EUFOR transfers authority to MINURCAT 15 March 2009

Secretary-General appoints Major General Elhadji Mouhamedou Kandji of Senegal Force Commander of UN Mission in Central African Republic and Chad

The transfer of authority from European Union forces in Chad and the Central African Republic (EUFOR) to UN Mission in Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) takes place on 15 March 2009.

Major General Kandji will be the first Force Commander of MINURCAT.

Source: United Nations Secretary-General 11 March 2009.

Why do Americans think that their government "must take the lead" in Africa's largest country Sudan?

From The Christian Post by Ethan Cole 11 March 2009
Graham: U.S. Must Lead in Solving Sudan Crisis

American evangelist and humanitarian leader Franklin Graham called upon President Barack Obama on Tuesday to immediately appoint a special envoy to Sudan to help resolve the growing threat of chaos there after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Sudan’s sitting president.

Graham, who had just returned from a weeklong visit to Sudan, said the United States “must take the lead” in solving the Darfur crisis as well as making sure the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) is implemented.

The CPA was a peace agreement signed in 2005 by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement and the Government of Sudan that ended the 20-year civil war between North and South Sudan. In recent months, the SPLM has accused the central government of not abiding by the agreement leading to growing tension between the two bodies that threaten to unravel the peace deal.

Samaritan’s Purse, the Christian relief organization headed by Graham, has worked extensively in both South Sudan and in Darfur.

Last week, Bashir had expelled the 13 largest aid groups operating in Darfur in response to the ICC arrest warrant that charged him with crimes against humanity in Darfur. Aid groups estimate that the expulsion will threaten the survival of more than 2 million Sudanese who depend on the aid.

Graham, in a statement Tuesday, urged Bashir to allow humanitarian aid groups back into Darfur.

“I urge President al-Bashir and the government authorities to stop NGO (non-government organization) expulsions and allow those expelled to return,” Graham said. “The displaced people of the Darfur conflict are in a vulnerable position and urgently need the assistance of those organizations.”

But the situation in Sudan appears to be getting worse and more dangerous as the U.S. Embassy in Sudan authorized on Tuesday nonessential staff and family to leave the country, according to The Associated Press. Following the arrest warrant, anti-Western rhetoric has risen sharply along with the danger of violence against Westerners.

The embassy said it has received information of threats against American and European interests in Sudan, according to AP. It also warns Americans to avoid traveling to Sudan.

Both Graham and the president of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, have expressed a strong desire for the United States to be engaged in the peace process of Sudan.

I don't get it.  Why do Americans think that their government "must take the lead" in Africa's largest country, Sudan?   If they want to be helpful to people in need, they ought to urge the US government to pay its subs to the UN on time. See previous post here today at Sudan Watch: US is $1 billion behind on its payments to UN.

Here's another gripe: articles such as the one above strike me as political and/or religious activism, not news. So what if Mr Graham thinks the US must take a lead in Sudan. It's his personal opinion, that's all. Articles such as the one above are creeping into mainstream media camouflaged as hard news. Google's news search engine ought to be more discerning.

US is $1 billion behind on its payments to UN

In Congress, UN chief calls US 'deadbeat' donor
By JOHN HEILPRIN – excerpt from AP report 11 March 2009:

Interviewed after the session, Ban said he had wanted to draw attention to the fact that the U.S. agrees to pay 22 percent of the U.N.'s $4.86 billion operating budget, but is perennially late with its dues — and now is about $1 billion behind on its payments.

That figure is "soon to be $1.6 billion," Ban emphasized. Asked if he'd used the word 'deadbeat' during the meeting, he replied, "Yes, I did — I did," then laughed mischievously.

Ha! Good for him. I cannot imagine the previous UN chief Kofi Annan being so bold. The US is notorious at not paying the UN on time, causing many difficulties and problems.

SLM's Nur calls for revision of CPA - JEM calls for UNSC to control Sudan's oil revenues, impose no-fly zone in Darfur, give UNAMID Chapter 7 mandate

Reading the past few months of news reports on Sudan feels worse than watching a car crash in slow motion. From my vantage point, it looks like the West is getting sucked into a war engineered by extremist elements whose sole aim is to topple the Sudanese government and seize control of Sudan's oil. Not content with getting the UN, instead of the AU, fighting on the ground in Darfur, the terrorists (and let's face it, that's what they are, holding their country to ransom) now want the UN Security Council fighting on their side. If I were on the council, I'd call for the terrorist group leaders to be detained in The Hague for trial and call for the ICC to suspend its proceedings against Sudan's president until the terrorists are brought to trial.

Here are the news reports on SLM's Nur call for a transitional government in Sudan and a revision of south Sudan's Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), and JEM's Ibrahim call for the UN Security Council to control Sudan's oil revenues (Sudan is up to its ears in debt) and impose a no-fly zone in Darfur (impossible) and give UNAMID Chapter 7 mandate (a license to kill). Note that neither of these Sudanese criminals reside in Sudan. Cowards. It makes my blood boil to think that France permits Nur to freely come and go as he pleases whilst directing the Darfur war by satellite phone from Paris - and that mainstream media reveals so little about the secret world of Nur and Ibrahim.

From London, Asharq Al-Awsat by Mustapha Sirri, 9 March 2009:
Darfur Rebels Call for Seizing Oil Revenues

The Sudanese Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) called on the UN Security Council to introduce an "oil-for-food" program similar to the one that was used in Iraq under former President Saddam Hussein. The movement said the aim behind this program is to save the displaced people and refugees who have been affected by the war in the Darfur Region, by seizing the oil revenues that Khartoum shares with the southerners and distributing them to the displaced people in Darfur.

The movement said that the National Congress Party, led by Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, controls the oil revenues. The movement also called for the imposition of an air exclusion zone in the Darfur Region and for the delivery of relief aid from the states of Central Africa and Chad across the borders with Darfur.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat from Darfur by telephone, Official Spokesman for the Justice and Equality Movement Ahmad Hussein Adam said that his movement presented to the international community a proposal to work out an "oil-for-food" program to provide aid for the displaced people and refugees who have been affected by the war in Darfur.

He added: "The UN Security Council must pass resolutions to control the oil revenues in Sudan. The National Congress Party benefits from these revenues in buying weapons from China and Russia and in building villas in numerous places."

He continued: "We do not need statements of denunciation and condemnation from the UN Security Council. The council members must take action and pass powerful resolutions."

He called on the UN Security Council to make an urgent humanitarian intervention under Chapter seven of the UN Charter and said that the Khartoum government needs effective pressure.

Adam said the south will benefit from the United Nations' control of the oil revenues, all of which will reach the south directly from a special account, because Khartoum does not deal with this issue transparently.

