UNSC: Briefing on Cooperation between UN and LAS

"The meeting, which is one of the signature events of the June Council Presidency of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will be chaired by Khalifa Shaheen Almarar, Minister of State at the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

It appears that Egypt (on behalf of the Arab Group at the UN) will participate under rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure." Read more.

Report at What's In Blue - securitycouncilreport.org
Dated Wednesday 7 June 2023 - full copy:

Briefing on Cooperation between the UN and the League of Arab States

Tomorrow morning (8 June) the Security Council will convene for a briefing on cooperation between the UN and the League of Arab States (LAS). 

The meeting, which is one of the signature events of the June Council Presidency of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will be chaired by Khalifa Shaheen Almarar, Minister of State at the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. 

The expected briefers are Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo; LAS Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit; and Dr. Omnia El Omrani, who was the Youth Envoy for the President of the 27th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 27), held in Sharm El-Sheikh in 2022. 

It appears that Egypt (on behalf of the Arab Group at the UN) will participate under rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure.

Strengthening partnerships and cooperation with regional and sub-regional organisations—as envisioned in Chapter VIII of the UN Charter—has become an increasingly prominent theme for the Security Council. 

The Council has held annual consultative meetings with the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) since 2007 and has received regular briefings from the EU since 2010. 

It has also held debates and briefings on cooperation with several other bodies, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

In the past decade, LAS representatives have addressed the Council on several occasions, not least due to the proliferation of conflicts in the Arab world. 

In recent years, Arab Council members have featured meetings on the UN-LAS relationship as signature events of their presidencies, including Kuwait in June 2019, Tunisia in January 2021, and the UAE in March 2022. Presidential statements focusing on the relationship between the two organisations were the outcome of these three meetings.

The UAE has circulated a concept note in preparation for tomorrow’s meeting, indicating that the briefing is an opportunity to explore expanding joint efforts to address the interrelated peace, security, and humanitarian challenges facing the Arab region. It poses several questions to help guide the discussion, including:

• How can the Security Council and the LAS enhance their collaboration to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and human fraternity, while aligning their approaches across the peace continuum, from conflict prevention to post-conflict peacebuilding?
• What challenges do donor coordination efforts face in the context of emergency humanitarian crises, and how can the UN and the LAS work together to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of aid delivery in such situations?
• How can the contributions of women and young people in peacebuilding be better acknowledged and supported by the Security Council and the LAS? What actions can be taken to improve the meaningful involvement of women and youth in peace and security initiatives in the Arab region?

At tomorrow’s meeting, Council members are expected to underscore the contributions of regional organisations to international peace and security. They may reflect on how the UN and the LAS can work together more effectively across the “peace continuum”, ranging from conflict prevention to post-conflict peacebuilding. Building on themes discussed in the concept note, members may also speak about cooperation between the UN and the LAS in promoting the rights of women and youth in the region. 

In this regard, some may emphasise the importance of implementing the 2022 “Arab Declaration to Combat All Forms of Violence Against Women and Girls”, including through partnership with UN Women. They might also offer their views on the “Arab Strategy on Youth, Peace and Security”, which is expected to be launched later this year and has been developed with assistance from the UN Liaison Office to the LAS, which was established in 2019 in Cairo. Some members may talk about efforts to combat terrorism in the Arab world, including the Arab regional counter-terrorism strategy adopted in March 2022.

There could also be discussion of the adverse effects of climate change in the region and how to address them. It appears that this issue may be a focus of El Omrani’s briefing. The Council has also recognised the negative impact of climate change and other environmental factors in resolutions on one peace operation in the Middle East, the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). In resolution 2682 of 30 May, which most recently renewed UNAMI’s mandate for one year, the Council called on the mission to advise, support, and assist the Iraqi government in facilitating regional dialogue and cooperation on several issues, including the “adverse impacts of climate change in particular those contributing to desertification and drought, resilience building, infrastructure, public health, and refugees”.

