UN condemns killing of AU peacekeepers in N Darfur

Only moronic barbarians kill peacekeepers. This IRIN report excerpt tells us petrol was more important to the killers than the life of a peacekeeper.

UNMIS has condemned the killing of two AU peacekeepers in Darfur, calling it a serious violation of international law, IRIN/ Reuters reported 21 Aug 2006 - excerpt:

A fuel convoy of the AU Mission in Sudan (AMIS) travelling from El Nahud to El Fasher in North Darfur State was ambushed in the Kuma area by an unidentified group of armed men on Saturday. Two Rwandan soldiers were killed in the attack, while three were wounded.

"UNMIS calls on all parties to the Darfur conflict to respect the neutral and impartial status of AMIS," the UN mission said in a statement on Sunday. Any attack against AU personnel deployed in Darfur constituted a breach of existing ceasefire agreements and contravened the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, it added.

The AU called the attack "unprovoked" and "outrageous". It said it would hold the leaders of those groups found responsible personally accountable.

Let's hope the AU will make the leaders personally accountable. Who were the killers, Sudanese militia or SLM/A rebels? More on this later, if I find out.

Arabs back Sudan on UN force - AMIS needs equipment

The following photos and captions by Werner, a South African soldier and UN/AU military observer in Darfur, appear in his blog Soldier of Africa.

The photos are probably a good example of what AMIS means when, year after year, it says it doesn't have enough of the right equipment. Here's hoping they soon receive what they need for the job.

Mud Heaven



On our patrol to a village near the Chadian border today this is the type of roads we had to drive on. (Photo/caption Soldier of Africa 19 Aug 2006)

Camel Trophy?



I think that when I am done here I can seriously think about competing in the Camel Trophy race. I actually drove successfully on these roads today and had Paul and Hassan holding onto anything they could find with white knuckles. (Photo/caption Soldier of Africa 19 Aug 2006)

Paul and I



This wadi was where we decided not to cross since we had heavy APC's with us. Of course Paul wanted to go on with his knife between the teeth attitude. (Photo/caption Soldier of Africa 19 Aug 2006)

Interview



We interviewed the miller of the village near the impassable wadi. The guy talking is Hassan from Egypt and the guy on his left is a GoS representative who went with us. On the far right is the platoon commander of the protection force that protected us today. (Photo/caption Soldier of Africa 19 Aug 2006)

Well Stuck

Lastly, I'm having trouble posting photos right now. Here is the caption for Werner's illuminating "Well Stuck" photo 20 Aug 2006:

This APC deviated just slightly from the road and this was the result. These vehicles are armoured so they weigh many tonnes. Not only do they sink away easily, but if we are not careful we may damage certain areas of road like drifts and cause major problems for the local population. Under the surface of a drift an APC may leave very deep furrows, which can trap the vehicles of the local population passing through.

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ARABS BACK SUDAN STAND ON UN FORCE

Although the African Union Mission in Darfur is estimated to cost $1 billion each year, it still suffers a shortage of funds and the right equipment.

AFP/Gulf Times report 21 Aug 2006, excerpt:

Arab League committee on Sudan voiced its support for Khartoum's rejection of a US-UK draft UN resolution that would pave the way for the deployment of UN troops to Darfur, the diplomats said.

Instead the committee called for a reinforcement of the African Union mission already on the ground in Darfur.

If members of the Arab League started paying for African peacekeepers in Darfur, perhaps it will enable international donors to help AMIS receive the right equipment and training.

Rwandan peacekeepers killed in Darfur by SLM/A faction?

Rwandan government confirmed the death of two Rwandan soldiers who were among the African Union peacekeeping mission in Sudan in an ambush suspected to have been carried out by a faction of the rebel Sudan Liberation Army. It was also said three Rwandan soldiers were seriously injured in the attack. Full story Sudan Tribune 20 Aug 2006.

Sudan says US-UK draft UN resolution is misleading

Sudanese Justice Minister Mohamed Ali al Mardhi warned that the government would not protect international forces against attacks from the Sudanese people and individuals from neighboring countries, AP/ST reported today.

