Apologies for intermission at Sudan Watch over next few days. Today is the final 24 hours of the run up to the General Election here in Britain. Much bitterness is felt by many voters in the UK about British Prime Minister Tony Blair supporting the US with military intervention to remove the dictatorship in Iraq and enable Iraqis to vote and elect their leaders.
No doubt many Americans don't give two hoots about who is in power outside of America. Today, I feel like writing a vent about all those who mindlessly argue and spread political propaganda in mainstream media, on the Internet and in blogland and make concerted attempts to drown out political discussion, but I shan't because it would be complete waste of time and energy.
Suffice to say, Tony Blair has done more for Africa than any other British prime minister. Through his leadership, the UK is second to the US in its huge contribution to help the people of Sudan. The next G8 meeting is to be chaired by a British prime minister which Tony Blair has spent several years working towards with the aim of getting the G8 to agree on cancelling the debts of the world's poorest nations.
For this reason, and many others, I hope he wins another term in office, which I believe he will. Former prime minister Margaret Thatcher won another term for the Conservatives after taking Britain to war not in a fight against terrorism but over a piece of rock, in the middle of nowhere, that never seemed to belong to us in the first place. There's an old saying that goes something along the lines that "there is nought so queer as folk". If things go pear shaped tomorrow because of the UK's support to the US over Iraq, it is questionable if any more help will be coming from the UK for the people of Sudan and Darfur, not to mention the whole of Africa and the world's poorest nations.
On this note I shall say a warm hello and congratulations to my most favourite British blogger Clive Soley who, having recently retired as an MP after 26 years of great service to this country, has just been made a Lord. Surely Lord Clive of British Blogland must qualify for an entry into the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's first blogging Lord.
[Note to any new readers: please understand, this is not a political blog. The only reason this post appears here today is to encourage any British readers, no matter where they are on the political spectrum, to please vote tomorrow. Comments are welcomed if they are non-political and relate to a genuine and kindly interest in peace and prosperity for Africa and in particular DRC, Uganda and the Sudan. Thank you.]
Further reading:
Tony Blair's Commission for Africa, La Commission pour l'Afrique.
Clive Soley's Why MP's Should Get Blogging plus Fabian paper on Iraq.
Tags: Blair Soley Darfur Sudan Africa
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
ABC's Interview with Janjaweed leader Musa Hilal in Sudan
American journalist Jonathan Karl recently visited Sudan where he interviewed one of the most notorious leaders of the Janjaweed, Sheik Musa Hilal. Here is an excerpt from Mr Karl's report for ABC News titled "Darfur Notebook: Death in the Desert" May 2, 2005:
With the press conference now ready to start any second, I found another local journalist who agreed to call him back on my behalf to request the interview in Arabic. There security guards were now yellowing at my translator to hang-up because Zoellick was about to walk in, but he kept talking, talking and talking. When he finally hung up, he turned to me and said, "he says 'no way,' but I still think I can convince him to do it." It wasn't until after 9 o'clock at night that I heard back. Hillal had agreed to do the interview.
Richard, Wayne and I piled into a tiny Toyota taxi cab (every car in Sudan seems to be a Toyota) and took the 25 minute ride to our appointed meeting place.
Surprisingly, we found him at a meeting with leaders of one of the non-Arab Fur tribe -- one of the tribes he is accused of terrorizing. One of the fur tribe leaders, told us Hillal had come to seek reconciliation and forgiveness.
He agreed to an interview as "chief of the chiefs" of the Fur tribe sat beside him. Hillal repeatedly told me, "I am not a war criminal."
"Are you part of the problem?" I asked him.
"I am part of Darfur," he said, "and everyone who is part of Darfur is part of the problem."
But Hillal denies committing any of the crimes he's blamed for.
"You have been named by many as a war criminal," I said.
"If I am a war criminal, all the other tribal chiefs, they have the power to put me on trial and question me. I will accept their judgment, even if it means being shot."
But even through the denials, he offered a familiar defense. He was only following orders. He said all he had ever done was help the government deal with a rebellion.
"And a lot of innocent people got killed, didn't they?" I said.
"When you have a war," he said coolly, "normally innocent people are affected."
Hillal insisted reports of widespread destruction in Darfur are a "media fabrication." The Fur tribal leader told us the violence has forced the vast majority of his tribe from their homes and into refugee camps.
"That doesn't sound like a media fabrication," I said to him.
"It's reality," he said.
Hillal is widely expected to be indicted soon by the International Criminal Court. Indictment, is one thing, but don't expect Hillal to be arrested anytime soon -- the place we met him was a police officers club.
Full report.
- - -
UN Sudan Situation Reports 26, 27, 30 April 2005
Click here for latest reports by UN personnel in Sudan.
Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
With the press conference now ready to start any second, I found another local journalist who agreed to call him back on my behalf to request the interview in Arabic. There security guards were now yellowing at my translator to hang-up because Zoellick was about to walk in, but he kept talking, talking and talking. When he finally hung up, he turned to me and said, "he says 'no way,' but I still think I can convince him to do it." It wasn't until after 9 o'clock at night that I heard back. Hillal had agreed to do the interview.
Richard, Wayne and I piled into a tiny Toyota taxi cab (every car in Sudan seems to be a Toyota) and took the 25 minute ride to our appointed meeting place.
Surprisingly, we found him at a meeting with leaders of one of the non-Arab Fur tribe -- one of the tribes he is accused of terrorizing. One of the fur tribe leaders, told us Hillal had come to seek reconciliation and forgiveness.
He agreed to an interview as "chief of the chiefs" of the Fur tribe sat beside him. Hillal repeatedly told me, "I am not a war criminal."
"Are you part of the problem?" I asked him.
"I am part of Darfur," he said, "and everyone who is part of Darfur is part of the problem."
But Hillal denies committing any of the crimes he's blamed for.
"You have been named by many as a war criminal," I said.
"If I am a war criminal, all the other tribal chiefs, they have the power to put me on trial and question me. I will accept their judgment, even if it means being shot."
But even through the denials, he offered a familiar defense. He was only following orders. He said all he had ever done was help the government deal with a rebellion.
"And a lot of innocent people got killed, didn't they?" I said.
"When you have a war," he said coolly, "normally innocent people are affected."
Hillal insisted reports of widespread destruction in Darfur are a "media fabrication." The Fur tribal leader told us the violence has forced the vast majority of his tribe from their homes and into refugee camps.
"That doesn't sound like a media fabrication," I said to him.
"It's reality," he said.
Hillal is widely expected to be indicted soon by the International Criminal Court. Indictment, is one thing, but don't expect Hillal to be arrested anytime soon -- the place we met him was a police officers club.
Full report.
- - -
UN Sudan Situation Reports 26, 27, 30 April 2005
Click here for latest reports by UN personnel in Sudan.
Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
SOAT Alert: Disappearance of 3 Men in Nyala, Darfur, Sudan
SOAT Human Rights Alert May 3, 2005 excerpt:
On 20 April 2005, armed men in military uniform stopped a passenger bus travelling from Belail Internally Displaced Persons camp to Nyala and boarded the bus. The armed men selected three male passengers belonging to the Zaghawa tribe and ordered them off the bus. According to eyewitness accounts, the armed men beat the three passengers with the butt of their guns before taking them away in a Land Rover. The details of the passengers are as follows:
1. Ahmed Manees Maalla, (60 yrs), from Marla and lives in Nyala
2. Adam Abdella Mohamed Tor, (34 yrs), from Marla
3. Ibrahim Khidir Abdella, (30 yrs), from Marla
The Omda (Mayor) of the Zaghawa group has visited the police stations and security offices in Nyala but the whereabouts of the three men are unknown.
SOAT expresses fears for the safety of the three men and is calling on the GoS to immediately investigate the incident, make known their whereabouts and give assurances that they will not be tortured or ill-treated.
Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
On 20 April 2005, armed men in military uniform stopped a passenger bus travelling from Belail Internally Displaced Persons camp to Nyala and boarded the bus. The armed men selected three male passengers belonging to the Zaghawa tribe and ordered them off the bus. According to eyewitness accounts, the armed men beat the three passengers with the butt of their guns before taking them away in a Land Rover. The details of the passengers are as follows:
1. Ahmed Manees Maalla, (60 yrs), from Marla and lives in Nyala
2. Adam Abdella Mohamed Tor, (34 yrs), from Marla
3. Ibrahim Khidir Abdella, (30 yrs), from Marla
The Omda (Mayor) of the Zaghawa group has visited the police stations and security offices in Nyala but the whereabouts of the three men are unknown.
SOAT expresses fears for the safety of the three men and is calling on the GoS to immediately investigate the incident, make known their whereabouts and give assurances that they will not be tortured or ill-treated.
Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
Monday, May 02, 2005
Two million people live in camps in Darfur, Sudan
Even if some of the two million people living in camps in Darfur return home soon, October 2006 would be the date of the next harvest, says Oxfam UK in a BBC report today.
[Note, a recent post here points to a report where UN envoy Jan Pronk suggests 12,000 peacekeepers for Darfur starting next year, for four years]
- - -
Oxfam sending 4 planeloads of water and aid for Darfur and Chad
Oxfam is sending two planeloads of vital aid supplies to Darfur and another two to neighbouring Chad, where it said refugees in overcrowded camps face water shortages and disease.
One of the Oxfam flights was to set off on Monday for El Fasher in North Darfur with 34 tons of water and sanitation equipment to provide drinking water to more than 200,000 refugees.
- - -
Darfur Mortality Update: April 30, 2005
Professor Eric Reeves, in his latest analysis re Darfur, predicts that even with urgent humanitarian intervention, many tens of thousands of people will eventually die. Humanitarian capacity is not adequate to present needs and will be overwhelmed by the 3.5 to 4 million people needing food and aid during the impending rainy season.
Most threatening, he says, is the possibility that insecurity will force the suspension of relief operations. If this happens, the UN's aid chief Jan Egeland has estimated that Darfur's death toll may increase to 100,000 per month.
Prof Reeves points out the acute water shortages are likely to remain chronic, given the extent of deliberate destruction of wells and irrigation systems by the Janjaweed (maintenance of water resources has also been severely curtailed by insecurity).
He says he is modestly encouraged by news that the AU has sought logistical help from NATO. But he fears both the time frame and nature of help sought suggest that nothing approaching the required humanitarian intervention is in the offing and that it reflects a lack of urgency.
Full Report.
[My argument against military intervention during past year is it would defeat the object as Khartoum would dismiss aid workers from the counrty. See comment I left at Bradford Plumer's super post on this issue.]
- - -
Tribal leaders 'looting Darfur food aid'
Correspondent David Blair writes from Kalma refugee camp in Southern Darfur. Note his report at Telegraph UK May 2, about corruption bedevilling food distribution in many camps in Darfur.
- - -
Darfur: Refugees Call for British Aid
Hundreds of Darfur's refugees protested outside Downing Street today (Monday) to demand £30 million to fund an expanded peacekeeping force for the troubled region, writes PA correspondent James Reini in the Scotsman, May 2. Excerpt:
More than 250 asylum seekers staged the 'die-in' by laying on the street and brandishing placards bearing names of the conflict's 400,000 victims.
Among the protesters was political rap star Emmanuel Jal, 25, whose song 'Gua', the Arabic word for 'Power' is currently topping the Kenyan charts.
The singer said he became a child soldier armed with an AK47 at the age of eight after being lured into the Sudan People's Liberation Army in the country's long-running ethnic conflict.
"The British are respected in Sudan, and we believe the British can play a part in bringing peace to my troubled country."
The protest, organised by Waging Peace, brought many of Darfur's refugees to London from their new homes in Britain, mostly in the Midlands. Full report.
Further reading:
May 2 Darfur protest at Downing Street.
Photo: Darfur refugees in Netherlands demonstrate on Friday 29 April. Another demonstration was organised in Italy in favour of Darfur on the same Friday. (ST)
- - -
Irish troops requested for Sudan
The UN has asked the government to send Irish troops to southern Sudan to monitor the fragile ceasefire, reports Stephen O'Brien in the London Times May 1, 2005.
Willie O'Dea, the defence minister, said the Sudanese assignment would be one of the more dangerous postings in the history of Irish peacekeeping overseas, but he said he would withhold judgment until the risk assessment report was complete and would bring a recommendation to cabinet where the final decision would be made.
Ireland has seconded one army officer to Darfur, and has provided financial support for the African Union Mission in Sudan. The government has also pledged 15m Irish pounds for the recovery and reconstruction of Sudan from 2005 to 2007, as part of a 4.5 billion USD international aid package.
- - -
Thank You
Thanks to Global Voices Online for pointing here, via Bill's great post at Jewels in the Jungle, the high quality flash clip on Darfur by Physicians for Human Rights - and drawings by some children in Darfur.
Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
[Note, a recent post here points to a report where UN envoy Jan Pronk suggests 12,000 peacekeepers for Darfur starting next year, for four years]
- - -
Oxfam sending 4 planeloads of water and aid for Darfur and Chad
Oxfam is sending two planeloads of vital aid supplies to Darfur and another two to neighbouring Chad, where it said refugees in overcrowded camps face water shortages and disease.
One of the Oxfam flights was to set off on Monday for El Fasher in North Darfur with 34 tons of water and sanitation equipment to provide drinking water to more than 200,000 refugees.
- - -
Darfur Mortality Update: April 30, 2005
Professor Eric Reeves, in his latest analysis re Darfur, predicts that even with urgent humanitarian intervention, many tens of thousands of people will eventually die. Humanitarian capacity is not adequate to present needs and will be overwhelmed by the 3.5 to 4 million people needing food and aid during the impending rainy season.
Most threatening, he says, is the possibility that insecurity will force the suspension of relief operations. If this happens, the UN's aid chief Jan Egeland has estimated that Darfur's death toll may increase to 100,000 per month.
Prof Reeves points out the acute water shortages are likely to remain chronic, given the extent of deliberate destruction of wells and irrigation systems by the Janjaweed (maintenance of water resources has also been severely curtailed by insecurity).
He says he is modestly encouraged by news that the AU has sought logistical help from NATO. But he fears both the time frame and nature of help sought suggest that nothing approaching the required humanitarian intervention is in the offing and that it reflects a lack of urgency.
Full Report.
[My argument against military intervention during past year is it would defeat the object as Khartoum would dismiss aid workers from the counrty. See comment I left at Bradford Plumer's super post on this issue.]
- - -
Tribal leaders 'looting Darfur food aid'
Correspondent David Blair writes from Kalma refugee camp in Southern Darfur. Note his report at Telegraph UK May 2, about corruption bedevilling food distribution in many camps in Darfur.
- - -
Darfur: Refugees Call for British Aid
Hundreds of Darfur's refugees protested outside Downing Street today (Monday) to demand £30 million to fund an expanded peacekeeping force for the troubled region, writes PA correspondent James Reini in the Scotsman, May 2. Excerpt:
More than 250 asylum seekers staged the 'die-in' by laying on the street and brandishing placards bearing names of the conflict's 400,000 victims.
Among the protesters was political rap star Emmanuel Jal, 25, whose song 'Gua', the Arabic word for 'Power' is currently topping the Kenyan charts.