He accused Beijing and Moscow of taking part in what he termed war crimes in Darfur. He said his movement denounces the stands taken by China and Russia on the deprivation of the displaced people and refugees of the relief aid after Khartoum expelled the humanitarian relief organizations.

Adam said: "Both China and Russia participate in the genocide war in Darfur, because Beijing sells arms and military vehicles to Khartoum and Russian pilots take part in the aerial bombardment and in starving the civilian population. The UN Security Council must take a stand on this issue."

He added that the regime uses food as a weapon to defend itself and noted that depriving citizens of the necessary food to survive is regarded as genocide.

For its part, the government of the South, led by Sudanese First Vice-President Salva Kir, criticized its partner in the government in Khartoum for taking unilateral decisions on the crisis that resulted from the International Criminal Court's move. It was referring to the fact that it was not consulted on the expulsion of the international organizations.

The Sudan People's Liberation Movement [SPLM] called on the National Congress Party to revoke the decision to expel 16 international NGOs from Sudan. It asked whether the foreign and humanitarian affairs ministers who belong to the SPLM have knowledge of that decision.

The SPLM warned that such major decisions that are taken without the movement's participation will affect the partnership with the National Congress Party, led by Al-Bashir.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat from Juba by telephone, Dr Luka Biong, minister of presidential affairs in the Government of South Sudan, said the information available to his government indicates that 16 organizations were expelled from Sudan and that these organizations employ 6,500 workers who represent 40 per cent of the foreign and Sudanese workers in the relief aid organizations. He added that they provide 60 per cent of the humanitarian relief aid in Darfur, the Nuba Mountains, the Blue Nile and Abyei.

Dr Luka Biong noted that a large vacuum will be created in these areas, particularly with regard to development issues with which these organizations deal and from which the citizens directly benefit.

He asked: "Is it reasonable that these organizations made all these violations in the same day and hour to be expelled?"

Dr. Biong noted that the expulsion decision came as Khartoum's reaction to the International Criminal Court's move to arrest Al-Bashir. He said these organizations operate in Sudan under laws, the violators of which are brought to account.

He asked: "But do the higher authorities in the national unity government know about the decision to expel the organizations? Do the foreign and humanitarian affairs ministers who represent the SPLM have knowledge of this serious decision?"

He said the government in Khartoum must reconsider this decision in order to ensure that the areas of Darfur, Nuba Mountains, Blue Nile and Abyei will not be affected.

In a nutshell, JEM's demands are a nonsense. Getting a handle on their blackmail and extortion is like trying to nail mercury. Freedom fighters my foot. But I've yet to see anybody complaining about how much these lowlifes are costing. Some commentators at Sudan Tribune are very informative and amusing, here are some examples.

From Sudan Tribune, 7 March 2009 -

JEM leader calls for oil-for-food programme in Darfur

7 March 2009 comment by Wiyual:

Wake up Mr. Khalil!

You have to note that the country’s oil is located in the Southern part of country where you used to terrorize during SPLM/SPLA 22 years war with NIF regime. During the South Sudanese struggle for their right, you supported your Muslim master from the North Sudan that used you as shield to fight your blood-relative brother from the South.  No, no, and no!  I’m against your grievances because you had put Islam first and forget family relationship during South Sudanese struggle. If Muslim from Nuba Mountains are the ones who claiming their shares, I must be 100% to support them because they were part of Sudan patriots.

No Thank to Oil for Food to feed your people whom you caused their trouble.

From Sudan Tribune, 7 March 2009 - 

JEM warns Qatar against hosting Sudanese president for Arab summit

8 March 2009 comment by Sihs:

This Ameer of Mujahedeen Khalel Ibrahim is a true idiot, what does he want?? he never dreamed of sitting close to Quatar Ameer, yet he states his stupid egos and conditions, go to hell mr Khaleel, you should also wait for your turn as far as your war crimes and forced recruitment of children as well as your past atrocities in the south. you a true idiot non-realistic folk



Photo: Qatar Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabir al-Thani and JEM Leader following his arrival in Qatar Wednesday February 11, 2009 (QNA/ST)

- - -

Article from Sudan Tribune Wednesday 4 March 2009 -
Darfur rebel leader calls for transitional government in Sudan

March 4, 2009 (PARIS) — The leader of the rebel Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) has called for the formation of a national coalition government to lead the country out of the current political situation and settle the Darfur crisis.



Photo: Abdel-Wahid Al-Nur

On the eve of the ICC decision over an arrest warrant request for the Sudanese president, the political situation is seen as very unstable despite the huge efforts done by Khartoum to rally the political forces and the civil society behind its president.

Government officials have also warned they would not tolerate any support to the world tribunal on the cases of Darfur crimes. They publicly said they would hit any

Abdel Wahid Al-Nur, the rebel chief, called today for a large coalition government for the Sudanese democratic forces to end the six year conflict in Darfur and organize general elections in the country.

"We in the SLM believe that Sudanese democratic forces which adhere to the respect of human rights and state of law and citizenship" Al-Nur said.

The rebel leader further said that the agenda of this transitional government is to provide security and to end the six-year violence practiced by the government of the National Congress Party against the defenseless civilians in Darfur.

On the national level, he said the main task of this government is to maintain public order in the country and prevent any chaos as well as the management of the daily affairs of the state. This proposed government, according to Al-Nur, should organize a constitutional roundtable to discuss ways to ensure and implement civil liberties and human rights in the country.

He pointed out that the purpose of such a conference would be to determine "once and for all" the endless debates in the country about the place of religion in the state by adopting the principle of the secular state as one of the pillars that can guarantee the equal citizenship rights in a country characterized by its cultural and ethnic diversity.

"Of course a bill of rights also should be adopted to guarantee the supremacy of civil liberties, like the freedom of expression, freedom of thinking, freedom of religion and freedom of speech, in order protect the individual from oppressive governments," he further added.

Since more than six months the two partners of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) have discussed the security and press bills and didn’t yet reached a definitive ground on two issues crucial for the holding of a free election in the country.

With regard to the CPA, the rebel leader stressed the importance of the 2005 agreement and considered it as an historical achievement. However he pointed out the need to review some aspects in the peace deal after four years of ill implementation.

"We need to consolidate the national values and to provide more powers to the regions in the country" he added, "all these steps aim to preserve the national unity of the Sudan"

Al-Nur, who said that this transitional government should be led by his movement, proposed that it must have a clear mission and fixed time to achieve its goals before the run-off free and fair general elections monitored by the international community.

Al-Nur, in making his statement said he is aware that such proposal represents a new approach to settle Darfur crisis. He added that this would allow to address at the same time. "our two major concern is the future of the Sudan and the rights of Darfur people."