There is also likely to be discussion at tomorrow’s meeting of how the UN and the LAS can more effectively address security and humanitarian challenges in several country situations on the Security Council’s agenda. During the 32nd summit of the LAS in Jeddah on 19 May, the participants referred to several of these situations when they issued the “Jeddah Declaration”, which:

• stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just settlement to the Palestinian issue;
• expressed deep concern at the ramifications of the crisis in Sudan for the security, safety, and stability of LAS countries and people;
• welcomed the decision of the Arab League Council to resume the participation of Syria in LAS meetings; and
• advocated for the ongoing UN and regional efforts to come up with a comprehensive political solution to the crisis in Yemen.

Council members have traditionally held contrasting views about how to approach many of the peace and security challenges in the Arab world. This is illustrated by the frequent vetoes cast over the years by the US and Russia on resolutions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Syria, respectively. In recent months, while some Council members—such as Russia and the UAE—have supported efforts to normalise relations with Syria, others, including the UK and the US, have remained sceptical.

Original: https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/whatsinblue/2023/06/briefing-on-cooperation-between-the-un-and-the-league-of-arab-states.php

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World's spy chiefs hold secret meeting in Singapore

THIS report explains an inexplicable huge spike in traffic from Singapore to Sudan Watch. Stats show visits by country only, not the identity of visitors.

Report at Ahram Online 

Based on a Reuters report
Dated Sunday 4 June 2023 - full copy:

World's spy chiefs hold secret meet In Singapore: Reuters

High-ranking intelligence officials from several countries convened on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security meeting in Singapore this weekend, Reuters reported citing five sources.

File photo: Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, right, speaks during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing to examine worldwide threats on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, March 8, 2023. AP

Such meetings are organised by the Singapore government and have been discreetly held at a separate venue alongside the security summit for several years, Reuters sources said.

"The meetings have not been previously reported,” the report said.

High-ranking intelligence officials from the U.S. and China were, among other representatives, present at the meeting despite soaring tensions between the two superpowers.

US Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines -- the head of her country's intelligence community -- attended the meeting, Reuters reported.

According to the report, "no Russian representative was present".

"The meeting is an important fixture on the international shadow agenda. Given the range of countries involved, it is not a festival of tradecraft, but rather a way of promoting a deeper understanding of intentions and bottom lines,” the report said, quoting one person with knowledge of the discussions.

"There is an unspoken code among intelligence services that they can talk when more formal and open diplomacy is harder - it is a very important factor during times of tension, and the Singapore event helps promote that,” it mentioned.

All five sources who discussed the meetings declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter, Reuters revealed, adding that the meetings have not been previously reported.

Related

UAE assumes Security Council presidency with vow to promote interfaith dialogue

NATO presses Turkey to approve Sweden's membership, eyes Ukraine security plan as summit looms

NATO debates 'security guarantees' for Ukraine

View original: https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/502270.aspx

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EU vows to hold human rights violators in Sudan accountable: Violations are being documented

NOTE, this report says the EU welcomed the unanimous decision of the UN Security Council to extend until December 2023 the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission (UNITAMS) in Sudan.

Report at Ahram Online 
By AFP Agence France Presse 
Dated Monday 5 June 2023 - full copy:

EU vows to hold human rights violators in Sudan accountable

The European Union (EU) said on Monday that human rights violations in Sudan are being documented, vowing to hold those responsible accountable.

Image: Smoke billows behind buildings from a reported fire in Khartoum, on June 5, 2023 .AFP

“Once again we remind the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of their obligations under international law to protect civilians and guarantee humanitarian access,” the EU tweeted on Monday.

The EU urged the warring parties in Sudan to cease hostilities immediately, allowing space for the resumption of a credible and inclusive political transition process, adding that it will continue to work with all regional and international stakeholders, including the African Union and the Special representative of the UN secretary-general for Sudan, to achieve these ends.

The statement welcomed the unanimous decision of the UN Security Council to extend until December 2023 the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan to assist the political transition, progress towards democratic governance, the protection and promotion of human rights, and sustainable peace.

“We reaffirmed our support for the African Union’s Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan and we are pleased that the extension of the UNITAMS mandate will help ensure inclusive and coordinated regional and international action, under African leadership, to secure a viable peace process, and the resumption of the transition to civilian government and democracy in Sudan,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, battles continued for the third consecutive day between the SAF and RSF in the city of Kutum, North Darfur, western Sudan. Clashes have spread to the Kfut area, the second largest city in the region.