The singer said he became a child soldier armed with an AK47 at the age of eight after being lured into the Sudan People's Liberation Army in the country's long-running ethnic conflict.
"The British are respected in Sudan, and we believe the British can play a part in bringing peace to my troubled country."
The protest, organised by Waging Peace, brought many of Darfur's refugees to London from their new homes in Britain, mostly in the Midlands. Full report.
Further reading:
May 2 Darfur protest at Downing Street.
Photo: Darfur refugees in Netherlands demonstrate on Friday 29 April. Another demonstration was organised in Italy in favour of Darfur on the same Friday. (ST)
- - -
Irish troops requested for Sudan
The UN has asked the government to send Irish troops to southern Sudan to monitor the fragile ceasefire, reports Stephen O'Brien in the London Times May 1, 2005.
Willie O'Dea, the defence minister, said the Sudanese assignment would be one of the more dangerous postings in the history of Irish peacekeeping overseas, but he said he would withhold judgment until the risk assessment report was complete and would bring a recommendation to cabinet where the final decision would be made.
Ireland has seconded one army officer to Darfur, and has provided financial support for the African Union Mission in Sudan. The government has also pledged 15m Irish pounds for the recovery and reconstruction of Sudan from 2005 to 2007, as part of a 4.5 billion USD international aid package.
- - -
Thank You
Thanks to Global Voices Online for pointing here, via Bill's great post at Jewels in the Jungle, the high quality flash clip on Darfur by Physicians for Human Rights - and drawings by some children in Darfur.
Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
EU's Solana to start dialogue with US on China - CIA supports genocide in Sudan?
For future reference, here below is a copy of a Reuters report April 29 on Javier Solana's important talks starting today in the US re China and his peace mission to Sudan and DRC.
[Note, the timing of Mr Solana's visit to America and the Sudan. Khartoum's intelligence chief - who, according to Eric Reeves' latest analysis, is one of the 51 suspects - was recently fetched by an executive jet, courtesy of the American Government, for a meeting with the CIA in Washington.
News reports say the intelligence information Khartoum provides has proven most useful and up to date. Regarding the report in the LA Times, logged here April 29, titled "Sudan considered valuable ally in US war on terrorism", one wonders if they on the trail of Bin Laden et al.
My theory, mentioned here several times, is the Bush administration, ever since Colin Powell's visit to Khartoum, has some sort of deal with Khartoum to desist from using the word genocide and quoting top end death tolls.
Watch the press, and notice if you see the Bush administration mentioning the g-word or high death tolls: next day or so news from Khartoum [usually Ismail] will hit the wires giving a clue that Khartoum has blown another gasket under pressure and threaten something or other - usually veiled in terms that go something like: "Sudan will not be able to fulfil its commitments as agreed if ..." - which is probably Khartoum speak for "not willing to provide more intelligence info if you continue using the g-word and referring to 400,000 dead". You have to wonder if Jack Straw was getting at something or someone recently when he mentioned the g-word in relation to Sudan because his speech always sounds measured.
Meanwhile, Robert Zoellick is taking flack from Sudan watchers such as John Prendergast and Eric Reeves [see his latest analysis] - even the Sudanese Embassy in Washington got involved with the politcs of numbers]. Here is the Reuters report:
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana will start a strategic dialogue with the United States about managing the emergence of China when he visits Washington for talks next week, diplomats said on Friday.
Solana's office announced that he would meet US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley on May 2-4. He is also to address the House of Representatives International Affairs Committee.
The EU and the United States are at odds over moves to lift a European arms embargo on China, imposed after the crushing of a pro-democracy movement in Tienanmen Square in 1989.
The Europeans have put their plans on hold because of China's recent adoption of an anti-secession law threatening force if Taiwan declares independence, and in response to fierce opposition from Washington and Japan.
Congress has threatened to retaliate by freezing European countries out of military technology sharing if they lift the arms ban, while the Europeans swear they don't plan to sell any more weapons but just want to remove a diplomatic stigma.
EU foreign ministers, meeting in Luxembourg on April 15, said it was up to Beijing now to make gestures on easing tension with Taiwan and improving human rights, notably by releasing political prisoners held since 1989.
EU diplomats said Solana hoped to defuse tension over the issue by starting a broader, regular transatlantic dialogue about how to integrate China's growing economic, political and military power into a cooperative international system.
He is also expected to discuss plans for an international conference to support Iraq's new government, to be hosted jointly by the EU and the US in Brussels in late June -- a symbol of common purpose after bitter transatlantic rifts over the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.
The diplomats said Solana would also discuss efforts to bring peace to Sudan'stroubled Darfur region and to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he is on a peace mission.
- - -
Re LA Times report above
Jim at Passion of the Present has a post today titled CIA supports genocide in Sudan?
[You have to wonder what the US Government is expected to do if Khartoum contacts them with ultra important information that leads to the whereaobuts of Bin Laden et al or tip offs to avert another 9/11. Surely it is in everyone's interest that the US takes any information it can get. Governments are responsible for working in the best interests of their country. I don't blame the American Government at all. It's interesting the dealings have been made public. Charles Snyder was recently quoted in a recent interview as saying the US gave Sudan top marks for its cooperation on terrorism. Sharing intelligence information need not detract from helping the people of Sudan. It stands to reason no country these days can afford to turn down useful intelligence information.]
- - -
When Interests Trump ideals -- How Do You Choose Between Evils?
Continuing on with above issue, Jim Portland (sadly not a blogger) in the comments at a great post on Darfur by Bradford Plumer, writes this comment:
Phil Carter at Intel Dump has some cogent thoughts about the tradeoff of intelligence from Sudan on terrorism versus opposing genocide.
His summary position:
In the final analysis, I think that the U.S. government has made the right decision there to work with the Khartoum regime to get intelligence about Al Qaeda. But I'm very uncertain about that judgment. We know that genocide itself can breed instability and terrorism, just as failed states like Sudan can. And we also know that many, many more have perished in Darfur than from all of the terror attacks in the last 100 years combined. Should this effort bear no fruit, I will likely question my judgment that this policy is prudent, and lament the lost opportunity to save the victims of genocide in Darfur.
[See comment by Panzerlawyer at Phil's post.]
Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
[Note, the timing of Mr Solana's visit to America and the Sudan. Khartoum's intelligence chief - who, according to Eric Reeves' latest analysis, is one of the 51 suspects - was recently fetched by an executive jet, courtesy of the American Government, for a meeting with the CIA in Washington.
News reports say the intelligence information Khartoum provides has proven most useful and up to date. Regarding the report in the LA Times, logged here April 29, titled "Sudan considered valuable ally in US war on terrorism", one wonders if they on the trail of Bin Laden et al.
My theory, mentioned here several times, is the Bush administration, ever since Colin Powell's visit to Khartoum, has some sort of deal with Khartoum to desist from using the word genocide and quoting top end death tolls.
Watch the press, and notice if you see the Bush administration mentioning the g-word or high death tolls: next day or so news from Khartoum [usually Ismail] will hit the wires giving a clue that Khartoum has blown another gasket under pressure and threaten something or other - usually veiled in terms that go something like: "Sudan will not be able to fulfil its commitments as agreed if ..." - which is probably Khartoum speak for "not willing to provide more intelligence info if you continue using the g-word and referring to 400,000 dead". You have to wonder if Jack Straw was getting at something or someone recently when he mentioned the g-word in relation to Sudan because his speech always sounds measured.
Meanwhile, Robert Zoellick is taking flack from Sudan watchers such as John Prendergast and Eric Reeves [see his latest analysis] - even the Sudanese Embassy in Washington got involved with the politcs of numbers]. Here is the Reuters report:
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana will start a strategic dialogue with the United States about managing the emergence of China when he visits Washington for talks next week, diplomats said on Friday.
Solana's office announced that he would meet US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley on May 2-4. He is also to address the House of Representatives International Affairs Committee.
The EU and the United States are at odds over moves to lift a European arms embargo on China, imposed after the crushing of a pro-democracy movement in Tienanmen Square in 1989.
The Europeans have put their plans on hold because of China's recent adoption of an anti-secession law threatening force if Taiwan declares independence, and in response to fierce opposition from Washington and Japan.
Congress has threatened to retaliate by freezing European countries out of military technology sharing if they lift the arms ban, while the Europeans swear they don't plan to sell any more weapons but just want to remove a diplomatic stigma.
EU foreign ministers, meeting in Luxembourg on April 15, said it was up to Beijing now to make gestures on easing tension with Taiwan and improving human rights, notably by releasing political prisoners held since 1989.
EU diplomats said Solana hoped to defuse tension over the issue by starting a broader, regular transatlantic dialogue about how to integrate China's growing economic, political and military power into a cooperative international system.
He is also expected to discuss plans for an international conference to support Iraq's new government, to be hosted jointly by the EU and the US in Brussels in late June -- a symbol of common purpose after bitter transatlantic rifts over the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.
The diplomats said Solana would also discuss efforts to bring peace to Sudan'stroubled Darfur region and to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he is on a peace mission.
- - -
Re LA Times report above
Jim at Passion of the Present has a post today titled CIA supports genocide in Sudan?
[You have to wonder what the US Government is expected to do if Khartoum contacts them with ultra important information that leads to the whereaobuts of Bin Laden et al or tip offs to avert another 9/11. Surely it is in everyone's interest that the US takes any information it can get. Governments are responsible for working in the best interests of their country. I don't blame the American Government at all. It's interesting the dealings have been made public. Charles Snyder was recently quoted in a recent interview as saying the US gave Sudan top marks for its cooperation on terrorism. Sharing intelligence information need not detract from helping the people of Sudan. It stands to reason no country these days can afford to turn down useful intelligence information.]
- - -
When Interests Trump ideals -- How Do You Choose Between Evils?
Continuing on with above issue, Jim Portland (sadly not a blogger) in the comments at a great post on Darfur by Bradford Plumer, writes this comment:
Phil Carter at Intel Dump has some cogent thoughts about the tradeoff of intelligence from Sudan on terrorism versus opposing genocide.
His summary position:
In the final analysis, I think that the U.S. government has made the right decision there to work with the Khartoum regime to get intelligence about Al Qaeda. But I'm very uncertain about that judgment. We know that genocide itself can breed instability and terrorism, just as failed states like Sudan can. And we also know that many, many more have perished in Darfur than from all of the terror attacks in the last 100 years combined. Should this effort bear no fruit, I will likely question my judgment that this policy is prudent, and lament the lost opportunity to save the victims of genocide in Darfur.
[See comment by Panzerlawyer at Phil's post.]
Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
Garang's speech to Sudan's parliament: Seek forgiveness and tolerance and give peace a chance
On April 30, 2005 in a 20-minute speech to Sudan's parliament [broadcast live by Sudanese TV and delivered on his behalf by Nhial Deng Nhial, a senior aide] former Sudanese rebel chief John Garang urged citizens to ensure that the recently signed peace agreement was fully implemented so as stabilise and develop Sudan. He also urged the international community to honour pledges made during the recent conference in Norway over the reconstruction of southern Sudan.
On commencement of the speech, he asked everyone to "rise and observe one minute silence in memory and honour of our nation's fallen heroes, from both sides of the divide, who paid the ultimate sacrifice." [The silence was observed]
Unusually [Europe doesn't get much appreciation from Sudan or the U.S. - which is why I making a point of blowing Europe's trumpet here] he said thank you and paid tribute to peace partners, saying:
Photo: We want peace..peace
Further reading:
May 1, 2005: Former Sudan Foes Dance to Celebrate Constitution - Reuters report by Opheera McDoom - Government ministers and former rebels danced and embraced in Khartoum on Saturday to celebrate the start of work on a new constitution which will pave the way for a government of national unity in Sudan.
- - -
Irish troops requested for Sudan
The UN has asked the government to send Irish troops to southern Sudan to monitor the fragile ceasefire, reports Stephen O'Brien in the London Times May 1, 2005. Excerpt:
Lieutenant General James Shreenan, chief of staff of the Defence Forces, has asked for volunteers throughout the army and is likely to meet the number required even though 150 Irish officers are already serving overseas. The army is carrying out a risk assessment to categorise the level of threat posed by the peace monitoring mission before the government makes a final decision on whether to send Irish personnel.
Willie O'Dea, the defence minister, said the Sudanese assignment would be one of the more dangerous postings in the history of Irish peacekeeping overseas, but he said he would withhold judgment until the risk assessment report was complete and would bring a recommendation to cabinet where the final decision would be made.
The mission was requested by the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations to support the peace agreement for southern Sudan signed in January by the Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement.
Ireland has seconded one army officer to the troubled region of Darfur in western Sudan, and has provided financial support for the African Union Mission in Sudan. The government has also pledged 15m Irish pounds for the recovery and reconstruction of Sudan from 2005 to 2007, as part of a 4.5 billion USD international aid package.
Two million people died in a bitter civil war in Sudan, and while peace talks continue between warring southern Sudanese factions in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, some observers are concerned that not all the influential militia leaders of the region are participating.
Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
On commencement of the speech, he asked everyone to "rise and observe one minute silence in memory and honour of our nation's fallen heroes, from both sides of the divide, who paid the ultimate sacrifice." [The silence was observed]
Unusually [Europe doesn't get much appreciation from Sudan or the U.S. - which is why I making a point of blowing Europe's trumpet here] he said thank you and paid tribute to peace partners, saying:
"The efforts, which the SPLM made in realising a consensus and peace under the auspices of IGAD (Inter-Governmental Authority on Development) led by Kenya, achieved substantial support from the friends of IGAD, Britain, Italy and blessed with the signing of the peace agreement in January 2004 in Nairobi.Here in this excerpt, best of all, he asks everyone to seek forgiveness and tolerance and give peace a chance:
Allow me, therefore, to greet in your name the Sudanese people and recognise the governments of the aforementioned countries. You were our friends, supporters during difficult times."
"The implementation of the comprehensive peace agreement does not only give peace a chance but also creates an opportunity for Sudanese people to, wisely and optimally, seek forgiveness and tolerance as well reconstruct a strong Sudan based on equality and justice. The comprehensive peace agreement is a good agreement, if wholly implemented, and could be used as a model for the resolution of other conflicts in Sudan, Africa and world."See full text of John Garang's speech - courtesy BBC Monitoring Service via Sudan Tribune, May 1, 2005.
Photo: We want peace..peace
Further reading:
May 1, 2005: Former Sudan Foes Dance to Celebrate Constitution - Reuters report by Opheera McDoom - Government ministers and former rebels danced and embraced in Khartoum on Saturday to celebrate the start of work on a new constitution which will pave the way for a government of national unity in Sudan.
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Irish troops requested for Sudan
The UN has asked the government to send Irish troops to southern Sudan to monitor the fragile ceasefire, reports Stephen O'Brien in the London Times May 1, 2005. Excerpt:
Lieutenant General James Shreenan, chief of staff of the Defence Forces, has asked for volunteers throughout the army and is likely to meet the number required even though 150 Irish officers are already serving overseas. The army is carrying out a risk assessment to categorise the level of threat posed by the peace monitoring mission before the government makes a final decision on whether to send Irish personnel.
