Chad rebels UFDD enter eastern town without a fight

Dec 7 2006 Reuters -

"The rebels entered Biltine this morning with more than 100 vehicles and heavy equipment," a government military source, who asked not to be named, said

Darfur peacekeepers still not paid on time - OurPledge.org - The "I Stand with Darfur" Campaign

OurPledge.org - The "I Stand with Darfur" Campaign demands that:

"President Bush stop trading the lives of Darfurians for Sudan's intelligence information and, instead, protect the people of Darfur with an effective international peacekeeping force - with or without the government of Sudan's consent. Genocide is not negotiable."

[hat tip The Sudanese Thinker]
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I say, what a load of twaddle. Forgive these misguided people for they know not what they do. No doubt Darfur's bandits appreciate them. Maybe these people see Darfur rebels as freedom fighters with a worthy cause. I don't. Armed civilians living as bandits, up to no good. Fuelling the flames of anarchy. It's not difficult to understand why Sudan has been ruled with a stick. What would happen otherwise? Peace and democracy overnight among millions of uneducated, unemployed, poverty stricken people? I don't think so. I've nothing against these Save Darfur people. I just wish they'd channel their energy into ensuring the peacekeepers currently in Darfur receive all the support they need. Paying them on time would be a good start. As well as ensuring their food rations are of an acceptable standard. I think it's a scandal that AMIS personnel are still not receiving pay due or any good food. Millions - probably now running into billions - of dollars spent on Darfur while AMIS (African Union's Mission in Sudan) personnel are not paid or given decent food. How is donors' money spent? Are donors pledging but not paying up or what? Why hasn't someone looked into this? Why is mainstream media not picking up on this longstanding problem? Grrr. Lazy bum journalists.

UN airlifts staff out of North Darfur as Janjaweed move in

Dec 7 2006 Belfast Telegraph report by Elizabeth Davies UN airlifts staff out of Darfur town as Janjaweed move in. Excerpt:

Dozens of non-essential staff from UN and other relief agencies were airlifted out of El-Fasher on Tuesday night after the already fraught security situation in and around northern Darfur's regional aid hub worsened dramatically.

Three students were killed yesterday by Arab militia loyal to the government as rebels massed on the outskirts and the African Union (AU) warned of a fresh wave of attacks within the next 24 hours.

The situation had become so bad that staff had to be withdrawn for their own safety, said the UN.

"Over the past two months, North Darfur has been the most difficult place in the country to work," said Greg Barrow, senior public affairs officer for the WFP. "We hope the situation doesn't get so bad that we have to scale back our operations "

Imagine how it must feel to be classed as a non-essential member of staff. Not very nice, especially if you work hard and do a good job. I don't like the term "non-essential staff". Its not fair on the people doing such jobs.

Note the report reminds us North Darfur is the most difficult place in Sudan to work.

UN SRSG Jan Pronk returns to Sudan for handover to Taye-Brook Zerihoun

Dec 7 2006 Reuters report (via ST) tells us UN SRSG Jan Pronk will return to Khartoum on Thursday to hand over his duties to his chief assistant, the United Nations said.

"The visit has been organised with full consultation with the government of Sudan and with its agreement," said Radhia Achouri, the U.N. spokeswoman in Sudan.

She said the visit would last four days, during which Pronk would hand over his responsibilities to Taye-Brook Zerihoun and say goodbye to U.N. staff. He will also visit the U.N. mission in Juba, the capital of southern Sudan, Achouri said.

Sad. Will miss Mr Pronk. I'm a fan of his. He deserves a medal for his services to the people of Sudan. At least he will soon be safe. Many Sudanese people who protested against UN troops in Darfur threatened his life as he was the face of the UN.

Darfur Arabs create a rebel group [The Popular Forces Troops], repulse army attack

Dec 6 2006 Sudan Tribune (NYALA, South Darfur)

A new rebel group in Sudan's troubled Darfur region said they repulsed an attack by the army against their position. The rebels identified themselves as belonging to Darfur Arab tribes and struggling against the marginalization of the region.