The SLM founder refused last month to take part in a peace process mediated by the Qatari government and the joint envoy. He asks first to provide security to the IDPs who should regain their homes and villages after the disarmament of the Janjaweed militias and expulsion of government supported newcomers from their lands.

In a roadmap released in September 2007, the SLM says that peace talks should be dedicated to discuss "the root causes of the problem."

A holder of law degree from Khartoum University, Al Nur worked as lawyer before to hold arms and fight against government policy in Darfur. He created the SLM ten years before to start the insurgency.

1 Comment 
4 March 2009 by Jesus Christ

Where are the SPLM supporters who have been calling for the indictment. This was all conspiracy against CPA by the same Darfur people you thought you were sympathizing. Look at this fool calling for reviewing the CPA. You brought the fire to your back yard. This the end of the CPA.

1955: War broke out between southern Separatists against the minority government Khartoum

1972: Dumb stupid Dinka Abel Aliar betrayed southern Sudan

2009: Dumb SPLM/A mislead southern Sudanese and betrayed the South again

Dinkas will be hold accountable for their misjudgment in the history of southern Sudan.

- - -

Article from Sudan Tribune March 7, 2009 (PARIS) - excerpt:
SLM leader to mobilize African and Arab support to ICC arrest warrant

In a press conference held in Paris Friday, Al-Nur said his contacts with African and Arab countries aims to dissuade them from supporting the Sudanese President Omer Al-Bashir and halt any attempt to invoke article 16 of Rome Statute to suspend the ICC jurisdiction on Darfur.

Under Article 16 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, the UN Security Council may resolve to defer a prosecution for a period of 12 months, which is what the AU and the AL request.

Last July two weeks after Bashir’s indictment by the ICC chief prosecutor, African Union and the Arab League failed to convince three permanent states at the Security Council – Britain France and USA —to suspend the ICC jurisdiction on Darfur crimes.

Al-Nur told the reporters that regional organization should not transform its self to clubs for the defense of head of states. "They should also think also about the fate of millions of Darfuri affected by the conflict."

The rebel leader further urged tough action against the expulsion of aid groups from Darfur. He added that departure of the aid groups was a disaster for the people of Darfur.

The UN chief who called on Khartoum to reverse its decision is currently contacting the leaders of the African Union (AU) and the Arab League, along with others in the region to follow up on his appeal to the Sudanese government to reconsider its decision.

Nur said that under the current political jointure the formation of large democratic government could be a valid solution to end the Darfur conflict. The transitional government would administrate the country for a short period and organize general elections in the country.

He also urged to preserve the CPA and develop it by correcting the false Islamist definition of northern Sudan.

"The CPA should be revised and upgraded to include all of northern Sudan’s diversity, he argued. He said that this North-South division does not reflect the geographical and political reality of this part of the Sudan." He told Sudan Tribune two days ago.

These two comments made me laugh:

7 March 2009 07:32, by Samani

Mobilize who ?? This fat fool cant mobilize his own so called group. People in darfur, africa & the arab countries hate him. He went to israel first !! No ones going to listen to this hotel sleeping holiday rebel.

- - -

March 2009 20:28, by mr watchabble

what u need to do you need to come to darfur, not just stayed in paris and getting fat like you going to explode look at your face we cant even see your eye's, they feeding you to death watch out they to trying kill you buddy.

Photo: SLM chairman, Abdel-Wahid Al-Nur during a press conference in Paris on March 6, 2009 (ST)

South Darfur: UNAMID vehicle carjacked - UNAMID Military Observer shot at

UN peacekeepers under renewed attacks in Darfur
March 11, 2009 PANA report Nairobi - excerpt:

UN team's force commanders said the force has been under attacks since Monday, when several troopers were attacked, leaving four killed, a statement made available to PANA said.

"A UNAMID escort patrol returning to its base in El Geneina, West Darfur, was attacked by unknown armed men, who fired at their vehicle with small arms. Four peacekeepers were wounded during the attack, one of them seriously," UNAMID said.

UNAMID said the injured personnel were evacuated by helicopter for medical treatment to the Mission’s level II hospital in El Fasher, North Darfur, where their conditions were listed as stable and non-life threatening.

On Monday, in El Fasher, a UNAMID vehicle was carjacked by three unknown armed men.

No injuries were incurred and the incident was reported to the Government of Sudan (GoS) Police.

On Tuesday, a UNAMID Military Observer on his way to the team site in El Daein, approximately 160 kms southeast of Nyala, South Darfur, was shot at by two unknown armed men. No injuries were reported. The incident has been reported to the GoS Police, the UN force said.

The force said that it had stepped up its patrols in the region of Darfur. During the past 24 hours, UNAMID Force conducted 31 confidence building patrols, seven escort patrols and nine night patrols covering 41 villages/IDP camps. Similarly, UNAMID Police conducted a total of 96 patrols in and around the villages and IDP Camps.

Britain appeals to Uganda to intervene in Zimbabwe crisis & help in Darfur, Sudan

From Africa Press Agency (APA-Kampala, Uganda) 11 March 2009:
Britain appeals to Uganda to intervene in Zimbabwe crisis

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has appealed to visiting Ugandan leader Yoweri Museveni to intervene in the Zimbabwe situation to provide a road map to the restoration of democracy.

Museveni is the current chairman for the Commonwealth, a 53-member organization of countries formerly colonized by Britain.

According to a press release from State House on Tuesday, Museveni told his host that there was need to give time to the coalition government in Harare to restore full democracy.

Museveni was optimistic that the coalition government in Zimbabwe will help to address the economic problems of that country.

Gordon [Brown] also wanted President Museveni to help in Darfur and to ensure that the Sudanese government implements the comprehensive peace agreement signed between Sudan and the Sudanese People’s Liberation Army which the Khartoum government has not implemented fully.

Meanwhile, Museveni has condemned the recent attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Pakistan.

In a meeting with Commonwealth secretary general Kamalesh Sharma in London on Tuesday, Museveni strongly condemned the attack during which the players’ bus was sprinkled with bullets on the way to the pitch.

He said that the Commonwealth should condemn all terrorist acts against innocent people. JM/pm/APA

Obama after UN chief meeting on Darfur, Sudan: "We need to be able to get those humanitarian organisations back on the ground."

US President Barack Obama has described as "unacceptable" the expulsion of foreign aid workers from the Sudanese region of Darfur last week.

From BBC Wednesday, 11 March 2009 - excerpts:
Obama condemns Darfur expulsions

Mr Obama was speaking at the White House after his first talks with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

"It is not acceptable to put that many people's lives at risk," he said. "We need to be able to get those humanitarian organisations back on the ground."

Sudan, the African Union [AU] and the Arab League have all urged the UN Security Council to use its powers to defer the arrest warrant, saying it could further destabilise Darfur.