Willie O'Dea, the defence minister, said the Sudanese assignment would be one of the more dangerous postings in the history of Irish peacekeeping overseas, but he said he would withhold judgment until the risk assessment report was complete and would bring a recommendation to cabinet where the final decision would be made.
The mission was requested by the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations to support the peace agreement for southern Sudan signed in January by the Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement.
Ireland has seconded one army officer to the troubled region of Darfur in western Sudan, and has provided financial support for the African Union Mission in Sudan. The government has also pledged 15m Irish pounds for the recovery and reconstruction of Sudan from 2005 to 2007, as part of a 4.5 billion USD international aid package.
Two million people died in a bitter civil war in Sudan, and while peace talks continue between warring southern Sudanese factions in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, some observers are concerned that not all the influential militia leaders of the region are participating.
Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
Sudan: The Merowe/Hamadab Dam Project
May 2005 report from a visit to Sudan and a fact-finding mission to the Merowe Dam Project 22 February - 1 March 2005 by International Rivers Network. Excerpt:
The Merowe/Hamadab Dam Project is the largest hydropower project that is currently being developed in Africa. Once it is completed, a dam with a height of 67 meters on the fourth cataract of the Nile in North Sudan will create a reservoir with a length of 174 kilometres and a surface area of 476 square kilometres. The reservoir will displace about 50,000 people. (The project's Environmental Impact Assessment states that the reservoir will have a reach of 200 kilometres. This would affect a larger number of people, particularly on the island of Mugrat.)
The purpose of the Merowe Dam is to generate hydropower with an installed capacity of 1,250 megawatts. The project is expected to be completed between 2007 and 2009. It will roughly double Sudan's power generating capacity. According to the Environmental Impact Assessment, the project includes an irrigation component. There is uncertainty, however, as to whether or not the irrigation component will proceed, with Sudanese government officials giving different views.
The total cost of the Merowe Project is budgeted to reach $1.2 billion. In addition to the Sudanese government, the main funders of the dam include the China Export Import Bank, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, and the Development Funds of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, and the Sultanate of Oman. Since many problems of the project, including the resettlement of the affected communities, have not yet been resolved, it is impossible to gauge the project's final cost at this point.
The dam and the transmission lines are mainly being constructed by Chinese companies. Sudanese contractors are involved in building the dam and the resettlement sites. Western companies are also involved in the project: Lahmeyer International of Germany manages the construction of the project; Alstom of France is supplying electro-mechanic equipment; and ABB of Switzerland is building transmission substations.
The Merowe Dam is currently under construction. The Corner House and International Rivers Network did not receive permission to visit the construction site. Together with representatives of the affected communities and the Environmentalists' Society, however, they were able to visit the project's first resettlement site at El Multaga.
Full report at nilebasin.com via Nile Basin Blog with thanks.
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Did you know?
The Nile River is the longest river in the world. From its major source, Lake Victoria in east central Africa, the White Nile flows generally north through Uganda and into Sudan where it meets the Blue Nile at Khartoum, which rises in the Ethiopian highlands. From the confluence of the White and Blue Nile, the river continues to flow northwards into Egypt and on to the Mediterranean Sea. From Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea the length of the Nile is 5,584 km. From its remotest headstream, the Ruvyironza River in Burundi, the river is 6,671 km long. The river basin has an area of more than 3,349,000 sq. km.
Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica: Sudan, history of the Abay (Nile)
[via Nile Basin Blog with thanks]
UPDATE May 2: Sudan Tribune has just published this story with a link to the pdf report. About the publishers:
International Rivers Network links the environment and human rights. For 20 years, IRN has worked with local communities to protect their rivers and watersheds, and has encouraged sustainable methods of meeting needs for water, energy and flood management. IRN is based in the USA. www.irn.org, info@irn.org
Founded in 1997, The Corner House aims to support democratic and community movements for environmental and social justice through analysis, research and advocacy work. The Corner House is based in the United Kingdom. www.thecornerhouse.org.uk, enquiries@thecornerhouse.org.uk
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Aquaplastics 2005
Over one billion people, one sixth of the world's population, do not have access to safe water.
Through aquaplastics website, WaterAid and the European plastics industry are working together to help tackle this huge problem.
Every day you click on this site, the European plastics industry will donate 10 cents to help WaterAid deliver clean, safe water and sanitation to people in Ethiopia. If they reach 1.5 million clicks by 22 June 2005 then a total of 150,000 euro will be donated to WaterAid.
Please help them to reach their target by clicking there once a day - it only takes seconds and it doesn't cost you anything! Thank you.
Water Aid is a UK Registered Charity No. 288701
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Ethan's Waterbottle WiFi and Geekcorps Mali
See Ethan's post on Waterbottle WiFi and Geekcorps Mali.
Plus, excerpt from Water bottle WiFi in Mali: In the great tradition of DIY wireless comes another project underway in Mali. The project is investigating best practices for building small DIY antennas and router enclosures at low-cost to serve the Malian television and WiFi markets. Designs were taken from numerous sources and adapted to use materials readily available in Mali such as plastic water bottles (peep the "BottleNet" antenna at right), used motorbike valve stems, and window screen mesh. Goals included reducing cost and making assemblages simple enough to require little technical skill. For about $40 per antenna, the project could end up satisfying most of the needs of the WiFi market in Mali. Want to piggy-back off your neighbor's broadband? Start saving your bottles.
Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
The Merowe/Hamadab Dam Project is the largest hydropower project that is currently being developed in Africa. Once it is completed, a dam with a height of 67 meters on the fourth cataract of the Nile in North Sudan will create a reservoir with a length of 174 kilometres and a surface area of 476 square kilometres. The reservoir will displace about 50,000 people. (The project's Environmental Impact Assessment states that the reservoir will have a reach of 200 kilometres. This would affect a larger number of people, particularly on the island of Mugrat.)
The purpose of the Merowe Dam is to generate hydropower with an installed capacity of 1,250 megawatts. The project is expected to be completed between 2007 and 2009. It will roughly double Sudan's power generating capacity. According to the Environmental Impact Assessment, the project includes an irrigation component. There is uncertainty, however, as to whether or not the irrigation component will proceed, with Sudanese government officials giving different views.
The total cost of the Merowe Project is budgeted to reach $1.2 billion. In addition to the Sudanese government, the main funders of the dam include the China Export Import Bank, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, and the Development Funds of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, and the Sultanate of Oman. Since many problems of the project, including the resettlement of the affected communities, have not yet been resolved, it is impossible to gauge the project's final cost at this point.
The dam and the transmission lines are mainly being constructed by Chinese companies. Sudanese contractors are involved in building the dam and the resettlement sites. Western companies are also involved in the project: Lahmeyer International of Germany manages the construction of the project; Alstom of France is supplying electro-mechanic equipment; and ABB of Switzerland is building transmission substations.
The Merowe Dam is currently under construction. The Corner House and International Rivers Network did not receive permission to visit the construction site. Together with representatives of the affected communities and the Environmentalists' Society, however, they were able to visit the project's first resettlement site at El Multaga.
Full report at nilebasin.com via Nile Basin Blog with thanks.
- - -
Did you know?
The Nile River is the longest river in the world. From its major source, Lake Victoria in east central Africa, the White Nile flows generally north through Uganda and into Sudan where it meets the Blue Nile at Khartoum, which rises in the Ethiopian highlands. From the confluence of the White and Blue Nile, the river continues to flow northwards into Egypt and on to the Mediterranean Sea. From Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea the length of the Nile is 5,584 km. From its remotest headstream, the Ruvyironza River in Burundi, the river is 6,671 km long. The river basin has an area of more than 3,349,000 sq. km.
Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica: Sudan, history of the Abay (Nile)
[via Nile Basin Blog with thanks]
UPDATE May 2: Sudan Tribune has just published this story with a link to the pdf report. About the publishers:
International Rivers Network links the environment and human rights. For 20 years, IRN has worked with local communities to protect their rivers and watersheds, and has encouraged sustainable methods of meeting needs for water, energy and flood management. IRN is based in the USA. www.irn.org, info@irn.org
Founded in 1997, The Corner House aims to support democratic and community movements for environmental and social justice through analysis, research and advocacy work. The Corner House is based in the United Kingdom. www.thecornerhouse.org.uk, enquiries@thecornerhouse.org.uk
- - -
Aquaplastics 2005
Over one billion people, one sixth of the world's population, do not have access to safe water.
Through aquaplastics website, WaterAid and the European plastics industry are working together to help tackle this huge problem.
Every day you click on this site, the European plastics industry will donate 10 cents to help WaterAid deliver clean, safe water and sanitation to people in Ethiopia. If they reach 1.5 million clicks by 22 June 2005 then a total of 150,000 euro will be donated to WaterAid.
Please help them to reach their target by clicking there once a day - it only takes seconds and it doesn't cost you anything! Thank you.
Water Aid is a UK Registered Charity No. 288701
- - -
Ethan's Waterbottle WiFi and Geekcorps Mali
See Ethan's post on Waterbottle WiFi and Geekcorps Mali.
Plus, excerpt from Water bottle WiFi in Mali: In the great tradition of DIY wireless comes another project underway in Mali. The project is investigating best practices for building small DIY antennas and router enclosures at low-cost to serve the Malian television and WiFi markets. Designs were taken from numerous sources and adapted to use materials readily available in Mali such as plastic water bottles (peep the "BottleNet" antenna at right), used motorbike valve stems, and window screen mesh. Goals included reducing cost and making assemblages simple enough to require little technical skill. For about $40 per antenna, the project could end up satisfying most of the needs of the WiFi market in Mali. Want to piggy-back off your neighbor's broadband? Start saving your bottles.
Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Greece takes over chair of sanctions committee for Sudan
A report today by Athens News Agency says diplomatic sources think the UN sanctions committee for Sudan could play a decisive role in dealing with the crisis in Darfur.
After the conclusion of Friday's Security Council meeting, the Greek UN ambassador Adamantios Vassilakis announced that Greece had been unanimously voted to head the sanctions committee for Sudan, provided for under UN resolution 1591 (2005).
He said the committee will be in charge of monitoring the implementation of specialised sanctions and an arms embargo in the three provinces of Darfur, as well as regularly briefing the Security Council on the progress made, starting from the coming week.
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Nearly 200 Rwandan troops leave for Darfur AU mission
A total of 194 Rwandan troops left Kigali April 30 for Darfur to but they are not part of the long overdue 1,000 AU soldiers who are now expected to be deployed by the end of this month.
The contingent left to replace their compatriots who have been in Darfur for the last six months. The new Rwandan contingent is serving in the AU peacekeeping mission in Darfur along side with Nigeria who are supported by the British Government.
Photo: Rwandan soldiers belonging to the African Union force wait to board a plane to be dispatched to Darfur (AFP). The AU mandate is six months and those leave to Darfur will be replacing their compatriots who left late last year, Lt. Col. Charles Karamba, the research and development officer of the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF), told reporters at Kigali International Airport as the troops board the plane.
Technorati tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
After the conclusion of Friday's Security Council meeting, the Greek UN ambassador Adamantios Vassilakis announced that Greece had been unanimously voted to head the sanctions committee for Sudan, provided for under UN resolution 1591 (2005).
He said the committee will be in charge of monitoring the implementation of specialised sanctions and an arms embargo in the three provinces of Darfur, as well as regularly briefing the Security Council on the progress made, starting from the coming week.
- - -
Nearly 200 Rwandan troops leave for Darfur AU mission
A total of 194 Rwandan troops left Kigali April 30 for Darfur to but they are not part of the long overdue 1,000 AU soldiers who are now expected to be deployed by the end of this month.
The contingent left to replace their compatriots who have been in Darfur for the last six months. The new Rwandan contingent is serving in the AU peacekeeping mission in Darfur along side with Nigeria who are supported by the British Government.
Photo: Rwandan soldiers belonging to the African Union force wait to board a plane to be dispatched to Darfur (AFP). The AU mandate is six months and those leave to Darfur will be replacing their compatriots who left late last year, Lt. Col. Charles Karamba, the research and development officer of the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF), told reporters at Kigali International Airport as the troops board the plane.
Technorati tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
UN Sudan Situation Reports 26, 27, 30 April 2005
Here are the latest reports by UN personnel in Sudan for April 26, 27, 30, 2005.
April 30, 2005:
Key Developments:
The National Assembly met in emergency session on 30 April to discuss SCR 1591 and 1593. Foreign Affairs Minister Mustafa addressed the Assembly, reiterating President Bashir vow not to extradite any Sudanese person and ciriticizing the UN Security Council and Secretary-General. The Assembly decided to form a committee to discuss SCR 1593 in particular.
Political:
PDSRSG Zerihoun attended the inauguration of the National Constitutional Review Commission on 30 April. The event was boycotted by major political parties based in Khartoum.
Leader of the Popular Congress Party, Hassan al-Turabi, has been moved out of prison and placed back under house arrest north of Khartoum. The move, is consistent with a trend in recent weeks to open up the political space in Khartoum.
Military:
The Italian led SHIRBRIG TCC Reconnaissance Team continues meetings with Military and MSD staffs.
UN Police: NSTR
Returns:
465 returnees were registered passing through Kosti on 28 and 30 April to various locations in south Sudan.
DDR: NSTR
Humanitarian:
On 29 April the UN received reports that the population of IDPs in the Camps at Mournei (Al-Genaina- West Darfur) had increased to 82000 with over 8000 not yet registered. The reasons for the increase in IDP population in the area, are both the relative peace in the Mournei Camp and the insecurity in the surrounding camps.
On 29 April, the UN received reports that the resident of Aloua village (North Darfur) are in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
OCHA registered 100 IDPs in Bazia, Eastern Equatoria this morning. IDPs continue to be affected by malaria and diarrhea, with 54 cases reported yesterday.
OCHA reports that Kosti Wharf is becoming congested. There are currently 176 families on the wharf.
An assessment mission comprising ADRA, ACF, Sudan Council of Churches, Health Aid International, UNICEF, FAO, UNHCR, OCHA and HAC was fielded on 28 April to Mayo 39, a location southwest of Juba along the Juba-Yei road to gauge the number of returnees arriving along the route and to assess the suitability of the location as a registration site for returnees. No evidence was found along the route of civilian settlements between Juba and Mayo 39, all the communities were decimated by the war. The road between Juba and Mayo 40 is still infested with UXO and landmines.
On 30 April, OCHA and UNJLC carried out a survey of Dali and Jebel Si IDP camps, around Tawila (North Darfur), to gather information on the return of IDPs after previous violent incidents in the camps on 1 April, involving the death of a child and the injuring of three people. According to the information gathered, in Dali, less than 42% of the IDPs had returned to the camps by 30 April.
The long overdue registration exercise for Abu Shouk (North Darfur) is planned to take place within the next week.
On 29 April, the HAC Commissioner of West Darfur (as a result of a direct order from the South Darfur Wali and in coordination with the Committee for voluntary return) transported 78 households/233 people from Otash, Kalma and Nyala to Garsilla (South Darfur) When interviewed by UNHCR, most of the IDPs expressed that there return was voluntary.
