Sudanese sign deal to bolster CPA - Darfur’s rebels should unite ahead of peace talks, U.S. says

Sudanese foes sign new peace deal

Northern and southern Sudan have signed a deal aimed at bolstering a fragile peace accord they signed in 2005, in front of the US envoy to the country.



Photo: The two sides still have major issues to thrash out

Scott Gration said the deal, which agrees how to take Sudan to next year's election, heralded a "brighter future".

But he gave few details, and analysts say it is more of a commitment to work together than a substantial deal.

The two sides were at war for 22 years and have blamed each other for a recent series of deadly clashes.

The BBC's Peter Martell, in South Sudan's capital, Juba, says people are in optimistic mood and are hopeful that the politicians will carry through their promises.

But he says there are several issues that need to be sorted out - not least a referendum which will ask people in South Sudan if they want independence from the north.

The vote is scheduled for 2011, but the exact details have already sparked controversy - with officials from the south threatening to declare unilateral independence if they believe the poll will be unfair.

However, Mr Gration said the new deal engendered a "sense of co-operation" which was "a precursor of good things to come".

"It will result in better co-operation and stronger relations that will result in a brighter future for Sudan, for Khartoum and Juba," he told journalists after the deal was signed.

Full story: BBC News 16:19 GMT, Wednesday, 19 August 2009 17:19 UK - Sudanese foes sign new peace deal.
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Darfur’s Rebels Should Unite Ahead of Peace Talks, U.S. Says.

Rebel movements in Sudan’s troubled Darfur region should unite ahead of talks with the government to promote a single message, U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan, Scott Gration, said.

“Civil society must also speak up so that their voices are heard on issues related to land reform, elections and human rights,” Graton told reporters in the Southern Sudan capital, Juba, yesterday before heading to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia to participate in Darfur unity talks between the government and rebels groups following frequent clashes in the region.

“The United States is working with all parties to get peace in Darfur, he said. ‘‘Conditions are dire there. We have committed ourselves to resolving them.’’

Source: Bloomberg, Friday, 21 August 2009 by Moyiga Nduru - Darfur’s Rebels Should Unite Ahead of Peace Talks, U.S. Says.
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SPLM and NCP sign agreement in Juba

(Juba) - The SPLM and the NCP signed an agreement concerning the implementation of the CPA following their third trilateral meeting in Juba on Wednesday.

The US special envoy to Sudan, Scott Gration, facilitated the talks after meeting with representatives of the two signatories to the CPA in Washington D.C. and Khartoum in June and July this year.

Speaking at a press conference in Juba, SPLM deputy chairman Malik Agaar said they had agreed on key aspects of the CPA implementation.

[Malik Agaar]: “We were trying to reach an agreement on how we will implement the issues of the Abyei border demarcation, security, power-sharing, the two areas (Blue Nile and Southern Khordofan), elections, democratic transformation of the country, making unity attractive and Darfur. These are the issues we have now initialed following the trilateral talks in Juba."

The NCP's advisor to President al-Bashir, Ghazi Salah el-Din, said that his party is still committed to dialogue with the SPLM.

[Ghazi Salah el-Din]: “We have our differences as usual. But I think we have achieved a lot by agreeing on ten out of the twelve issues. That does not mean that we have to wait for another trilateral meeting. I must stress that our discussion and our cooperation and our dialogue with the SPLM is an on-going process.”

Scott Gration said that the two parties have yet to agree on two contentious issues.

[Scott Gration]:”There are still two issues that remain to be fully worked out. They are the referendum and the census. These will be worked out both bilaterally and trilaterally in the next month to fully implement the CPA."

The SPLM rejects the results of the census which indicates the number of southerners living in the north, while the NCP is pushing for a 75 percent ‘Yes’ vote for the referendum law to pass through the parliament in order for the south to be able to vote for secession or unity.

They key issues the NCP and the SPLM agreed on included border demarcation and that the 1956 north-south border shall remain in place until after the results of the Abyei referendum.

On wealth-sharing, the two parties agreed that GONU should transfer GOSS's share of oil revenue on time, as provided for under the terms of the CPA.