On Sunday, the governor of West Darfur, Khamis Abakar, said there was "complete lawlessness" in the state.

"Armed men have taken over everything, and the situation is completely out of control," he said.

Darfur Governor Mini Minawi, a former rebel leader now close to the army, denounced on Twitter "looting" acts by armed groups, declared Darfur a "disaster zone," and appealed for help from the international community.

View original: https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/502357.aspx

___________________________________

Image: Darfur Governor Minni Minnawi talks to the press last in Khartoum in February 2021.

Source: Sudan Tribune report (28 May 2023 'Darfur governor urges civilians to take up arms amidst escalating violence')

___________________________________

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NATO: Air Defender 23 to be biggest exercise ever

"From June 12 to 23, up to 250 aircraft will be stationed across six military bases, with 25 countries taking part. The US alone is sending 100 aircraft across the Atlantic. In the air, participants will train in crisis situations over three flight zones: over northern Germany in the North Sea, in the east and in a small strip of southern Germany. These zones will be alternately closed to civilian aircraft each day for several hours.

NATO wants to send a political message of deterrence with its Air Defender exercise, said Torben Arnold of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. "Of course, this sends a clear signal, saying that even though this airspace is extremely busy, they are prepared to say, 'we will defend every centimeter of NATO territory," he told DW.

Amy Gutmann, the US ambassador to Germany, said the drills will constitute an "impressive" show of force toward other countries in the world.

"It will demonstrate beyond a shadow of a doubt the agility and the swiftness of our allied force in NATO as a first responder," the US official told reporters in Berlin." Full story:

Report at DW (Deutsche Welle) POLITICS GERMANY
By Frank Hofmann
Dated Sunday 11 June 2023 - full copy (2nd map not as detailed as original):

NATO: Air Defender 23 to be biggest exercise ever

The NATO military alliance is set to conduct war games in the skies over Germany. Three flight zones will be temporarily closed to civilian air traffic, and delays to civilian flights are expected.

Image: Air Defender 23 is the biggest drill of its type since the NATO military alliance was formed in 1949

Image: Falk Bärwald/Bundeswehr

The German Air Force is facing its biggest challenge in decades: After four years of preparation, the NATO military exercise Air Defender 23 is set to begin on Monday, June 12.

It's the biggest drill of its type since the military alliance was formed in 1949, and Germany will serve as the host and logistical hub.

From June 12 to 23, up to 250 aircraft will be stationed across six military bases, with 25 countries taking part. The US alone is sending 100 aircraft across the Atlantic. In the air, participants will train in crisis situations over three flight zones: over northern Germany in the North Sea, in the east and in a small strip of southern Germany. These zones will be alternately closed to civilian aircraft each day for several hours.

Play video: NATO set to launch military exercises over Germany

05:36

Delays to civilian air traffic expected

Regular air traffic is part of the challenge, as the skies above Europe are among the busiest flight paths in the world. Aviation experts are watching to see whether civilian air traffic can continue to run mostly unaffected, in parallel with Air Defender 23.

During the 10 days of military maneuvers, German airports have extended their operating hours into the night. "I hope that, if all these measures are effective, there will be no flight cancellations," said Ingo Gerhartz, a lieutenant general in the German Air Force. However, he did not want to rule out delays to departures or arrivals.

Image: Air Defender 23 exercise: NATO troops operating from Germany

Source: bundeswehr.de

For the past 30 years, the work of German civilian and military control tower operators has been integrated, according to German aviation expert Clemens Bollinger. He told DW that flight controllers are in constant communication with their colleagues in the air force.

This is a special feature of German air traffic control, compared with other countries in Europe, and was introduced because German airspace is so heavily used. While the French air force repeatedly closes entire flight zones for scheduled flights even during normal operations, civilian and military flights in Germany coordinate with each other every day.

NATO sending a message of deterrence

NATO wants to send a political message of deterrence with its Air Defender exercise, said Torben Arnold of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. "Of course, this sends a clear signal, saying that even though this airspace is extremely busy, they are prepared to say, 'we will defend every centimeter of NATO territory," he told DW.