Mine Action: NSTR
Human Rights:
During a field visit to Kabkabiya, approximately 150 km West of Al Fasher, HROs met with the leader of all Fur tribes ("Shartaj") and head of the native administration in this area. The Shartaj explained that the Wali of North Darfur had, in response to a request by the governor of Kabkabiya from June last year, deprived him on 10 March of his original power of office. Instead, he had appointed Abd Al Baghi Abd al Rahman, (known as the main leader of Arab militias in Kabkabiya) as the head of all Arab tribes in the region. The Shartaj interpreted the decree as an attempt by the government to gain control over all land.
Civil Affairs:
On 28 April 2005, the Civil Affairs team in El Fasher met with Fur, Zaghawa, Tunjor and Berti tribal leaders in Abushouk IDP camp to follow-up on reconciliation and return issues. The tribal leaders stressed that current government reconciliation efforts are for propaganda purposes only, and that tribal leaders who signed the agreements are not representative. The tribal leaders reiterated that no returns should take place unless the perpetrators of the crimes in Darfur have been tried internationally, security is provided, and the Janjaweed are disarmed, Furthermore, they requested that the AU role be extended to the protection of IDP camps and villages.
Public Information: NSTR
Media: NSTR
Insecurity:
The UN received reports that an alleged exchange of fire between the GOS Police and Forces suspected to be SLA/JEM near OMM Check Point (North Darfur) on the night of 28 April 05. The GoS further claimed that during the incident one person from amongst their adversaries was alleged killed and one injured.
On 29 April the UN received reports that 2 trucks were robbed along Omm-Tawila road (Al-Fasher-North Darfur)
On 29 April, the UN received reports that isolated cases of criminal activities took place in the area of Ladub, Sani Afondo and Muhajariya villages (South Darfur). Safety of Personnel: NSTR Casualties: NSTR Comments: NSTR
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Situation Report 27 April
Click here for UN Sudan Situation Report 27 April 2005.
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Situation Report 26 April
Click here for UN Sudan Situation Report 26 April 2005.
Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
April 30, 2005:
Key Developments:
The National Assembly met in emergency session on 30 April to discuss SCR 1591 and 1593. Foreign Affairs Minister Mustafa addressed the Assembly, reiterating President Bashir vow not to extradite any Sudanese person and ciriticizing the UN Security Council and Secretary-General. The Assembly decided to form a committee to discuss SCR 1593 in particular.
Political:
PDSRSG Zerihoun attended the inauguration of the National Constitutional Review Commission on 30 April. The event was boycotted by major political parties based in Khartoum.
Leader of the Popular Congress Party, Hassan al-Turabi, has been moved out of prison and placed back under house arrest north of Khartoum. The move, is consistent with a trend in recent weeks to open up the political space in Khartoum.
Military:
The Italian led SHIRBRIG TCC Reconnaissance Team continues meetings with Military and MSD staffs.
UN Police: NSTR
Returns:
465 returnees were registered passing through Kosti on 28 and 30 April to various locations in south Sudan.
DDR: NSTR
Humanitarian:
On 29 April the UN received reports that the population of IDPs in the Camps at Mournei (Al-Genaina- West Darfur) had increased to 82000 with over 8000 not yet registered. The reasons for the increase in IDP population in the area, are both the relative peace in the Mournei Camp and the insecurity in the surrounding camps.
On 29 April, the UN received reports that the resident of Aloua village (North Darfur) are in dire need of humanitarian assistance.
OCHA registered 100 IDPs in Bazia, Eastern Equatoria this morning. IDPs continue to be affected by malaria and diarrhea, with 54 cases reported yesterday.
OCHA reports that Kosti Wharf is becoming congested. There are currently 176 families on the wharf.
An assessment mission comprising ADRA, ACF, Sudan Council of Churches, Health Aid International, UNICEF, FAO, UNHCR, OCHA and HAC was fielded on 28 April to Mayo 39, a location southwest of Juba along the Juba-Yei road to gauge the number of returnees arriving along the route and to assess the suitability of the location as a registration site for returnees. No evidence was found along the route of civilian settlements between Juba and Mayo 39, all the communities were decimated by the war. The road between Juba and Mayo 40 is still infested with UXO and landmines.
On 30 April, OCHA and UNJLC carried out a survey of Dali and Jebel Si IDP camps, around Tawila (North Darfur), to gather information on the return of IDPs after previous violent incidents in the camps on 1 April, involving the death of a child and the injuring of three people. According to the information gathered, in Dali, less than 42% of the IDPs had returned to the camps by 30 April.
The long overdue registration exercise for Abu Shouk (North Darfur) is planned to take place within the next week.
On 29 April, the HAC Commissioner of West Darfur (as a result of a direct order from the South Darfur Wali and in coordination with the Committee for voluntary return) transported 78 households/233 people from Otash, Kalma and Nyala to Garsilla (South Darfur) When interviewed by UNHCR, most of the IDPs expressed that there return was voluntary.
Mine Action: NSTR
Human Rights:
During a field visit to Kabkabiya, approximately 150 km West of Al Fasher, HROs met with the leader of all Fur tribes ("Shartaj") and head of the native administration in this area. The Shartaj explained that the Wali of North Darfur had, in response to a request by the governor of Kabkabiya from June last year, deprived him on 10 March of his original power of office. Instead, he had appointed Abd Al Baghi Abd al Rahman, (known as the main leader of Arab militias in Kabkabiya) as the head of all Arab tribes in the region. The Shartaj interpreted the decree as an attempt by the government to gain control over all land.
Civil Affairs:
On 28 April 2005, the Civil Affairs team in El Fasher met with Fur, Zaghawa, Tunjor and Berti tribal leaders in Abushouk IDP camp to follow-up on reconciliation and return issues. The tribal leaders stressed that current government reconciliation efforts are for propaganda purposes only, and that tribal leaders who signed the agreements are not representative. The tribal leaders reiterated that no returns should take place unless the perpetrators of the crimes in Darfur have been tried internationally, security is provided, and the Janjaweed are disarmed, Furthermore, they requested that the AU role be extended to the protection of IDP camps and villages.
Public Information: NSTR
Media: NSTR
Insecurity:
The UN received reports that an alleged exchange of fire between the GOS Police and Forces suspected to be SLA/JEM near OMM Check Point (North Darfur) on the night of 28 April 05. The GoS further claimed that during the incident one person from amongst their adversaries was alleged killed and one injured.
On 29 April the UN received reports that 2 trucks were robbed along Omm-Tawila road (Al-Fasher-North Darfur)
On 29 April, the UN received reports that isolated cases of criminal activities took place in the area of Ladub, Sani Afondo and Muhajariya villages (South Darfur). Safety of Personnel: NSTR Casualties: NSTR Comments: NSTR
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Situation Report 27 April
Click here for UN Sudan Situation Report 27 April 2005.
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Situation Report 26 April
Click here for UN Sudan Situation Report 26 April 2005.
Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
Darfur Sudan: Flash Movie by Physicians for Human Rights
Physicians for Human Rights in Washington DC have put together a nice little flash movie from their travel to Darfur Sudan that is worth taking a look at - Click here to view.
[via Zayd's Dad with thanks]
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Joseph Oloya Hakim
Joseph Oloya Hakim is a native of Sudan and a staff worker for Servlife Africa. Joseph's blog is about Discourse on African Issues: Social, Political, Economic, Cultural and Religous Issues seen and reflected in an African Christian Prespective.
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The Reality of Darfur in Pictures
Excerpt from Two and Two Makes Five blog The Reality of Darfur in Pictures:
During a scene in Hotel Rwanda, Paul - the hotel manager - sees some footage that the Western journalists have shot in the streets that shows piles of bodies and roving gangs with machetes in the streets. He is certain that once this is shown on American and European television that the powers in the West will come to the aid of the Rwandan victims of genocide. In one of the most gut-wrenching moments of truth I've ever seen on film, the cameraman replies, "I think if people see this footage, they'll say 'Oh, my God, that's horrible.' And then they'll go on eating their dinners."
Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Is Democracy Possible in the Middle East?
Amid the First Signs of Change, Longing Competes with Mistrust of Western Democracy - Commentary By FAWAZ A. GERGES - ABC News: Is Democracy Possible in the Middle East?
Fawaz A. Gerges holds the Christian A. Johnson Chair in Middle East and International Affairs at Sarah Lawrence College and is senior analyst for ABC News. He is author of the forthcoming book "The Far Enemy: Why Jihad Went Global." - via ABC News April 30, 2005.
Technorati tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
Fawaz A. Gerges holds the Christian A. Johnson Chair in Middle East and International Affairs at Sarah Lawrence College and is senior analyst for ABC News. He is author of the forthcoming book "The Far Enemy: Why Jihad Went Global." - via ABC News April 30, 2005.
Technorati tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
More Children's Drawings from Darfur, Sudan
Further to yesterday's post here, featuring Ethan Zuckermann's post on children's drawings from Darfur, here are some more images and captions, courtesy Human Rights Watch:
Above drawing by Mahmoud, Age 13
Human Rights Watch: What's happening here?
Mahmoud: These men in green are taking the women and the girls.
Human Rights Watch: What are they doing?
Mahmoud: They are forcing them to be wife.
Human Rights Watch: What's happening here?
Mahmoud: The houses are on fire.
Human Rights Watch: What's happening here?
Mahmoud: This is an Antonov. This is a helicopter. These here, at the bottom of the page, these are dead people.
Above drawing by Doa, Age 11 or 12
Janjaweed descend on a village on horses and camels, a woman flings her arms in the air as she is targeted for sexual violence or execution. A soldier takes a woman to be raped. She has a cell phone next to her head: "She wants to call the agencies for help."
Above drawing by Leila, Age 9
Human Rights Watch: What is going on here?
Leila: My hut burning after being hit by a bomb.
Human Rights Watch: And here? [Pointing to the drawing of what looks like an upside-down woman]
Leila: It's a woman. She is dead.
Human Rights Watch: Why is her face colored in red?
Leila: Oh, because she has been shot in the face.
Human Rights Watch: What is this vehicle? Who is this in green?
Leila: That is a tank. The man in green is a soldier.
Above drawing by Ala, Age 13
Like many other children, Ala witnessed conflict between rebel groups and the Janjaweed. This drawing depicts a rebel soldier first shot in the arm, then executed by gunshots to the groin. Ali, a teacher in a refugee camp, said the rebels are killed this way to emasculate them. "They [the Janjaweed] know what they are doing," he said. "They are doing it with purpose."
Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
Above drawing by Mahmoud, Age 13
Human Rights Watch: What's happening here?
Mahmoud: These men in green are taking the women and the girls.
Human Rights Watch: What are they doing?
Mahmoud: They are forcing them to be wife.
Human Rights Watch: What's happening here?
Mahmoud: The houses are on fire.
Human Rights Watch: What's happening here?
Mahmoud: This is an Antonov. This is a helicopter. These here, at the bottom of the page, these are dead people.
Above drawing by Doa, Age 11 or 12
Janjaweed descend on a village on horses and camels, a woman flings her arms in the air as she is targeted for sexual violence or execution. A soldier takes a woman to be raped. She has a cell phone next to her head: "She wants to call the agencies for help."
Above drawing by Leila, Age 9
Human Rights Watch: What is going on here?
Leila: My hut burning after being hit by a bomb.
Human Rights Watch: And here? [Pointing to the drawing of what looks like an upside-down woman]
Leila: It's a woman. She is dead.
Human Rights Watch: Why is her face colored in red?
Leila: Oh, because she has been shot in the face.
Human Rights Watch: What is this vehicle? Who is this in green?
Leila: That is a tank. The man in green is a soldier.
Above drawing by Ala, Age 13
Like many other children, Ala witnessed conflict between rebel groups and the Janjaweed. This drawing depicts a rebel soldier first shot in the arm, then executed by gunshots to the groin. Ali, a teacher in a refugee camp, said the rebels are killed this way to emasculate them. "They [the Janjaweed] know what they are doing," he said. "They are doing it with purpose."
Tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
UN Sudan Situation Report 27 April 2005
Here is the situaton report by UN personnel in Sudan for April 27, 2005.
Key developments
On 26 April, the AU mediation team met with First Vice-President Taha to discuss the resumption of the Abuja peace talks.
On 27 April, SPLM/A Chairman, John Garang, met with the leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
On 26 April, unconfirmed fighting was reported in the Jabal Moon area (North Darfur) between the GoS and NMRD.
Political Affairs:
On 26 April, the AU mediation team met with First Vice-President Taha to discuss the resumption of the Abuja peace talks. Taha affirmed the GoS's readiness to resume the negotiations, and stated that GoS officials were working on a Draft Framework Protocol earlier circulated to the parties. The AU team is expected to travel to Asmara to hold similar discussions with SLM/A and JEM officials, after which time both sides will submit their comments on the Protocol.
On 27 April, SPLM/A Chairman, John Garang, met with the leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Mohammed Osman el-Mirghani in Asmara and according to press reports, discussed the finalisation of the Cairo negotiations between the GoS and the NDA in time for the establishment of interim institutions.
Following the controversy around a plot of land alloted to UNMIS in Tongping by the Bahr el Jebel (Juba) local government (several residents allege they are being displaced from the land in question), UNMIS has made clear that prior to an article that appeared in a local paper in Khartoum on 26 April, the Mission was not aware of the allegations. Nonethe-less, the Mission has decided to halt developments on the site until the allegations can be verified.
The Communist Party has called on its members in the diaspora to return to Sudan and resume political activities within the country. This follows the emergence of its leader from hiding, and reflects a continuing trend of opposition groups returning to the country. While the party will reportedly re-open its office in Khartoum, Party spokesman, Farouk Kadoda, stated that they would not participate in the National Constitution Review Committee unless the representation quotas are re-visited.
With the number of refugees returning to the South on the increase, an international anti-landmine delegation including several EU countries, the US, Japan and Canada met on on 25 April with the GoS Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Ibrahim Mahmoud Hamid, as well as other GoS officials and NGOs in Khartoum, to discuss mine clearing efforts in the region.
Military:
The Italian led SHIRBRIG TCC Reconnaissance Team met with FC and CAO before receiving initial OPS and MSD briefings. Further, detailed, MSD briefings with Section Heads will take place tomorrow with Camp Site visits to follow.
The Canadian Chief of Defense Staff, Gen Rick Hillier met with the SRSG and FC.
The HOM of the Joint Military Commission ( JMC) had discussions with the Force Commander and Military Operations Staff on the hand over of Sector IV to the Egyptian Contingent.
UN police: NSTR
Civil Affairs
Although the situation in El Fasher University is calm, police and national security forces still maintain a presence on campus and in the lecture halls, leading to what students say is a 90 per cent drop in attendance. On 26 April 2005, some students formed a committee and unsuccessfully tried to meet with the Vice Chancellor to discuss what led to the crisis, and ways of diffusing it. On the other hand, the university administration arranged meetings between NCP and NIF students.
Human Rights
According to information received by the Human Rights Officers (HROs), the Committee to Combat Gender-Based Violence established in February by the South Darfur Wali, has not met since 31 March 2005. No date for the next meeting has been set yet.
Returns
According to OCHA, 1,447 persons from Khartoum, Madeni, Sennar and Gedaref transited through Kosti to various locations in the South and the Nuba Mountains during the week of 20-26 April. The 1,447 returnees included 358 people who moved from White Nile State (Kenana, Rabak and Kosti).