After meeting Mr Bashir in Khartoum on Monday, AU Commission chairman Jean Ping said: "It is clear that the decision of the ICC undermined and jeopardised... reconciliation in Darfur."

- - -

From Argentina News.net Wednesday 11 March 2009 - excerpt:
Obama talks about the failure of Sudan

President Obama told reporters after his meeting: "The Khartoum government has kicked out some of the most important non-governmental organizations that provide direct humanitarian aid to millions of people. We have a potential crisis of even greater dimensions than what we already saw."

- - -

Note from Sudan Watch Editor: Scroll down this page and glance through the headlines of each post.  The writing is on the wall.  I implore the US, UK and France to support suspension of ICC proceedings against Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir.

Re ICC/ Bashir: Alliance of Sudanese Islamic jihadists and Darfur Arab militia groups pledged to carry out 250 attacks against US, UK and France

Depressing news from Sudan Tribune Wednesday 11 March 2009:
Sudanese groups vow attacks against ICC prosecutor & Western states

March 10, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — An alliance of Sudanese Islamic jihadists and Darfur Arab militia groups pledged to carry out 250 attacks against countries that are supporting the decisions of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The new development follows a decision by the ICC judges last week to issue an arrest warrant for Sudanese president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir on charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur.

The alliance promised “world imperialists and CIA agents in US, UK and France with another September 11 attack”.

They further deemed ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo, Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) leader Khalil Ibrahim and Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) chairman Abdel-Wahid Al-Nur as legitimate targets for assassination.

Ocampo was described as being vilified while Nur and Ibrahim were labeled as Zionist agents and renegades emphasizing that it was a duty to pursue them and execute God’s law against them “wherever they went”.

The statement published in the pro-government Akhir-Lahza newspaper was signed by Martyr Abu-Qiseissah Suicide Group, Ansar Al-Sunnah Al-Jihadiyah group, the Group in Search of Martyrdom, the Martyr Ali Abdel-Fattah Brigade and the Darfur Lions Brigade represented by Musa Hilal.

Hilal, a Janjaweed leader, was appointed last year as an adviser for the ministry of federal government drawing strong rebuke from Western nations and human right groups.

The leader of the Darfurian Arab Mahameed clan has been named by numerous eyewitnesses in Darfur as leading terror campaign against the African tribes in the war ravaged region.

The UN Security Council imposed travel and financial sanctions on Hilal and three other individuals in April 2006. The US president George Bush issued an executive order enforcing similar sanctions on them.

The tribal leader denied any wrongdoings and told Human Rights Watch (HRW) in a videotaped interview in 2005, that he only recruited militias on behalf of Sudan’s central government.

The US embassy today said it is allowing non-essential staff to leave Sudan citing “uncertain security conditions following the expulsion of NGOs as well as harassment of humanitarian aid workers, employees of non-governmental organizations, and Westerners in general”.

The US mission said it has introduced “heightened security measures” to protect its personnel.

It said the US government has information about “terrorist threats” aimed at American and European interests, noting that recent demonstrations have featured anti-Western rhetoric.

Tensions are running high in Sudan following the arrest warrant as the government sought to rally people around it warning of Western plot against the country.

South Sudan: Heavy fighting reported between Lou-Nuer and Murle tribes

From Sudan Tribune 11 March 2009 by James Gatdet Dak - excerpt:
Heavy fighting reported between Lou-Nuer and Murle communities

March 10, 2009 (JUBA) – Authorities of Jonglei State on Tuesday reported deadly clashes between the Lou-Nuer clan and Murle tribe in the state. [...]

Governor Manyang said the fighting resulted to Lou-Nuer community capturing the Murle town of Kwangala - the second largest Murle community’s administrative headquarters after Pibor town.

The fighting was still continuing into other Murle areas.

Last month Lou-Nuer community leaders blamed the security forces in the state for failing to protect its citizens from the Murle attacks which left about 30 people dead and warned that the community would be left with no option but to defend itself against such attacks.

Governor Manyang said he discussed with President Salva Kiir the need to urgently deploy SPLA forces to stop the escalating fighting.

No casualties were yet reported as a result of the fighting.

African officials may refer ICC Bashir case to the International Court of Justice and ask allies to push for a postponement of the case in the UNSC

Sudan is considering ways to quash or suspect ICC warrant against Bashir.

Foreign ministry spokesman Ali Al-Sadig told Reuters officials may now refer the warrant, issued last week, to the International Court of Justice and ask allies to push for a postponement of the case in the U.N. Security Council.

There are some ideas being discussed. Maybe in the coming three or four days, things might come out very clearly, Al-Sadig told Reuters.

Source: EuroNews24 10 March 2009:
Sudan weighs options over quashing war crime warrant

KHARTOUM - Sudan is considering ways to either quash or suspend an international arrest warrant against its president over alleged war crimes in Darfur, the government said on Tuesday, the first sign it may engage over the issue.

Any such move from the government appears to clash with a series of increasingly defiant statements from President Omar Hassan al-Bashir pouring scorn on the West and refusing to deal with the International Criminal Court.

International experts say at least 200,000 people have been killed in Darfur, a mainly desert region in western Sudan, while Khartoum says 10,000 have died. The conflict began when mostly non-Arab rebels took up arms against the government in 2003.

Foreign ministry spokesman Ali Al-Sadig told Reuters officials may now refer the warrant, issued last week, to the International Court of Justice and ask allies to push for a postponement of the case in the U.N. Security Council.

There are some ideas being discussed. Maybe in the coming three or four days, things might come out very clearly, Al-Sadig told Reuters.

He said officials were holding talks with China, Russia and Libya, all members of the U.N. Security Council who have spoken out against the warrant.

The International Court of Justice is a separate institution from the International Criminal Court, even though both are based in The Hague. One of its main jobs is to settle legal disputes given to it by United Nations member states.

Russia and China have advised Sudan that Western countries which stood firm against Khartoum in the build up to the arrest warrant might be open to negotiation after the ICC's decision was made, he added.

We are not going to campaign for an Article 16, Al-Sadig added, referring to the part of the ICC's statute that gives the Security Council the power to delay cases. But if other people campaign on our behalf, that would be a different thing.

Diplomats told Reuters last week Britain, France and the United States, the three Western permanent members of the Security Council, might eventually be persuaded to support a deferral if there was a significant improvement on the ground in Darfur and a return to serious peace talks.

Sudan's government may be feeling increasingly isolated following what some analysts have seen as lukewarm expressions of support from Middle Eastern countries.

The decision by Khartoum to shut down 13 foreign and three local aid groups, accusing them of cooperating with the global court, sparked an international wave of protest.

Bashir defended his expulsion of the aid groups as he rallied supporters in Darfur on Sunday and government officials have said the decision is irreversible.