On the issue of Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan, the two parties agreed to determine whether there is need for legislation to govern the process of popular consultations.

The partners agreed to prepare the referendum bill for enactment by the assembly not later than September 15th 2009, and to conduct free and fair elections as agreed upon by the National Elections commission.

These recommendations will be forwarded to the presidency for final ratification to commit the SPLM and NCP to implement the CPA.

Source: Sudan Radio Service, Thursday, 20 August 2009 - SPLM and NCP Sign Agreement in Juba
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US special envoy makes surprise stop in Khartoum

From Sudan Tribune, Friday 21 August 2009 - excerpt:
US special envoy makes surprise stop in Khartoum

August 20, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — The US special envoy to Sudan Scott Gration met today with 2nd Vice President Ali Osman Taha in Khartoum and presidential adviser Ghazi Salah Al-Deen.

Yesterday the assistant US Secretary of State Philip Crowley told reporters that Gration has no plans to travel to Khartoum or Darfur during his visit.

Last week the head of the US bureau at the Sudanese foreign ministry Nasr Al-Deen Wali said that Gration will meet in Khartoum with Taha and then fly Juba and Malakal in South Sudan and Al-Fasher in Darfur to inspect IDP camps.

Earlier today Gration told reporters after meeting with Sudan First Vice President Salva Kiir that the US is leaning towards “smart sanctions” that grants exceptions to items needed for development in the semi-autonomous South.

The sanctions "have kept southern Sudan from getting the development that they so desperately need," said Gration, sitting alongside Kiir.

The US special envoy in his testimony before lawmakers last month called for lifting sanctions on Sudan and removing it from the list of countries that sponsor terrorism.

Gration stressed that the decision to keep Sudan on the terrorism list was “political” one and that the sanctions were undermining his diplomacy.

In his meeting with Al-Deen, the US official was quoted by the official news agency as saying that the sanctions “caused humanitarian and health problems that the Sudanese people have suffered from,”

This week the US announced that its comprehensive policy review of Sudan that will determine its conflict resolution strategy for the largest country in Africa will be completed this month.

Sudanese Sign Deal to Bolster Peace Agreement

Voice of America - Alan Boswell - ‎17 hours ago‎

Representatives of North and South Sudan signed an agreement Wednesday resolving most of the outstanding disputes on implementing their ...

Sudanese foes sign new peace deal BBC News

'Smart sanctions' for Sudan could help south: US envoy AFP

Darfur's Rebels Should Unite Ahead of Peace Talks, US Says Bloomberg

Wall Street Journal - People's Daily Online

all 88 news articles »

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Southern Sudanese Government Hails Call for Lifting Sanctions

Voice of America - Peter Clottey - ‎8 hours ago‎

The Southern Sudanese government has welcomed calls by US special envoy Scott Gration for a partial lifting of sanctions against Sudan. ...

Report by Sudan Radio Service, Friday, 21 August 2009:
Gration: Building On the Legacy in South Sudan

(Juba) – In a press conference on Thursday in Juba, The United States special envoy to Sudan, Scott Gration, reiterated the commitment of his government to supporting the peace implementation process in Sudan.

[Scott Gration]: “The main thing we have been doing is talking about our bilateral relations. The United States has enjoyed a special relationship with the Government of southern Sudan for a long time and the SPLM too. And we are talking about the ways that we can build on the legacy that has been started by those who have come before me and how we can strengthen this relationship and how we can help with the development in southern Sudan. I believe that together this partnership that we are working on strengthening will be the foundation of lots of big things that will come in the future.”

Gration said that sanctions on Sudan should be partially lifted to improve the humanitarian situation, especially in Darfur. He said that the sanctions have kept southern Sudan from getting the development the region needs.

[Scott Gration]: “The sanctions that we are looking to roll back are those sanctions that are hurting the very people we are trying to help. There are some sanctions that limit and hamper our ability to deliver humanitarian assistance. Some of these we need to get exceptions for. There are some sanctions that hurt the Sudanese people. Restriction on the internet that keep Sudanese from getting educational programs, links to the outside world that gives them access to better health care and there are other things that we are looking at that will help the Sudanese people in general. Also, in terms of southern Sudan, there are sanctions that while southern Sudan is exempted have spilled over and have kept southern Sudan from getting the development that they so desperately need.”