IDP registration
OCHA registered 215 IDPs in Bazia, Eastern Equatoria this morning. Cases of malaria and diarrhea are still being reported, with 42 people falling ill during the last twenty four hours. OCHA is waiting for food deliveries to be made so that the IDPs who arrived last night and this morning from Mabia camp can be assisted.
Protection Issues
The INGO driver abducted on 25th April in Kafod (North darfur) has been released.
On 26 April, reports indicate that one woman was stabbed five times by Arab militias after being subjected to several attempts of rape in Saga village.
Harassment against IDPs in Kalma and other camps continues to be reported.
Food/NFIs
WFP distributed a one-month full ration to 6,530 registered IDPs in Nhialdiu town, Unity State, who fled fighting in Nhialdiu, Dhorkan and Jikang areas during the week
Assessments: NSTR
Insecurity:
On 26 April, unconfirmed fighting was reported in the Jabal Moon area (North darfur) between the GoS and NMRD.
On 26 April, reportedly three people were abducted from Arusharow IDP camp by unknown armed men.
Key developments
On 26 April, the AU mediation team met with First Vice-President Taha to discuss the resumption of the Abuja peace talks.
On 27 April, SPLM/A Chairman, John Garang, met with the leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
On 26 April, unconfirmed fighting was reported in the Jabal Moon area (North Darfur) between the GoS and NMRD.
Political Affairs:
On 26 April, the AU mediation team met with First Vice-President Taha to discuss the resumption of the Abuja peace talks. Taha affirmed the GoS's readiness to resume the negotiations, and stated that GoS officials were working on a Draft Framework Protocol earlier circulated to the parties. The AU team is expected to travel to Asmara to hold similar discussions with SLM/A and JEM officials, after which time both sides will submit their comments on the Protocol.
On 27 April, SPLM/A Chairman, John Garang, met with the leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Mohammed Osman el-Mirghani in Asmara and according to press reports, discussed the finalisation of the Cairo negotiations between the GoS and the NDA in time for the establishment of interim institutions.
Following the controversy around a plot of land alloted to UNMIS in Tongping by the Bahr el Jebel (Juba) local government (several residents allege they are being displaced from the land in question), UNMIS has made clear that prior to an article that appeared in a local paper in Khartoum on 26 April, the Mission was not aware of the allegations. Nonethe-less, the Mission has decided to halt developments on the site until the allegations can be verified.
The Communist Party has called on its members in the diaspora to return to Sudan and resume political activities within the country. This follows the emergence of its leader from hiding, and reflects a continuing trend of opposition groups returning to the country. While the party will reportedly re-open its office in Khartoum, Party spokesman, Farouk Kadoda, stated that they would not participate in the National Constitution Review Committee unless the representation quotas are re-visited.
With the number of refugees returning to the South on the increase, an international anti-landmine delegation including several EU countries, the US, Japan and Canada met on on 25 April with the GoS Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Ibrahim Mahmoud Hamid, as well as other GoS officials and NGOs in Khartoum, to discuss mine clearing efforts in the region.
Military:
The Italian led SHIRBRIG TCC Reconnaissance Team met with FC and CAO before receiving initial OPS and MSD briefings. Further, detailed, MSD briefings with Section Heads will take place tomorrow with Camp Site visits to follow.
The Canadian Chief of Defense Staff, Gen Rick Hillier met with the SRSG and FC.
The HOM of the Joint Military Commission ( JMC) had discussions with the Force Commander and Military Operations Staff on the hand over of Sector IV to the Egyptian Contingent.
UN police: NSTR
Civil Affairs
Although the situation in El Fasher University is calm, police and national security forces still maintain a presence on campus and in the lecture halls, leading to what students say is a 90 per cent drop in attendance. On 26 April 2005, some students formed a committee and unsuccessfully tried to meet with the Vice Chancellor to discuss what led to the crisis, and ways of diffusing it. On the other hand, the university administration arranged meetings between NCP and NIF students.
Human Rights
According to information received by the Human Rights Officers (HROs), the Committee to Combat Gender-Based Violence established in February by the South Darfur Wali, has not met since 31 March 2005. No date for the next meeting has been set yet.
Returns
According to OCHA, 1,447 persons from Khartoum, Madeni, Sennar and Gedaref transited through Kosti to various locations in the South and the Nuba Mountains during the week of 20-26 April. The 1,447 returnees included 358 people who moved from White Nile State (Kenana, Rabak and Kosti).
IDP registration
OCHA registered 215 IDPs in Bazia, Eastern Equatoria this morning. Cases of malaria and diarrhea are still being reported, with 42 people falling ill during the last twenty four hours. OCHA is waiting for food deliveries to be made so that the IDPs who arrived last night and this morning from Mabia camp can be assisted.
Protection Issues
The INGO driver abducted on 25th April in Kafod (North darfur) has been released.
On 26 April, reports indicate that one woman was stabbed five times by Arab militias after being subjected to several attempts of rape in Saga village.
Harassment against IDPs in Kalma and other camps continues to be reported.
Food/NFIs
WFP distributed a one-month full ration to 6,530 registered IDPs in Nhialdiu town, Unity State, who fled fighting in Nhialdiu, Dhorkan and Jikang areas during the week
Assessments: NSTR
Insecurity:
On 26 April, unconfirmed fighting was reported in the Jabal Moon area (North darfur) between the GoS and NMRD.
On 26 April, reportedly three people were abducted from Arusharow IDP camp by unknown armed men.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Children's Drawings from Darfur, Sudan
Ethan Zuckermann has a super post featuring children's drawings from Darfur. Please read it to view larger images and click into his links for further details. Here are the drawings and captions Ethan published April 29:
In February 2005, Human Rights Watch sent researchers Dr. Annie Sparrow and Olivier Bercault to Chad to talk with refugees who'd fled from the bombings and Janjawid militia attacks in Darfur. A pediatrician, Dr. Sparrow usually gives crayons and paper to children to entertain them while she interviews their parents. When she gave crayons to children who've fled Darfur, the results were harrowing and powerful.
Without prompting, the children drew scenes of horse-mounted militiamen riding into villages, large airplanes dropping bombs, and gun-wielding men raping women. The children's drawings are a visual record of the atrocities committed in Darfur that aren't available through any other medium. Human rights workers have received extensive testimony about bombing of villages and rape as a weapon, but these drawings provide visual evidence that international media organizations have not been able to provide, as they've been blocked by the Sudanese government from travelling in Darfur.
Realizing the importance of these drawings, Sparrow and Bercault started collecting school notebooks from children in refugee camps. They found in many of them that class notes suddenly gave way to sketches of battlefield scenes, burning huts and the destruction of villages. The two began interviewing children about their drawings:
Leila, Age 9
Human Rights Watch: What is going on here?
Leila: My hut burning after being hit by a bomb.
Human Rights Watch: And here? [Pointing to the drawing of what looks like an upside-down woman]
Leila: It's a woman. She is dead.
Human Rights Watch: Why is her face colored in red?
Leila: Oh, because she has been shot in the face.
Human Rights Watch: What is this vehicle? Who is this in green?
Leila: That is a tank. The man in green is a soldier.
The researchers brought hundreds of drawings back to their offices. When I was at Human Rights Watch a week ago, there was a pile of these sketches on a conference room table, along side a pile of photographs from Janjawid militamen. What amazed me was how details in the children's drawings echoed details from the photos - the stocks of the automatic rifles, the round shape of the houses, the posture of two gunmen riding on horseback. It was immediately clear to me that these drawings weren't of weapons imagined by children, but eye witness accounts.
The New York Times will be running some of these pictures in their Sunday magazine, and German television will be featuring the images on a broadcast this weekend. Perhaps these images will help the world pay attention to the ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity taking place in Darfur and the refugee camps in Chad.
[Great Ethan. Thanks. God bless. - sorry I had to post the same images - couldn't get flickr to reduce size of others at HRW]
See more at Human Rights Watch - Darfur Drawn: The Conflict in Darfur Through Children's Eyes.
Technorati tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
In February 2005, Human Rights Watch sent researchers Dr. Annie Sparrow and Olivier Bercault to Chad to talk with refugees who'd fled from the bombings and Janjawid militia attacks in Darfur. A pediatrician, Dr. Sparrow usually gives crayons and paper to children to entertain them while she interviews their parents. When she gave crayons to children who've fled Darfur, the results were harrowing and powerful.
Without prompting, the children drew scenes of horse-mounted militiamen riding into villages, large airplanes dropping bombs, and gun-wielding men raping women. The children's drawings are a visual record of the atrocities committed in Darfur that aren't available through any other medium. Human rights workers have received extensive testimony about bombing of villages and rape as a weapon, but these drawings provide visual evidence that international media organizations have not been able to provide, as they've been blocked by the Sudanese government from travelling in Darfur.
Realizing the importance of these drawings, Sparrow and Bercault started collecting school notebooks from children in refugee camps. They found in many of them that class notes suddenly gave way to sketches of battlefield scenes, burning huts and the destruction of villages. The two began interviewing children about their drawings:
Leila, Age 9
Human Rights Watch: What is going on here?
Leila: My hut burning after being hit by a bomb.
Human Rights Watch: And here? [Pointing to the drawing of what looks like an upside-down woman]
Leila: It's a woman. She is dead.
Human Rights Watch: Why is her face colored in red?
Leila: Oh, because she has been shot in the face.
Human Rights Watch: What is this vehicle? Who is this in green?
Leila: That is a tank. The man in green is a soldier.
The researchers brought hundreds of drawings back to their offices. When I was at Human Rights Watch a week ago, there was a pile of these sketches on a conference room table, along side a pile of photographs from Janjawid militamen. What amazed me was how details in the children's drawings echoed details from the photos - the stocks of the automatic rifles, the round shape of the houses, the posture of two gunmen riding on horseback. It was immediately clear to me that these drawings weren't of weapons imagined by children, but eye witness accounts.
The New York Times will be running some of these pictures in their Sunday magazine, and German television will be featuring the images on a broadcast this weekend. Perhaps these images will help the world pay attention to the ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity taking place in Darfur and the refugee camps in Chad.
[Great Ethan. Thanks. God bless. - sorry I had to post the same images - couldn't get flickr to reduce size of others at HRW]
See more at Human Rights Watch - Darfur Drawn: The Conflict in Darfur Through Children's Eyes.
Technorati tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
NATO's role in Darfur - AU commission chairman will visit NATO headquarters May 17
Talks with the African Union on a Nato role are expected to start "very, very quickly" a Nato spokesman said, ahead of an expected May 17 visit by Konare to Nato headquarters in Brussels.
An internal assessment obtained Wednesday by the Associated Press at African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, said it may need to increase the force to 12,300 to restore order.
In Washington, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist welcomed the African Union's request for Nato assistance, saying "I'm ... hopeful that a partnership between Nato and the AU will help bring stability and restore order to this troubled region."
Nato officials have suggested alliance help could include transport, communications and planning for an expanded military mission.
However, France has been wary about Nato involvement in Africa, concerned that Paris' traditional influence on the continent could be undermined.
Nato officials said France went along with the decision to open talks with the African Union, but stressed the alliance would remain in close touch with the European Union and the United Nations in mapping out international help for the African peacekeepers.
The European Union has sent military advisers to help the peacekeeping mission and is spending 120 million US dollars to cover almost half the costs of the operation.
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has urged Nato and the EU to do more to back African efforts to end the violence in Darfur.
See full report by AP Writer Paul Ames at Newsday.
- - -
NATO to provide support in Darfur mission
Nato, the alliance created in the cold war to protect western Europe from the Soviet Union, is set to go to Africa to provide logistical help for Darfur.
See full report by Daniel Dombey in Brussels, April 28 2005 - FT.com.
- - -
NATO poised for first African engagement in Darfur
One French idea for Darfur was that its logistical support and air surveillance operation, based in Chad, might be turned into an EU military mission. That prospect seems less likely following April 27 written request to Nato from Alpha Oumar Konare, the chairman of the AU Commission, who is expected to visit the alliance's Brussels headquarters next month.
James Appathurai, Nato's chief spokesman, said: "What has to be decided is what the AU needs and what is already provided and whether Nato can add value. But certainly this is the first time Nato would be engaged in any significant way in sub-Saharan Africa."
The Sudanese government insists only African troops can be involved in intervention and other Nato and EU diplomats are frustrated by the limited progress made by the AU. "It is a question of choosing the most appropriate organisation for the operation," one official said.
See full report by Stephen Castle in Brussels, 28 April 2005, Independent UK.
Photo: The AU commission chairman will visit Nato headquarters May 17, 2005 - via Aljazeera.
- - -
Analysis: NATO's role in Darfur
Nato officials will be engaged in intensive discussions during the next few weeks following a formal invitation from the African Union (AU) for military help in Darfur.
Please read analysis by David Loyn, Developing World Correspondent, BBC News, April 29, 2005.
- - -
Top European Union official to meet President Mbeki
Good news. European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana is on his way to South Africa to boost the EU's "strategic partnership" with Pretoria before heading to the Democratic Republic of Congo, his office said in a statement.
Mr Solana is flying to Pretoria today for talks with South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki. AFP report via monuc April 28 says Solana is to speak with South African President Thabo Mbeki about various African issues including the Sudan, the statement said.
The aim of the talks was to "reinforce the dialogue and strategic partnership" between the EU and South Africa.
EU development commissioner Louis Michel is to accompany Solana to Kinshasa.
Technorati tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
An internal assessment obtained Wednesday by the Associated Press at African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, said it may need to increase the force to 12,300 to restore order.
In Washington, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist welcomed the African Union's request for Nato assistance, saying "I'm ... hopeful that a partnership between Nato and the AU will help bring stability and restore order to this troubled region."
Nato officials have suggested alliance help could include transport, communications and planning for an expanded military mission.
However, France has been wary about Nato involvement in Africa, concerned that Paris' traditional influence on the continent could be undermined.
Nato officials said France went along with the decision to open talks with the African Union, but stressed the alliance would remain in close touch with the European Union and the United Nations in mapping out international help for the African peacekeepers.
The European Union has sent military advisers to help the peacekeeping mission and is spending 120 million US dollars to cover almost half the costs of the operation.
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has urged Nato and the EU to do more to back African efforts to end the violence in Darfur.
See full report by AP Writer Paul Ames at Newsday.
- - -
NATO to provide support in Darfur mission
Nato, the alliance created in the cold war to protect western Europe from the Soviet Union, is set to go to Africa to provide logistical help for Darfur.
See full report by Daniel Dombey in Brussels, April 28 2005 - FT.com.
- - -
NATO poised for first African engagement in Darfur
One French idea for Darfur was that its logistical support and air surveillance operation, based in Chad, might be turned into an EU military mission. That prospect seems less likely following April 27 written request to Nato from Alpha Oumar Konare, the chairman of the AU Commission, who is expected to visit the alliance's Brussels headquarters next month.
James Appathurai, Nato's chief spokesman, said: "What has to be decided is what the AU needs and what is already provided and whether Nato can add value. But certainly this is the first time Nato would be engaged in any significant way in sub-Saharan Africa."