The Popular Forces Troops (PFT) said in a statement issued Wednesday that they had repulsed an attack by the Sudanese army against their position at Kas-Zallingi Road in South Darfur on Tuesday 5 December.

The rebel group said they took up arms against Khartoum to fight marginalization of Darfur region. "Darfur Arab groups believe that Darfur people are fighting for a just cause. The TPF likely supports the struggle of all marginalized Sudanese people against Khartoum's injustice."

Further they distanced their self from the government-backed Arab militia that carrying war against the African tribes in the region.

"Those who are now fighting with the government in Darfur are a minority of mercenaries and hired individuals. They do not represent Darfur Arabs and do not embody their heritage, courage and sacrifice for peace and justice."

The TPF also appealed the Darfur rebel groups which are opposed to the Darfur Peace Agreement - SLM and NRF - to work jointly against the government.

We are "ready to fight with them, shoulder to shoulder, until all demands of Darfur and other marginalized parts of the Sudan are fully realized."

El Al Jewish Sabbath ban sought

Note to self. Someone in the UK emailed me BBC news report today on El Al Jewish Sabbath ban sought - with this note:

"..........we can forget about the Muslim loonies who provoke our disbelief in humanity! This bunch have had three thousand years to get smarter, with no visible benefit."

Soldier of Africa: Answers to Questions

Huge thanks to Werner of Soldier of Africa blog for Answers to Questions. Lovely surprise, very interesting, thanks! Here is a copy:

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Answers to Questions

These are my responses to the questions posed at the end of a post at Sudan Watch. The original post is at http://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2006/12/photos-blogged-by-african-peacekeeper.html

Question: Has the food (especially from Khartoum) for AMIS personnel improved?
Answer: I do not know, since I prepare my own food due to the fact that the food was so unbearably inadequate in both quality and quantity.

Question: Are AMIS personnel now paid correctly and on time?
Answer: No.

Question: Has night time curfew on patrols been lifted?
Answer: Yes, but currently it may be in place again. Poor communication is an unfortunate reality here.

Question: Is AMIS still doing firewood patrols?
Answer: In some areas, yes.

Question: How can you tell if the Sudanese forces and civilians you meet are Arab or non-Arab?
Answer: It is difficult, but usually our interpreters and party representatives tell us.

Question: How can you understand what they are saying?
Answer: We have interpreters and some AMIS personnel come from Arab countries, ie. Egypt and Mauritania.

Question: Are they friendly when they greet you?
Answer: Usually they are very friendly.

Question: How can you tell who is a rebel and who is a civilian?
Answer: The rebels carry firearms.

Question: How can you tell who is a bandit and who is a janjaweed?
Answer: I wish I knew. The one is politically motivated and the other is not.

Question: How can you tell who is a janjaweed and who is a government soldier?
Answer: Usually the GoS wear distinctive green camouflage uniforms and the Janjaweed do not. Otherwise I would not be able to tell the difference.

Question: Have you seen a lot of dead bodies and graves in Darfur?
Answer: I have seen mostly photos taken by friends of mine as well as those taken by AMIS.

Ceasefire needed before peacekeepers in Darfur: UN

Dec 5 2006 Reuters report via WP Ceasefire needed before peacekeepers in Darfur: UN - excerpt:

A ceasefire and political talks must take place in Sudan's Darfur region before an international military force there could guarantee security, the head of U.N. peacekeeping said on Tuesday.

Jean-Marie Guehenno said the international community must demand assurances an African Union peacekeeping force in Darfur would be effective before it offered funding and equipment.

"To stop this tragedy, there must first be a ceasefire on the ground," Guehenno told reporters.

"As long as arms talk, there cannot be a political process, and as long as there is no political process then no force is going to change the situation.