The "draft resolution that will be presented to the UN Security Council is full of wicked and misleading elements," al Mardhi told reporters.

Al Mardhi said the resolution ignores the Sudanese government.

It "discusses the issue of deploying international forces as if there is no government in the country," he said.

Note, the report also points out the UK's UN ambassador has stressed that no UN force will deploy in Darfur without the consent of the government, but the US' deputy ambassador has said the Sudanese government's consent is not really required by the resolution. I say, going by news reports on such issues over the past year, the US is wrong to make such statements. Yee Haw!

Blair sends letter re Darfur to Bashir

On 17 August, the British Special Envoy for Darfur handed to Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Lam Akol a letter from Prime Minister Blair to President Bashir expressing concern on Darfur, UN Country Team in Sudan reported 20 Aug 2006.

Sudan gov't gets blogging - Website of Sudan National Commission of Investigation into Garang helicopter crash

Today, someone visited this blog via a google search for name of pilot of helicopter that killed John Garang.

Wondering if the answer was here in Sudan Watch archives, I did a search. Not yet found the name but came across a Sudanese government website for Sudan National Commission of Investigation at http://www.sudancommission.org

The site appears to have started 10 June 2006 to report on the Commission formed to investigate causes of the helicopter crash which lead to the death of VP John Garang of Sudan, the crew members and passengers as they were travelling from Entebbe Uganda, to New Site in Sudan.

Note the site has its own blog, the Sudanese government's first blog!?

Sudan's Darfur: SLM-Baasi announces All SLM/A Conference

On 18 August, SLM Field Commander Ahmed Abdel Shafi issued a press statement announcing plans for an all SLM/A Conference within 45 days, and reiterating his group's respect for previous ceasefire obligations. [Source: UN Country Team in Sudan 20 Aug 2006]

Note, upon impeachment of SLMA president Abdelwahid Mohamed Ahmed al-Nur July 28, 2006, SLM/A Commander Ahmed Abdel Shafi Yagoub Baasi was appointed president of the movement and commander in chief of the army. See Aug 1 2006 Sudan Watch: Darfur commanders impeach President of SLM/A Abdel Wahid Mohamed Ahmed Nur

P.S. Sorry I've not yet had time to complete up to date list of Darfur rebels. Until I do, I'm not sure what to call Baasi's rebel group, so meanwhile - until I find its formal name - I've dubbed it SLM-Baasi.

N. Darfur: Armed SLA-Minnawi soldiers at Tawilla market causes panic among traders

Glad to see support for the African Union Mission in Darfur (AMIS) mentioned in this excerpt from UN Country Team in Sudan report 20 Aug 2006 re security situation in North Darfur:

Representatives from Amburunga community expressed support to AMIS operations in the area, asking it to continue its usual confidence building patrol in the area.

The presence of armed SLM/MM soldiers at Tawilla market was also reported. People appealed to AMIS to help stop this menace which is causing panic amongst the traders from the area.

I wonder whose side the traders are on and what they have been told. Note, since the signing of the Darfur Peace Agreement, Minni Minnawi's SLA rebels are being seen as part of Sudanese government forces and are now referred to as soldiers or former rebels.



Photo: An African Union peacekeeper patrols Shok Shok village after an attack by a rebel faction in Sudan's northern Darfur province, May 14, 2006. (Reuters/Candace Feit)

May 18 2006 Sudan Watch: After peace, Darfur's rebel forces turn on each other and fight for Tawilla, North Darfur making it one of the most insecure regions of Darfur.

MILITIA LEADER'S HOMETOWN OF MISTARIHA, NORTH DARFUR

Jun 12 2006 Sudan Watch: RARE INTERVIEW: Sheik Musa Hilal, leader of Um Jalul tribe in his hometown of Mistariha, Darfur (Lydia Polgreen)

Oct 21 2004 NYT Somini Sengupta: Rare glimpse inside Militia's base in Sudan - On the dry grass rests a satellite dish. Nearby is a sparkling mosque. Inside a freshly painted green building is a parlor outfitted with rare amenities - overstuffed vinyl sofas and ceiling fans that gently purr, with the aid of a generator. Men in fresh fatigues loll nearby. The uniforms are like those worn by the Sudanese military, with one important exception: they bear no insignias, no name tags.