Image: Air Defender 23 exercise

Source: Bundeswehr.de

More than 10,000 soldiers from NATO countries will participate in numerous drills. Some of these will be ground-based, including an "evacuation from an airfield," said Gerhartz of the German Air Force. This exercise was apparently added to the schedule after the chaos at Kabul airport in 2021 when the US and its allies hastily ended their mission in Afghanistan.

Other scenarios include supporting ground troops from the air, airborne battles against enemy jets and the interception of medium-range missiles by NATO fighter bombers.

US forces are sending the F-35 stealth combat aircraft, the alliance's most modern fighter jet, to take part in the exercises. The North Sea will see defensive drills against enemy submarines or ships, Arnold pointed out, adding that an enemy "can also attack from areas other than on the continent."

Play video: 'Germany is standing up and taking responsibility'

06:23

NATO maneuvers during the Ukrainian counteroffensive

It's no secret that when it comes to this "enemy," many in Europe think first of Russia and the full-scale offensive it has been fighting against Ukraine since February 24, 2022.

However, when presenting the plans for Air Defender 23 to the media in Berlin on June 7, Lt. Gen. Gerhartz did not once mention Russia.

Amy Gutmann, the US ambassador to Germany, said the drills will constitute an "impressive" show of force toward other countries in the world.

"It will demonstrate beyond a shadow of a doubt the agility and the swiftness of our allied force in NATO as a first responder," the US official told reporters in Berlin.

"I would be pretty surprised if any world leader was not taking note of what this shows in terms of the spirit of this alliance, which means the strength of this alliance," she declared. "And that includes Mr. Putin," she said, referring to the Russian president.

The US and its NATO allies are playing the deterrence card, and this might also have a desirable side effect for them. 

The Russian armed forces will also be studying these NATO maneuvers, while in Ukraine, Kyiv's army is increasing pressure on the Russian attackers, with counterattacks like pinpricks along the front in the east and south of the country.

This article was originally written in German.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/nato-air-defender-23-to-be-biggest-exercise-ever/a-65872291

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Conflict Observatory - A remote monitoring platform to provide reporting on conflict activity in Sudan

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: See launch information in the previous post here at Sudan Watch (Sat 10 June 2023 - 'Public Launch of Sudan Conflict Observatory Monitoring Platform Sudan.ConflictObservatory.org') 

The following press release ends with satellite imagery showing extensive fire-based damage observed at the SAMIL Plumpy'Nut® Production Facility in Khartoum, plus findings and a link to the first report Fri 9 June 2023 published at Conflict Observatory's website.

________________________________

Press Release at Conflict Observatory.org

Dated Friday 9 June 2023 - full copy:

Sudan Conflict Observatory

CONFLICT OBSERVATORY

A remote monitoring platform to provide independent, expert reporting on conflict activity in Sudan.

9 June 2023

Systematic Violations of International Humanitarian and Human RIghts Law, Jeddah Declaration, And 20 MAY Ceasefire

Both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) with their aligned paramilitaries have allegedly committed widespread violations of the Jeddah Declaration, the 20 May Ceasefire Declaration, and gross human rights abuses violating International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law (IHL and IHRL). The Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab and PlanetScape Ai, members of the Sudan Conflict Observatory, find widespread and targeted humanitarian and human security impacts due to the conflict in Sudan.

Yale HRL has documented significant impacts to human security in Khartoum, North Kordofan, South Darfur, West Darfur, and North Darfur states. Open source reporting shows that communication is declining across Sudan, including Khartoum state and South Darfur. This corresponds with a known attack on Sudatel towers in Nyala. Incidents that damage information communication technologies (ICT) infrastructure, either intentionally or unintentionally, prevent civilians from being able to access humanitarian aid; limit humanitarian organizations ability to assess and respond to needs; and may prevent gross human rights abuses from being documented.

PlanetScape Ai has recorded numerous attacks following the 20th May Ceasefire Declaration. These attacks have been documented using moderate resolution satellite imagery with high resolution imagery and earth-orbiting thermal sensors, in some cases. This evidence includes several damaged buildings and fire incidents in Khartoum from May 23rd to 28th. In El-Geneina, substantial damage to civilian infrastructure from May 14th to 24th has been documented. Several attacks on towns and villages in West and South Darfur from May 18th to 29th have also been recorded in Darfur.

