Aegis rejects Blair's hint at Sudan sanctions and calls for much great international intervention into Darfur

Dec 9 2006 from Inthenews.co.uk - Blair hints at Sudan sanctions:

Tony Blair has hinted that sanctions could be imposed against the Sudanese government if progress to resolve the situation in Darfur is not made.

The prime minister's comments come prior to tomorrow's International Human Rights Day, which is set to focus on the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

"If rapid progress is not made, we will need to consider alternative approaches with international partners," Mr Blair warned.

"Both the government and the rebel movements should be clear that they will be judged on the basis of actions, not just words. They must move forward quickly to implement an immediate and strengthened ceasefire, commit to a political process and agree an effective peacekeeping force for Darfur."

The prime minister's comments were rejected by Dr James Smith, chief executive of the anti-genocide Aegis Group, who called for much greater international intervention into Darfur.

"Merely hinting at possible sanctions against Khartoum... shows that he still has no new plans for action, just more words," Dr Smith said.

"What's needed now goes well beyond mere sanctions against the architects of ethnic cleansing in Darfur, though it's a disgrace that only now are these being hinted at.

Note, Aegis is a pressure group. CEO James Smith ought to explain that sanctions on poverty sticken countries don't really work and hurt poor people most in need of infrastructure, drinking water, roads and land on which they can live, farm, educate their children and pay taxes.

My view is sanctions would be a disastrous set back for everyone in Sudan and undo a lot of hard work undertaken by the so-called "international community". I support Mr Blair merely hinting at Sudan sanctions. I believe if they could, Khartoum would have disarmed the Janjaweed by now. They say they can, but they can't. Me thinks neither can anyone else. Which is why I do not support military intervention in Sudan without its government's consent.

Banging on about getting UN and NATO troops into Darfur against the wishes of the Sudanese government seems a waste of time. not helping the people of Darfur. The African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) is under equipped and overstretched but doing a great job despite its peacekeepers in Darfur still not being paid. REPEAT: Darfur peacekeepers still not paid on time. Next year, AMIS may be funded to the tune of billions but such things take time. Meanwhile, all peacekeepers deserve to be paid correctly and on time and given decent meals. along with all the support that can be mustered. See earlier entry here below re Christmas greetings to Darfur peacekeepers.



Photo: AMZAR Trading & Services Ltd., in Khartoum provides disgusting $3,60 meals to African soldiers in Sudan's Darfur

Darfur's President Minnawi says 48 Darfur villages destroyed since May - Sudan's President Bashir lashes out at UN and NRF rebels

Are all janjaweed Arabs? Are all people from Darfur black Africans? I still don't get it. Maybe I'm a bit dim today. Aren't they all Sudanese? In 2003 there were Arabs living in Darfur, are any in IDP camps in Sudan and Chad? How can government forces tell who is Arab or African? Why can't the two get along together, is it a class distinction thing? Why does the media report Darfur as an Arab v African conflict? These questions sound naive. I live in England, far away from what's real in Africa.

Often I wonder about the millions of Sudanese people living and working in heavily populated areas like Khartoum and why they are so quiet about their own people fighting and killing each other in front of the world. Maybe tribal way of life is ingrained there, since the year dot. How can they let go of tribalism? How would sanctions help? Is Sudan governable? What do the people living there think?

The way I see it is this. Staging a rebellion seems a good ruse for lining many pockets with gold. Freedom fighters my foot. Non-uniformed people in Sudan carrying firearms are bandits, including Janjaweed. Arrest them all? No chance, nobody can - not even Khartoum+UN+NATO. I believe if Khartoum was capable of disarming the Janjaweed, it would have done so by now. The only thing that can change the situation is love, communication and political settlement. And the only people who can carry that out successfully are the Sudanese people themselves. Meanwhile they all deserve as much support as we can give. It'll take many years. Too many people in the wrong place. Things will get worse because drinking water shortage will get worse. In the end, water will be Sudan's greatest commodity - not oil. Thank goodness for all the peacemakers, aid workers and kind tax payers and donors outside of Sudan paying for it all.

