Interview: Sudanese President Bashir

Feb 17 2007 Asharq Alawsat Newspaper, Michel Abu Najm's Interview with Sudanese President Bashir [via CFD]. Excerpt:

(Asharq Al-Awsat) There is talk about a tripartite Sudanese-Chadian-Central African summit on the sidelines of the Cannes summit. What do you hope to achieve in it?

(Al-Bashir) In the past, we held several summits of this kind. We signed several agreements with Chad, even before the Darfur problem, to control the border, which is witnessing problems because of the movement of tribes between Sudan and Chad--tribes that know no borders. There are 18 joint tribes with one leader each. They exist on both sides of the border. As for Darfur, the one that launched the rebellion there was a Chadian officer with the rank of colonel. Several rebellion leaders were Chadian officers. All the agreements we signed with the Chadians to control the border and establish a joint observation force have produced no results because of Chad's failure to honor its commitments. Members of the Chadian regime are from the same tribe that is leading the rebellion in Darfur. When Idris Deby was trying to overthrow the regime of Hissen Habre, he obtained the help of his tribe, the Zaghawa, which is present on both sides of the border. The tribe is asking him now to return the favor to their brothers in Sudan. His security and intelligence services are working to support the rebellion in Darfur. Despite the agreements and discussions, Chad has not fulfilled its commitments, although we must affirm that the existing situation does not serve the interests of Sudan or Chad. The two countries have no choice but to cooperate, because security anarchy negatively affects both sides. We want to exchange benefits and not disagreements. We hope that the summit would open the door for settling the differences.

(Asharq Al-Awsat) The Darfur issue is at the top of the political agenda of the French-African summit. How do you see the solution to the present crisis?

(Al-Bashir) Foreign parties are behind the issue. They have fabricated and exaggerated it. Frictions and conflicts have always existed between the tribes.

(Asharq Al-Awsat) But, the view of the United Nations, its organizations, and various nongovernmental organizations is different. They talk about various atrocities.

(Al-Bashir) On the issue of the report, remember the reports regarding Iraq's possession of weapons of mass destruction. What happened later? We think that anti-Sudan elements have turned their attention to Darfur after we had achieved peace in southern Sudan. They accused us of ethnic cleansing and that government instruments and forces are doing this. Here I want to say that Darfur is divided into three provinces with their own governments and local councils. If we look at the situation closely, we can see that the governors of two of the three provinces are from Darfur and that most of the administration, police, and security forces are from Darfur. The Darfur Arabs are nomads. Their educational level is low. Therefore, their presence in the security forces, administration, and political councils is very weak. Can you imagine that Darfur citizens are ethnically cleansing Darfur? All this is false propaganda. There is a rebellion problem in Darfur, and it is the duty of a government in any state to fight the rebellion. When war takes place, civilian victims fall, and this has been exaggerated.

(Asharq Al-Awsat) The question today is will Sudan accept a UN force, according to UN Security Council resolution 1706, to replace the African force or accept a joint force?

(Al-Bashir) We totally reject resolution 1706. Its acceptance would mean placing Sudan under UN mandate. We will not accept such a situation under any circumstances and willingly, because it would turn us into another Iraq. I want to say that we signed a peace agreement about Darfur. Deputy US Secretary of State Zoellick, the British minister of state for international cooperation, African Union envoy Salim Ahmad Salim, Head of the African Commission Umar Kunari, and representatives of the EU and the European states drafted the final copy of the agreement. The agreement called for the deployment of African forces to maintain security in Darfur.

(Asharq Al-Awsat) But, these forces have been ineffective.

(Al-Bashir) The African forces are suffering from financial problems. All the reports talked about the positive role of these forces. However, when the Western countries stopped their financial support, problems began. We think that the African force plus UN support is sufficient. What would change if the force changed hats and became a UN force?

(Asharq Al-Awsat) What would change is that a UN force operating under UN command would have a moral power not enjoyed by the current African force.