Moreover, PlanetScape Ai has further recorded a considerable shift in Sudan’s population distribution since the onset of the conflict. The population of Khartoum has consistently decreased, while cities in the east like Atbara and Port Sudan have seen a rise in their population. More recently, a significant drop in population has been observed in El Fasher and Nyala following the surge in violence. These population shifts are likely indicative of regional mobility constraints and the migration of residents seeking to escape the violence.

Extensive fire-based damage observed in satellite imagery at the SAMIL Plumpy'Nut® Production Facility in Khartoum

FINDINGS

Widespread and targeted bombardment and destruction of critical infrastructure including water and sanitation facilities, power, and ICT;

Eight (8) confirmed, targeted, and systematic arson attacks reportedly by the RSF across Darfur’s rural villages and urban centers;

Parties to the conflict have engaged in widespread, systematic, and targeted attacks on humanitarian facilities that include the looting of supplies across Sudan;

Widespread and targeted destruction of facilities that constitute protected civilian infrastructure, including marketplaces, civilian neighborhoods, schools, and food production facilities; and

The deployment of roadblocks and checkpoints by both parties to the conflict, impeding freedom of movement of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

REPORT: English

View original: https://hub.conflictobservatory.org/portal/apps/sites/#/sudan

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Public Launch of Sudan Conflict Observatory Monitoring Platform Sudan.ConflictObservatory.org

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: See press release in the next post here at Sudan Watch (Sat 10 Jun 2023 - 'Conflict Observatory - A remote monitoring platform to provide reporting on conflict activity in Sudan')

 

Note that the press release ends with satellite imagery showing extensive fire-based damage observed at the SAMIL Plumpy'Nut® Production Facility in Khartoum, plus findings and a link to the first report Fri 9 Jun 2023 published at Conflict Observatory's website. 

Here is a press release at the US Department of State's website announcing the public launch of the Sudan Conflict Observatory monitoring platform.

________________________________

U.S. Department of State www.state.gov

Press Release

Dated Friday 9 June 2023 - full copy:

Public Launch of Sudan Conflict Observatory Monitoring Platform

MEDIA NOTE

OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON

JUNE 9, 2023

As the United States and our partners continue intense diplomatic efforts to end the fighting in Sudan, facilitate humanitarian assistance, and support the aspirations of the Sudanese people for a civilian government, we are monitoring the activities of the warring parties.  Through commercial satellite imagery and open-source data analysis, this monitoring has documented multiple serious violations by both sides of their obligations under the May 11 Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan and subsequent ceasefires.

Today, the U.S. Department of State announced that some results of this monitoring will be released publicly via the Sudan Conflict Observatory platform.  This remote monitoring platform provides independent, expert reporting on conflict activity in Sudan, including damage to infrastructure committed by combatants, military equipment movements, and rapid population shifts.  Additional reports will be released periodically through the Sudan.ConflictObservatory.org website.  This effort is a collaboration among the geographic information systems companies Esri and PlanetScape Ai, as well as Yale University’s Humanitarian Research Lab.

The Sudan Conflict Observatory platform affirms the U.S. commitment to transparency as we work with partners to bring an end to the military conflict in Sudan; address human rights violations and abuses; and ensure immediate, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access for organizations providing life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable and those displaced due to the fighting.  The United States is unwavering in our support for the democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people and their demands for freedom, peace, and justice.

For more information, please contact csopublicaffairs1@state.gov.

View original: https://www.state.gov/public-launch-of-sudan-conflict-observatory-monitoring-platform/ 

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Troika & EU support AU Resolution on Sudan conflict

THE only hope now for people of Sudan and South Sudan to live in peace and flourish is that all Africans, Arabs and their friends across the world join hands in friendship to give peace a chance. A tall order but not impossible.

This report says the international community has reaffirmed its support for the African Union's Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan.