The Sudanese government insists only African troops can be involved in intervention and other Nato and EU diplomats are frustrated by the limited progress made by the AU. "It is a question of choosing the most appropriate organisation for the operation," one official said.
See full report by Stephen Castle in Brussels, 28 April 2005, Independent UK.
Photo: The AU commission chairman will visit Nato headquarters May 17, 2005 - via Aljazeera.
- - -
Analysis: NATO's role in Darfur
Nato officials will be engaged in intensive discussions during the next few weeks following a formal invitation from the African Union (AU) for military help in Darfur.
Please read analysis by David Loyn, Developing World Correspondent, BBC News, April 29, 2005.
- - -
Top European Union official to meet President Mbeki
Good news. European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana is on his way to South Africa to boost the EU's "strategic partnership" with Pretoria before heading to the Democratic Republic of Congo, his office said in a statement.
Mr Solana is flying to Pretoria today for talks with South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki. AFP report via monuc April 28 says Solana is to speak with South African President Thabo Mbeki about various African issues including the Sudan, the statement said.
The aim of the talks was to "reinforce the dialogue and strategic partnership" between the EU and South Africa.
EU development commissioner Louis Michel is to accompany Solana to Kinshasa.
Technorati tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
Big boost to Darfur peace force - S. Africa to send more troops to Darfur, Sudan
According to reports today by the BBC and IRIN, the AU Peace and Security Council meeting yesterday did not discuss expanding the mandate of AU troops in Darfur. A Sudanese official is quoted as saying a stronger mandate could be seen by Sudanese people as an occupying force in Darfur.
IRIN's report says AU Peace and Security Commissioner Said Djinnit told journalists yesterday, after the council meeting, that the enhanced force for Darfur would be in place by the end of September. Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda had already pledged to contribute extra troops, he added.
IRIN states the 15-strong AU council did not discuss newly announced talks with NATO on possible logistical support or strengthening the current mandate, Djinnit said. But after the four-and-a-half hour meeting, he added that the "scope" of the mandate would be further increased to allow greater protection of civilians, convoys and checkpoints.
IRIN explains the AU's chair described a "new phenomenon" occurring: the deliberate targeting of the AU peacekeepers - and that Jan Pronk said
Pronk says rebels committing most ceasefire violations - 500 people dying every month
The above IRIN report also quotes Jan Pronk as saying the situation in Darfur had improved since last year, but 500 people were still dying every month.
He said serious violations of a ceasefire - most of which were committed by the rebels - were continuing.
"The AU presence has resulted in more stability where they are, but they have to be able to back their mediation with force," added Pronk.
Here are further excerpts from IRIN's report April 29:
"We are concerned over the continuing crisis in Darfur and condemn the continued attacks against defenceless civilians," Djinnit said. "These extra troops will further promote a more secure environment and help build confidence as well as protecting civilians."
The AU acknowledged that its current 2,300-strong force, which it plans to increase to 3,320 by late May, was "extremely stretched" and could not fulfil its mandate. The increased force would come to more than 7,700 men, including nearly 5,500 troops, 1,600 civilian police and some 700 military observers.
AU commission Chairman Alpha Oumar Konare told the council that attacks against civilians were still continuing and that a "new phenomenon" had occurred: the deliberate targeting of the AU peacekeepers.
"Militarily, the force should be in a position to promote a secure environment across Darfur," he said in a report to the council.
"As difficult as the situation in Darfur is, it is my strong conviction that the AU's efforts, if intensified and pursued with determination, will ultimately lead to the restoration of lasting peace and stability in that region," Konare added.
The AU also said it was struggling to get enough civilian police into the region, a vital component of their protection mission. So far only a quarter of the proposed civilian police contingent had been deployed because of poor logistical support, Konare said.
He added that the AU would need to quadruple the force to 12,300 to restore order in Darfur, a view endorsed by Jan Pronk, the UN's special envoy to Sudan.
"We need to get around 12,000 troops in by early next year as soon as we have a peace agreement," Pronk told journalists outside the closed-door meeting.
"We need a comprehensive peace agreement between the government and the rebels by early next year. I don't think people will return before there is a peace agreement."
The 12,000 troops, he added, would be expected to remain in Darfur for around four years.
Pronk said the situation in Darfur had improved since last year, but 500 people were still dying every month. He also said serious violations of a ceasefire - most of which were committed by the rebels - were continuing.
"The AU presence has resulted in more stability where they are, but they have to be able to back their mediation with force," added Pronk.
- - -
Sudanese ambassador says AU could be seen as an occupying force
On the sidelines of the meeting, the Sudanese ambassador to the AU, Abuzeid Alhassein, said the AU risked being seen by the Sudanese as an occupying force if it broadened its mandate and allowed AU peacekeepers to step in and use force to protect civilians.
"The protection of the civilians in Darfur should be left to the Sudanese civilian police," Alhassein said. "We do not think the AU should strengthen its mandate because if it engages militarily with people it will be seen as an occupying force."
[Who in their right mind can understand Khartoum's rationale when so many lives, including those of international aid workers, are at stake? Sudan stays in the dark ages while the world moves on. Listen up Khartoum. We in the world's democratic countries don't put up with savages and barbarians any more.]
- - -
Big boost to Darfur peace force - S. Africa to send more troops to Sudan's Darfur
Secretary-General Kofi Annan suggested that Africa Union troops in Sudan's Darfur could become part of a UN peacekeeping mission or be augmented with a multinational force, according to a draft report obtained by Reuters on Thursday, April 28.
Mr Annan, in presenting options to the UN Security Council, said any change in the mission would need to be decided by the council, Sudan and AU.
See full report by Evelyn Leopold, Reuters, April 28, 2005.
- - -
AU blames mistrust for continued conflict in Sudan's Darfur
Note this copy of a report from PANA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, April 29, 2005: it quotes the chair of the AU insisting - in a report - on a strengthened mandate for AMIS and urging Khartoum to disarm and neutralise the Janjaweed:
The situation remains volatile and unpredictable in Western Sudan's Darfur region due to mistrust between belligerents in the troubled area, says an African Union (AU) report issued here Thursday.
In a report to the AU Peace and Security Council, whose session opened in Addis Ababa Thursday, AU chairperson Alpha Oumar Konare said "deep distrust" between the warring parties, the population and government forces was impeding the search for a solution to the conflict, which erupted in February 2003.
Konare told the AU Council that the population lacked confidence in government security organs in Darfur, especially the Sudanese police, because they are inter-twinned with the Arab "Janjaweed" militia.
In his report, Konare insisted on the need to strengthen the African Mission in the Sudan (AMIS) and appealed to Sudanese authorities to urgently, fully fulfil their commitments under the April 2004 N'djamena and the Abuja protocol.
He particularly urged Khartoum to disarm and neutralise the Janjaweed, apprehend and bring its leadership to face justice together with those found guilty of violating human rights and international humanitarian law.
Experience has shown that the security situation would continue to be gloomy in Darfur unless concrete action was taken in this respect, Konare warned.
Meanwhile, the AU chairperson appealed to the conflicting parties in Darfur to show political commitment to reach a peace agreement.
He reiterated the call by the Assembly of the African Union, which encouraged all leaders and stakeholders who have been supporting the Inter-Sudanese Peace Talks on Darfur to continue doing so under the overall leadership of the continental body.
[Note, there is no mention in the report of a stronger mandate for the AU troops in Darfur.]
- - -
AU to increase troops in Darfur from 2,200 to 7,7000
Going by various reports, it seems the AU council meeting yesterday did not discuss giving their peacekeepers more powers, which Sudan has opposed. This is odd, don't you think? The ceasefire that was agreed last year between Sudan and its Darfur rebels has been violated so often, there's no longer a ceasefire to monitor. The warring parties know there is no peace to keep. Every soldier must be allowed, like anybody else, to defend themselves and come to the aid of defenceless people being attacked.
South Africa's government spokesman Joel Netshitenzhe said that a cabinet meeting April 28 in Pretoria had "agreed to respond positively to a request from the AU for additional South African personnel in the African Mission in the Sudan."
In regard to the AU's council decision to increase the peacekeeping force in Darfur - from 2,200 to more than 7,700, including nearly 5,500 troops, 1,600 civilian police and some 700 military observers - he said the reinforced troops would be put in place by the end of September. - via Xinhua April 28, 2005.
[Today, Reuters mentions the long overdue 1,000 troops for Darfur are expected to be deployed by the end of May]
- - -
Big boost to Darfur peace force
Yesterday it was reported [see previous post here] the mandate of the AU troops would be expanded. But I've yet to see confirmation that the AU has officially strengthened the mandate.
Eugene at Coaliton for Darfur points to a report from tvnz.co.nz that states AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, Said Djinnit, told reporters:
The BBC report states 1,000 troops are expected in Darfur next month - and by September, the force should be 7,700-strong, which could be further increased to 12,000, an official said. Excerpt:
"These extra troops will further promote a more secure environment and help build confidence as well as protecting civilians," said AU Peace and Security Commissioner Said Djinnit. He said that Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria and Senegal have all promised to send extra troops.
Jan Pronk also submitted a report saying that 12,000 troops were needed in Darfur by early next year - but they should have a stronger mandate. "The AU presence has resulted in more stability where they are, but they have to be able to back their mediation with force," he said.
At its meeting in Addis Ababa, the AU did not discuss giving their peacekeepers more powers, which Sudan has opposed.
Earlier this week, the AU asked Nato for logistical and financial support for its mission in Darfur. Nato is considering the request.
The Sudan government says it would accept Nato logistical support but not the presence of non-African troops.
- - -
US to provide $50-60 million for AU troops in Darfur
A Reuters report April 29 says now that the AU had made its decision, the US hoped very shortly to announce concrete support of $50 - $60 million for the AU. Excerpt:
The US portion would be about one-third of the price tag for the expanded AU mission, with the rest coming from the European Union, Japan and Canada.
Although some critics say Washington is trying to absolve itself of Darfur by transferring responsibility to the AU, officials insist AU forces have made a real difference in the limited locations where they operate.
US Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick has taken on Sudan as part of his portfolio and is said to be working on the issue daily. He travelled to Darfur two weeks ago and said then he believed the AU is helping hold down the violence.
The State Department's Sudan expert, Mike Ranneberger, last week did a more thorough assessment, visiting six AU camps and discussing the AU's role with tribal leaders, humanitarian workers and rebel field commanders.
An official said Ranneberger came away even more impressed with the AU's "very activist approach ... They are aggressively getting out into the field and patrolling humanitarian roads."
In several instances, AU forces have pre-empted violence by occupying villages ahead of an imminent attack, he said.
But the forces need more vehicles and reliable communications to become truly effective, officials said.
On his trip, Zoellick warned that if the violence isn't ended, Sudan risks losing an even bigger pot of US assistance -- $1.7 billion pledged at a donor's conference in Oslo.
Khartoum no longer supports the Arab militias with helicopter gunships and its troops no longer accompany the Janjaweed in battle, a US official said.
But there has been "no specific reduction in violence" since Zoellick's visit and there are "numerous indicators" the Sudan government is still in very close contact with the Janjaweed and continues to support the militias with equipment and probably actual cash payments, the official said.
The administration doubts Khartoum's claims that the Janjaweed is now out of its control and is pressing for proof that all assistance has ended, US officials said. Full report.
- - -
Chad to get Arab League observer status
On April 28, the Arab League said it had offered Chad observer status in the 22-member body.
Note, Arabic is widely used in the central African country, and nearly half of its population of about 10 million are Muslims. Chad, more than three times the size of California, shares borders with six African countries. Two of them -- Libya and Sudan -- are Arab League members.
[Sudanese people seem to class each other as either African or Arab. Sudan is a member of both the African Union and Arab League. The Arabisation of Sudan seems to be turning it into an Arab country. Surely it causes an identity crisis and friction when Arabs impose their religion and customs on people who have differing faiths and customs? If any blogger writes a post on this issue, please let me know and I will link to it here. Thanks.]
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Small Darfur rebel group agrees deal with Sudan-Chad
Chad said on Friday a breakaway Darfur rebel group and Sudan's government had signed a security deal, calling for a cessation of hostilities.
The deal was signed late on Thursday by the rebel National Movement for Reform and Development (NMRD) and Sudan's minister for investment after talks hosted by Chad's Minister of Public Security Abderahman Moussa.
Full report via Reuters and Sudan Tribune, April 29, 2005.
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Sudan poses first big trial for world criminal court
Here is an excerpt via New York Times April 28 from a report titled, 'Sudan poses first big trial for world criminal court':
Since the commission sent the 51 names to the court, much speculation has occurred in Darfur over who they are. "People see themselves as on the list," a Western diplomat said. "They're asking questions. They're saying, 'If I'm on the list, what can I do about it?'
For the time being, though, the wealth of material provided by the commission cannot be treated as evidence because the Cassese inquiry was a fact-finding mission that did not collect sworn witness statements. In contrast, Mr. Moreno-Ocampo must conduct criminal investigations that can stand up in court. He has called on other governments and individuals to provide any information they have.
"It will be an uphill battle for the prosecutor to prepare specific cases, I don't envy him," Mr. Cassese said, recalling that his own investigation faced many obstacles.
Lawyers familiar with the court said the prosecutor was likely to focus on a dozen or fewer of the top suspects in Sudan's atrocities.
Photo: A man from Um Hashab village, North Darfur, gestures his burned hut, after Sudanese military bombarded the village with helicopter gunship on August 26, 2004 (AP).
On April 28, the official Sudan Media Center said Justice Minister Ali Mohammed Osman Yassin decided to inform the International Criminal Court that Sudan would form its own court, headed by the chief justice, to look into alleged cases of atrocities in Darfur.
Yassin said the prosecutor of this special court would regard the list of 51 individuals as a "guide and not obligatory."
Speaking at a meeting of the ruling National Congress Party on Wednesday night, Sudan's President Bashir said Sudan did not fear the world powers.
"Those people who tremble and spread rumors think that we fear America and its wrath, Europe and its might, the United Nations and its violations. But we tell them that he who fears God, fears no one but Him," el-Bashir said.
[Mr Bashir's quote made me smile. He might sound like he doesn't know what he's talking about half the time but I like the way he equates the US with wrath, the UN with violations and Europe with might. Heh. He's got that right. Watch out mate, the Brits are coming to sort you out if you block an expanded mandate for African troops. You will give us no option. We will send troops, but only as a last resort if you leave us with no other option.
We have a General Election next Thursday. Right now Tony Blair's concentrating on winning another term in office. After he has done everything he can for Africa, he might step down and on to pastures new. But before he does, he'll have nothing lose politically if he sends British troops to the Sudan. Warning to Khartoum: watch out after Blair wins on Thursday - he is watching you. The Americans have given Sudan a huge amount of help. They may sound the loudest in the press, jumping up and down, hooting and hollering ... while things seem a lot more quiet here in Europe ... sorting you out by stealth. Mwaaahhhaaa.
Britain has a long history, going way back. Brits have a reputation in Europe for stealth and courage in battle. To this day, Europeans have a saying that goes something like this: the English defend against enemies by stabbing them in the back with a velvet glove and a smile without them ever realising what's hit them.