(Al-Bashir) The force is the force of the African Union. It was the mediator. The force was entrusted with the peacekeeping task in Darfur. When the peace agreement was signed, the government signed it with one rebel faction--the Sudan Liberation Army. The agreement called for sanctions against the party that did not sign the agreement if it continued to oppose it. Resolution 1706 was to the contrary. It punished Sudan. The Darfur Peace Act, which the American President signed, imposed on us additional American sanctions. On the other hand, the elements that rejected the agreement are moving freely in the Western capitals. They are receiving unrestricted financial and military aid, and because of this aid, they have succeeded in seizing control of the northern part of Darfur. We only heard subdued reactions from the world. Is this not a direct threat to Darfur and to security and peace? These movements exist in the refugee camps in Chad where they are conducting military training. Chad has opened its borders and airports to allow weapons to reach these groups and facilitate their movements to Darfur. This is taking place within the view of the United Nations and its organizations. So far, no one has condemned Chad or the states that send the weapons. They are only criticizing the government and the Janjawid.

(Asharq Al-Awsat) Can we say then that irrespective of the pressure and the mediations, Sudan absolutely rejects a UN force or a hybrid UN-African force?

(Al-Bashir) Yes, this is our position. We accepted Kofi Annan's three-stage plan. The first stage is for weak logistical support, and this is taking place. The second is for heavy support involving equipment, systems, experts, and technicians from the United Nations. This is acceptable in principle and negotiations are taking place to implement it. The third stage is the hybrid force. We have expressed reservations about it and submitted these reservations to the African Peace and Security Council, which issued a resolution that we accepted. Based on this resolution, an understanding was reached about the appointment of a special envoy of the UN secretary general, the identity of the commander of the force (African), and the way of appointing him (the African Union would nominate one and the United Nations would approve it). An understanding was also reached about accepting elements from the United Nations in this force and about the level of command. This is what we are prepared to accept, and this is what we call the African Union force plus UN support. Anything else is unacceptable to us.

(Asharq Al-Awsat) Would you show some additional flexibility in Cannes?

(Al-Bashir) We have shown flexibility, but there is a limit and beyond it, we cannot go. In short, we cannot accept an agreement that would place us under a mandate and place our justice, police, and other systems under the control of others.

(Asharq Al-Awsat) What does the United States wants from you? Does it want to change the regime in Sudan?

(Al-Bashir) Yes. There are elements in the United States that want political change in Sudan. Some groups in the US Congress, for example, are hostile to us, and whatever we do, we are unacceptable and would never be acceptable to them.

(Asharq Al-Awsat) Does the administration of President Bush want change?

(Al-Bashir) I would not say the American administration wants change. It stood by us on the issue of peace in the south. The State Department played a positive role in reaching the Abuja agreement (on Darfur).

(Asharq Al-Awsat) But, the US President has imposed new financial and economic sanctions against Sudan recently.

(Al-Bashir) The American blockade is not new. The United States economic and financial boycott is also not new, and so is the boycott maintained by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Despite this blockade, we have reorganized our economy and achieved very high levels of development. Therefore, the American measures would not affect us. We turned toward the orient, and our relations are good and close with many of its countries. Our relations are excellent with China, for example.

Sixth Rwandan peacekeeper dies in Darfur

Salute. Feb 15 2007 The New Times (Kigali) article by James Munyaneza - via allAfrica.com Feb 16:

Another Rwandan peacekeeping soldier in the troubled Sudanese western region of Darfur died on Manday morning, the military has said. The Military Spokesperson, Maj. Jill Rutaremara, told The New Times on Wednesday, that Private Cyprien Barakengera died of a suspected malaria attack. "The RDF (Rwanda Defence Forces) has already sent condolences to the family of the late comrade," Rutaremara said. He said arrangements are underway to bring the body back home. His body is currently at the mortuary in El-Fashir, the headquarters of the peace force.

Survived by a wife and three children, Barakengera, 28, has been attached to RDF 15th Battalion which is currently stationed in Zalinge (Sector Seven) in Darfur. The Battalion is under the command of Lt. Col. Jean Bosco Kananga.

The late soldier's family is in Rubavu District in the Western Province.

Rutaremara said that the deceased has been serving in the AU peacekeeping force in Darfur for over six months.

Barakengera is the sixth Rwandan soldier to die from the war-torn Darfur since the troops' deployment in August, 2004. On October 26 Corporal Gafishi Ntirenganya died when an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) he was traveling in overturned near Tawila.

Corporal David Niyonsaba was the first Rwanda soldier to die while on an AU mission. He died in a Darfur hospital on October 20, 2005 after sustaining fatal injuries in a road accident in El Fasher, north of Darfur.

He was followed by Lt. William Ntayomba, who is the most senior RDF soldier to die in Darfur. He died from electrocution.