"We must have a ceasefire, a political process and then a credible force," Guehenno said. He arrived in Kinshasa for the inauguration of President Joseph Kabila, Congo's first democratically elected president in more than 40 years.

"We must have an efficient force which can make a difference on the ground," Guehenno said. Discussions continued over its possible composition, he said.

"If the United Nations is to take the historic decision of financing a force which will not be composed entirely of UN troops, then UN member states must have the sensation that mission will really make a difference."

UN, NGOs to pull out staff from 3 east Chad towns

Dec 4 2006 Reuters report via ST Dec 5 - excerpt:

"Because of the continuing deterioration of the security situation, there was a U.N. system-wide decision that we would relocate all international and local staff from Guereda, Iriba and Bahai," Helene Caux of the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR told Reuters by phone.

She said more than 200 U.N. and NGO relief personnel would be moved over the next few days, by air or road.

UN NGO's leave El Fashier, North Darfur

Via Soldier of Africa Dec 5 2006 UN NGO's Leave El Fashier:

This is Ehab Nazih from Egypt. He arrived at our house two days ago and was going to stay with us in the house. He works for the UN and today he was told that the UN international staff in El Fashier are withdrawing from the town until the situation stabilises. Half an hour after I took this photo today he was at the airport ready to leave for Khartoum. Does the UN know something we do not? If so please let me know. My e-mail is wklokow@yahoo.com

Coaliton of SLM, G19, NRF planning to attack El Fashier, North Darfur - AMIS camp HQ could be target

Dec 5 2006 Soldier of Africa: Ops Room Discussion:

On Monday at about 17:00 five unarmed SLA soldiers apparently intervened when Arab Militia harrassed a man in the El Fashier market. All five the soldiers were wounded. Later there was sporadic gunfire on the outskirts of El Fashier, most notably close to Zamzam base as the GoS fought what is believed to be Arab Militia. The GoS adopted a state of higher readiness and we went to the HQ (photo) to speak to the ops officer on duty with regards to the situation. He gave us a briefing and we were also informed that the UN has warned that the NRF planned or threatened to attack El Fashier within 24 hours. That has however not taken place within that time frame. Those of us in the South African house are keeping our ears on the ground.

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Dec 5 2006 Reuters report - Militias clash with ex-rebels in Darfur town



Photo: An African Union soldier inspects a truck damaged in a battle with rebels in Bassao, Darfur. Picture/Reuters
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Dec 6 2006 Reuters report - AU concerned by rebel threat to Darfur troops:

"Reports received earlier today from the field indicate that the city of El Fasher is under threat of attack within 24 hours by a coalition comprising the SLA (M), the G19 and the National Redemption Front (NRF)," the AU, which has a 7,000-strong force in Darfur, said in a [AU] statement.

"The AMIS (African Mission in Sudan) Camp at Force Headquarters could be a target," the statement added.

Bente's Blog from Sudan: Back in Juba

Bente's Blog: Back in Juba 30 Nov 2006 - excerpt:

"...the situation in and around Juba is calm. Yesterday about 100 members from different international organisations were evacuated from Malakal to Juba because of the ongoing fighting. Malakal is located in the middle of Juba to Khartoum on the White Nile; it takes about 1 hour to fly there."

[hat tip sidebar of Black Kush in Darfur]

Photos blogged by African peacekeeper in Darfur: Spreading Love and Show of Force

Here is a sample of some photos and captions blogged by Werner (a South African soldier and talented writer currently serving in Darfur) at Soldier of Africa blogspot. Note last photo of camel. Heh. Thanks for the laugh Werner!

Short break to catch up on reading and emails. Back soon.

God bless all the peacekeepers.