On Tuesday the U.S. embassy authorized the voluntary evacuation of non-essential staff.

NGOs being "investigated" by Sudan gov't for colluding with the ICC for colluding with ICC

From Rob Crilly's blog post
Diplomatic Games in Khartoum
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - excerpt:

The U.S. embassy in Khartoum has authorised the voluntary evacuation of non-essential staff

"This is one step down from an ordered evacuation of non-essential staff," the official told Reuters, declining to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue. The official said the decision was partly a diplomatic move in reaction to Sudan's expulsion and harassment of aid groups.

The statement included a reference to security risks but don't be fooled. This is the end of any pretence that there could be business as usual with a head of state indicted for war crimes.The question now is what Sudan will do in response. I'm told more aid agencies are being "investigated" for colluding with the ICC and more expulsions are expected. The diplomatic community is also braced for receiving its marching orders. France, America and Britain are the most likely to be targeted and it seems that the US is getting in its retaliation early.

Things can only get worse from here.

Sudanese Lecturer Demands Fatwa Allowing ICC Prosecutor Ocampo's Killing

From Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, London, March 10, 2009 -

Sudanese Lecturer Demands Fatwa Allowing ICC Prosecutor's Killing:

Suawiya Khader Al-Amin, an attorney and lecture in shari'a and law, has demanded of Sudan's Islamic Fiqh Council that it issue a fatwa permitting the killing of International Criminal Court prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo, following his decision to issue an arrest warrant against Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir.

He demanded the fatwa because, he said, Ocampo's decision would lead to civil war among the Muslims in Sudan.

(Hat tip thememriblog.org)

State Dept. warns U.S. citizens of risks of travel to Sudan - U.S. embassy in Khartoum has authorised voluntary evacuation of non-essential staff

From the Embassy of the United States in Khartoum, Sudan:
WARDEN MESSAGE
Travel Warning: Sudan
Tuesday, March 10, 2009

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Sudan and recommends that American citizens defer all travel to Sudan due to uncertain security conditions following the expulsion of NGOs as well as harassment of humanitarian aid workers, employees of non-governmental organizations, and westerners in general. The Department of State has authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members at the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum until further notice. This Travel Warning for Sudan replaces the Travel Warning issued on February 26, 2009, to note the Embassy's authorized departure status and the potential for violence in Sudan.

The government of Sudan recently expelled numerous aid groups from the country and senior government officials have publicly called humanitarian aid workers "spies." Officials from the Sudan Humanitarian Affairs Commission have seized the finances and assets of many of these organizations, as well personal property of aid workers, including passports and laptop computers.

Recent protests have featured sharp anti-western rhetoric. There is a continuing possibility that ongoing protests may encourage violent action against Europeans and Americans.

U.S. citizens residing in Sudan despite the Travel Warning should have their own contingency plans to depart the country independent of the Embassy. U.S. citizens should be prepared to leave Sudan in the event of an emergency, given the volatile political/security environment. The U.S. Embassy is committed to assisting U.S. citizens to the extent possible, but the Embassy's ability to assist Americans is limited, and dependant on the permissiveness of the security environment in Sudan.

On January 1, 2008, two American Embassy employees were assassinated while traveling in their vehicle in Khartoum. In May 2008, the city of Omdurman, adjacent to Khartoum, was attacked by armed militias. The Embassy has implemented heightened security measures to protect Embassy personnel in Sudan, which include obtaining advance permission for all travel and modes of transportation to be used. A trial is ongoing.

The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against all travel to Sudan, particularly in the Darfur area, where violence between Sudanese Government forces and various armed militias continues. Americans and Europeans have been victims of carjackings and armed robberies while traveling in Sudan. Land travel at night should be avoided.

Travelers are reminded that the U.S. Government has received information on terrorist threats aimed at American and European interests in Sudan. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, or kidnappings. U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets in public places, including tourist sites and locations where expatriates are known to congregate, and commercial operations associated with U.S. or European interests. Anti-American/European demonstrations periodically occur, mostly in the capital city of Khartoum.

Travel anywhere in Sudan, including Khartoum and the adjacent town of Omdurman, is potentially dangerous. Militia forces have instigated sporadic violence and have attacked locations in Southern Sudan. Threats have been made against foreigners working in the oil industry in Upper Nile state.

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas, to review emergency procedures and contingency plans, and to remain aware of their surroundings at all times.> American citizens in Sudan should ensure they have enough water, food, and supplies in stock in the event of an emergency. The dynamic political situation may require the U.S. Embassy in Sudan to close for safety and security reasons without much advance notice. The Embassy will nevertheless endeavor to notify American citizens of any such closures via warden message, posted at http://sudan.usembassy.gov/warden_messages.html.

U.S. citizens should note that the Embassy varies its operating hours without advance notice due to the dynamic political and security situation. Services for U.S. citizens are available by appointment only. Requests for an appointment can be made by e-mailing KhartoumConsular@state.gov. American citizens may request emergency services at any time, but the ability of the U.S. Embassy to assist U.S. citizens in an emergency is limited.

The U.S. Embassy is located at Sharia Ali Abdul Latif, Khartoum; tel. (249-183)774-700/1/2/3 (outside Sudan); tel (0183) 774-700/1/2/3 (inside Sudan). U.S. citizens may contact the consular section by phone or email KhartoumConsular@state.gov. Additional information and U.S. Embassy warden messages are available on our website: http://sudan.usembassy.gov/. For after-hours emergencies, please call (249-183) 774-7000/1/2/3 and ask to be connected to the duty officer.

U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's Country Specific Information for Sudan and the Worldwide Caution, both located on the Department's Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. Safety and security is also available toll-free at 1-888-407-4747 from within the United States and Canada, or at regular toll rates at 1-202-501-4444 for callers outside the United States and Canada, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

AU commissioner says Sudan is an African country and its stability is a responsibility of the AU

AU Commissioner for Peace and Security Ramadan al-Amamra said that Sudan was an African country and the stability of Sudan was a responsibility of the AU. He said problems on African continent should be resolved by Africans.

March 10, 2009 report by Xinhua
AU absorbs negative impacts of ICC decision on Sudan

KHARTOUM -- The African Union (AU) said Monday that it was making contacts and consultations to absorb negative impacts of a recent decision issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Sudan.

The move was revealed during a meeting between Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and visiting AU Commissioner Jean Ping and AU Commissioner for Peace and Security Ramadan al-Amamra.

Al-Wasila al-Samani, the Sudanese minister of state for foreign affairs, told reporters following the meeting that the visit of AU commissioner to Sudan showed the African efforts to solve the crisis between Sudan and the ICC.