And in August, 2006, two other RDF soldiers were killed in an ambush between El Fasher and El Nahud by one the Sudanese warring factions in Darfur.

Pte Barakengera's death came just two days before the government started the process of replacing all Rwandan troops and civilian police personnel from Darfur. Some of the troops being replaced have been in Darfur since February, 2006. The rotation involves 2040 RDF officers and men, and 49 civilian police personnel.

God bless all the peace makers.

Sudan's SPLM moves north to Khartoum

"We are going to relocate the headquarters of the SPLM to Khartoum so as to be more active in national politics," said SPLM spokesman Yasir Arman.

The SPLM headquarters was previously in the south Sudan capital Juba and observers had often criticised the SPLM for focusing on southern issues and neglecting national politics. - Reuters 16 Feb 2007 via ST.

AU head says Chad, Sudan, CAR seem ready to agree on AU/UN border peace force (BBC)

Feb 16 2007 BBC report - Chad may face genocide, UN warns - excerpt:

The warning comes as Chad, Sudan and the Central African Republic signed a deal [at Africa-France summit] not to support rebels attacking each other's neighbouring territory.

African Union head, Ghana's President John Kufuor, said they seemed ready to agree to an AU/UN border peace force.

"They seem to be ready to accept a beefed-up force from the African Union and the United Nations to take control of the borders among them," Mr Kufuor told reporters at the French-African summit in Cannes where the declaration was signed.

See 24th Africa-France summit.

Don't let Chad become like Darfur, begs Oxfam (Telegraph)

The United Nations Security Council will soon decide whether to send a peacekeeping force to Chad. If approved, these troops are expected to deploy along the border with Sudan and protect civilians. - Full story by David Blair, Telegraph, 17 Feb 2007.

European Parliament urges UN force, non-fly zone in Darfur

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution urging the UN to set a date for deployment of a UN peacekeeping force in Darfur, it also calls to enforce a non-fly zone in Darfur. - Full story ST 17 Feb 2007.
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UPDATE: Also, see Feb 15 2007 Aegis Trust press release (via ST 17 Feb) European Parliament takes hard line on Darfur.

Sudan's Bashir "ready" to accept UN fact finding mission on Darfur, with conditions (AP)

According to an Associated Press report today via International Herald Tribune - Sudan president "ready" to accept U.N. mission on Darfur, with conditions - excerpt:

Sudan's president said Friday he is ready to accept a U.N. fact-finding mission to Darfur, although not some of the members who have been proposed so far. He also gave no ground on a proposed U.N. peacekeeping deployment for Darfur, likening those forces to coalition troops in Iraq.

Al-Bashir suggested that Sudan could accept more African Union peacekeepers - with U.N. support.

"With regard to United Nations forces in Darfur, we have already said 'no' and that would be valid also for the frontiers. But we accept the presence of African forces to control the borders with Chad and Central African Republic," he said.

For Darfur, "we have accepted a hybrid operation. What does that mean? It means that the base of this force would be African forces, with a strong logistical, human, technical and other support so that the African Union can maintain peace," he said.

Al-Bashir said the resolution, number 1706, "practically puts Sudan under trusteeship and gives these forces a mandate similar to that of the coalition forces in Iraq."

"We cannot accept that Sudan is put under trusteeship," he said.

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See Sudan's Plan for Darfur - Letter from UN's Ban to Sudan's Bashir Jan 24 remains unanswered

Sudan's Bashir reaffirms rejection of UN force, says packages still negotiated

Feb 15 2007 Sudan Tribune report by Wasil Ali - Sudan reaffirms rejection of UN force, says packages still negotiated - excerpt:

Speaking from Cannes where the question of Darfur and Sudan-Chad dominated the Africa-France summit, al-Bashir said the deployment of UN forces "will transform the country to another Iraq."

Al-Bashir indicated in his interview that Khartoum is not prepared to make further concessions on the issue.

Sudan's leader further accused some groups in the US Congress of seeking to topple his regime through sanctions. Nevertheless he added that US Administration had helped his regime during Navaivsha to end civil war in southern Sudan, and the US State Department also played a positive role during Abuja negotiations.

He also criticized "western" nations for harboring rebel leaders and proving them with "financial and military support" which helped them to control the northern part of Darfur.

