Thursday, May 04, 2023
Statement: President Biden on the Conflict in Sudan. Orders sanctions against people destabilising Sudan
WFP: 30,000 crossed from Sudan into South Sudan
🚩WFP is on the ground and supporting new arrivals in #SouthSudan.
— World Food Programme (@WFP) May 4, 2023
This additional response is putting pressure on an already severely underfunded operation. More than 30,000 people have so far crossed the border from #Sudan into South Sudan. pic.twitter.com/x9QS1Q3fxM
Mineral Resources CEO in white UN plane from S. Kordofan to S. Sudan at invite of Juba agreed by SAF?
🧵#SudanUpdate: Sudanese Mineral Resources Co. chief Mubarek Ardol, flanked by bodyguards, flew in a white UN plane from Kadugli, capital of Sudan's South Kordofan State to Wau, South Sudan at approximately 1:00pm on May 2, at the invitation of Juba and with the agreement of SAF. pic.twitter.com/YLLHCAirNy
— Jon Hutson (@JonHutson) May 3, 2023
Darfur war leader Abdul Wahid Nur is in South Sudan
NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: A day after I mentioned Abdul Wahid Nur's name here, I go to sleep and wake up to find him in this news report by AFP.
He’s 55. 20 years ago he and his gormless gang along with a more intelligent and ruthless JEM gang started the Darfur war. Tintin springs to mind here.
AFP's report says he is now based in Juba, South Sudan but doesn't say how he funds his work-free life, travel, hotel rooms, fancy clothes, family if any.
France & Germany host Darfur rebels. Maybe supporters pay for him to laze around Paris, save his skin, drink beer, visit Israel. He makes my foot itch.
The report is copied here in full to show the standard of his chat. Note that he states the obvious saying Sudanese people want a civilian government.
He rarely visits Darfur as support for him has dwindled. He has delusions of becoming president of Sudan or Darfur or anywhere that'll have him.
________________________________________________________________________________
Report from Yahoo News
By Agence France-Presse (AFP)
Dated Thursday 4 May 2023, 11:24 am BST - full copy:
'No winner' in Sudan war: exiled Darfur rebel leader
Sudanese exiled rebel leader Abdel Wahid Nur -- a veteran of decades of fighting in the troubled Darfur region -- says there can be "no winner" in the war now raging between two rival generals.
"The Sudanese people want neither of them," Nur, now based in neighbouring South Sudan, told AFP. "They want a civilian government."
Battles have flared for weeks between Sudan's army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
"What's happening in Sudan is a disaster," Nur, 55, said in an interview in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, where he lives after spending years in Paris.
"There is no winner in this war," said the leader of a faction of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) whose members, he said, have not joined the fighting.
The battles have turned Khartoum into a war zone and also killed scores in Darfur, which Nur said once more suffers "war crimes and crimes against humanity".
Nur was a leader of the Darfur rebellion from 2003 when African minority groups rose up against Arab elites they accused of monopolising Sudan's political power and wealth.
The Islamist-backed strongman then in power, Omar al-Bashir, unleashed the notorious Janjaweed militias, the forerunners of the RSF, whose atrocities shocked the world.
The unrest killed at least 300,000 people and displaced 2.5 million, according to the UN. The bloodshed led to international charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes against Bashir and others.
Although Darfur's conflict subsided over the years, the region remains awash with weapons and sporadic violence erupts, often over access to water, land and resources.
- 'Hands of oppression' -
Sudan's military ousted Bashir in April 2019 following mass pro-democracy protests, and Burhan has been the de facto leader since then.
Daglo, from Darfur's pastoralist camel-herding Arab Rizeigat people, rose to prominence with the Janjaweed, which made up the bulk of the RSF formed in 2013.
In October 2021, Burhan and his then number-two Daglo jointly staged another coup that upended the country's fragile transition to civilian rule.
The two generals then engaged in a power struggle, most recently over the RSF's integration into the regular army, which has now flared into bloody violence.