S. Darfur: UNMIS asks GoS Military at Duma camp to arrange meeting with Arab nomads

This excerpt from UN Country Team in Sudan report 20 Aug 2006, tells us the UN mission in southern Sudan is able help people in South Darfur, western Sudan:

On 17 August IDPs in Duma camp complained about the activity of the Arab nomads whose animals are grazing on their farms but no incident was recorded. UNMIS requested the GoS Military detachment at the Camp to arrange for a meeting with the nomads to discuss the issue.

W. Darfur: UN report on latest security situation

Here is the security situation in West Darfur, as reported by the UN Country Team in Sudan 20 Aug 2006:

On 15 August in Sarif-Umra Township two horses were stolen by some armed men who shot indiscriminately to threaten the owners of the horses. The case was reported to GoS Police.

S. Sudan: SAF/SPLA investigates shooting of UN Boats

Following the shooting incident on 17 August in Diel, Jonglei State at UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) patrol boats, SAF and SPLA commanders have assured UNMIS that no action would be taken to escalate the security situation and that their investigations on the firing on the UN Boats have commenced.

Source: UN Country Team in Sudan 20 Aug 2006.

Note, the report reveals that UN Police presented a lecture on Crime Scene Investigation to 193 local police officers at the Kudiba Police Station. The UN is doing much to help Sudan install law and order.

S. Sudan: SPLM says Abyei is exclusively for nine Ngok Dinka Chiefdoms

Trouble. UN Country Team in Sudan report 20 Aug 2006 says on 17 Aug the SPLM-appointed Executive Director and Acting Commissioner of Agok, told UNMIS in Abyei that if the government did not soon appoint a Civil Administrator for Abyei, he will move to Abyei town and establish one there by himself.

He rejected any political compromise with Khartoum, stressing that Abyei is exclusively for the nine Ngok Dinka Chiefdoms, and should only be administered by them.
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SUDAN'S MISARIYAH TRIBE SEES ABYEI REPORT AS A CALL FOR WAR

June 20 2006 Sudan Watch:

Sudan's Misariyah tribe sees Abyei Report as a call for war

The Misariyah and Dinka Ngok tribes have been locked in a heated dispute with each claiming ownership of the territory, and the Misariyah have angrily rejected boundaries proposed in a report by an international commission for the district. "This report is a call for war. It is rejected in total and in detail," Sadek Abu Nimir, a senior leader of the Misariyah tribe, said.

For further reports, click on Abyei label here below.

SUDAN'S DINKA NGOK TRIBE SAYS "ABYEI BELONGS 100% TO SOUTHERN SUDAN"

May 30 2006 Sudan Watch:

Interview with Dr Douglas H Johnson, expert on the Abyei Boundary Commission



Photo: About 50 Dinkas staged a demonstration outside the opening ceremony of the NCP-SPLM meeting on Saturday May 27, 2006 in Khartoum, shouting their support for the peace deal and calling for a swift resolution of the Abyei issue. In the picture two demonstrators hold banner "Abyei belongs 100% to Southern Sudan".

For further reports, click on Abyei label here below.

S. Sudan: Wau Commissioner violates women's rights and freedoms

Ha! On 18 August in southern Sudan, the Local Assembly in Wau debated the decree issued by the Wau Commissioner last week whereby he declared that women would not be allowed to enter any UNMIS, UN Agency and/or NGO office premises or accommodation without being registered by his office.

The Local Assembly concluded that the move of the Commissioner was illegal, and violated women's rights and freedoms.

In the meantime, some women in Wau organised themselves and marched to the Commissioner's office with a CPA book in order to read for him the relevant chapters which pertain to the freedoms of both men and women.

Source: UN Country Team in Sudan 20 Aug 2006.

Sudan and Iran discuss five MoUs

On 19 August, the Iranian Agriculture Minister discussed with GNU Minister for International Co-operation the implementation of the five MoUs signed on 21 June in Tehran.

The Iranian Minister also carried a message from Iranian President Ahmadinejad to President Bashir.