The Case of Suleiman Jamous - Boycott of Darfur Commanders' Conference

A blog entry from Kadugli, Kordofan, Sudan 4 Feb 2007 - the arbitrary detention of suleiman jamous - excerpt:

A conference of the rebel commanders of Darfur is currently being planned. This conference was the idea of Suleiman Jamous, Humanitarian Coordinator for the Sudan Liberation Movement, who is currently trapped in the UN hospital in Kadugli, Kordofan.

The goal of the conference is to unite the rebel groups in order to be able to negotiate a sustainable and equitable solution to the conflict in Darfur. Suleiman Jamous's political experience and advice is needed at this conference in order for it to be successful. Therefore we will not attend the commanders' conference unless Suleiman Jamous is present at the conference.

Signed,
Commander Abdalla Yahya Ahmed
Commander Siddeig Burra
Commander Suleiman Maragan
Commander Jar Elnebi Abdelkarim
Commander Abdellatief Abdelhameed

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UPDATE: Feb 15 2007 Eric Reeves - Is Khartoum Interested in Darfur Peace Talks? The Case of Suleiman Jamous

Sudan's Plan for Darfur - Letter from UN's Ban to Sudan's Bashir Jan 24 remains unanswered

Sad. Excerpt from Soldier of Africa: Another Day in "Paradise" Feb 15, 2007:

"I have been in Darfur long enough now. Time to go home." That is the attitude of most guys who have been here for more than eight months. For most of us it is a matter of getting the days over. I also hope that the UN takes over this mission sooner rather than later. The presence of the AU has probably prevented genocide from continuing, but it is too uncoordinated and mismanaged to do the job properly.

Hybrid force



Photo: This is what the new UN/AU hybrid force will look like with both UN and AU insignia. For now anyway. (Photo and caption by Werner K, Soldier of Africa Jan 2007)

Still no affirmative news on AU-UN hybrid mission

Reuters report (UN's Ban raps Sudan on visas for rights monitors by Evelyn Leopold 15 Feb 2007) - excerpt:

Ban said he was awaiting a report from his special envoy Jan Eliasson of Sweden, now in Sudan, as well as an answer to a letter he sent to Bashir late last month.

"So again, this continuing deteriorating situation in Darfur is just unacceptable," Ban said. "I'm still awaiting an official reply from President Bashir to my letter of Jan. 24, which outlines our detailed positions on force generation, command and control and funding."

"With an affirmative answer, we can pave the way immediately to the introduction of an AU-UN hybrid mission," Ban said.

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SUDAN'S PLAN FOR DARFUR

Six months ago, here in the sidebar at Sudan Watch, I linked to the full text of Sudan's Plan dated 2 Aug 2006. Yesterday, after reading that US special envoy to Sudan was quoted as saying the Sudanese government has lost control, I revisited the link and extracted the following from pdf English version entitled "Plan of the Government of the Sudan for the restoration of stability and protection of civilians in Darfur":

Excerpt from letter sent by Sudanese President Bashir to UNSG Kofi Annan 2 August 2006:

I have the honour in that connection to transmit to you herewith the plan of the Government of the Sudan to restore stability and protect civilians in Darfur. It is a national plan that relies on the provisions of the Darfur peace accord signed on 5 May 2006 in accordance with the timetable contained therein. For our part, we shall work to complete the implementation of the plan by the end of this year with the cooperation of and in coordination with the parties to the Darfur peace accord and the mission of the African Union in Darfur. We also have every confidence that the United Nations will spare no effort to support this plan in such manner as we consider necessary so that the plan may achieve its objectives.

Our national plan comprises a number of priorities for returning life to normal in Darfur, among the most important of which, as specified above, are the aspects that address control over the security situation, the attainment of stability, the protection of civilians, and the strengthening of mechanisms and systems for the enforcement of the rule of law. The plan also gives special consideration to a number of quick-impact economic programmes that are indispensable to support the stability that will be achieved through other features of the plan.

Accept, Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration. Omer Hassan Ahmad Al-Bashir President of the Republic of the Sudan To His Excellency Mr. Kofi Annan Secretary-General of the United Nations Khartoum, 2 August 2006

Excerpt from the plan's Introduction:

The detailed plan indicated below is based on the provisions of the Darfur Peace Agreement and the timetable established in it for the implementation of those provisions. It is also based on the Sudanese Government's understanding of the current situation in Darfur and its complicated security, social, humanitarian and economic aspects. The Sudanese Government, which holds the greatest and most fundamental responsibility in this matter, will exert itself to complete the implementation of this plan by the end of the year in coordination and cooperation with the parties signatory to the Peace Agreement and the African Union, to which the Agreement accords a fundamental role in the implementation process.