He said that the AU commissioner noted that the problems on the African continent should be resolved by the hands of the Africans, and that the world should listen to the Africans and provide real helps which were needed by the Africans.

Meanwhile, Ramadan al-Amamra said that Sudan was an African country and the stability of Sudan was a responsibility of the AU.

"It seems that the ICC was established in order to point the finger of accusation against the Africa while ignoring what was happened in Iraq, Palestine and Afghanistan," the AU official said.

He reiterated that it is AU's wish to prevent the ICC decision against Sudan, adding that this decision was targeted not only Sudan but also the African continent as a whole.

He praised Sudan's position supporting the hybrid peacekeeping forces of the AU and the United Nations in Darfur, calling on the Sudanese people to continuously make efforts to reach a comprehensive and permanent peace in the country.

Jean Ping, who arrived in Khartoum earlier Monday, was the second chief of major regional organization to visit the Sudanese capital and meet with al-Bashir since the ICC issued on March 4 an arrest warrant against the Sudanese president.

A similar visit was paid on Saturday by Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa.

See Sudan Watch Monday, March 09, 2009: AU's Ping met with Sudan's Al-Bashir today - Libya: Secretary of AU Affairs meets Mustafa Othman Ismail (Update 3)

Saudi Arabia 'disturbed' by ICC Bashir warrant

March 9, 2009 RIYADH (AFP) report excerpt:
Saudi 'disturbed' by Beshir arrest warrant

Saudi Arabia said Monday it was "disturbed" by the arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Beshir on charges of crimes against humanity and pledged to stand by Sudan over threats to its sovereignty.

"The council of ministers said the kingdom is concerned and disturbed by the International Criminal Court's decision to arrest his Excellency President Omar Hassan al-Beshir," Information Minister Abdul Aziz al-Khoja said following a cabinet meeting led by King Abdullah.

"This will not solve the problems in Sudan. On the contrary, it will exacerbate them," he added in a statement carried by SPA state news agency.

"The kingdom will stand by Sudan in facing all that could threaten its sovereignty and territorial unity," he added.

UNAMID: 4 Darfur peacekeepers in El-Geneina wounded in ambush

Spokesman: 4 Darfur peacekeepers wounded in ambush
From Associated Press March 9, 2009 KHARTOUM, Sudan:

The peacekeeping mission in Sudan's Darfur region says four of its soldiers have been wounded in an ambush.

A spokesman for the joint United Nations-African Union force says the peacekeepers were returning to base in el-Geneina in western Darfur when they were attacked by gunmen Monday.

The spokesman, Noureddine Menzi, says one peacekeeper is in serious condition and all four are being evacuated to the force's headquarters in northern Darfur.

The violence is the first against the peacekeeping force since the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant last week citing Sudan's president on charges of war crimes in Darfur.

AU's Ping met with Sudan's Al-Bashir today - Libya: Secretary of AU Affairs meets Mustafa Othman Ismail (Update 3)

March 9, 2009 KHARTOUM, Sudan (AP)
African leader shows support for Sudan president

The African Union head says peace and reconciliation in Darfur has already been undermined by an arrest warrant against Sudan's president who's accused of war crimes.

Jean Ping said during a news conference Monday in Khartoum "enough with these people," referring to those who brought about the arrest warrant against Omar al-Bashir.

The Netherlands-based International Criminal Court issued the warrant last week, accusing al-Bashir of war crimes committed while suppressing a rebellion in Darfur.

Ping, who met with al-Bashir Monday, says his group wants the U.N. Security Council to push for the case to be put on hold.

Many African nations have rallied to al-Bashir's side, saying the warrant will further destabilize the region.

Photo: The African Union Commission chairman Jean Ping shows support for Sudan president (AP)
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March 9, 2009 report from JANA via ISRIA:
Libya: Secretary of AU Affairs meets Advisor to President of Sudan

The Secretary of AU Affairs of the GPC for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation, President of the AU Executive Council, met Friday evening with the Dr. Mustafa Othman Ismael, advisor to the President of Sudan.

During the meeting, they discussed developments following the issuance of the arrest warrant by the so-called International Criminal Court and the African position, which was issued by the Union's presidency that decided not recognize the warrant.

The meeting also discussed the peace march in Sudan's Darfur region.

Peace march? Sounds interesting.
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March 9, 2009 report by Xinhua via CRIENGLISH
AU Supports Sudan's Rejection of ICC Decision

The African Union (AU) reiterated on Monday its stance of supporting Sudan in rejecting the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Sudanese Presidential Assistant Nafie Ali Nafie told reporters following his meeting with visiting AU Commissioner Jean Ping and AU Commissioner for Peace and Security Ramadan al-Amamra that Sudan would maintain continuous consultations with the AU, referring to the close relations with the commission.

He appreciated AU's stance which was formulated by the African heads of state and government, pointing out that the visit of the AU delegation came in the context of the pan-African body's solidarity with Sudan concerning the ICC decision.

Al-Amamra, on his part, said that the meeting was a good opportunity for consultations on issues of mutual concern.

Jean Ping, who arrived in Khartoum earlier Monday, was the second chief of major regional organization to visit the Sudanese capital and meet with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir since the ICC issued on March 4 an arrest warrant against al-Bashir.

A similar visit was paid on Saturday by Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa.

(Web Editor: Bao Congying)

EU Presidency declaration on Sudan's expulsion of 13 NGOs - Sudan can't fill gaps from expelled aid groups: U.N. (Update 2)

March 9, 2009 (Reuters) report by Louis Charbonneau (UNITED NATIONS) -
Sudan expulsions of NGOs leave aid gap -UN

* U.N. chief might appeal directly to Sudanese president
* U.N. says Sudan has seized some assets
* Bashir promises no more expulsions - U.N. officials (Adds diplomats on meetings with Bashir)

The Sudanese government is unable to take on the work of aid groups it has ordered out of the country's war-ravaged Darfur region, the top U.N. humanitarian affairs official said on Monday.

The African nation shut down 13 foreign and three local non-governmental organizations, saying they helped the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague issue an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir.

U.N. humanitarian affairs chief John Holmes predicted a daunting challenge if the government in Khartoum didn't reverse its expulsion of the groups, which he said accounted for approximately half of the humanitarian aid capacity in Darfur.

"We do not, as the U.N. system, the NGOs do not, ... and the (Sudanese) government does not have the capacity to replace all the activities that have been going on, certainly not on any short- or medium-term basis," Holmes told reporters.

His remarks came several days after Sudanese U.N. Ambassador Abdalmahmoud Abdalhaleem said his government would have no problem filling in any gaps in aid distribution created by the expulsions.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said last week that U.N. humanitarian operations in Darfur, where some 4.7 million people rely on aid, would face "irrevocable damage" if the decision to shut down the aid groups was not reversed.