Source: UN Country Team in Sudan 20 Aug 2006.

UPDATE: Aug 21 2006 Sudan Tribune: Sudan, Iran to reactivate agreements in animal resources - Sudan and Iran have agreed to reactivate the agreements which were signed between them in the fields of establishing modern factories, vaccines and medicines production, training of Sudanese cadres, cooling, fisheries, and opening new markets.

Sudan begins export of crude oil to Japan

The first load of Sudanese crude oil produced at Trajaz oil field left Bashaer Port on the Red sea coast for Japan today, Bahrain News Agency reported 20 Aug 2006:

The 600 thousand oil barrel consignment was exported by the White Nile Corporation for Oil Operations on Sunday where Minister of Energy and Minerals, Dr Awadh Ahmed expressed hope over the promising future of his country in the field of oil industry mainly after Darfur agreement had been signed.

The Sudanese Minister affirmed his country's keenness to develop its ties with friendly states to attain common interests, pointing out to the efforts being exerted to extract oil from under the waters of the Red sea.

SPLM obtains Sudan embassy in US, deputy head of UN delegation

Two of Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) ambassadors have been appointed in Washington and New York, one as Sudanese ambassador in USA and the second as deputy head of Sudan Mission to the United Nations.

Sudan has nominated Mr John Ukac Lueth as Sudan's ambassador to the USA and Dr Akec Khoc Acieu as deputy head of Sudan's delegation to the UN. Full story ST 16 Aug 2006.

Arabs to UN: Give Sudan more time on Darfur

Reuters report Aug 20, 2006, excerpt:

"A resolution passed by the Arab League council of foreign ministers said: "(The council) asks the Security Council to give the Sudanese government more time to implement its plan to improve conditions and preserve security in Darfur, which it presented to the United Nations on August 2."

It added: "It calls for the postponement of the U.N. Security Council meeting which is due to take place next week in New York...to allow time for consultation and coordination between regional organisations on the role of AU forces in Darfur."

Sudanese militia killed two AMIS peacekeepers in Darfur?

An unsourced report at inthenews.co.uk says militia killed the two African peacekeepers in Darfur. Don't know where they got the information, if it means Janjaweed or what. More later.

Meanwhile, the state-run SUNA accused the rebel National Redemption Front (NRF/JEM) of the attack, ST/Agencies reported Aug 19, 2006:

"Leaders of the groups found responsible for this "despicable attack" will be held "personally accountable," said the AU, without specifying which armed groups it suspected of being involved.

"This unprovoked ambush against AMIS peacekeepers is also a clear breach of the ceasefire agreements, with which all parties are bound to comply, as well as the relevant AU PSC and UNSC resolutions," the AU said."

See Aug 29 2006 news reports on N Darfur: 2 Rwandan peacekeepers killed, 4 wounded.

Arab League urges its members to fund AMIS for 6 months

The Arab League on Sunday backed Sudan's rejection of UN troops in Darfur, AFP reported (via Times of Oman) Aug 20, 2006. Excerpt:

A League committee called for a reinforcement of the African Union mission already on the ground in Darfur.

The Arab League meeting also urged its members, which number 22 including Sudan, to fulfill their commitments made at a March summit in Khartoum to provide six months' worth of financing for the African Union mission.

EU's Solana sends Pekka Haavisto to Darfur

European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana on Saturday expressed serious concern over situation in Darfur, PD/Xinhua reported Aug 20 2006:

Solana's office said EU Special Representative for the Sudan Pekka Haavisto will have meetings next week with the Government of Sudan, with Darfur armed movements, the African Union, the UN and other international partners about ways and means to prevent a new escalation of violence and to move the peace process forward.

EU REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR AU UN TRANSITION

EU Press Release, Brussels Aug 20 2006 (via ReliefWeb) Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the CFSP, expresses serious concern about the new deteriorating security situation in Darfur - excerpt:

"In line with the conclusions of the international conference held in Brussels on 18 July, the High Representative reiterates that the European Union fully supports the efforts of the African Union and the United Nations to achieve, in close coordination, a successful transition without which any realistic solution to the Darfur crisis is impossible."