Ordinary Sudanese folk don't speak out politically because of fear, I guess. Too risky, causes worry and trouble. The Sudanese government needs to embrace the Information Age as they're in it whether they like it or not. Hey Sudan, you are a beautiful country with great weather, art, scenery and friendly generous people but it's futile going against the flow. Open up and explain how your country and government works, ask Mr Bashir et al to get blogging! Tell us what life is really like for everyone Sudan!! Love your people, land, history and sunny weather! What did you all do today? Favourite spices and recipes for great national dishes? Do IDPs create art and pottery? Fabulous colour, fabrics and robes, where do they originate? Commerce must begin. Children must be educated. Law and order restored. Police trained. Roads built. Goods grown and taken to market. Drinking water must flow. Pumps and pipes to build. Training and employment created. Taxes to earn and pay. Surely communication is key. How would sanctions help? Sudan could become wealthy if it stepped into the modern world, educated itself in human rights and tourism and departed from its bygone era of primitive tribalism. Water is key to Sudan's future survival.

BBC report - Sudan's leader lashes out at UN - excerpt:

Sudan's president has accused the UN of making unreasonable demands on his government over Darfur and turning a blind eye to rebel activities there.

Earlier, UN chief Kofi Annan had said Omar al-Bashir's government had failed in its responsibility to protect its citizens in the war-torn region.

Mr Bashir said the rebel National Redemption Front, which rejects May's Darfur peace deal, was causing recent unrest.

Goal chief executive John O'Shea said they had no choice but to take the "difficult decision" after 13 aid workers had been killed in the past six months and several Goal vehicles hijacked.

"It is clear that the international community does not rate the lives of the 4 million in the region desperately in need of protection by the international community," he said.

The UN secretary general said on Thursday that the Sudanese government "may have to answer collectively and individually for what is happening in Darfur."

"I think we should be clear where the failure lies," he said.

But Mr Bashir, who rejects plans for a joint African Union (AU) and UN peacekeeping mission in Darfur, dismissed such criticism.

"If there are any problems in Darfur, it is because of the activities of the National Redemption Front, which was formed after the Abuja agreement," Reuters news agency quotes him as saying at a press conference.

"This group is receiving huge support in terms of weapons, equipment and vehicles through the border [with Chad] and this has not been condemned."

Chad denies backing the Darfur rebels and in turn accuses Sudan of sending the Janjaweed across the border to destabilise Chad - charges denied by Sudan.

Earlier in the week former rebel leader Minni Minnawi - who joined the government after signing the peace deal in the Nigerian capital, Abuja - accused the Janjaweed of repeatedly violating the agreement.

He said the government was rearming the Janjaweed and 48 villages in Darfur had been destroyed since May.

Note, Irish aid agency GOAL has done a lot of work in Sudan. I'm surprised at the cheapshot by Goal chief executive John O'Shea: "It is clear that the international community does not rate the lives of the 4 million in the region desperately in need of protection by the international community," he said. Mr O'Shea is in the know of the situation in Sudan and for sure knows the situation is not that simplistic. But he is the head of an aid agency dependent on donors and byte sized news for maybe what he perceives as small brained tax payers. He must think we're too stupid to take in the truth - or be interested enough that we have to be thrown guilt, as if we were the criminals. What about the bandits carrying firearms in Darfur? Put the guilt on them NOT us! It is not our fault!

Sudan's Bashir accuses world of silence on NRF's attacks

Dec 8 2006 Sudan Tribune article - Sudan accuses world of silence on Darfur rebels' attacks - excerpt:

Sudanese president Omar Hassan al-Bashir has accused the international community of tacit complicity in keeping silence about violence caused by Darfur rebel groups opposed to peace agreement.

At a press conference he held Friday morning by the end of the Summit of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group in Khartoum, Al-Bashir said that the international community is turning a blind eye to the violations being perpetrated by the rebel National Redemption Front in Darfur (NRF).

He said that the NRF was established after the signing of the peace deal to launch war against the government and crush the faction of Sudan Liberation Movement which has signed Darfur Peace Agreement with the government.

Al-Bashir said that the NRF was flagrantly given support from the international community, despite the warning after the signing of Darfur Peace Agreement in Abuja that any circle or party that attempt to hinder the peace and security process in Darfur will be subjected to deterrent punishment by the international community.

In indirect accusation to the neighboring Chad, He said that the NRF has been receiving big quantities of arms, military equipment and vehicles across the border, instead of being punished for its violation and undermining to the peace and security in Darfur.

He said that the support and encouragement given by of the international community to the Redemption Front had motivated it to expand its military activity and to occupy all the areas in North Darfur of the faction which has signed Darfur Peace Agreement with the government.

President Al-Bashir said that accusation of ceasefire violation was directed to Sudan government when the Armed Forces tended to confront the aggressing NRF when its forces reached a position that only 30 kilometres far from Al-Fashir city, the capital of North Darfur State.

He again contested the number of victims of the Darfur conflict, estimated by the UN and non-government organisations at 200 000 people, saying the toll had yet to be proven.