Scott Gration was speaking in Juba during a five-day visit to Sudan.

Save Darfur Coalition wants to spend $42,000 on a light show for Obama

In preparation for the US chairing the UN Security Council for the whole of next month, Save Darfur Coalition aims to raise $42,000 by August 21st in order to project images of Darfur onto a building near the UN where US President Obama and other world leaders will be sure to see it.  No doubt the gun toting Darfur rebel groups and their supporters will be pleased.

Here is a copy of a USUN press release from the Office of Press and Public Diplomacy United States Mission to the United Nations, 140 East 45th Street, New York, N.Y. 10017, 04 August 2009:

Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on the September 2009 head of state-level UN Security Council Meeting

On September 24th, the United States intends to convene a head of state-level meeting of the UN Security Council on nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear disarmament during the U.S. Presidency of the Council. The meeting will be chaired by President Obama. The Security Council has an essential role in preventing the spread and use of nuclear weapons and is also the world’s principal multilateral instrument for global security cooperation. The session will be focused on nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear disarmament broadly and not on any specific countries. Over the next several weeks, we will work closely with members of the Security Council to prepare for this important meeting.

And here is a copy of an email received today, 18 August 2009, from Save Darfur Coalition:

If we can raise $42,000 by August 21, we can project the powerful images of the Darfur/Darfur exhibit and mobilize activists on the streets around the U.N.
You can make it happen!

Your words. Their images. One unforgettable message to the U.N.



The Darfur/Darfur exhibit in Paris


Dear friend,

"Don't Forget Darfur"

Imagine projecting this powerful message—along with the unforgettable images of the Darfur/Darfur photo exhibit—onto a building near the U.N. where world leaders will be sure to see it.

Well, you and I can make it happen, but only if we can raise $42,000 by August 21. Will you help?

Our window of opportunity is short.

We need to secure these funds before the U.N. General Assembly this September, as this could be our best chance to focus the world's leaders on the millions of people still teetering on the edge of survival in Sudan.

friend, your commitment to this campaign is what's already driving our success. Thanks to the votes of thousands of activists like you, this week we chose "Don't Forget Darfur" as the name for our all-out campaign this September.

Will you go one step further and help us take your message to the U.N.?

Your resolve and support couldn't come at a more crucial moment for Sudan.

While millions of Darfuris continue to live in uncertainty and fear in Darfur, violence in South Sudan has sky-rocketed in recent months. If world leaders don't act now, some experts believe the rise in insecurity in South Sudan could reignite the brutal war that killed over 2 million.

Your donation will support our Darfur/Darfur exhibit — as well as posters, flyers, street teams and press conferences—and could help us avert disaster by bringing the world's attention back to the fight for peace in Sudan.

Through our massive display of images from Darfur, signs placed in your windows, and a global photo petition to President Obama, our "Don't Forget Darfur" campaign will make it impossible for world leaders to ignore Darfur and Sudan a moment longer.

I want to thank you in advance for helping us seize this opportunity. I'll be in touch soon to let you know whether we'll be able to launch our projection this September!

—Mark

Mark Lotwis
Save Darfur Coalition



Photo credit: Darfur/Darfur

Your words. Their images. One unforgettable message to the U.N.

Right now rising violence is threatening the fragile stability of Darfur and the rest of Sudan. But we have a unique opportunity to focus the world's leaders on the millions of people still teetering on the edge of survival there...

If we can raise $42,000 by August 21, we can project the powerful images of the Darfur/Darfur exhibit and mobilize activists on the streets around the U.N. during the upcoming U.N. General Assembly.

Our display would be impossible to ignore. Will you help us make it happen? Give today to help us raise the $42,000 we need by August 21.

Please select a donation amount:
$2,500
$1,000
$500
$250
$100
$50
Other: $
Minimum payment: $5

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Security Situation in Darfur on Tuesday, 18 August 2009

The security situation in Darfur is reported to be relatively calm. However, minor banditry activities and car-jacking were reported in North Darfur.