NO MORE EXPULSIONS?

U.N. spokeswoman Marie Okabe said Ban had not spoken with Bashir in the aftermath of the ICC announcement last week that it was charging him with crimes against humanity and war crimes stemming from the six-year conflict in Darfur.

Pro-government militias are accused of widespread atrocities in the restive region, where at least 200,000 people have been killed and some 2.7 million driven from their homes.

Holmes said the expulsions were retaliation for the ICC move and said Ban, who is on a trip to Haiti, had been attempting to resolve the crisis and might personally appeal to Bashir to permit their return.

U.N. officials told Reuters that the head of the U.N. mission in Sudan, Ashraf Qazi, spoke with Bashir over the weekend. They said the Sudanese leader had told Qazi that he would not back down over the expulsions.

But they added that the Sudanese leader had told Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa that no other humanitarian aid organizations would be ordered out of the country.

Holmes said that U.N. and NGO staff had faced harassment at the hands of Sudanese security forces, including "intimidatory behavior" and confiscation of vehicles, computers and other assets, and that U.N. officials had complained to Khartoum.

He added that the supply of food and water at refugee camps in Darfur would be more difficult in the coming days. (Additional reporting by Megan Davies; editing by Paul Simao)

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March 9, 2009 (AP) report via International Herald Tribune -
UN to try to fill life-threatening gaps in Darfur -

UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations will try to fill life-threatening gaps left by Sudan's expulsion of more than half the aid workers in Darfur but cannot replace their critical activities helping millions of displaced people in the conflict-wracked region, the U.N. humanitarian chief said Monday.

John Holmes said the Sudanese government also doesn't have the capacity to take over the work of 13 of the largest humanitarian organizations ordered to leave Darfur after the International Criminal Court ordered an arrest warrant for President Omar al-Bashir on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur.

While the U.N. continues to urge the Sudanese government to reverse its expulsion orders, Holmes said it is also looking "at where the most critical life-threatening gaps actually are or may appear in the near future" — particularly in providing water, sanitation, health care and food, and in the slightly longer term providing shelter.

He said the U.N. will start working with the government "to find out exactly where these gaps may lie."

According to the latest U.N. figures, 7,610 people worked for the 13 aid groups — 308 international staff members and 7,302 Sudanese, mainly from Darfur, he said. They represent more than 50 percent of the roughly 14,000 humanitarian workers from 85 organizations that had been working in Darfur, including about 1,000 international staff, he said.

"This is a decision ... which is likely to have a major impact on millions of people in Darfur, in particular, who are in need on a daily basis of life-saving humanitarian assistance," Holmes said.

Last week, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the relief agencies are key to maintaining a lifeline to 4.7 million people in Darfur. Holmes' deputy, Catherine Bragg, added that the loss of the 13 NGOs would mean "1.1 million people will be without food aid, 1.1 million will be without health care, and over 1 million will be without potable water."

Holmes said the U.N. has been asking the Sudanese "for justification for the action and we haven't had any which would seem to us to be satisfactory."

"I think it's reasonably clear this was a political response to a decision which has got nothing to do with the U.N. and nothing to do with the NGOs," he said.

He added that Ban may discuss the expulsions with al-Bashir "when it's most likely to produce the right effect."

The Sudanese government's humanitarian agency said it has agreed with U.N. humanitarian officials to send a "joint technical assessment mission" to evaluate the situation in Darfur following the expulsion of the 13 aid groups. The joint team will travel to Darfur on Wednesday, the agency said.

As examples of critical gaps that need to be filled, Holmes said, the U.N. is particularly concerned about a meningitis outbreak in the Nertiti camp for 33,000 displaced people in West Darfur and a possible meningitis outbreak in Kalma camp, which houses over 100,000 people in South Darfur, because the NGOs providing medical care have been expelled and a large-scale vaccination program is needed.

There is also a problem with clean water for the Kalma camp because Oxfam, which has been expelled, maintained the pumping system and provided the fuel to run it, he said.

"It may not affect water delivery today, but it certainly will within a few days if the maintenance is not done, if the fuel is not provided," he said.

Holmes, the U.N. undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs, said he discussed the expulsions on Monday with representatives of U.N. agencies, the 13 non-governmental organizations ordered to leave, and some of the NGOs allowed to remain in Darfur.

The United Nations is "very concerned about the way the decision has been implemented on the ground," he said.

Assets of international NGOs have been confiscated including vehicles and computers, vital data for assistance to beneficiaries and food and non-food items, he said. There also have been cases of "intimidatory behavior" by some Sudanese officials towards NGO staff facing expulsion, he said.

Holmes said one or two warehouses containing food from the U.N. World Food Program which was going to be distributed by NGOs were also quickly seized by local Sudanese authorities. "We have been assured that these assets will be returned to us quickly," he said.

- - -

March 9, 2009 - Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union following the Government of Sudan’s decision to expel 13 Non-Government Organisations - via eu2009.cz:

The EU believes that the continued delivery of humanitarian assistance in Sudan is of the highest importance to save lives and is crucial in creating a conducive environment for the implementation of all peace processes in Sudan, which the EU will continue to support strongly.

The EU is therefore deeply concerned by the Government of Sudan’s decision to expel 13 international humanitarian NGOs from Sudan and to revoke the licenses of three local NGOs. This decision is a direct and immediate threat to the continuity of international humanitarian assistance in Darfur and damages aid operations in the rest of Northern Sudan. These NGOs provide a vital service to some millions of vulnerable Sudanese civilians, guided by the principles of human rights and international humanitarian law.

The EU calls upon to the Government of Sudan to urgently reconsider their decision, and ensure that humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable people in Sudan be continuously guaranteed.

Contact :
Zuzana Opletalová, porte-parole du ministère des Affaires étrangères
tél. : +420 224 182 426, GSM : +420 724 034 154; e-mail : zuzana_opletalova@mzv.cz
Dernière mise à jour : 9.3.2009 19:27

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Expulsion of NGOs won't affect humanitarian situation, Sudan says - Sudan can't fill gaps from expelled aid groups, U.N. says

See Sudan Watch
Monday, March 09, 2009:

Sudan's HAC says explusion of NGOs from Darfur will not be reconsidered and won't affect humanitarian situation. Expulsion of NGOs won't affect humanitarian situation, Sudan says

Sudan can't fill gaps from expelled aid groups: U.N. - The Sudanese government lacks sufficient capacity to do the work of the aid groups it has ordered out of the country's war-ravaged Darfur region, the top U.N. humanitarian affairs official said on Monday.