Beshir said recently that 9 000 people had been killed since the conflict in Darfur began in 2003.

Al-Bashir said that the African, Caribbean Pacific Summit has discussed in general the issue of peace and security in the member states, therefore it did not adopt any stance concerning deployment of international forces in Darfur.

He further added that the summit has regarded peace and stability as key elements for any economic development and even trade exchange.

He said that the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group is calling on the developed countries to reduce the support given to their own products so as to enable competition between the products of the developing and the poor countries, adding that the developed countries are showing obstinacy to the call for just trade competition.

He said that the ACP group's summit has underscored the importance of support to the trade between the ACP group countries.

ICRC cuts Sudan budget as more grow food in Darfur

The International Committee of the Red Cross said on Thursday it was sharply cutting its budget for Sudan next year and halting food distribution in Darfur as more people are able to harvest their own crops despite the fighting.

Full Story by Reuters 7 Dec 2006.

Kutum, North Darfur: Bandits' attack on ICRC forces aid groups out

Dec 8 2006 Reuters report Attack on ICRC forces aid groups out of Darfur town (via WP):

A number of aid agencies evacuated their staff from a town in Sudan's Darfur region on Friday after unidentified gunmen attacked a house used by the International Committee of the Red Cross, aid workers said.

The ICRC said it evacuated 10 of its international staff and a Spanish Red Cross worker out of Kutum in northern Darfur after the attack on a residence housing two of its delegates who escaped unharmed.

"We don't know who it was. Gunmen tried to get it. They stayed on the roof and fired, and hung around for a quite a while," Jessica Barry, ICRC spokeswoman in Sudan, told Reuters.

She said the attack took place in the early hours of Friday and prompted the organization to fly its workers to El Fasher, the main town in Darfur and a scene of violent clashes early this week between militias, locally known as the Janjaweed, and the former rebels of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM/A).

Goal, an Irish NGO, also evacuated its seven-member team from Kutum after the attack, said Mark Blackett, the agency's Country Director. They would arrived in Khartoum on Saturday or Sunday, he said.

He said motive behind the attack on the ICRC house was unclear "but it was not to steal anything."

Barry said the ICRC has asked authorities in Kutum to investigate the attack.

"We hope that this would be a temporary withdrawal. Our national staff are keeping the office open," she said.

Noureddine Mezni, the African Union spokesman in Sudan, said on Friday the situation in El Fasher has stabilized.

"Business activities have returned to normal and the security situation according to our field reports was calm," he told Reuters.

The violence has forced the United Nations to fly 134 of its own and other aid agencies' staff out of the town.

Darfur conflict zones map

Darfur, which means land of the Fur, has faced many years of tension over land and grazing rights between the mostly nomadic Arabs, and farmers from the Fur, Massaleet and Zagawa communities.

The BBC News website examines how this instability has spilled over into neighbouring Chad and the Central African Republic. Read more.
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Dec 6 2006 PINR - Instability on the March in Sudan, Chad and CAR

Darfuris stone peacekeeping vehicles

From Soldier of Africa: All Calm on the Western Front?

Yesterday ten AMIS vehicles were damaged by stone-throwing people in town.

Friendly huh?

Christmas greetings to Darfur peacekeepers

From Soldier of Africa: Christmas Joy?

With Christmas approaching I would appreciate anybody sending me and the other guys some things to make it a more enjoyable time of the year. Even just a Christmas card will give some colour to our house. On Christmas day my well wishes will appear on my site. Take care and good luck. Werner Klokow.

89217574PF Capt W. Klokow, OP Cordite (Sudan), MILOB, FPO 3, Elardus Park, 0153, El Fashir, North Darfur, Sudan.

France defends fighter attacks on CAR rebels

France has about 300 troops stationed in the CAR to provide logistical and intelligence support, and to help plan and conduct operations without taking part in any fighting.

France also has troops stationed in neighbouring Chad, which also borders Darfur.

Full story Reuters AlertNet - France defends fighter attacks on CAR rebels

CAR, Chad refugees spill into east Cameroon-UNHCR

Dec 7 2006 Reuters report by Tansa Musa. Excerpt:

Up to 30,000 refugees fleeing conflicts in Chad and the Central African Republic have crossed into east Cameroon prompting the United Nations Refugee Agency to open an office there to help them, a UNHCR official said on Thursday.

Rebellions in east Chad and north Central African Republic, linked to the long-running conflict in Sudan's Darfur region and combined with local bandit activity, have led refugees to flee across the frontiers of these interlocking African states.