Source: UNAMID Daily Media Brief

EL FASHER (DARFUR), Sudan, August 18, 2009 via APO.

Darfur / Arrival of 79 police officers from South Africa and 95 Egyptian troops

UNAMID's Agwai: Darfur rebels have been emboldened by the international community’s almost exclusive focus on Khartoum to deliver peace

Quote of the Day
"These men with guns do not represent their peoples, the vast majority of whom yearn for peace. The movements have had it too easy for too long. It is time for them to demonstrate that they are serious about peace. They must lay down their weapons and sit around the negotiating table with the government”. - UNAMID commander, General Martin Luther Agwai of Nigeria



From Radio Dabanga, Tuesday, 18 August 2009:
Leaving UN-commander Darfur: ‘Rebels do not represent their peoples’

EL FASHER – The UNAMID force commander, the Nigerian general Martin Luther Agwai will hand over his duties to a new force commander Lieutenant General Patrick Nyamvumba of Rwanda. He will be the commander with effect from 1 September.

The transmission of powers will take place today. The ceremony will be attended by Al Hag Atta Al Mannan on behalf of the government. Also Minni Arkuoi Minnawi, senior assistant to the president and the only rebel leader who signed the Darfur Peace Agreement, will attend.

Martin Luther Agwai blamed mainly the rebel movements for the current stalemate in the Darfur conflict. For the Indian national newspaper he said:

“When the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) was signed in 2006 less than a handful of movements were involved in the conflict. Today there are something like 30.

As the movements have splintered into new factions, the prospects for a settlement have diminished. For too long these men have escaped censure, benefiting from the international community’s almost exclusive focus on the government in Khartoum to deliver peace. In fact they have been positively emboldened by it.

These men with guns do not represent their peoples, the vast majority of whom yearn for peace. (…) The movements have had it too easy for too long. It is time for them to demonstrate that they are serious about peace. They must lay down their weapons and sit around the negotiating table with the government”.

He defended himself against criticism for not been able to provide security for the Darfurian population by stating that

‘There’s no peace for us to keep. The Darfur conflict has lasted almost as long as World War II, with the prospects of a lasting settlement looking less likely than ever”. 

He also blamed the lack of effectiveness of UNAMID for the lack of equipment, troops and helicopters. During his command UNAMID lost 39 people, most due to violent attacks. Amongst them were 24 troops, 9 police, 1 military observer, 1 international civilian and 4 local civilian (Source figures: UNAMID website).

Photo: Lt Gen Nyamvumba's tour of duty will be from 1 September 2009 for a period of one year. Three generals competed for the post in an interview that was conducted in New York on 5 May 2009. (MOD, Rwanda)
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Article (from Sudan Watch archives) by AFP, Wednesday, 12 August 2008:
Darfur rebels are no saints, says UN-AU military chief

UNITED NATIONS (AFP) — The military commander of the UN-African Union mission in Darfur on Tuesday urged the world community to put as much pressure on the fragmented insurgency in the war-torn Sudanese region as it does on the Khartoum government.

Martin Luther Agwai, force commander of the joint mission known as UNAMID, told reporters that while it is popular to "bash" the Sudanese government, the reluctance of Darfur rebels to negotiate was often forgotten.

"It takes two to tango," Agwai noted. "Sometimes we forget about them (the rebels). Every day, they say they are fighting for the poor people of Darfur and yet what have they done to show even interest to go to the conference table?

"I am not in any way saying that the (Khartoum) government is clean. But what I am saying is that also the other side cannot be said to be saints. So my appeal is that the pressure should be exerted on both sides."

He said there were now around 30 different rebel groups involved in the conflict, compared to four when the Darfur Peace Agreement was signed in 2006.

Agwai called on Darfur insurgents to unite and come to the negotiating table, which he said was the only way to achieve peace.

"They will have to end on a negotiation table because militarily it's clear no side can win the war in Darfur," he said. "But if you have 15, 20 parties wanting to go to conference table to talk, nothing will come out of it."