Excerpt from page 5 of the English version:

Objectives:

1. To perform the undertakings of the Sudanese Government under the Darfur Peace Agreement in coordination with the African Union, in accordance with the timetable established in the Agreement

2. To gain control over the security situation and achieve stability in Darfur;

3. To deal with the threats posed by the activites of groups that have rejected the Darfur Peace Agreement;

4. To secure and protect displaced persons' camps and livestock routes;

5. To tighten cooperation with the African Union with a view to strengthening the African Mission in the Sudan;

6. To remove all the obstacles and impediments that stand in the way of the work of the African forces in Darfur.

Activity: Deployment of additional forces in Darfur to gain control of the security situation and achieve stability in coordination with the African Union
Implementation measures and means:
Phase I
4,000 Government troops
2,000 SLM troops
Timing: 1 Aug - 30 Sep 2006
What is required of United Nations and partners: Participation in demining operations, especially in farming areas, on roads and on livestock routes.

Implementation measures and means:
Phase II
8,000 Government troops
2,000 SLM troops
3,348 AU troops
Timing: 1 Oct - 31 Dec 2006
What is required of the United Nations and partners: Support for efforts to strengthen the mechanisms for the implementaiton of the Peace Agreement relating to security measures and training of the members of those mechanisms, including the representatives of the parties, in collaboration with the African Union.

Implementation measures and means:
Phase III
10,500 Government troops to consolidate the security situation
and for border control
Timing: After 1 Jan 2007

Activity: Securing and protection of displaced persons' camps
Implementation measures and means:
Deployment of 7,050 fully qualified members of the national police to secure the camps and the surrounding areas, to provide policing within camps and in areas where there are population clusters and to which people return voluntarily. Creation of police units specialised in crimes against women and children in the camps.
Timing: 1 Aug - 31 Dec 2006
What is required of the United Nations and partners: Provision of advisory expertise for the training of members of the national police and the civil police of the African Union to assist them in carrying out their missions. Provision of stationary and mobile police force crim laboratories to enhance their capacity to investigate violations, especially those directed against women and children.

Activity: Reinforcement of the African Union Mission in the Sudan
Implementation measures and means:
Guaranteeing of the provision of all the facilities and types of support provided for in the Agreement on the establishment of the Mission with a view to properly meeting the needs of the Mission and its mobility needs in a timely fashion. Maintenance of landing facilities and airport use in Darfur and expansion of such facilities to meet the Mission's strategic air transport needs.
Timing: 1 Aug - 31 Dec 2006
What is required of the United Nations and partners: Guaranteeing of the provision of the requisite levels of resources, air and land capacities and other mobility aids. Provision of both stationary and portable communication equipment to strengthen the Missions's communications network in order to cover all of Darfur. The provision of consultative expertise for the members of the Mission and training of its members in the fields of communications, administration, transport and data collection.

Photos from Darfur: Handing over ceremony of the UN Light Support Package to the AU

More great photos and captions at Soldier of Africa by SA Military Observer Werner K, currently on active service in El Fashier, N Darfur, W Sudan.



Photo: A photographer grabs a photo at the handing over ceremony of the UN Light Support Package to the AU earlier today [in Darfur, W Sudan]. This package includes night sight equipment, GPS's, sleeping bags and so forth. AMIS already has many of these items, but thus far I have had the impression that few know how to use equipment like GPS's. I hope training in the use of the new equipment is part of the package or it will mean nothing for the people of Darfur. (Photo and caption by Werner K, Soldier of Africa Jan 2007)

Swedish UN member



Photo: A Swedish police officer, now working for the UN, on parade this morning as the UN Light Support Package was handed over to the AU. (Photo and caption by Werner, K Soldier of Africa Jan 2007)

UN chief of staff



Photo: On the left is Colonel van Staden. He is the new UN chief of staff appointed for the incoming UN elements to form part of the hybrid force consisting out of UN and AU personnel. I am also seeing many more UN personnel around AMIS HQ. (Photo and caption by Werner, K Soldier of Africa Jan 2007)

UN'S Pronk: Hidden forces undermining Sudanese president authority

Don't miss Wasil Ali's fascinating interview (Sudan Tribune 12 Feb 2007) with the former UN Secretary General envoy to Sudan, Jan Pronk of The Netherlands.
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Town Hall Meeting



Via Jan Pronk Weblog:

Since my departure from Sudan, having been declared persona non grata by the Government of Sudan, my deputy Mr. Taye Zerihoun, has taken over as Officer in Charge. Taye Zerihoun had been the Principal Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Sudan. In that capacity he had in particular dealt with political affairs. The second deputy, Manuel Aranda da Silva, will continue as well. He is dealing in particular with humanitarian affairs and fulfills at the same time the position of United Nations Resident Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan.