Chad rebels UFDD enter eastern town without a fight

Dec 7 2006 Reuters -

"The rebels entered Biltine this morning with more than 100 vehicles and heavy equipment," a government military source, who asked not to be named, said

Darfur peacekeepers still not paid on time - OurPledge.org - The "I Stand with Darfur" Campaign

OurPledge.org - The "I Stand with Darfur" Campaign demands that:

"President Bush stop trading the lives of Darfurians for Sudan's intelligence information and, instead, protect the people of Darfur with an effective international peacekeeping force - with or without the government of Sudan's consent. Genocide is not negotiable."

[hat tip The Sudanese Thinker]
- - -

I say, what a load of twaddle. Forgive these misguided people for they know not what they do. No doubt Darfur's bandits appreciate them. Maybe these people see Darfur rebels as freedom fighters with a worthy cause. I don't. Armed civilians living as bandits, up to no good. Fuelling the flames of anarchy. It's not difficult to understand why Sudan has been ruled with a stick. What would happen otherwise? Peace and democracy overnight among millions of uneducated, unemployed, poverty stricken people? I don't think so. I've nothing against these Save Darfur people. I just wish they'd channel their energy into ensuring the peacekeepers currently in Darfur receive all the support they need. Paying them on time would be a good start. As well as ensuring their food rations are of an acceptable standard. I think it's a scandal that AMIS personnel are still not receiving pay due or any good food. Millions - probably now running into billions - of dollars spent on Darfur while AMIS (African Union's Mission in Sudan) personnel are not paid or given decent food. How is donors' money spent? Are donors pledging but not paying up or what? Why hasn't someone looked into this? Why is mainstream media not picking up on this longstanding problem? Grrr. Lazy bum journalists.

UN airlifts staff out of North Darfur as Janjaweed move in

Dec 7 2006 Belfast Telegraph report by Elizabeth Davies UN airlifts staff out of Darfur town as Janjaweed move in. Excerpt:

Dozens of non-essential staff from UN and other relief agencies were airlifted out of El-Fasher on Tuesday night after the already fraught security situation in and around northern Darfur's regional aid hub worsened dramatically.

Three students were killed yesterday by Arab militia loyal to the government as rebels massed on the outskirts and the African Union (AU) warned of a fresh wave of attacks within the next 24 hours.

The situation had become so bad that staff had to be withdrawn for their own safety, said the UN.

"Over the past two months, North Darfur has been the most difficult place in the country to work," said Greg Barrow, senior public affairs officer for the WFP. "We hope the situation doesn't get so bad that we have to scale back our operations "

Imagine how it must feel to be classed as a non-essential member of staff. Not very nice, especially if you work hard and do a good job. I don't like the term "non-essential staff". Its not fair on the people doing such jobs.

Note the report reminds us North Darfur is the most difficult place in Sudan to work.

UN SRSG Jan Pronk returns to Sudan for handover to Taye-Brook Zerihoun

Dec 7 2006 Reuters report (via ST) tells us UN SRSG Jan Pronk will return to Khartoum on Thursday to hand over his duties to his chief assistant, the United Nations said.

"The visit has been organised with full consultation with the government of Sudan and with its agreement," said Radhia Achouri, the U.N. spokeswoman in Sudan.

She said the visit would last four days, during which Pronk would hand over his responsibilities to Taye-Brook Zerihoun and say goodbye to U.N. staff. He will also visit the U.N. mission in Juba, the capital of southern Sudan, Achouri said.

Sad. Will miss Mr Pronk. I'm a fan of his. He deserves a medal for his services to the people of Sudan. At least he will soon be safe. Many Sudanese people who protested against UN troops in Darfur threatened his life as he was the face of the UN.

Darfur Arabs create a rebel group [The Popular Forces Troops], repulse army attack

Dec 6 2006 Sudan Tribune (NYALA, South Darfur)

A new rebel group in Sudan's troubled Darfur region said they repulsed an attack by the army against their position. The rebels identified themselves as belonging to Darfur Arab tribes and struggling against the marginalization of the region.

The Popular Forces Troops (PFT) said in a statement issued Wednesday that they had repulsed an attack by the Sudanese army against their position at Kas-Zallingi Road in South Darfur on Tuesday 5 December.

The rebel group said they took up arms against Khartoum to fight marginalization of Darfur region. "Darfur Arab groups believe that Darfur people are fighting for a just cause. The TPF likely supports the struggle of all marginalized Sudanese people against Khartoum's injustice."

Further they distanced their self from the government-backed Arab militia that carrying war against the African tribes in the region.

