UK draft UN resolution that would pave the way for the deployment of UN troops to Darfur, the diplomats said.

Instead the committee called for a reinforcement of the African Union mission already on the ground in Darfur.

If members of the Arab League started paying for African peacekeepers in Darfur, perhaps it will enable international donors to help AMIS receive the right equipment and training.

Rwandan peacekeepers killed in Darfur by SLM/A faction?

Rwandan government confirmed the death of two Rwandan soldiers who were among the African Union peacekeeping mission in Sudan in an ambush suspected to have been carried out by a faction of the rebel Sudan Liberation Army. It was also said three Rwandan soldiers were seriously injured in the attack. Full story Sudan Tribune 20 Aug 2006.

Sudan says US-UK draft UN resolution is misleading

Sudanese Justice Minister Mohamed Ali al Mardhi warned that the government would not protect international forces against attacks from the Sudanese people and individuals from neighboring countries, AP/ST reported today.

The "draft resolution that will be presented to the UN Security Council is full of wicked and misleading elements," al Mardhi told reporters.

Al Mardhi said the resolution ignores the Sudanese government.

It "discusses the issue of deploying international forces as if there is no government in the country," he said.

Note, the report also points out the UK's UN ambassador has stressed that no UN force will deploy in Darfur without the consent of the government, but the US' deputy ambassador has said the Sudanese government's consent is not really required by the resolution. I say, going by news reports on such issues over the past year, the US is wrong to make such statements. Yee Haw!

Blair sends letter re Darfur to Bashir

On 17 August, the British Special Envoy for Darfur handed to Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Lam Akol a letter from Prime Minister Blair to President Bashir expressing concern on Darfur, UN Country Team in Sudan reported 20 Aug 2006.

Sudan gov't gets blogging - Website of Sudan National Commission of Investigation into Garang helicopter crash

Today, someone visited this blog via a google search for name of pilot of helicopter that killed John Garang.

Wondering if the answer was here in Sudan Watch archives, I did a search. Not yet found the name but came across a Sudanese government website for Sudan National Commission of Investigation at http://www.sudancommission.org

The site appears to have started 10 June 2006 to report on the Commission formed to investigate causes of the helicopter crash which lead to the death of VP John Garang of Sudan, the crew members and passengers as they were travelling from Entebbe Uganda, to New Site in Sudan.

Note the site has its own blog, the Sudanese government's first blog!?

Sudan's Darfur: SLM-Baasi announces All SLM/A Conference

On 18 August, SLM Field Commander Ahmed Abdel Shafi issued a press statement announcing plans for an all SLM/A Conference within 45 days, and reiterating his group's respect for previous ceasefire obligations. [Source: UN Country Team in Sudan 20 Aug 2006]

Note, upon impeachment of SLMA president Abdelwahid Mohamed Ahmed al-Nur July 28, 2006, SLM/A Commander Ahmed Abdel Shafi Yagoub Baasi was appointed president of the movement and commander in chief of the army. See Aug 1 2006 Sudan Watch: Darfur commanders impeach President of SLM/A Abdel Wahid Mohamed Ahmed Nur

P.S. Sorry I've not yet had time to complete up to date list of Darfur rebels. Until I do, I'm not sure what to call Baasi's rebel group, so meanwhile - until I find its formal name - I've dubbed it SLM-Baasi.

N. Darfur: Armed SLA-Minnawi soldiers at Tawilla market causes panic among traders

Glad to see support for the African Union Mission in Darfur (AMIS) mentioned in this excerpt from UN Country Team in Sudan report 20 Aug 2006 re security situation in North Darfur:

Representatives from Amburunga community expressed support to AMIS operations in the area, asking it to continue its usual confidence building patrol in the area.

The presence of armed SLM/MM soldiers at Tawilla market was also reported. People appealed to AMIS to help stop this menace which is causing panic amongst the traders from the area.

I wonder whose side the traders are on and what they have been told. Note, since the signing of the Darfur Peace Agreement, Minni Minnawi's SLA rebels are being seen as part of Sudanese government forces and are now referred to as soldiers or former rebels.



Photo: An African Union peacekeeper patrols Shok Shok village after an attack by a rebel faction in Sudan's northern Darfur province, May 14, 2006. (Reuters/Candace Feit)

May 18 2006 Sudan Watch: After peace, Darfur's rebel forces turn on each other and fight for Tawilla, North Darfur making it one of the most insecure regions of Darfur.