"The two bodies fighting now once acted as Bashir's hands of oppression," said Nur.
"The army and Burhan personally supervised the making of the Janjaweed," he said, adding that his own movement opposes both and only fights "oppression".
Nur described the conflict as the expected outcome of a "political struggle that became militarised".
The current fighting has killed more than 550 people, wounded thousands and sent more than 100,000 fleeing abroad.
In West Darfur state, the UN says, the hostilities "have triggered intercommunal violence", which have seen many deaths and accounts of rampant looting and burning of property.
- Ambition to rule -
Nur's SLM faction refused to sign a 2020 peace deal with Sudan's short-lived transitional government installed following Bashir's ouster.
It charged that the accord, signed by other rebel groups, failed to address the root causes of Sudan's conflicts.
Nur said his movement had however observed "a unilateral ceasefire since Bashir's ouster and have since committed to it" to give a chance to the planned transition to civilian rule.
Nur belongs to the ethnic Fur tribe in Darfur, and analysts believe his faction still maintains considerable support.
A report last year by UN experts said Nur's faction was among Darfuri armed groups "receiving payments and logistical support" in exchange for sending mercenaries to strife-torn Libya.
The UN experts, in 2020, also said Nur's group had strengthened its miliary capability following the discovery of gold in its area.
Nur rejects the allegations and says he does not support either side in the current war, stressing that his fighters play no role in it.
Nur said the conflict reflects the two generals' ambitions to rule Sudan but is only "increasing the suffering" of the people, especially in Darfur.
In a country with a history of military coups, Burhan and Daglo have each touted themselves as champions of democracy seeking to restore the transition to civilian rule.
Nur, recalling the mass youth-led protests that led to Bashir's overthrow, said the Sudanese people reject both of them.
"I don't think they will ever accept military rule," he said.
bur/it/fz
View original: https://uk.news.yahoo.com/no-winner-sudan-war-exiled-102413405.html?guccounter=1
Darfur Sudan: ICC trial Ali Kushayb Janjaweed Leader
NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: In April 2022, the first trial into atrocities committed in Sudan’s Darfur region began at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Several sessions of the trial at the ICC are scheduled to continue this month. I made the transcript of a powerful video here below.
Video by Human Rights Watch
Posted at YouTube on 29 March 2022
Title: ICC trial of Ali Kosheib: Landmark Case of ‘Janjaweed’ Militia Leader
Description:
Ali Kosheib, or Kushayb, is the nom de guerre of Ali Mohammed Ali, identified by the International Criminal Court (ICC) as Ali Mohammed Ali Abd–Al-Rahman. Kosheib is believed to have been the principal leader of the Janjaweed militias in the Wadi Saleh area of West Darfur. He also held commanding positions in Sudanese government auxiliary forces, the Popular Defense Forces and Central Reserve Police.
In early 2003, the Janjaweed worked alongside the Sudanese government forces during its armed conflict with rebel groups to carry out a systematic campaign of “ethnic cleansing.” The campaign targeted civilians from African Fur, Masalit, and Zaghawa ethnic groups, from which the members of the rebel groups were drawn. Attacking from the air and land, Sudanese government forces and allied militias killed, raped, and forcibly displaced more than 2 million people from their homes and land. The Sudanese government recruited, armed, and trained the Janjaweed forces. -Human Rights Watch
Transcript:
MURDER, PILLAGE, RAPE, TORTURE, FORCIBLE TRANSFER, PERSECUTION, INHUMANE ACTS
Just some of the charges Ali Mohammed
Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, known as Ali Kosheib,
will face before the International Criminal Court in his trial starting Tuesday, April 5, 2022.
This trial is the first time a leader will have to answer for serious crimes allegedly committed in Darfur by government forces and allied militias.
Kosheib, a commander of the Janjaweed militias, is accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur between 2003 and 2004.
Voice: Darfur community leader
“We appreciate the role of the ICC, not in a vindictive way, but for justice. People all over the world should know that no one is above justice, and every dictator who wishes to exterminate and kill his people or his neighbors has to know he will face the law.”