Watch your regime's back Mr Bashir. God is on the side of the children. If God decrees that European and NATO troops enter Sudan to protect the food and starving children, then so be it. The prayers of millions of Sudanese people will have been answered.]
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Minister says US attitude towards Sudan contradictory
No doubt this news is linked to the next here below re the US release of its annual report on terrorism. Recently, in an interview, Charles Snyder said Sudan had being given top A grade marks by the US for its co-operation on terrorism.
Excerpt from a SUNA Khartoum report at Sudan Tribune April 28:
Minister of Foreign Affairs Mustafa Osman Ismail on Thursday described the American attitudes towards the Sudan as being contradictory and marred by ambiguity.
He further said "at the time a report by the American Administration was speaking about Sudan's cooperation in combating terrorism, the US Congress was a few days ago discussing a bill seeking to hold the Sudan accountable regarding Darfur".
Ismail pointed out in response to questions by journalists that he did not discard to find some American voices commending the position of the Sudan while others taking an opposite attitude towards the Sudan.
The minister said the Sudan would continue to witness such contradictory attitudes coming from the United States of America until the American attitude is streamlined vis-a-vis the situation in the Sudan.
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Libya, Sudan improve counterterrorism work, US says
Here is a copy of a report from Washington April 27 via Reuters:
Libya and Sudan improved their cooperation in the war on terrorism last year but remain on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism and subject to its sanctions, the State Department said on Wednesday.
Releasing its annual report on terrorism, the department said Libya was "instrumental" in last year's handover of Amar Saifi, one of Algeria's most wanted Islamic militant leaders accused in the kidnapping of 32 European tourists.
Saifi, who has been identified as second-in-command of the al Qaeda-aligned Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat, was caught in Libya near the Chadian-Libyan border according to Algerian authorities.
However, the Department cited its "serious concerns" about allegations of a Libyan plot to assassinate Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah and it continued to evaluate Libyan promises to stop using violence for political purposes.
Sudan improved its counterterrorism cooperation despite strains with the United States over the violence in Darfur, where U.S. officials accuse Khartoum of supporting Arab militias accused of a campaign of murder, rape and looting against villagers.
Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria all remain on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism,
Presence on the terrorism list bars a country from getting U.S. arms, controls sales of items with military and civilian applications, limits U.S. aid and requires Washington to vote against loans from international financial institutions.
Iraq was dropped from the list in October, 2004 following the 2003 U.S. invasion that toppled former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
The State Department stirred up a controversy last week when it announced that it would exclude detailed statistics on international terrorist attacks from its annual report, drawing accusations that it was trying to suppress the information.
Those statistics, which congressional aides say show a tripling in "significant" international terrorist attacks last year, are to be released later on Wednesday, officials said.
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US Report: Sudan Proves Ally in U.S. War on Terrorism
An April 29 report in the LA Times by Ken Silverstein says despite once harboring Bin Laden, Khartoum regime has supplied key intelligence, officials say.
Here is an excerpt from a Reuters report on the LA Times piece:
The Times said US government officials had confirmed that the CIA flew the chief of Sudan's intelligence agency to Washington last week for secret meetings, sealing Khartoum's sensitive and previously veiled partnership with the administration.
The newspaper said Sudan had detained al Qaeda suspects for interrogation by US agents, given the FBI evidence seized from raids on homes of suspected terrorists, handed over extremists to Arab intelligence agencies and foiled terrorist attacks against US targets.
The paper cited interviews with American and Sudanese intelligence and government officials.
Sudan has "given us specific information that is ... important, functional and current," said a senior State Department official speaking on condition of anonymity.
The chief of Sudan's Mukhabarat intelligence agency, Maj. Gen. Salah Abdallah Gosh, told the Times: "We have a strong partnership with the CIA. The information we have provided has been very useful to the United States."
Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail acknowledged in an interview that the Mukhabarat already had served as the eyes and ears of the CIA in neighboring countries, including Somalia, a sanctuary for Islamic militants.
Photo: Seraf, in western Darfur, lay in charred ruins last week after Arab militias burned it down to warn non-Arab residents not to return to their homes. (Beatrice Mategwa/Reuters via NYT)
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US official warns of 'downward spiral' in Sudan without political settlement
The US State Department's number two, Robert Zoellick reiterated the importance the US places on helping strengthen African Union peacekeeping forces, adding Sudan in general stands at a crossroads.
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US photographer arrested in Darfur region
A report by Reporters Without Borders April 29 says it has called for an explanation from the Sudanese authorities for the arrest of US photographer Brad Clift, of the Hartford Courant newspaper, who has been held since 26 April 2005 in Darfur, western Sudan.
"We cannot understand the reasons for the arrest of this photographer, who has been deprived of his liberty for three days now," the worldwide press freedom organisation said.
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Photo BBC: Colonel Anthony Mwandobi has a vast, troublesome area to cover. More than two years after the conflict began in Darfur, there are still only about 2,200 peacekeeping troops with a limited mandate, tying to keep tabs on an area the size of France.
As a senior African Union peacekeeper in Darfur, he has told the BBC of the frustration his job entails.
Col Mwandobi from Zambia, sector commander for the Zalingei area, said his forces are "understrength". "I need to have enough troops, I need to have communications equipment, I need to have transport - they are all in short supply," he said.
The Sudanese government strongly denies giving support to the Janjaweed militias, accused of the worst atrocities, such as mass rape, mass killing and ethnic cleansing which has led some two million people to flee their homes.
But Col Mwandobi said it is "very clear".
Photo BBC: This village was burnt by Janjaweed militias
He said that Janjaweed fighters wore military uniforms, which they said had been given to them by the Sudanese army.
The Janjaweed also say they have been trained by the army.
"The training is done for one month and thereafter, they are let go," Col Mwandobi said.
He said there are frequent clashes in his sector, which includes the Marra mountains, where the SLA rebels have bases.
"There has been a sudden influx of [pro-government] Arab militias attacking civilians this month," he said, adding that aid workers in the region have been targeted.
But he also said the rebels frequently come out of their hiding places to attack the army.
"It's a see-saw battle," he said.
Both sides say they want the African Union peace mission to succeed but neither does anything on the ground to help, he said.
"One wonders how we can succeed if they still go to battle," he asked, with an air of resignation in his voice.
But faced with covering such a vast area and with two sides seemingly committed to carrying on the war, Col Mwandobi refused to give up.
"We are doing our best to meet every incident that is reported and making ourselves felt in every area," he said.
"We have been informed that more troops are coming."
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Spiritual leaders to meet Bashir over Kony
Here's something different from The Monitor in Kampala via AllAfrica April 29, 2005. Excerpt:
A delegation of African religious leaders will soon meet officials of the Sudan government to explore new avenues of ending civil wars in Sudan and northern Uganda in June.
The leaders are from the Baha'i Faith, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Rastafarian faiths. The group is expected to meet the president of Sudan, Umar El Bashir and his officials this year.
"We resolved that an inter-faith peace delegation visits Sudan (Khartoum) to talk to the government and civil society to find out what is failing the peace process," retired Bishop of Kitgum Diocese Macleord Baker Ochola said on Wednesday.
[I would like to be a fly on the wall at this meeting. Pity it won't be televised and translated into every language and transmitted around the world.]
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The UN Darfur Report - a bloggers summary
In Geneva on January 25, 2005 the International Commission of Inquiry on Darfur submitted its report to the UN Secretary-General following Security Council Resolution 1564 of 18 September 2004.
Here is an American blogger's take, at Do Justly blog, on the 176-page report:
Part I: The UN Darfur Report -- a summary.
Part II: The UN Darfur Report -- the players.
Part III: The UN Darfur Report -- the connections
[via Do Justly's comment at Coalition for Darfur - with thanks]
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Why I love Africa
BBC listeners and readers share their personal experiences of the African continent. Read their latest contributions at BBC news celebrating Africa's sincerity, its love of life and its natural foods.
Technorati tags: Darfur Sudan Africa
IRIN's report says AU Peace and Security Commissioner Said Djinnit told journalists yesterday, after the council meeting, that the enhanced force for Darfur would be in place by the end of September. Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda had already pledged to contribute extra troops, he added.
IRIN states the 15-strong AU council did not discuss newly announced talks with NATO on possible logistical support or strengthening the current mandate, Djinnit said. But after the four-and-a-half hour meeting, he added that the "scope" of the mandate would be further increased to allow greater protection of civilians, convoys and checkpoints.
IRIN explains the AU's chair described a "new phenomenon" occurring: the deliberate targeting of the AU peacekeepers - and that Jan Pronk said
"We need a comprehensive peace agreement between the government and the rebels by early next year. I don't think people will return before there is a peace agreement." The 12,000 troops, he added, would be expected to remain in Darfur for around four years.- - -
Pronk says rebels committing most ceasefire violations - 500 people dying every month
The above IRIN report also quotes Jan Pronk as saying the situation in Darfur had improved since last year, but 500 people were still dying every month.
He said serious violations of a ceasefire - most of which were committed by the rebels - were continuing.
"The AU presence has resulted in more stability where they are, but they have to be able to back their mediation with force," added Pronk.
Here are further excerpts from IRIN's report April 29:
"We are concerned over the continuing crisis in Darfur and condemn the continued attacks against defenceless civilians," Djinnit said. "These extra troops will further promote a more secure environment and help build confidence as well as protecting civilians."
The AU acknowledged that its current 2,300-strong force, which it plans to increase to 3,320 by late May, was "extremely stretched" and could not fulfil its mandate. The increased force would come to more than 7,700 men, including nearly 5,500 troops, 1,600 civilian police and some 700 military observers.
AU commission Chairman Alpha Oumar Konare told the council that attacks against civilians were still continuing and that a "new phenomenon" had occurred: the deliberate targeting of the AU peacekeepers.
"Militarily, the force should be in a position to promote a secure environment across Darfur," he said in a report to the council.
"As difficult as the situation in Darfur is, it is my strong conviction that the AU's efforts, if intensified and pursued with determination, will ultimately lead to the restoration of lasting peace and stability in that region," Konare added.
The AU also said it was struggling to get enough civilian police into the region, a vital component of their protection mission. So far only a quarter of the proposed civilian police contingent had been deployed because of poor logistical support, Konare said.
He added that the AU would need to quadruple the force to 12,300 to restore order in Darfur, a view endorsed by Jan Pronk, the UN's special envoy to Sudan.
"We need to get around 12,000 troops in by early next year as soon as we have a peace agreement," Pronk told journalists outside the closed-door meeting.
"We need a comprehensive peace agreement between the government and the rebels by early next year. I don't think people will return before there is a peace agreement."
The 12,000 troops, he added, would be expected to remain in Darfur for around four years.
Pronk said the situation in Darfur had improved since last year, but 500 people were still dying every month. He also said serious violations of a ceasefire - most of which were committed by the rebels - were continuing.
"The AU presence has resulted in more stability where they are, but they have to be able to back their mediation with force," added Pronk.
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Sudanese ambassador says AU could be seen as an occupying force
On the sidelines of the meeting, the Sudanese ambassador to the AU, Abuzeid Alhassein, said the AU risked being seen by the Sudanese as an occupying force if it broadened its mandate and allowed AU peacekeepers to step in and use force to protect civilians.
"The protection of the civilians in Darfur should be left to the Sudanese civilian police," Alhassein said. "We do not think the AU should strengthen its mandate because if it engages militarily with people it will be seen as an occupying force."
[Who in their right mind can understand Khartoum's rationale when so many lives, including those of international aid workers, are at stake? Sudan stays in the dark ages while the world moves on. Listen up Khartoum. We in the world's democratic countries don't put up with savages and barbarians any more.]
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Big boost to Darfur peace force - S. Africa to send more troops to Sudan's Darfur
Secretary-General Kofi Annan suggested that Africa Union troops in Sudan's Darfur could become part of a UN peacekeeping mission or be augmented with a multinational force, according to a draft report obtained by Reuters on Thursday, April 28.
Mr Annan, in presenting options to the UN Security Council, said any change in the mission would need to be decided by the council, Sudan and AU.
See full report by Evelyn Leopold, Reuters, April 28, 2005.
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AU blames mistrust for continued conflict in Sudan's Darfur
Note this copy of a report from PANA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, April 29, 2005: it quotes the chair of the AU insisting - in a report - on a strengthened mandate for AMIS and urging Khartoum to disarm and neutralise the Janjaweed:
The situation remains volatile and unpredictable in Western Sudan's Darfur region due to mistrust between belligerents in the troubled area, says an African Union (AU) report issued here Thursday.
In a report to the AU Peace and Security Council, whose session opened in Addis Ababa Thursday, AU chairperson Alpha Oumar Konare said "deep distrust" between the warring parties, the population and government forces was impeding the search for a solution to the conflict, which erupted in February 2003.
Konare told the AU Council that the population lacked confidence in government security organs in Darfur, especially the Sudanese police, because they are inter-twinned with the Arab "Janjaweed" militia.
In his report, Konare insisted on the need to strengthen the African Mission in the Sudan (AMIS) and appealed to Sudanese authorities to urgently, fully fulfil their commitments under the April 2004 N'djamena and the Abuja protocol.
He particularly urged Khartoum to disarm and neutralise the Janjaweed, apprehend and bring its leadership to face justice together with those found guilty of violating human rights and international humanitarian law.
Experience has shown that the security situation would continue to be gloomy in Darfur unless concrete action was taken in this respect, Konare warned.
Meanwhile, the AU chairperson appealed to the conflicting parties in Darfur to show political commitment to reach a peace agreement.
He reiterated the call by the Assembly of the African Union, which encouraged all leaders and stakeholders who have been supporting the Inter-Sudanese Peace Talks on Darfur to continue doing so under the overall leadership of the continental body.
[Note, there is no mention in the report of a stronger mandate for the AU troops in Darfur.]
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AU to increase troops in Darfur from 2,200 to 7,7000
Going by various reports, it seems the AU council meeting yesterday did not discuss giving their peacekeepers more powers, which Sudan has opposed. This is odd, don't you think? The ceasefire that was agreed last year between Sudan and its Darfur rebels has been violated so often, there's no longer a ceasefire to monitor. The warring parties know there is no peace to keep. Every soldier must be allowed, like anybody else, to defend themselves and come to the aid of defenceless people being attacked.
South Africa's government spokesman Joel Netshitenzhe said that a cabinet meeting April 28 in Pretoria had "agreed to respond positively to a request from the AU for additional South African personnel in the African Mission in the Sudan."
In regard to the AU's council decision to increase the peacekeeping force in Darfur - from 2,200 to more than 7,700, including nearly 5,500 troops, 1,600 civilian police and some 700 military observers - he said the reinforced troops would be put in place by the end of September. - via Xinhua April 28, 2005.
[Today, Reuters mentions the long overdue 1,000 troops for Darfur are expected to be deployed by the end of May]
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Big boost to Darfur peace force
Yesterday it was reported [see previous post here] the mandate of the AU troops would be expanded. But I've yet to see confirmation that the AU has officially strengthened the mandate.
Eugene at Coaliton for Darfur points to a report from tvnz.co.nz that states AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, Said Djinnit, told reporters:
"The force will have an enhanced scope to include protection of civilians and internally displaced people as well protecting food convoys and to stop looting."But a BBC report April 29 [quoting the same AU official] says the AU council "did not discuss giving their peacekeepers more powers, which Sudan has opposed".