The United Nations estimates that 300,000 people have been killed and more than 2.2 million displaced since the conflict in Darfur, a region the size of France, began in February 2003. Sudan claims 10,000 have died.

Since UNAMID began its operations nearly eight months ago, only a third of the 26,000 authorized troops have been deployed.

Agwai said he hoped the force would reach 80 percent deployment by December and full deployment by next August.

UNAMID has said it needs 18 transport helicopters and six attack helicopters which are crucial to give the force the required mobility and firepower.

But no country has so far have provided them.

On July 8, seven UNAMID peacekeepers were killed and 22 injured after they were ambushed by up to 200 heavily-armed gunmen. Agwai said lives could have been saved if the mission had had helicopters.

"Unfortunately, we are sent to the boxing ring with our hands tied behind us," he said, referring more broadly to the lack of adequate equipment and logistical support. "But we will try kickboxing if we can't do hand boxing."

Agwai, a former chief of defense staff of the Nigerian army, was appointed UNAMID force commander in September 2007 after initially turning down the job.

"I was told I was going to command the largest ever UN peacekeeping force on earth," he said. "Little did I know that it's going to be on paper and not in reality."

Photo: Le général Martin Luther Agwai. Source: collectifvan.org: A la Une - Le général Agwai poursuit sa visite auprès des troupes stationnées au Darfour.

South Sudan: Gunmen kill newly appointed NCP chairperson in Yambio, Western Equatoria (Update 3)

Report from S. Sudan by Sudan Radio Service, Monday, 17 August 2009:
NCP Chairperson Killed in Western Equatoria

(Juba) – The newly-appointed chairperson of the National Congress Party in Western Equatoria state has been killed by unknown gunmen.

N-C-P chairperson Mariam Biringi was shot dead on Friday at her house in Yambio.

Speaking to Sudan Radio Service from Juba, the NCP member and Minister of Health in the Government of Western Equatoria state, Paulino Zizi, confirmed the incident.

[Paulino Zizi]: “What happened was that unknown gunmen broke into the house of Miriam at midnight. And then they raided 3 or 4 apartments which are in her home. They started knocking on the doors one by one. The first door, an elderly man was in, he got out. He was told to lie down and then they knocked at the other door but no one opened the door. So, they shot at the door to open it. They wounded a boy and he was also told to lie down. When she [Mariam] heard the sound of the gunshot, she went outside. They told her that she should lie down. They first asked whether she was the owner of the house. She said yes. Then they told her to lie down and then they asked her for money which she told them she didn’t have. And then they dragged her to the road, shot her in the back and went away.”

Sudan Radio Service also spoke to the chairperson of NCP, Agnes Lukud, in Juba and she was unable to say whether the killing was politically motivated.

[Agnes Lukud]: “People have different opinions, some say that it is the SPLM but we have not got any accurate information. Because we think that we are partners and we are not sure exactly who has done this but the people of Western Equatoria of the National Congress Party are saying that they will not be able to guess who did it except if the boy will tell us from the way the people were talking, from the Arabic, they will know from their tribal background who the people are. But they thought that these people were soldiers of the government.”

The deputy chairperson of the United South Sudan Party, Brian Bandy, strongly condemned the murder.

[Brian Bandy]: “We are shocked about this incident, really totally shocked and it shouldn’t have happened. Whoever the perpetrators are, the so-called gunmen, what they have done is undemocratic, what they have done is very, very wrong. You don’t go around assassinating political rivals, what you do is put your case forward to the electorate and the people will choose which party they want to form a government to run the country but it is very, very wrong to assassinate this lady. Where were the police?

Mariam Biringi was appointed chairperson of National Congress party in the same week that she was assassinated.

Her burial will take place on Monday in Nyokuron cemetery in Juba.