This picture has been taken at a so called Town Hall meeting attended by all staff of the United Nations Mission in Sudan, two weeks before my departure on 24 October.

From left to right: Taye Zerihoun, Jan Pronk, Manuel Aranda da Silva. Photo: Frederic Noy

US special envoy to Sudan Andrew Natsios says Sudanese government has lost control

Reuters report 14 Feb 2007 (via Sudan Tribune) US envoy fears "blood bath" in Darfur - excerpt:

The U.S. special envoy to Sudan said on 14 Feb 2007 he feared aid groups could be forced out of Darfur and pro-government Janjaweed militia would try to close camps sheltering millions, resulting in a "blood bath."

"The government has lost control. There is anarchy in large parts of Darfur. The risk is that if the NGOs (nongovernmental organizations) leave, the U.N. humanitarian agencies leave ... there will be no one to care for these people in the camps who can be trusted," he told Reuters in an interview.

"There is a potential for an explosion if the agencies leave that would match the risk to people of the 2003 and 2004 time period," he said.

He said U.S. diplomacy would focus on protecting the humanitarian aid effort in Darfur.

"It is a matter of people's lives being protected and preventing the expulsion of the aid community and any attacks on the camps. It affects people's lives in a very direct sense," he said.

The United States is losing patience with Sudan's government over its handling of Darfur and is considering a more robust response to put pressure on Khartoum, a strategy Natsios has referred to as "Plan B."

He declined to provide any details of Plan B, saying it was classified.

24th Africa-France summit - Sudan president says Darfur rebels Western-backed

Feb 16 2007 Reuters - Sudan president says Darfur rebels Western-backed - excerpt:

Speaking to the Saudi-owned Asharq al-Awsat newspaper on the sidelines of African talks in the French city of Cannes, Bashir said that instead of punishing rebels that rejected the peace deal, a United Nations resolution had put the onus on Khartoum.

"The elements that reject the agreement move with freedom in Western capitals and receive financial and military support ... and due to this support have been successful in controlling the northern section of Darfur," Bashir said. "Is this not a direct threat to Darfur and to security and peace?"

Photo: French President Jacques Chirac, left, welcomes his Sudanese counterpart Omar al-Bashir at the opening of the 24th Africa-France summit, Thursday Feb.15, 2007 in Cannes, southern France. Crises in the Sudanese region of Darfur and in Guinea overshadowed the gathering of 40 heads of state and government. The leaders of Sudan, Central African Republic and Chad were likely to meet on the sidelines to discuss Darfur. (AP Photo/Patrick Kovarik; Pool)



Photo: French President Jacques Chirac welcomes his Egyptian counterpart Hosni Mubarak at the opening of the 24th Africa-France summit, Thursday Feb.15, 2007 in Cannes, southern France. (AP Photo/Patrick Kovarik; Pool)



Photo: French President Jacques Chirac, left, welcomes his Central African Republic counterpart Francois Bozize at the opening of the 24th Africa-France summit, Thursday Feb.15, 2007 in Cannes, southern France. (AP Photo/Patrick Kovarik; Pool)

Feb 15 2007 AP report via Sudan Tribune - Chad's foreign minister says Darfur meeting "useless" - excerpt:

A source close to French President Jacques Chirac said the three countries' presidents were likely to meet at a French-African summit in the French seaside resort of Cannes.

"This same meeting is useless because it is aimed at distracting international public opinion and moving it away from the real problem, which is that Sudan is attacking Chad," said Chad's Foreign Minister Ahmat Allam-Mi.

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France says progress made in Darfur crisis

UPDATE Feb 16 2007 AP report by John Leicester - excerpt:

Looking to end the crisis in Darfur, France won agreement on Thursday from three involved African countries that they would not support armed rebel movements on each other's territories.

Sudan, Chad and Central African Republic made the commitment in a declaration signed Thursday night, on the sidelines of an African summit that France hosted in the Riviera city of Cannes.