Serious crimes in Darfur have continued over the years, where perpetrators are emboldened by impunity.
Victims and communities in Sudan have been waiting for over fifteen years to finally see an accused perpetrator stand trial.
Voice: Darfur Activist
“The Kosheib trial is a good step towards justice. But achieving full justice in Darfur relies on the surrender of Omar al-Bashir, Ahmed Haroun, Abdulraheem Mohammed Hussein and others.”
For justice to be done, Sudanese authorities should help transfer the other ICC fugitives to the ICC without further delay.
hashtag justice matters
[Ends]
View the above video at YouTube here: https://youtu.be/nn5V6H4XOow
Related reports
Sudan Watch
Thursday, May 04, 2023
Darfur Sudan: ICC warrants of arrest still pending against MM Harun, Al Bashir, Banda, and Hussein
https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2023/05/darfur-sudan-icc-warrants-of-arrest.html
Sudan Watch
Thursday, May 04, 2023
ICC trial of Janjaweed Leader helps justice for Darfur
https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2023/05/icc-trial-of-janjaweed-leader-helps.html
[Ends]
ICC trial of Janjaweed Leader helps justice for Darfur
NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: In April 2022, the first trial into atrocities committed in Sudan’s Darfur region began at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Several sessions of the trial at the ICC are scheduled to continue this month. I made the transcript of a powerful video here below.
Video by The New Humanitarian
Posted at YouTube on 08 February 2023
Title: ICC trial brings mixed feelings for Darfur Janjaweed victims
Description:
Survivors of Darfur’s conflict say they have experienced a mixture of painful memories and feelings of relief as the first trial into atrocities committed in the western region of Sudan continues proceedings at the Hague-based International Criminal Court. - The New Humanitarian.
Transcript:
PEACE MEANS JUSTICE FOR DARFUR
Voices: ICC trial brings mixed feelings for Darfur’s war survivors
In April 2022, the first trial into atrocities committed in Sudan’s Darfur region began at the International Criminal Court.
Witnesses have been testifying against Ali Kushayb. He is accused of atrocities committed while commanding the Janjaweed armed group in 2003 and 2004.
The Janjaweed was an Arab militia created by the government of Omar al-Bashir to crush a revolt by Darfur’s mostly non-Arab rebel groups.
Janjaweed victims are still living in displacement camps dotted across Darfur.
Darfuri journalist and rights monitor, Ahmed Gouja, spoke to some of them last year.
Amina Abdelrahman, Resident Kalma displacement camp:
“For me, as a woman, this is a triumph. Darfuri women are the major victims of the war. We lost parents, dearest children, and mothers. The mass rape was expected. People witnessed the Janjaweed raping their daughters and wives. The Ali Kushayb trial is a tremendous gain for all Darfuri women.”
Yaqoub Mohamed Abdalla, Leader of Kalma displacement camp:
“We are delighted for this progress toward justice. it feels good to find a court that rules on behalf of the vulnerable. It is a lesson for all those afraid of the law, but not afraid of God. That is why the ICC is a necessity”.
Hanan Hassan Khatir Abdelbakhit, Community leader displaced from Wadi Salih:
“We have mixed feelings. We are rejoicing in the news of Ali Kushaybs; trial. But we feel deep sorry recalling all the crimes that he committed against us. Genocide, mass rape, ethnic cleansing, looting of our possessions, destroying out villages, and all the offensive acts that I cannot describe”.
Prosecutors have accused Kushayb of being “a willing and knowing participant in crimes”. He claims he is the victim of mistaken identity.
Community leaders described to Gouja some of Kyshaby’s alleged crimes.
Ada Husseein Sharif, Community leader and displaced person:
“Janjaweed embarked on arresting the displaced people. They took them to the Deleig police station and forced them all to the ground. Ali Kushayb was stepping on the bodies of detainees. He killed one of our sons, Adam Abdelrahman. He was an agricultural worker”.