On Guard



In silence after a long day as the cool wind wafts in from the desert at Mahla two soldiers stand-to in a sandbag bunker. So far away, in Sudan, far from loved ones, but closer than ever to their comrades. It makes me think of the following quote: "From this day until the ending of the world those of us in it will be remembered, we lucky few, we band of brothers; for he who sheds his blood with me, shall be my brother." (Werner K, Darfur Nov 2006)

Spreading Love



Lt Col Jan Barendse of South Africa spreading some love with the simple act of handing this young lady a piece of candy. Some rewards are priceless. Please think of the people of Darfur in their continuing crises and remember who the victims are. (Werner K, Darfur Nov 2006)

Show of Force



Platoons 2 and 3 of Bravo Company preparing to move out from Mahla base on a show of force patrol. The aim of this type of patrol is mainly to show what you have to keep belligerents out of the area. If they stay away the people of Darfur benefit. (Werner K, Darfur Nov 2006)

Protecting the Eyes



These troops from 8 SA Infantry Battalion in Upington deployed on the ground near Mugran village in Northern Darfur to protect the observers as they interact with the locals out of shot. (Werner K, Darfur Nov 2006)

MGL



One of the section (squad) leaders in Platoon 1 busy loading an MGL (Multiple Grenade Launcher) during our patrol during my visit to Mahla. These 40mm 6-shot weapons have the firepower to blast any patrol out of trouble. Recently the effectiveness of the MGL was demonstrated when a patrol of 6 SA Infantry Battalion got involved in a firefight and used this weapon effectively. (Werner K, Darfur Nov 2006)

Company Sergeant-Major



At the back Maj Wolmarans waits as Sergeant-Major Kennedy prepares her company for her during roll call parade. Mahla also happens to be the neatest base I have seen in Darfur after my eight months here so far. (Werner K, Darfur Nov 2006)

Meat Market



This is the way meat is displayed in the El Fashier market. I may add that the sun is very very hot. (Werner K, Darfur Nov 2006)

Welcoming at Mahla



I recently spent three days at Mahla, a South African base in the North of Sector 6 and the Northernmost base of ours in Darfur. The woman at the vehicle is Maj L. Wolmarans, the commanding officer at the base. (Werner K, Darfur Nov 2006)

Mahla Crater



During my short three-day visit to the South Africans at Mahla for Tamam Magazine I got to see the famous Mahla Crater. Unfortunately the photo does not do it justice since it's size is really magnificent. (Werner K, Darfur Nov 2006)

Arrival at Mahla



These are South African soldiers in all-round defence at the airstrip at Mahla. (Werner K, Darfur Nov 2006)

Important



I took this photo in the bottom of the crater at Mahla when I was there. In this photo you see three of the important things for the people of Darfur: Their children, water and their animals. (Werner K, Darfur Nov 2006)

The Mahla Weather Rock



(Werner K, Darfur Nov 2006)

Camels Drinking



I took this photo inside Mahla Crater. There were at least four large herds of camels and they made a lot of noise. The water in the crater is pitch black, salty and does not smell good. The camels though seem to have no problem. One of the locals proudly told us his camels can go without water for a month in the cooler season. (Werner K, Darfur Nov 2006)

Camel Trail



Coming out of Mahla Crater we followed the centuries old camel trail. The going was slow as the camels in this photo brought up the rear to a herd of about fifty camels. Not the nicest view to have a camel butt in your face all the time. (Werner K, Darfur Nov 2006)
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Working in my "Office"



This is me working in my "office", which is a tent with air conditioning. At least the heat in El Fashier is not as bad anymore as a month or two ago. The nights are actually getting cold now. (Werner K, Darfur Nov 2006)

Questions for Werner

Some questions I'd like to ask Werner:

Has the food (especially from Khartoum) for AMIS personnel improved?

Are AMIS personnel now paid correctly and on time?

Has night time curfew on patrols been lifted? Is AMIS still doing firewood patrols?

How can you tell if the Sudanese forces and civilians you meet are Arab or non-Arab?

How can you understand what they are saying?

Are they friendly when they greet you?

How can you tell who is a rebel and who is a civilian?

How can you tell who is a bandit and who is a janjaweed?

How can you tell who is a janjaweed and who is a government soldier?