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UPDATE People's Daily Online -- Sudanese President calls for UN support: A mini-summit, which is organized on the sidelines of the 24th France-Africa summit, ended up in the Cannes declaration on Darfur. The declaration, which was signed by Chad, Central Africa Republic and Sudan, reiterates commitment by the three countries to respect each other's sovereignty and not to support armed rebel groups in accordance with the Tripoli accord.

UN's Eliasson & AU's Salim arrive in Um Rai for a meeting with key commanders of non-signatory rebel groups to the DPA

Photo: U.N. Special Envoy for Darfur Jan Eliasson (L) and African Union Special Envoy for Darfur Salim Ahmed Salim (C) arrive in Um Rai February 14, 2007, for a meeting with key commanders of the non-signatory rebel groups to the DPA (Darfur Peace Agreement). Picture taken on February 14, 2007. REUTERS/Tim Mckulka UNMIS/Handout (SUDAN).

UPDATE: See Feb 15 2007 Sudan Tribune article - AU, UN enovys say security and aid needed in Darfur before talks - for near verbatim transcript of the opening remarks of UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy Jan Eliasson for Darfur and African Union Special Envoy for Darfur Salim Ahmed Salim made during the Joint Press Conference they held on 15 February 2007 at UNMIS Press Briefing Room, Ramsis Building - Khartoum.

Telegraph's David Blair may be related to family who adopted Tony Blair's dad

Snippet from David Blair's blog entry Feb 15 - Rest assured - we're not related:

My understanding is that the Prime Minister's father was adopted by a family called Blair, and so he took their name and passed it on to his son.

But for this quirk of fate, the Prime Minister would have a different surname. It's just about possible that I might be distantly related to the family who adopted Blair's dad, but not to the man himself.

If any of you were curious, I hope this sets your mind at rest.

I didn't know Tony Blair's father was adopted. I'd like to see an experienced Africa correspondent like David Blair interview PM Blair about what he thinks of Sudanese rebel groups operating out of Europe and the UK. Who is behind them? How are they funded? Who buys and plants landmines in South Sudan and Darfur in Western Sudan? Horrible. Murky. Shudder.

Chad may face genocide, UN warns (BBC)

From the BBC: Chad may face genocide, UN warns 16 Feb 2007:

Eastern Chad and Darfur have a similar ethnic make-up, with nomadic Arab groups and black African farmers both seeking access to land and scarce water points.

Our reporter says the violence in Chad follows the same pattern as in Darfur - mostly Arabs on camels and horseback attacking non-Arab villages.

I wonder how the reporter can tell who is Arab or non-Arab.

European commissioner regrets inaction by Sudan on U.N. plan

"We don't see any positive moves by Bashir," said Louis Michel, EU commissioner for development and humanitarian aid.

"The time to deliver is now," Michel told reporters at European Commission headquarters. - AP 13 Feb 2007 via IHT.

UNMIS calls for resumption of aid around Tawila N. Darfur - 110,000 people displaced from Deribat, S. Darfur - UN, AU envoys arrive in Khartoum

UN News Center press release 12 Feb 2007 via HDA - excerpt:

As the envoys are visiting Sudan, the Secretary-General's Acting Special Representative to the country, Taye-Brook Zerihoun, is travelling to Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, to participate in the AU meeting on Sudan and Chad.

A separate UN Human Rights Council fact-finding team is also in the region, travelling to Addis Ababa, Khartoum and Darfur to evaluate the situation.

The high-level mission has been tasked with assessing human rights in Darfur.

Meanwhile, the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) reported today that fresh violence in South Darfur since December has displaced at least 110,000 people from the area around Deribat.

In North Darfur, the Mission called for the resumption of humanitarian operations around Tawila, which had been vacated by UN agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) because of recent instability.

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Feb 13 2007 Middle East Online report - Several killed in Darfur clashes - excerpt:

According to one official cited by the Al-Rai Al-Aam newspaper, 11 people were killed and nine wounded in the fighting in southern Darfur between an unidentified armed group and members of the Abala tribe.

Two other papers, Assahafa and Rai al-Shaab said five people died and 15 were wounded and quoted another official as saying the clashes were between rival tribes.

UN sends advance mission to Sudanese border (Reuters)

The United Nations is preparing to send an advance mission to the Chad-Sudan border area ahead of a possible deployment of United Nations forces there, a UN official said on Monday. - Reuters 13 Feb 2007 via Africast.