MILITIA LEADER'S HOMETOWN OF MISTARIHA, NORTH DARFUR

Jun 12 2006 Sudan Watch: RARE INTERVIEW: Sheik Musa Hilal, leader of Um Jalul tribe in his hometown of Mistariha, Darfur (Lydia Polgreen)

Oct 21 2004 NYT Somini Sengupta: Rare glimpse inside Militia's base in Sudan - On the dry grass rests a satellite dish. Nearby is a sparkling mosque. Inside a freshly painted green building is a parlor outfitted with rare amenities - overstuffed vinyl sofas and ceiling fans that gently purr, with the aid of a generator. Men in fresh fatigues loll nearby. The uniforms are like those worn by the Sudanese military, with one important exception: they bear no insignias, no name tags.

S. Darfur: UNMIS asks GoS Military at Duma camp to arrange meeting with Arab nomads

This excerpt from UN Country Team in Sudan report 20 Aug 2006, tells us the UN mission in southern Sudan is able help people in South Darfur, western Sudan:

On 17 August IDPs in Duma camp complained about the activity of the Arab nomads whose animals are grazing on their farms but no incident was recorded. UNMIS requested the GoS Military detachment at the Camp to arrange for a meeting with the nomads to discuss the issue.

W. Darfur: UN report on latest security situation

Here is the security situation in West Darfur, as reported by the UN Country Team in Sudan 20 Aug 2006:

On 15 August in Sarif-Umra Township two horses were stolen by some armed men who shot indiscriminately to threaten the owners of the horses. The case was reported to GoS Police.

S. Sudan: SAF/SPLA investigates shooting of UN Boats

Following the shooting incident on 17 August in Diel, Jonglei State at UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) patrol boats, SAF and SPLA commanders have assured UNMIS that no action would be taken to escalate the security situation and that their investigations on the firing on the UN Boats have commenced.

Source: UN Country Team in Sudan 20 Aug 2006.

Note, the report reveals that UN Police presented a lecture on Crime Scene Investigation to 193 local police officers at the Kudiba Police Station. The UN is doing much to help Sudan install law and order.

S. Sudan: SPLM says Abyei is exclusively for nine Ngok Dinka Chiefdoms

Trouble. UN Country Team in Sudan report 20 Aug 2006 says on 17 Aug the SPLM-appointed Executive Director and Acting Commissioner of Agok, told UNMIS in Abyei that if the government did not soon appoint a Civil Administrator for Abyei, he will move to Abyei town and establish one there by himself.

He rejected any political compromise with Khartoum, stressing that Abyei is exclusively for the nine Ngok Dinka Chiefdoms, and should only be administered by them.
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SUDAN'S MISARIYAH TRIBE SEES ABYEI REPORT AS A CALL FOR WAR

June 20 2006 Sudan Watch:

Sudan's Misariyah tribe sees Abyei Report as a call for war

The Misariyah and Dinka Ngok tribes have been locked in a heated dispute with each claiming ownership of the territory, and the Misariyah have angrily rejected boundaries proposed in a report by an international commission for the district. "This report is a call for war. It is rejected in total and in detail," Sadek Abu Nimir, a senior leader of the Misariyah tribe, said.

For further reports, click on Abyei label here below.

SUDAN'S DINKA NGOK TRIBE SAYS "ABYEI BELONGS 100% TO SOUTHERN SUDAN"

May 30 2006 Sudan Watch:

Interview with Dr Douglas H Johnson, expert on the Abyei Boundary Commission



Photo: About 50 Dinkas staged a demonstration outside the opening ceremony of the NCP-SPLM meeting on Saturday May 27, 2006 in Khartoum, shouting their support for the peace deal and calling for a swift resolution of the Abyei issue. In the picture two demonstrators hold banner "Abyei belongs 100% to Southern Sudan".

For further reports, click on Abyei label here below.

S. Sudan: Wau Commissioner violates women's rights and freedoms

Ha! On 18 August in southern Sudan, the Local Assembly in Wau debated the decree issued by the Wau Commissioner last week whereby he declared that women would not be allowed to enter any UNMIS, UN Agency and/or NGO office premises or accommodation without being registered by his office.

The Local Assembly concluded that the move of the Commissioner was illegal, and violated women's rights and freedoms.

In the meantime, some women in Wau organised themselves and marched to the Commissioner's office with a CPA book in order to read for him the relevant chapters which pertain to the freedoms of both men and women.

Source: UN Country Team in Sudan 20 Aug 2006.