Report at The Star - the-star.co.ke

By SHARON MWENDE 

Dated Monday 29 May 2023; 17:17 - full copy:

ROADMAP

Troika, European Union support AU's resolution on Sudan conflict

They also agreed with the condemnation of the ongoing crisis of the two warring parties

In Summary

During the meeting, the AU adopted a Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict which includes silencing guns in Sudan.

It called on Sudanese stakeholders and the international community to support the implementation of the Roadmap.

EU flag .Image: FILE

The International Community has reaffirmed its support for the African Union's Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan.

In a statement released by the US Department of State on Monday [May 29], Spokesperson Matthew Miller welcomed the decision to ensure coordinated action in the peace process. 

The community includes Norway, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and the European Union (the Troika plus EU).

"The Troika plus EU reaffirms its support for African leadership and the AU's Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan, and welcomes the AU’s work to establish an Expanded Mechanism and its Core Group to ensure inclusively and coordinated regional and international action to secure a viable peace process, and the resumption of the transition to civilian government and democracy in Sudan," it said.

The statement comes after the AU held a Heads of State and government Peace and Security Council meeting on the situation in Sudan on Saturday, May 27.

During the meeting, the AU adopted a Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict which includes silencing guns in Sudan.

It called on Sudanese stakeholders and the international community to support the implementation of the Roadmap.

The leaders reaffirmed six elements which are outlined in the Roadmap including the establishment of a coordination mechanism to ensure all efforts by the regional and global actors are harmonised and impactful,  an immediate, permanent, inclusive and comprehensive cessation of hostilities.

Others are effective humanitarian response, protection of civilians and civil infrastructure, strategic role of neighboring states and the region and resumption of a credible and inclusive political transition process, that takes into account the contributory role of all Sudanese political and social actors, as well as the signatories to the Juba Peace Agreement, towards a democratic civilian-led government.

The Expanded Mechanism on Sudan and its Core Group is an all-inclusive platform of regional, continental and global actors and institutions.

It aims to provide broad-based and coordinated engagement within the international community, to foster political consensus and common global support for Sudan.

The Core Group stresses the need for the AU to continue to effectively coordinate the activities of the Expanded Mechanism on the conflict in Sudan.

Further, the leaders condemned the ongoing conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, terming it as "senseless" and "unjustified."

AU chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat demanded an immediate ceasefire without preconditions. 

He said this was going to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Sudanese in dire need.

He urged the international community to extend humanitarian aid to the persons fleeing the war in Sudan.

Troika and EU further welcomed the chairperson's demand for conflict cessation.

"We agree with the AU’s condemnation of the actions of the two warring parties and the suffering they have caused the people of Sudan," Miller said.

The ongoing conflict has led to the loss of more than 822 lives and more than 3,000 wounded.

It has also resulted in the displacement of persons and the destruction of infrastructure.

View original:  https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2023-05-29-troika-european-union-support-aus-resolution-on-sudan-conflict/

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Khartoum orphanage - 50 children including 24 babies died as fighting prevented staff reaching them

Hat tip with thanks to William Carter tweet and Evelyn Tremble @DrumChronicles https://twitter.com/DrumChronicles: #Sudan fighting - Khartoum largest orphanage - 50 children including 24 babies have died some of starvation as fighting between RSF militia and military prevented staff and humanitarian aid reaching the facility https://reut.rs/3WCVFoe

Even amid the overwhelmingly horrific accounts from across the country, this is one of the most jarring reports so far

I have such great sorrow, and so few words ...

Rest their sweet little souls https://t.co/hfMlsFHLaM

— William Carter (@WillCarter_NRC) May 29, 2023

SW Ed: So sad. Lost for words. God Bless and Rest in Peace + + +

Sudan: Dig ditch instead of making wall to block road!

Sudanese ingenuity makes me smile. This photo shows a road block. Tyre billows smoke when on fire. Residents are now digging ditches across roads!

#Sudan #Khartoum residents dig ditches to block roads in their neighbourhoods to RSF vehicles. RSF forces often stay in/around homes in residential areas to protect themselves from army bombardments, thereby endangering local residents. #KeepEyesOnSudan - pic.twitter.com/szkxpJfvEL

— Donatella Rovera (@DRovera) May 22, 2023

Note, the video shows a neat brick road block. Hat tip with thanks to Eric Reeves' retweeting this video from @DRovera at @sudanreeves May 23.