Though many Darfuris are relieved to see Kushayb on trial, they have called for al-Bashir to be handed over to the ICC too. They also called for an end to recent violence that has displaced hundreds of thousands of Darfuris.
Darfuri voice:
“The situation is not safe yet in Darfur. We still need the support of the international community. Darfur needs to be safeguarded immediately and before anything else. We demand food, education for children, and better health services”.
Darfuri voice:
“To achieve justice for Darfur, Omar al-Bashir must be turned over to the the ICC. So should all the names in the arrest warrants issued by the ICC.”
[Ends]
View the video at YouTube here: https://youtu.be/ZED3BVQBILU
Further reading
Sudan Watch
Thursday, May 04, 2023
Darfur Sudan: ICC warrants of arrest still pending against MM Harun, Al Bashir, Banda, and Hussein
https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2023/05/darfur-sudan-icc-warrants-of-arrest.html
Sudan Watch
Thursday, May 04, 2023
Darfur Sudan: ICC trial Ali Kushayb Janjaweed Leader
https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2023/05/darfur-sudan-icc-trial-ali-kushayb.html
[Ends]
Darfur Sudan: ICC warrants of arrest still pending against MM Harun, Al Bashir, Banda, and Hussein
Source: https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/situation-darfur-sudan-ali-kushayb-icc-custody
For further information, please contact Fadi El Abdallah, Spokesperson and Head of Public Affairs Unit, International Criminal Court, by telephone at: +31 (0)70 515-9152 or +31 (0)6 46448938 or by e-mail at: fadi.el-abdallah@icc-cpi.int
Source: https://www.icc-cpi.int/contact
Further reading
Sudan Watch
Thursday, May 04, 2023
ICC trial of Janjaweed Leader helps justice for Darfur
https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2023/05/icc-trial-of-janjaweed-leader-helps.html
Sudan Watch
Thursday, May 04, 2023
Darfur Sudan: ICC trial Ali Kushayb Janjaweed Leader
https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2023/05/darfur-sudan-icc-trial-ali-kushayb.html
[Ends]
Wednesday, May 03, 2023
CARTOON: The world is looking at Sudan
Tuesday, May 02, 2023
VIDEO GENEINA DARFUR: Sudan’s warring leaders agree new 7-day ceasefire – but civil war fears grow
NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: This depressing stomach churning video also provides Matt Frei’s video interview with Professor Mukesh Kapila, UN humanitarian co-ordinator in Sudan, 2003-2004 who predicts the current Sudan crisis, not yet called a civil war, to result in 2 million or more refugees.
Report from Channel 4 News UK
International Editor
Dated Tuesday 2 May 2023 - full copy:
Sudan’s warring generals agree new ceasefire – but civil war fears grow
Sudan’s warring generals have agreed – in principle at least – to a seven day ceasefire starting on Thursday [May 4], as fighting continues in the capital Khartoum.
That’s where much of the focus on this conflict has been – but we’ve managed to get exclusive footage which reveals how civilians have been targeted in El Geneina in the western Darfur region.
More than 200 people have been killed in attacks in the past week, with no health care facilities left open to treat the wounded.
View original and video showing El Geneina, West Darfur in western Sudan here: https://www.channel4.com/news/sudans-warring-generals-agree-new-ceasefire-but-civil-war-fears-grow
The video can be seen at YouTube here: https://youtu.be/Sxq2OxZiXtk
View more videos of the Sudan crisis here: https://www.channel4.com/news/by/lindsey-hilsum
Channel 4 is a public service broadcasting service.
[Ends]
South Sudan: Kiir urges Sudan to protect oil pipeline
Report from SudanTribune.com
Dated 20 April 2023 - excerpt:
Kiir urges Sudanese rivals to protect oil pipeline
President Kiir emphasized to the two [Sudan] leaders the need to protect the pipeline that exports oil from South Sudan to the international markets through Sudan.
South Sudan relies on Sudan to export its crude oil, which travels through a pipeline to the Red Sea via Khartoum where fighting erupted on Saturday.