Sudan's HAC says explusion of NGOs from Darfur will not be reconsidered and won't affect humanitarian situation (Update 1)

Expulsion of NGOs won't affect humanitarian situation, Sudan says
From Miraya FM 09 Mar 2009

The Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Hasabo Mohamed Abdallah has said that the expulsion of the thirteen Non-Governmental Organizations from Darfur will not affect the humanitarian situation in the region. Speaking to the press on Sunday, Mr. Abdallah said that the expulsion of the organizations is not politically motivated but instead the humanitarian agencies exceeded their permitted credentials.

He said that the decision taken for the expulsion of these organizations will not be reconsidered.

- - -

Sudan can't fill gaps from expelled aid groups: U.N.
From Reuters by Louis Charbonneau Monday Mar 9, 2009 1:58pm EDT

UNITED NATIONS - The Sudanese government lacks sufficient capacity to do the work of the aid groups it has ordered out of the country's war-ravaged Darfur region, the top U.N. humanitarian affairs official said on Monday.

Sudan has targeted 13 foreign and three local aid groups saying they collaborated with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, which last week issued an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir on charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur.

Sudan's U.N. Ambassador Abdalmahmoud Abdalhaleem on Friday told reporters that the Sudanese government would have no problem filling in any gaps in aid distribution created by the expulsion of the non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

But U.N. humanitarian affairs chief John Holmes told reporters on Monday that this was not the case.

"We do not, as the U.N. system, the NGOs do not, ... and the (Sudanese) government does not have the capacity to replace all the activities that have been going on, certainly not on any short- or medium-term basis," he said.

That, Holmes said, "is why the challenge is so daunting if the decision of the government of Sudan is not reversed." He said the NGOs targeted by Khartoum accounted for approximately 50 percent of the humanitarian aid capacity in Darfur.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said last week that U.N. humanitarian operations in Darfur, where some 4.7 million people rely on aid, would face "irrevocable damage" if the decision to shut down the aid groups was not reversed.

U.N. spokeswoman Marie Okabe said Ban had not spoken with Bashir in the aftermath of the ICC announcement.

Holmes said Ban, who is on a trip to Haiti, had been working the telephone in an attempt to resolve the crisis and might personally appeal to the president, now an official war crimes suspect, to permit the return of the NGOs.

"One possibility is a discussion between him (Ban) and the president of Sudan at the appropriate moment," he said.

Holmes added that U.N. and NGO staff have faced harassment at the hands of Sudanese security forces, including "intimidatory behavior." He added that U.N. officials had complained about this to the government.

"Assets of international NGOs have been confiscated, including in some cases United Nations assets I have to say, things like vehicles and computers, vital data for assistance to beneficiaries, ... food and non-food items," he said.

Holmes said there were one or two warehouses containing World Food Program food seized by local authorities, which he hoped would be returned.

He added that the supply of food and water at camps for displaced persons in Darfur would become increasingly problematic in the coming days.

Holmes also dismissed Abdalhaleem's assertion on Friday that the decision to expel the NGOs was not retaliation for the ICC decision.

"I think its reasonably clear this was a political response to a decision that has nothing to do with the U.N. or any of the NGOs," he said.

(Additional reporting by Megan Davies; editing by Cynthia Osterman)

Photo: Sudanese soldiers secure the airport during the arrival of Sudan's President Omar Hassan al-Bashir in Al Fasher, northern Darfur March 8, 2009. Al-Bashir threatened on Sunday to expel diplomats and more aid groups, brandishing a sword at a Darfur rally days after a Hague court issued a warrant for him for war crimes. (Reuters/Zohra Bensemra)

Sudan's HAC has closed SUDO - UNMIS Head of Human Rights out, Diplomats expected in next wave

Just in from Rob Crilly in Khartoum, via Twitter an hour ago (right now it is 13:34 pm GMT here in England, UK):

Unmis head of human rights out. Diplomats expected in next wave
about 1 hour ago from txt

UNMIS is the UN's mission in southern Sudan. More news on this later, when I find it. Note earlier news from Rob posted here at Sudan Watch today about Darfur being a cash cow for NGOs.

Going by what I have filed here at Sudan Watch over the past five years, Sudan is one of the most ancient civilisations in the world. It has existed since the year dot and will continue to survive. Trouble is these days in Sudan, due to global warming and desertification, within the next seven years or so, water will become more precious than oil. People can survive for quite a long time without food in searing heat but only a few days without drinking water. No doubt the Sudanese government is aware that they must ensure that everybody in Sudan right now has access to drinking water, not forgetting all the animals and plants.
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Just in, around 13:00 pm GMT, from sudanupdate.org Monday March 9, 2009:

Sudan's Humanitarian Assistance Commission (HAC) closes another Sudanese organisation

HAC has closed another Sudanese organisation, following the Humanitarian Centre for Development and Environment and AMAL centre. See statement of SUDO (Sudan Social Development Organisation) here below.

Media and officials are currently very much focussing on the expulsion of international NGOs, and the closing of indigenous Sudanese organisations at best only gets one single sentence in the reporting. But it should be noted, that the Sudanese organisations are the most important in the country, as they usually stay, serving their people and fighting for their human rights and a transformation of the society from within, while internationals come and go. The Sudanese staff of international NGOs and the staff of indigenous NGOs are the ones, who are the most exposed and vulnerable, if it comes to measures of the government. They need our full solidarity and support at this critical time."

From SUDO March 6, 2009: Statement about dissolving the Sudan Social Development Organization

On Thursday 5 March, 2009 around 17:30 Sudan Social Development Organization (SUDO) received a letter signed by the general commissioner of the Humanitarian Assistance commission (HAC), that the commission decided to dissolve the organization with immediate effect and handover all its 10 offices and all its properties and resources to a committee from HAC.

SUDO is the biggest national organization undertaking humanitarian and development assistance to the most needy and most vulnerable Sudanese people through 10 field offices in North, South and West Darfur, South Kordofan, Nuba mountains, North Kordofan, Blue Nile and Khartoum. Our current operations provide urgent and life saving assistance to over 700,000 IDPs and poor farmers in different parts of the country, especially Darfur. Our work is and has always been purely humanitarian and is mostly needed at this time of our country.

We believe that the decision of the commissioner contradicts the Sudanese laws and violates the constitutional rights and we will be contesting this decision through the Sudanese legal and judicial systems.

Sudan Social Development Organization SUDO
Khartoum March 6, 2009

منظمة السودان للتنمية الإجتماعية
(سودو)
تلفون: + 249183483133
Sudan Social Development Organization
(SUDO)
Tel: +249183-483 133/494977
Fax: +249 183 494976
منزل رقم 17 مربع 4 غرب الديوم (السجانة)
ص ب 11926 الخرطوم 11111
Building No. 17, Block 4, West Ed
Dieum [as Saganah]
P. O. Box 11926, Khartoum 11111
E-mail: info@sudosudan.org