AU adopts Roadmap for Resolution of Sudan Conflict

Report at ModernGhana.com

By Xinhua

Dated Sunday 28 May 2023 - full copy:

AU adopts roadmap to resolve conflict in Sudan

ADDIS ABABA, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) has adopted the Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan toward silencing the guns in Sudan.

The roadmap was adopted during the AU Peace and Security Council meeting that was held at the heads of state and government level on Saturday, focusing on the situation in Sudan, the AU said in a communique issued on Sunday.

The roadmap outlined six elements that include the establishment of a coordination mechanism to ensure all efforts by the regional and global actors are harmonized and impactful; an immediate, permanent, inclusive and comprehensive cessation of hostilities; and an effective humanitarian response.

The high-level meeting underscored the overriding importance of a single, inclusive and consolidated peace process for Sudan, coordinated under the joint auspices of the AU, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the League of Arab States and the United Nations, along with like-minded partners.

"The council, with deep concern, strongly condemns the ongoing senseless and unjustified conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has resulted in an unprecedented dire humanitarian situation, indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians," the statement said.

Sudan has witnessed deadly armed clashes between the SAF and the paramilitary RSF in the capital of Khartoum and other areas since April 15, with the two sides accusing each other of initiating the conflict.

According to the Sudanese Doctors Union, the number of civilian deaths since the beginning of the clashes has risen to 863, with 3,531 injuries. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs recently said over 1 million people have been displaced since the conflict. 

View original: http://www.chinaview.cn/africa/20230529/0b44d0bd899a482eb32488590d93fa91/c.html

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The mass looting of Khartoum’s shops and markets

Report at AYIN NETWORK

Dated Sunday 28 May 2022 

The mass looting of Khartoum’s shops and markets

Traders and civilians stare at empty shelves and face critical shortages

Omdurman Market deserted (social media)

A war-ravaged market in Khartoum (Ayin)

Full story: https://3ayin.com/en/looting/

[Ends]

This destruction of Sudan is dehumanising its people

Report at OHCHR.org

Dated 23 May 2023 - excerpt:

Sudan suffering “dehumanizing”, UN human rights expert Radhouane Nouicer

GENEVA (23 May 2023) - The UN expert on human rights in Sudan on Tuesday described the level of civilian suffering from the ongoing fighting as dehumanizing.

“This is the destruction of a country in a way that is dehumanizing its people,” said Radhouane Nouicer, who was appointed late last year by the High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk upon request of the UN Human Rights Council to document and report human rights violations committed in Sudan since the 25 October 2021 coup. 

“What is going on is as bad as anything I have seen in conflict zones over the course of my long career. It is horrifying, tragic, brutal, and completely unnecessary. The full array of human rights - economic, social and cultural as much as civil and political - are being violated, and both parties have singularly failed to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law.”

Full story: https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/05/sudan-suffering-dehumanizing-un-human-rights-expert-radhouane-nouicer

[Ends]

Gunfire adds to violations near end of Sudan truce

IN SIX WEEKS of urban warfare, more than 1,800 people have been killed, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project.

Nearly 1.4 million people have been displaced both within Sudan and to neighbouring countries, according to the United Nations.

A record 25 million people, more than half the population, are now in need of humanitarian assistance to survive, according to the UN.

Read more in report by AFP dated Sunday 28 May 2023:

Gunfire adds to violations near end of breached Sudan truce

A looted petrol station in southern Khartoum. (AFP)

The exodus continues -- people flee with their belongings from Khartoum's twin city of Omdurman. (AFP)

The truce has allowed some to venture out, including this man and boy in Omdurman. (AFP)

Full story: https://www.modernghana.com/news/1233858/gunfire-adds-to-violations-near-end-of-breached.html

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Dr Alaaeldin Nugud, SG of Sudan Surgeons Assoc & member of FFCC abducted by gunmen in Khartoum

Dr Alaaeldin Nugud, the sec-gen of the #Sudan Association of Surgeons and member of the Forces of Freedom and Change-Central Council, was kidnapped by a group armed men in #Khartoum yesterday #SudanNews https://t.co/wqIGW9lfks

— Radio Dabanga (@RadioDabanga) May 28, 2023

Sudan crisis: Hamdto al-Turabi Muhammad Hamadtou killed by terrorists in Nyala, South Darfur

GOUJA AHMED @qoga12 #NyalaWar 23 May Update: The killing of the young man (Hamdto al-Turabi Muhammad Hamadtou) in the Al-Jumhuriya neighborhood, Nyala, today, Tuesday, by armed militias, after they attacked and looted the Al-Jumhuriya neighborhood.