Have you seen a lot of dead bodies and graves in Darfur?

Darfur peace talks 2 to involve all holdout groups - AU

The African Union's top mediator for Darfur peace talks said it was agreed in Khartoum with the stakeholders to negotiate with all holdout groups in order to consolidate the current peace agreement.

Salim Ahmed Salim, Special Envoy of the AU Chairperson and chief mediator for Darfur peace talks said in a press conference held in Khartoum Saturday that it was agreed with all the signatories of the DPA to address the concern of non-signatories and to involve them all in the negotiations.

Full story ST 2 Dec 2006.

UPDATE: Dec 3 2006 (Paris) Sudan Tribune article Darfur SLM leader: Khartoum must stop civilians killing before talks: Abdelwahid Mohamed al-Nur, the leader of the SLM, told Sudan Tribune on Sunday that to resume talks with Khartoum in order to find out a lasting peace in Darfur, Sudanese government should stop the daily killing of civilians practiced by the Sudanese army and its militias in the region.

BLACK KUSH (blogger in Darfur): Malakal on fire!

Nov 30 2006 BLACK KUSH - excerpt:

Malakal on fire!
Not again!

The militias in South Sudan are at it again. What is the Sudan Armed forces doing supporting the militais? This is yet again the eveident support of SAF and Khartoum to continuous distabilize South Sudan and abandon the CPA.

The fighting in Malakal should be condemned by all peace loving people. We had enough enough of these militias and they must be disarmed as soon as possible.

[hat tip sidebar of Soldier of Africa]

UPDATE: Dec 3 2006 ST report - Security situation in Malakal returns to normalcy - UN: full text of the UNMIS news bulletin issued by the offices of the spokesperson on Sunday 3 December 3, 2006.

Sudan: Difficult And Complex Work

allAfrica.com: Sudan: Difficult And Complex Work
Institute for War & Peace Reporting (London)
ANALYSIS
December 1, 2006
Posted to the web December 1, 2006
Katy Glassborow

Review of 'All About Darfur' Is Sudan in a culture of war?

Virginie Wembey is a pre-medical student from Cameroon currently studying in the United States. A self-described humanist, her interest in human rights led her to join UCDF, an opposition party with activities in both the U.S. and Cameroon. As a pre-medical student, she hopes to join poverty-alleviation efforts by providing quality health care services in her native country upon graduation from medical school.

See Ms Wembey's commentary at Allafrica.com 1 Dec 2006 - All About Darfur: Is Sudan in a culture of war?

Egypt welcomes extension of African troops' mandate in Darfur

Dec 2 2006 People's Daily Online -- Egypt welcomes extension of African troops' mandate in Darfur - excerpt:

Egypt welcomed on Friday the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council's Thursday decision to extend the mandate of its troops deployed in Darfur for another six months.

The AU council made the decision in a meeting in the Nigerian capital of Abuja Thursday as the already-extended mission is to end on Dec. 31, which also agreed that the AU force commander would be jointly appointed by the head of the AU Commission and the UN secretary general.

Sudan welcomes AU decision to extend peacekeeping mission in Darfur

Dec 2 2006 People's Daily Online -- Sudan welcomes AU decision to extend peacekeeping mission in Darfur - excerpt:

The Sudanese government on Friday welcomed a decision by the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU) to extend the mandate of AU troops in Darfur for another six months until June 31 next year.

"The decision supports the government's firm position calling for a continuous stay of the African troops in Darfur rather than transferring their peacekeeping mission to an international force subordinate to the United Nations," Presidential Adviser Majzoub al-Khalifa told reporters.

UN's World Food Programme signs pact with Islamic Relief

More than half of the 90 million people who benefit from WFP programs every year are in Muslim countries. Morris said a close relationship with Islamic Relief is vital to determining quickly how to deliver aid when there is a crisis. The WFP has about 2,000 cooperation agreements with a wide range of organizations of different sizes. - UPI�-�Washington Times 2 Dec 2006.