Ghazi Salaheddin, Khartoum's new rep for Darfur, seeks compromise and reconciliation

Presidential adviser Ghazi Salaheddin took over responsibility for the Darfur file two weeks ago from presidential adviser Nafie Ali Nafie.

The fact that he is been appointed as Khartoum's representative for Darfur is an important signal of a change of policy. Nafi Ali Nafie pursued a hardline policy, Ghazi will seek compromise and reconciliation.

Source: AFP report by Guillaume Lavallee, 11 June 2009 - excerpt:
Sudan's Darfur conflict 'in final stages'

KHARTOUM (AFP) — The six-year Darfur conflict is almost over, Sudan's new pointman for the thorny dossier said on Thursday, inviting a key rebel leader exiled in France to seize an "historic opportunity" for peace.

"The way I see the conflict, I see that it is in its final stages, I see peace coming. It's not exactly and strictly around the corner but I can see it," presidential adviser Ghazi Salaheddin told AFP in an interview. [...]

Preliminary peace talks, the latest in a series of previously failed efforts to end the conflict, are taking place in Doha between the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), the best-equipped group, and the Sudan government.

"Hopefully, if the negotiations focus now on the political framework and also on the ceasefire agreement, that would allow us to make some progress," towards peace, Salaheddin said.

But the JEM rebels prefer the talks to focus on a prisoner exchange, with more than 100 of its fighters so far sentenced to death for an unprecedented attack on Khartoum's twin city of Omdurman in 2008.

The head of the Sudan Liberation Army, Abdelwahid Mohammed Nur, also a member of Darfur's main ethnic group the Fur, has so far refused to leave his exile in Paris to take part in peace talks, seeking major concessions such as guarantees on his future government role first.

"The Fur people are very important elements in the peace process," said Salaheddin, who on Thursday was beginning a three-day tour of Darfur.

"And we have to find a way of bringing them on board. And I think Abdelwahid has an historic opportunity which he should not miss to be seriously engaged in the talks.

"I think it is in his best interest and the best interest of its people that he be more flexible and seize the chance.

"It is the citizen in the end who should feel the peace. We should not focus on the leaders only. The leaders are important but they are no longer leaders if they cannot lead their people and if they cannot convey to them the new spirit," he said.

Salaheddin took over responsibility for the Darfur file two weeks ago from presidential adviser Nafie Ali Nafie, who has had to concentrate "day and night" on Sudan's general election planned for February 2010.

"Ghazi is a different kind of person. He is very much a conciliator," according to Sean O'Fahey, a specialist in Darfur history at Norway's Bergen University.

"The fact that he is been appointed as Khartoum's representative for Darfur is an important signal of a change of policy. Nafi Ali Nafie pursued a hardline policy, Ghazi will seek compromise and reconciliation."

Despite his apparently liberal credentials, Salaheddin still rails against the International Criminal Court which in March issued an arrest warrant against President Omar al-Beshir for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur.

"The government reacted in a very restrained way," he said. It was "the stupidest thing ever to be done by the ICC and by its prosecutor and the countries that support the ICC.

"They have to realise that they have undermined the peace process not only in Darfur but in southern Sudan as well," he said, referring to ongoing tensions in the south despite a 2005 peace deal that ended a bloody decades-long conflict there.

UNAMID's Rodolphe Adada meets JEM's Khalil Ibrahim in North Darfur

Mr. Adada once again urged that all efforts should focus on boosting the ongoing negotiations in Doha, Qatar, noting that “the problems that Sudan is facing now have no military solution.”

Top UN-African Union envoy meets Darfur rebel leader
From UN News Centre, Thursday, 11 June 2009 – excerpt:

The head of the joint United Nations–African Union mission in Darfur (UNAMID) has reiterated that there is no military solution to the problems facing the strife-torn Sudanese region, as he met with the leader of a major rebel group.

Yesterday’s meeting in North Darfur between Joint Special Representative Rodolphe Adada and the Chairman of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), Khalil Ibrahim, was the second of its kind this year and part of a “continued effort to establish a good working relationship with all parties involved in the Darfur conflict,” the mission said in a news release.

Mr. Adada once again urged that all efforts should focus on boosting the ongoing negotiations in Doha, Qatar, noting that “the problems that Sudan is facing now have no military solution.”

Mr. Adada renewed his appeal to JEM and all negotiating parties in Doha to commit to a cessation of hostilities as soon as possible, the mission said.

UNAMID added that Mr. Ibrahim expressed JEM’s readiness for a cessation of hostilities in the context of a framework agreement and pledged to contribute to the improvement of the humanitarian situation and protection of civilians until a comprehensive peace agreement is reached.

Mr. Adada and Mr. Ibrahim agreed on a mechanism to improve communication and contacts between UNAMID and JEM, the mission said.