For his part, Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol has urged the warring parties in Sudan to fulfil their moral responsibility and obligation of providing protection of critical infrastructure in their country under international law.
A man examines a leaking oil pipe line at a pumping station built next to his village on land that was once used for agriculture Paloch, Sudan 20 Jan 2010
Full story at Sudan Tribune here.
[Ends]
VIDEO: How the Sudan crisis is affecting South Sudan
NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: This news report is a reminder of the seemingly never ending humanitarian crisis in South Sudan where two-thirds of its population of 12:58 million people face hunger, more than 2 million people displaced, and now, as can be seen in this disturbing video report, large areas of the country are submerged by flooding.
Report from Channel 4 News UK
By Matt Frei, Europe Editor and Presenter
Dated Saturday 29 April 2023
How the Sudan conflict is affecting its neighbours
The consequences of the escalating conflict in Sudan is being felt beyond its borders – as surrounding countries deal with the impact on aid deliveries and an influx of refugees fleeing the violence.
One country in particular that is being hit by the worsening violence is Sudan’s neighbour, South Sudan.
There is a drastic humanitarian crisis there with two-thirds of the population facing hunger, more than 2 million people displaced, and large areas of the country submerged by flooding.
View original and video here:
https://www.channel4.com/news/how-the-sudan-conflict-is-affecting-its-neighbours
[Ends]
New BBC Arabic radio service airs in Sudan twice daily at 9am on 21,510 kHz and 5pm on 15,310kHz
NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: Good news. The BBC World Service has launched a new Arabic emergency radio service for Sudan. It starts today Tuesday 2 May 2023 at 3pm GMT (4pm BST, 5pm local time).
The Arabic emergency radio service for Sudan airs twice daily on short wave in Sudan at 7am GMT (8am BST, 9am local time) on 21,510 kHz and at 3pm GMT (4pm BST, 5pm local time) on 15,310kHz
Broadcast live in London, it will bring live updates of the situation on the ground, info on how to access life-saving resources, essential supplies and services, as well as analysis from voices inside and outside Sudan.
The new service for Sudan, launching this afternoon, will be available on radio, online and across social media.
Read full story at BBC News Media
Published: 12:01 am, Tuesday 2 May 2023
BBC World Service launches emergency radio service for Sudan
The programme, which will be broadcast live in London with input from teams in Amman and Cairo, will air on short wave in Sudan and be available on radio, online and across social media
https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2023/bbc-world-service-launches-emergency-radio-service-for-sudan
Also, here by Paul Glynn, BBC News, Tue 2 May 2023:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-65447051
- - -
BBC News Arabic and Twitter
الرئيسية - BBC News عربي - BBC News Arabic
BBC Arabic - عاجل - Twitter
@bbcarabicalerts
[Ends]
AU: Arrest warrants & sanctions should be imposed on Sudan's Burhan & Hemeti, goldmines assets frozen
Here is a copy of a tweet dated Monday 1 May 2023 featuring an Al Jazeera English video interview with Africa and Sudan analyst Mr Cameron Hudson.
I spoke to @AJEnglish about the likely expansion of conflict in #Sudan as we move toward political talks and how those talks need to be set up to deliver real results for the people of Sudan, not just talking points and tactical maneuvering for the warmakers. pic.twitter.com/cU1Giu1tks
— Cameron Hudson (@_hudsonc) May 1, 2023
Monday, May 01, 2023
WFP: 20,000 people have crossed from Sudan into Chad. Thousands more expected in coming weeks
🆘So far, up to 20,000 people have crossed the border from #Sudan into #Chad. Thousands more are expected in the coming weeks. Funds are urgently needed.https://t.co/Z7npRoUM07 pic.twitter.com/ldFJEGB2df
— World Food Programme (@WFP) April 28, 2023
In virtual meeting with UN aid chiefs & partners, Kenya's president rallies urgent support for Sudan
United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohamed was among UN officials and other leaders who held a meeting with President William Ruto on Monday, May 1, to find a way forward for the Sudan crisis.Thank you, @WilliamsRuto, for your leadership and support for urgent humanitarian action in #Sudan.