#NyalaWar 23May Update
مقتل الشاب (حمدتو الترابي محمد حمدتو) بحي الجمهورية نيالا نهار اليوم الثلاثاء على أيدي المليشيات المسلحة بعد هجومهم ونهبهم لحي الجمهورية. pic.twitter.com/cJ8EqNoXR9

— GOUJA AHMED (@qoga12) May 23, 2023

Condolences. God bless. Rest in Peace + + +

Sudan crisis: Darfur governor Minawi calls on Darfuris to arm against Militia attacks and SAF & RSF fighting

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor:

Sudan's acting defence minister Yassin Ibrahim Yassin on Friday called on retired soldiers to report to the nearest army base to get armed. “We call on all pensioners of the armed forces, including officers, non-commissioned officers, soldiers and all those who are able to carry arms, to go to the nearest military base to get armed,” Mr Yassin said in a statement, adding that the move was intended to enable those people to defend themselves.

Today (Sun 28 May) Darfur Governor and ex-rebel group leader Minni Minawi has called out for Darfuris to arm themselves in self defence against attacks by Militia and SAF and RSF fighting. 

Note that they can afford guns and ammunition while the international community's taxpayers are expected to keep paying for millions of Sudanese people upended by their people. I'll be surprised if the UN meets its funding target for aid. Europe has war at its door. EU and USA have Sudan fatigue.

Soon Sudan will be awash with guns like the US where there are Militia and almost every home has a gun while all Americans have a right to bear Arms.

The right to keep and bear arms in the United States is a fundamental right protected by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, part of the Bill of Rights, and by the constitutions of most US states.

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution reads: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

My point is, Sudan rarely seems appreciative of the help it receives and is now demanding and picky. The US is not in a position to tell another country to lay down arms and silence guns. Also, the US refuses to sign up to the ICC so is unable to call for Sudan's war criminals to be put on trial at the ICC. 

Former rebel leader and Darfur governor calls on Darfuris to raise arms in self defense amid militia attacks and fighting between the army and RSF in different cities.

Some, particularly in Geneina, have already done so, but of course this raises the risk of extensive violence. https://t.co/VNgSCZ8G9m

— Nafisa Eltahir (@nafisaeltahir) May 28, 2023

Further reading:

Report at The Independent Uganda
Dated Sunday 28 May 2023
Sudanese army calls on retired soldiers to get arms for self-defence
https://www.independent.co.ug/author/dwabomba/ 

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Sudan crisis: The plight of casual labourers is dire –without daily income many can't make ends meet

THIS brought tears to my eyes seeing proud dignified men facing despair.

As the conflict in Sudan continues into a second month, the plight of casual labourers is increasingly dire –without access to a daily source of income– many now struggle more than ever to make ends meet. Ayin managed to catch up with some daily workers in Al-Thawra, Omdurman, to… pic.twitter.com/qneEgZxYtT

— Ayin Network - شبكة عاين (@AyinSudan) May 18, 2023

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Sudan: Hundreds of missing people. Are you looking for a member of your family? Here's how to get help

Everyday terror in Khartoum, the hundreds of notices of missing people are just appalling “M. 14, went out to buy bread on the morning of May 17 and has never been seen since…” #Sudan pic.twitter.com/zEysOMDrvq

— Sarra Majdoub (@SarraMajd) May 27, 2023

Looking for a family member? Here's how to get help, call ICRC:

هل تبحث عن أحد أفراد عائلتك؟ إليكم طريقة الحصول على المساعدة #السودان pic.twitter.com/C5QNF0XXrQ

— ICRC Sudan (@ICRC_Sudan) May 7, 2023

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