Sudan to produce ethanol from sugar cane

Sudan inaugurates biofuel plant

KHARTOUM (AFP) — Sudan will begin producing ethanol from sugar cane with a target of 200 million litres in two years, President Omar al-Beshir said on Wednesday at the inauguration of a new plant.

State company Kenana, which already makes sugar and molasses, will run the project, Beshir said in a speech to thousands of people assembled at the ethanol plant in White Nile State.

Production from the plant is forecast to reach 200 million litres (52 million US gallons) in two years, Beshir said.

"Sudan will support the development of the White Nile State and all of Sudan," he said.

The factory, which lies about 250 kilometres (155 miles) south of Khartoum, was built by Brazilian group Dedini. Brazil is the second largest producer of ethanol after the United States, but it is the biggest exporter of biofuels.

South Africa began making ethanol from corn in 2006, but production was slashed after the world food crisis, with officials deciding that corn could be better used for food.

Ethanol has become an increasingly attractive alternative for oil after the rise of crude prices, but production of the fuel was seen as a major contributor to global food prices.

Sudanese refugees in E. Chad named their children Okambo

June 05, 2009 (UNITED NATIONS) – Sudanese refugees in eastern Chad have named their children "Okambo" as a tribute to the International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo, actress Mia Farrow said on Friday.

"I’ve met at least 100 babies named Ocampo," Farrow, a U.N. goodwill ambassador, told reporters following a U.N. Security Council meeting on Darfur. "They spell it Okambo. ... So the name has been Africanized."

Source: Sudan Tribune, 06 June 2009: Darfur refugees named their children Okampo - Farrow

Re ICC Darfur: UK supports efforts of the Elders of the AU

Regarding the British position on the International Criminal Court arrest warrants against Sudanese officials and President Omer Al-Bashir particularly, UK special envoy to Sudan Michael O’Neill said his country supports the efforts of the Elders of the African Union, led by the former President of South Africa Thabo Mbeki, noting that it can bring fresh ideas to help in resolving the issue.

Source: Sudan Tribune, Wednesday 3 June 2009. Full report:
British envoy discusses Sudan peace process

June 2, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — UK special envoy to Sudan Michael O’Neill today urged Darfur rebel groups to take part in the Doha process to end the six year Darfur conflict.

O’Neill, who had participated in a meeting in Doha for the permanent members of the UN Security Council about the Darfur peace process, met today with Sudanese presidential adviser Ghazi Salah Eddin Attabani, who was recently appointed as top negotiator for Darfur peace talks.

After his meeting with Attabani, O’Neill stressed his country’s full support for the ongoing negotiations between the government and the Justice and Equality Movement, and called on other rebels to join the Doha process.

The British envoy said that he discussed with the presidential adviser a number of issues concerning bilateral relations, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, and the forthcoming elections in the Sudan, in addition to the Doha negotiations and Sudan-Chad relations.

Regarding the British position on the International Criminal Court arrest warrants against Sudanese officials and President Omer Al-Bashir particularly, O’Neill, said his country supports the efforts of the Elders of the African Union, led by the former President of South Africa Thabo Mbeki, noting that it can bring fresh ideas to help in resolving the issue.

O’Neill also met with Sudanese Foreign Minister Deng Alor. The two officials discussed CPA implementation, the Abyei issue and Sudan-Chad relations. (ST)

British PM Gordon Brown survives dissolution vote

In order to stem the flow of incoming emails enquiring as to why Sudan Watch has stopped, this is a short note to explain that I have taken a break to concentrate my energy on following an avalanche of news on the serious political crisis we are facing here in England.  Up until today, England's Parliament was close to dissolving.   See latest reports:  

Gordon Brown survives dissolution vote

Why plot to oust Gordon Brown failed

Also, note these two cartoons (and dates) from The Daily Express (UK).  



Cartoon by Paul Thomas, 08 June 2009. The person on the psychiatrist's couch is Britain's unelected Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. The psychiatrist is saying: "You're not being paranoid - everyone does think you'll be gone by tomorrow..."
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Cartoon by Paul Thomas, 10 June 2009. The sign hanging on the door of No. 10 Downing Street says:  BUSINESS AS USUAL (Heaven help us)

Former Sudanese President Gaafar Numeiri

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, center standing, prays in front of the coffin of former Sudanese President Gaafar Numeiri, who became Sudan's president in 1969 and was overthrown in a bloodless coup in 1985, during his military funeral in Omdurman, Khartoum, Sunday, May 31, 2009. The former Sudanese president known for imposing Islamic law in the country died Saturday at the age of 79, the official news agency said. The coffin is covered by a Sudanese flag. (AP Photo/Abd Raouf)

Help! Save England from an unelected dictator

Gordon Brown must go NOW! - Worst election result for Labour since 1918

After digesting the outcome of Monday night's PLP meeting, words fail me. Here below is a copy of some Daily Cartoons from The Independent (UK) that help chronicle a very English revolution. The cartoons are best viewed by starting at end of this post, and scrolling upwards.