"Those who are now fighting with the government in Darfur are a minority of mercenaries and hired individuals. They do not represent Darfur Arabs and do not embody their heritage, courage and sacrifice for peace and justice."

The TPF also appealed the Darfur rebel groups which are opposed to the Darfur Peace Agreement - SLM and NRF - to work jointly against the government.

We are "ready to fight with them, shoulder to shoulder, until all demands of Darfur and other marginalized parts of the Sudan are fully realized."

El Al Jewish Sabbath ban sought

Note to self. Someone in the UK emailed me BBC news report today on El Al Jewish Sabbath ban sought - with this note:

"..........we can forget about the Muslim loonies who provoke our disbelief in humanity! This bunch have had three thousand years to get smarter, with no visible benefit."

Soldier of Africa: Answers to Questions

Huge thanks to Werner of Soldier of Africa blog for Answers to Questions. Lovely surprise, very interesting, thanks! Here is a copy:

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Answers to Questions

These are my responses to the questions posed at the end of a post at Sudan Watch. The original post is at http://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2006/12/photos-blogged-by-african-peacekeeper.html

Question: Has the food (especially from Khartoum) for AMIS personnel improved?
Answer: I do not know, since I prepare my own food due to the fact that the food was so unbearably inadequate in both quality and quantity.

Question: Are AMIS personnel now paid correctly and on time?
Answer: No.

Question: Has night time curfew on patrols been lifted?
Answer: Yes, but currently it may be in place again. Poor communication is an unfortunate reality here.

Question: Is AMIS still doing firewood patrols?
Answer: In some areas, yes.

Question: How can you tell if the Sudanese forces and civilians you meet are Arab or non-Arab?
Answer: It is difficult, but usually our interpreters and party representatives tell us.

Question: How can you understand what they are saying?
Answer: We have interpreters and some AMIS personnel come from Arab countries, ie. Egypt and Mauritania.

Question: Are they friendly when they greet you?
Answer: Usually they are very friendly.

Question: How can you tell who is a rebel and who is a civilian?
Answer: The rebels carry firearms.

Question: How can you tell who is a bandit and who is a janjaweed?
Answer: I wish I knew. The one is politically motivated and the other is not.

Question: How can you tell who is a janjaweed and who is a government soldier?
Answer: Usually the GoS wear distinctive green camouflage uniforms and the Janjaweed do not. Otherwise I would not be able to tell the difference.

Question: Have you seen a lot of dead bodies and graves in Darfur?
Answer: I have seen mostly photos taken by friends of mine as well as those taken by AMIS.

Ceasefire needed before peacekeepers in Darfur: UN

Dec 5 2006 Reuters report via WP Ceasefire needed before peacekeepers in Darfur: UN - excerpt:

A ceasefire and political talks must take place in Sudan's Darfur region before an international military force there could guarantee security, the head of U.N. peacekeeping said on Tuesday.

Jean-Marie Guehenno said the international community must demand assurances an African Union peacekeeping force in Darfur would be effective before it offered funding and equipment.

"To stop this tragedy, there must first be a ceasefire on the ground," Guehenno told reporters.

"As long as arms talk, there cannot be a political process, and as long as there is no political process then no force is going to change the situation.

"We must have a ceasefire, a political process and then a credible force," Guehenno said. He arrived in Kinshasa for the inauguration of President Joseph Kabila, Congo's first democratically elected president in more than 40 years.

"We must have an efficient force which can make a difference on the ground," Guehenno said. Discussions continued over its possible composition, he said.

"If the United Nations is to take the historic decision of financing a force which will not be composed entirely of UN troops, then UN member states must have the sensation that mission will really make a difference."

UN, NGOs to pull out staff from 3 east Chad towns

Dec 4 2006 Reuters report via ST Dec 5 - excerpt:

"Because of the continuing deterioration of the security situation, there was a U.N. system-wide decision that we would relocate all international and local staff from Guereda, Iriba and Bahai," Helene Caux of the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR told Reuters by phone.

She said more than 200 U.N. and NGO relief personnel would be moved over the next few days, by air or road.

UN NGO's leave El Fashier, North Darfur

Via Soldier of Africa Dec 5 2006 UN NGO's Leave El Fashier:

This is Ehab Nazih from Egypt. He arrived at our house two days ago and was going to stay with us in the house. He works for the UN and today he was told that the UN international staff in El Fashier are withdrawing from the town until the situation stabilises. Half an hour after I took this photo today he was at the airport ready to leave for Khartoum. Does the UN know something we do not? If so please let me know. My e-mail is wklokow@yahoo.com