— Martin Griffiths (@UNReliefChief) May 1, 2023
We need a strong plan moving forward to prevent the situation from further spiraling. https://t.co/ZAINbsobQn
A statement from State House noted the high-level meeting, which was chaired by Ruto, was held both virtually and physically.
Ruto gave a report on the progress of conflict resolution in Sudan noting that the warring sides had declined the call of the international communities and leadership to cease fire. He added that the people of Sudan were in need of humanitarian aid noting that they did not have enough supply of food and water.
Further, he stated that the number of people displaced by the war continued to increase at an alarming rate forcing many of them to flee to other countries.
“The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has reached catastrophic levels. The protagonists have declined to heed the calls by the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, the African Union and the international community to cease fire.
“Consequently, water, food and medicines are in short supply. Internally, the number of displaced people keeps rising as many more flee to neighbouring countries,” Ruto stated.
Full story here from Kenyans.co.ke:
UN Bosses, Other Leaders Fly to Kenya to Help Ruto Solve Sudan Crisis, Monday 1 May 2023
https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/88801-un-bosses-other-leaders-fly-kenya-help-ruto-solve-sudan-crisis IMAGE: A collage image of President William Ruto meeting with other leaders to discuss the war in Sudan on Monday May 1 2023. PCS
Sudan: WFP aids Gedaref, Gezira, Kassala, White Nile
Here is a copy of a comment, posted in Arabic at the above WFP tweet: "To whom it may concern for humanitarian reasons We wish the Sudanese people peace when the relief work begins, the relief should be an easy lunch to prepare, for example, wheat needs to be grinded, so it is better to be flour to facilitate preparation, and it is better to have a lunch basket with a carton that includes the basic needs of families, thank you." View original report: https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/05/1136222#SUDAN: WFP distribution of food is expected to commence in the coming days to provide the life-saving assistance that many so desperately need right now.
— World Food Programme (@WFP) May 1, 2023
UN: Humanitarians to return to Khartoum Sudan asap
Photo: IOM teams are assessing the needs of Sudanese refugees on the Chad–Sudan border.
Source: UN News report dated 27 April 2023 https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/04/1136147
[Ends]
UN & partners establishing a core team in Port Sudan. School in Al-Geneina, West Darfur burned to ground
Report from and by UN News
Sunday 30 April 2023 - full copy:
Guterres dispatches UN 'relief chief' to Sudan as humanitarian crisis deepens
The UN relocated and evacuated staff from Khartoum and other locations over the past week who will continue to work remotely, whether from inside Sudan or in other countries.
The UN and partners are establishing a core team in Port Sudan, which will be responsible for overseeing aid operations and negotiating humanitarian access with de facto authorities.
Humanitarians now based in the coastal city, capital of Red Sea state, are determined to quickly return to Khartoum, as the UN continues to uphold its commitment to Sudan.
Earlier on Sunday, Volker Perthes, head of the UN Mission supporting the transition, UNITAMS, was briefed by the Wali (Governor) and other officials in Red Sea State on the humanitarian and security situation there.
"He assured them that the UN is not leaving Sudan and that he will work from Port Sudan until the security situation in Khartoum allows our return," UNITAMS said in a tweet.
Mohamed Khalil On April 27, 2023, the Al-Imam Al-Kadhim School in Al-Geneina City, West Darfur State, which had been serving as an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) shelter, was burned to the ground amidst the ongoing crisis in Sudan.
View original: https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/04/1136212
[Ends]
Sunday, April 30, 2023
UN: Humanitarian crisis in Khartoum & around Sudan
Two weeks since clashes erupted in Khartoum and around Sudan, the humanitarian situation is reaching breaking point.
— Martin Griffiths (@UNReliefChief) April 30, 2023
At the request of @antonioguterres, I'm on my way to the region to see how we can bring immediate relief to the people impacted. https://t.co/dCE9ekPb0R