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The Daily Cartoon

Sunday, 19 April 2009

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From France24, Tuesday, June 09, 2009:

Gordon Brown survives worst election result for Labour since 1918

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Prime Minister Gordon Brown's Downfall

YouTube video clip: Parody "Prime Minister Gordon Brown's own Downfall scene" posted by ACL Blair, 25 May 2008.

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They Know How You Vote

"They" meaning this government (naturally) who, for some reason, quietly decided to end secret ballots at some time during its tenure between 1997 and now. Established by Gladstone in the Secret Ballot Act, 1872, (and reinforced with the Corrupt and Illegal Practices Act of 1883) it goes without saying that ... Read Full Story.

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From my personal blog, Sunday, June 07, 2009: Brown booed by heroes at D-Day ceremony: Boos and calls of "where's the Queen?"

Brown booed by heroes at D-Day ceremony:

Boos and calls of "where's the Queen?"

Note that the following report by BBC News apportions no blame to Gordon Brown. My late father, who served 25 years in Royal Army Medical Corps, would be rolling around in his grave if he knew the Queen had been excluded from yesterday's D-Day ceremony in France and that the French classed it as a Franco-American event. I am too angry and upset to write my own commentary on reports filed here over past week. Will do, if and when I have calmed down and Gordon Brown is not out by next week. Cranking up this blog after such a long hiatus is taking a little time.

From BBC News

17:14 GMT, Saturday, 6 June 2009 18:14 UK

Brown booed at D-Day ceremony The Prime Minister has been booed as he arrived at a ceremony to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Boos and calls of "where's the Queen?" could be heard as he arrived at the final part of the day's events in Arromanches, in reference to the failure of the French government to invite the Queen to the commemorations. - - - France admits not inviting the Queen to 65th D-Day anniversary France has confirmed that it has not "personally" invited the Queen to the 65th anniversary of D-Day on June 6 but said that she was "naturally welcome", following reports that Buckingham palace had been snubbed. From The Daily Telegraph by Henry Samuel in Paris Published: 2:06PM BST 27 May 2009 Normandy beach Photo: PA A government spokesman said that this year's anniversary of the Normandy landings was "first and foremost a Franco-American ceremony given the recent election of President (Barack) Obama". "There will be other June 6," said Luc Chatel, from President Nicolas Sarkozy's ruling right-wing UMP party. France, he said, had sent an invitation to the British government, after receiving a request for one, but that it was not up to Paris to "designate British representation" at the D-Day event, he said. "The Queen of England, the head of the British state, is naturally welcome. Buckingham Palace has confirmed that it did not receive an invitation to the event, according to the normal protocol. Presidents Sarkozy and Obama are to take part in a D-Day ceremony at the American cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer, which overlooks Omaha beach on the Normandy coast. The two leaders will then hold a bilateral summit. - - - Queen welcome at D-Day memorial, France says Send Share Print AFP/File – Queen Elizabeth II, seen here in Wigan earlier this month, is more than welcome to attend a commemoration … Wed May 27, 2009 10:52 am ET PARIS (AFP) – France insisted on Wednesday that the queen would be welcome to attend a commemoration of the D-Day landings, denying reports that she had been snubbed. French President Nicolas Sarkozy will be joined by US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Gordon Brown at the Normandy landings commemoration in northern France, on June 6. But the queen has not specifically received an invitation from the French government, even though she was present for the 60th anniversary event in 2004, amid claims in the press that she was annoyed at being excluded. A spokesman for the French government, Luc Chatel, said France had invited Britain to attend the ceremony and that it was up to Brown's government to decide who was to represent it. "The Queen of England, as British head of state, is naturally welcome," he said, briefing reporters after a French cabinet meeting. "It's not up to France to decide who will represent Britain. "Our contacts on this ceremony were members of the British government who wanted to take part in a ceremony which was from the start Franco-American," he said. "June 6, 2009 is primarily a Franco-American ceremony," Chatel added, noting that the US president traditionally came to Normandy in his first year of office. Earlier, a Buckingham Palace spokesman had said: "No invitation has been issued as yet to any member of the royal family." He would not comment on whether one had been expected. The Daily Mail, which headlined its story: "Palace Fury At D-Day Snub To Queen", quoted an unnamed seniorBuckingham Palace source saying the royals had been keen to support the event and the situation was "very frustrating". The D-Day celebrations mark the anniversary of the allied landings in France, then occupied by Nazi Germany, in 1944 which marked a vital turning point in the course of World War II.

Obama Beach



Photo: D-Day ceremony in France, Saturday, 06 June 2009. (Source: Mail on Sunday via comments at Guido Fawkes' blog)