The BBC report states 1,000 troops are expected in Darfur next month - and by September, the force should be 7,700-strong, which could be further increased to 12,000, an official said. Excerpt:
"These extra troops will further promote a more secure environment and help build confidence as well as protecting civilians," said AU Peace and Security Commissioner Said Djinnit. He said that Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria and Senegal have all promised to send extra troops.
Jan Pronk also submitted a report saying that 12,000 troops were needed in Darfur by early next year - but they should have a stronger mandate. "The AU presence has resulted in more stability where they are, but they have to be able to back their mediation with force," he said.
At its meeting in Addis Ababa, the AU did not discuss giving their peacekeepers more powers, which Sudan has opposed.
Earlier this week, the AU asked Nato for logistical and financial support for its mission in Darfur. Nato is considering the request.
The Sudan government says it would accept Nato logistical support but not the presence of non-African troops.
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US to provide $50-60 million for AU troops in Darfur
A Reuters report April 29 says now that the AU had made its decision, the US hoped very shortly to announce concrete support of $50 - $60 million for the AU. Excerpt:
The US portion would be about one-third of the price tag for the expanded AU mission, with the rest coming from the European Union, Japan and Canada.
Although some critics say Washington is trying to absolve itself of Darfur by transferring responsibility to the AU, officials insist AU forces have made a real difference in the limited locations where they operate.
US Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick has taken on Sudan as part of his portfolio and is said to be working on the issue daily. He travelled to Darfur two weeks ago and said then he believed the AU is helping hold down the violence.
The State Department's Sudan expert, Mike Ranneberger, last week did a more thorough assessment, visiting six AU camps and discussing the AU's role with tribal leaders, humanitarian workers and rebel field commanders.
An official said Ranneberger came away even more impressed with the AU's "very activist approach ... They are aggressively getting out into the field and patrolling humanitarian roads."
In several instances, AU forces have pre-empted violence by occupying villages ahead of an imminent attack, he said.
But the forces need more vehicles and reliable communications to become truly effective, officials said.
On his trip, Zoellick warned that if the violence isn't ended, Sudan risks losing an even bigger pot of US assistance -- $1.7 billion pledged at a donor's conference in Oslo.
Khartoum no longer supports the Arab militias with helicopter gunships and its troops no longer accompany the Janjaweed in battle, a US official said.
But there has been "no specific reduction in violence" since Zoellick's visit and there are "numerous indicators" the Sudan government is still in very close contact with the Janjaweed and continues to support the militias with equipment and probably actual cash payments, the official said.
The administration doubts Khartoum's claims that the Janjaweed is now out of its control and is pressing for proof that all assistance has ended, US officials said. Full report.
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Chad to get Arab League observer status
On April 28, the Arab League said it had offered Chad observer status in the 22-member body.
Note, Arabic is widely used in the central African country, and nearly half of its population of about 10 million are Muslims. Chad, more than three times the size of California, shares borders with six African countries. Two of them -- Libya and Sudan -- are Arab League members.
[Sudanese people seem to class each other as either African or Arab. Sudan is a member of both the African Union and Arab League. The Arabisation of Sudan seems to be turning it into an Arab country. Surely it causes an identity crisis and friction when Arabs impose their religion and customs on people who have differing faiths and customs? If any blogger writes a post on this issue, please let me know and I will link to it here. Thanks.]
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Small Darfur rebel group agrees deal with Sudan-Chad
Chad said on Friday a breakaway Darfur rebel group and Sudan's government had signed a security deal, calling for a cessation of hostilities.
The deal was signed late on Thursday by the rebel National Movement for Reform and Development (NMRD) and Sudan's minister for investment after talks hosted by Chad's Minister of Public Security Abderahman Moussa.
Full report via Reuters and Sudan Tribune, April 29, 2005.
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Sudan poses first big trial for world criminal court
Here is an excerpt via New York Times April 28 from a report titled, 'Sudan poses first big trial for world criminal court':
Since the commission sent the 51 names to the court, much speculation has occurred in Darfur over who they are. "People see themselves as on the list," a Western diplomat said. "They're asking questions. They're saying, 'If I'm on the list, what can I do about it?'
For the time being, though, the wealth of material provided by the commission cannot be treated as evidence because the Cassese inquiry was a fact-finding mission that did not collect sworn witness statements. In contrast, Mr. Moreno-Ocampo must conduct criminal investigations that can stand up in court. He has called on other governments and individuals to provide any information they have.
"It will be an uphill battle for the prosecutor to prepare specific cases, I don't envy him," Mr. Cassese said, recalling that his own investigation faced many obstacles.
Lawyers familiar with the court said the prosecutor was likely to focus on a dozen or fewer of the top suspects in Sudan's atrocities.
Photo: A man from Um Hashab village, North Darfur, gestures his burned hut, after Sudanese military bombarded the village with helicopter gunship on August 26, 2004 (AP).
On April 28, the official Sudan Media Center said Justice Minister Ali Mohammed Osman Yassin decided to inform the International Criminal Court that Sudan would form its own court, headed by the chief justice, to look into alleged cases of atrocities in Darfur.
Yassin said the prosecutor of this special court would regard the list of 51 individuals as a "guide and not obligatory."
Speaking at a meeting of the ruling National Congress Party on Wednesday night, Sudan's President Bashir said Sudan did not fear the world powers.
"Those people who tremble and spread rumors think that we fear America and its wrath, Europe and its might, the United Nations and its violations. But we tell them that he who fears God, fears no one but Him," el-Bashir said.
[Mr Bashir's quote made me smile. He might sound like he doesn't know what he's talking about half the time but I like the way he equates the US with wrath, the UN with violations and Europe with might. Heh. He's got that right. Watch out mate, the Brits are coming to sort you out if you block an expanded mandate for African troops. You will give us no option. We will send troops, but only as a last resort if you leave us with no other option.
We have a General Election next Thursday. Right now Tony Blair's concentrating on winning another term in office. After he has done everything he can for Africa, he might step down and on to pastures new. But before he does, he'll have nothing lose politically if he sends British troops to the Sudan. Warning to Khartoum: watch out after Blair wins on Thursday - he is watching you. The Americans have given Sudan a huge amount of help. They may sound the loudest in the press, jumping up and down, hooting and hollering ... while things seem a lot more quiet here in Europe ... sorting you out by stealth. Mwaaahhhaaa.
Britain has a long history, going way back. Brits have a reputation in Europe for stealth and courage in battle. To this day, Europeans have a saying that goes something like this: the English defend against enemies by stabbing them in the back with a velvet glove and a smile without them ever realising what's hit them.
Watch your regime's back Mr Bashir. God is on the side of the children. If God decrees that European and NATO troops enter Sudan to protect the food and starving children, then so be it. The prayers of millions of Sudanese people will have been answered.]
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Minister says US attitude towards Sudan contradictory
No doubt this news is linked to the next here below re the US release of its annual report on terrorism. Recently, in an interview, Charles Snyder said Sudan had being given top A grade marks by the US for its co-operation on terrorism.
Excerpt from a SUNA Khartoum report at Sudan Tribune April 28:
Minister of Foreign Affairs Mustafa Osman Ismail on Thursday described the American attitudes towards the Sudan as being contradictory and marred by ambiguity.
He further said "at the time a report by the American Administration was speaking about Sudan's cooperation in combating terrorism, the US Congress was a few days ago discussing a bill seeking to hold the Sudan accountable regarding Darfur".
Ismail pointed out in response to questions by journalists that he did not discard to find some American voices commending the position of the Sudan while others taking an opposite attitude towards the Sudan.
The minister said the Sudan would continue to witness such contradictory attitudes coming from the United States of America until the American attitude is streamlined vis-a-vis the situation in the Sudan.
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Libya, Sudan improve counterterrorism work, US says
Here is a copy of a report from Washington April 27 via Reuters:
Libya and Sudan improved their cooperation in the war on terrorism last year but remain on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism and subject to its sanctions, the State Department said on Wednesday.
Releasing its annual report on terrorism, the department said Libya was "instrumental" in last year's handover of Amar Saifi, one of Algeria's most wanted Islamic militant leaders accused in the kidnapping of 32 European tourists.
Saifi, who has been identified as second-in-command of the al Qaeda-aligned Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat, was caught in Libya near the Chadian-Libyan border according to Algerian authorities.
However, the Department cited its "serious concerns" about allegations of a Libyan plot to assassinate Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah and it continued to evaluate Libyan promises to stop using violence for political purposes.
Sudan improved its counterterrorism cooperation despite strains with the United States over the violence in Darfur, where U.S. officials accuse Khartoum of supporting Arab militias accused of a campaign of murder, rape and looting against villagers.
Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria all remain on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism,
Presence on the terrorism list bars a country from getting U.S. arms, controls sales of items with military and civilian applications, limits U.S. aid and requires Washington to vote against loans from international financial institutions.
Iraq was dropped from the list in October, 2004 following the 2003 U.S. invasion that toppled former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
The State Department stirred up a controversy last week when it announced that it would exclude detailed statistics on international terrorist attacks from its annual report, drawing accusations that it was trying to suppress the information.
Those statistics, which congressional aides say show a tripling in "significant" international terrorist attacks last year, are to be released later on Wednesday, officials said.
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US Report: Sudan Proves Ally in U.S. War on Terrorism
An April 29 report in the LA Times by Ken Silverstein says despite once harboring Bin Laden, Khartoum regime has supplied key intelligence, officials say.
Here is an excerpt from a Reuters report on the LA Times piece:
The Times said US government officials had confirmed that the CIA flew the chief of Sudan's intelligence agency to Washington last week for secret meetings, sealing Khartoum's sensitive and previously veiled partnership with the administration.
The newspaper said Sudan had detained al Qaeda suspects for interrogation by US agents, given the FBI evidence seized from raids on homes of suspected terrorists, handed over extremists to Arab intelligence agencies and foiled terrorist attacks against US targets.
The paper cited interviews with American and Sudanese intelligence and government officials.
Sudan has "given us specific information that is ... important, functional and current," said a senior State Department official speaking on condition of anonymity.
The chief of Sudan's Mukhabarat intelligence agency, Maj. Gen. Salah Abdallah Gosh, told the Times: "We have a strong partnership with the CIA. The information we have provided has been very useful to the United States."
Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail acknowledged in an interview that the Mukhabarat already had served as the eyes and ears of the CIA in neighboring countries, including Somalia, a sanctuary for Islamic militants.
Photo: Seraf, in western Darfur, lay in charred ruins last week after Arab militias burned it down to warn non-Arab residents not to return to their homes. (Beatrice Mategwa/Reuters via NYT)
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US official warns of 'downward spiral' in Sudan without political settlement
The US State Department's number two, Robert Zoellick reiterated the importance the US places on helping strengthen African Union peacekeeping forces, adding Sudan in general stands at a crossroads.
"You've got the Darfur humanitarian situation, but basically that is trying to hold the situation from getting worse, or trying to make it a little better, ultimately you are going to have to have a political settlement there. And to reach a political settlement you're going to have to use that framework that comes out of the North-South accord. These two pieces can either spiral upward together, or frankly if the Darfur situation is one in which the government is not doing what it needs to do to control the militias, then it's going to be hard to end up helping Sudan and you have a downward spiral," he said.[Mr Zoellick seems to be one of the few American politicians who makes sense (to me anyway) this side of the pond. He sounds hardworking and very capable. Most American politicians appear to be hamfisted with clay feet when it comes to sublety, humility and the finer points of diplomacy that are need when dealing with cultures that are alien to the US. Plus he is a highly trained accountant which means its unlikely anyone will get away with trying to swizz US taxpayers' hard earned aid donations. He will keep a good eye on how the $2 billion is used for southern Sudan.]
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US photographer arrested in Darfur region
A report by Reporters Without Borders April 29 says it has called for an explanation from the Sudanese authorities for the arrest of US photographer Brad Clift, of the Hartford Courant newspaper, who has been held since 26 April 2005 in Darfur, western Sudan.
"We cannot understand the reasons for the arrest of this photographer, who has been deprived of his liberty for three days now," the worldwide press freedom organisation said.
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Photo BBC: Colonel Anthony Mwandobi has a vast, troublesome area to cover. More than two years after the conflict began in Darfur, there are still only about 2,200 peacekeeping troops with a limited mandate, tying to keep tabs on an area the size of France.
As a senior African Union peacekeeper in Darfur, he has told the BBC of the frustration his job entails.
Col Mwandobi from Zambia, sector commander for the Zalingei area, said his forces are "understrength". "I need to have enough troops, I need to have communications equipment, I need to have transport - they are all in short supply," he said.
The Sudanese government strongly denies giving support to the Janjaweed militias, accused of the worst atrocities, such as mass rape, mass killing and ethnic cleansing which has led some two million people to flee their homes.
But Col Mwandobi said it is "very clear".
Photo BBC: This village was burnt by Janjaweed militias
He said that Janjaweed fighters wore military uniforms, which they said had been given to them by the Sudanese army.
The Janjaweed also say they have been trained by the army.
"The training is done for one month and thereafter, they are let go," Col Mwandobi said.
He said there are frequent clashes in his sector, which includes the Marra mountains, where the SLA rebels have bases.
"There has been a sudden influx of [pro-government] Arab militias attacking civilians this month," he said, adding that aid workers in the region have been targeted.
But he also said the rebels frequently come out of their hiding places to attack the army.
"It's a see-saw battle," he said.
Both sides say they want the African Union peace mission to succeed but neither does anything on the ground to help, he said.
"One wonders how we can succeed if they still go to battle," he asked, with an air of resignation in his voice.
But faced with covering such a vast area and with two sides seemingly committed to carrying on the war, Col Mwandobi refused to give up.
"We are doing our best to meet every incident that is reported and making ourselves felt in every area," he said.
"We have been informed that more troops are coming."
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Spiritual leaders to meet Bashir over Kony
Here's something different from The Monitor in Kampala via AllAfrica April 29, 2005. Excerpt:
A delegation of African religious leaders will soon meet officials of the Sudan government to explore new avenues of ending civil wars in Sudan and northern Uganda in June.
The leaders are from the Baha'i Faith, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Rastafarian faiths. The group is expected to meet the president of Sudan, Umar El Bashir and his officials this year.
"We resolved that an inter-faith peace delegation visits Sudan (Khartoum) to talk to the government and civil society to find out what is failing the peace process," retired Bishop of Kitgum Diocese Macleord Baker Ochola said on Wednesday.
[I would like to be a fly on the wall at this meeting. Pity it won't be televised and translated into every language and transmitted around the world.]
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The UN Darfur Report - a bloggers summary
In Geneva on January 25, 2005 the International Commission of Inquiry on Darfur submitted its report to the UN Secretary-General following Security Council Resolution 1564 of 18 September 2004.
Here is an American blogger's take, at Do Justly blog, on the 176-page report:
Part I: The UN Darfur Report -- a summary.
Part II: The UN Darfur Report -- the players.
Part III: The UN Darfur Report -- the connections
[via Do Justly's comment at Coalition for Darfur - with thanks]
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