1. News results for Mariam Biringi

   Political assassination in Yambio‎ - 1 day ago By Justin Ambago Ramba August 15, 2009 — Yambio woke up on Saturday 15/08/2009 to the shocking news of the brutal death of Mrs. Mariam Biringi the ... Sudan Tribune - 3 related articles »

2. SouthSudanNation

   AUG 16/2009, SSN; Yambio woke up on Saturday 15/08/2009 to the shocking news of the brutal death of Mrs. Mariam Biringi the Chairperson of the Women's Desk ...
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Note David Blair's recent report (Monday, August 10, 2009) from Witto, Western Equatoria, southern Sudan: LRA targets children of Sudan
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Update on Friday, 21 August 2009:

Report by Sudan Radio Service, Thursday, 20 August 2009:
Bati on Security in Yambio

(Yambio) – The Minister for Local Government in WES, Samuel Bati, says that Yambio is a very unsafe area due to frequent LRA attacks. He spoke to Sudan Radio Service on Thursday.

[Samuel Bati]: “On the very night Biringi was killed, there were rumors that the LRA were coming towards Yambio, and most of the attention of the security forces were diverted towards that side. In fact it took people by surprise, but the security forces are doing their best to protect the people.”

Samuel Bati said that security is provided to senior officials in the state but not to everybody.

[Samuel Bati]:” We do not provide security to everybody but we do provide protection for all constitutional post holders, they have personal security guards from the police and other organized forces, but if requested, we are able to provide protection. And as you know, we can give security to everybody, even the population here and even the government officials. We have organized forces who conduct patrols within the town and we have forces deployed to defend the town from outside, we have those arrangements in place."

Bati said the deputy governor has formed a committee to investigate the killing of Mariam Biringi.

- - -

Report by Sudan Radio Service, Thursday, 20 August 2009:
Parties in W. Equatoria Fear for Their Security

(Yambio) – Political parties in Western Equatoria state are saying that their security is at risk following the killing of Miraim Biringi, the newly appointed NCP women's leader.

The leader of the National Congress Party in Western Equatoria, Morris Taban, says SPLM leaders in the state are making hate speeches against his party during rallies.

[Morris Taban]: During official functions, leaders of the SPM criticize the NCP in front of the public. This automatically endangers the lives of NCP members anywhere in the state because people listen to the SPLM authorities. The security of members of the NCP in the state is not secured because SPLM leaders say that the NCP is supporting the LRA, or that NCP has got money to buy supporters. Because of these issues our security is at risk."

Morris Taban was speaking to Sudan Radio Service from Yambio.

- - -

From Sudan Radio Service, Wednesday, 19 August 2009:
NCP Blames SPLA for Biringi Killing

(Juba) - The Sudan ruling National Congress party has called for a speedy investigation into the killing of a party official last week by unknown gunmen.

A senior member of the NCP, Mandour Al-Mahdi, accuses the SPLA of being responsible for the death of Mariam Biringi on 14 August.

Speaking to Sudan Radio Service from Juba, the NCP chairperson for the southern sector, Agnes Lukudu, claims that the SPLA was responsible for the crime committed last week.

[Agnes Lukudu]: “Western Equatoria has not yet told us who killed her, but according to the police who went to the scene, the finding at the scene is that the people who were moving there were wearing military boots. They were in a land-cruiser. Nobody would drive around in a land-cruiser at night except for an organized force. We are waiting for a signed statement from the government of Western Equatoria. We did not want to mention this, but the young boy [a witness] identified the people by tribe, but I don’t want to identify people by tribe because it is the young boy who said this. I identify people by tribe from the way they speak. I think this is very clear because the boy who is now in the hospital is telling us that he knew the tribe of this people from the Arabic they spoke.”

The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement spokesman for the southern sector, Yien Mathew, said that people should not make assumptions until after the investigations have been carried out.

Mariam Biringi was killed in her house in Yambio in the same week she was appointed as NCP party leader in Western Equatoria state.

Sudanese newspaper Ajrass Al-huriya: Khartoum media still subject to censorship

From Sudan Radio Service, Monday, 17 August 2009:
Khartoum Media Still Subject to Censorship

(Khartoum) – The editor-in-chief of the Khartoum daily newspaper Ajrass Al-huriya, says that the media is still facing censorship by the security agents.

Dr. Murtada El-Ghali told Sudan Radio Service from Khartoum on Monday that media censorship of newspapers still exist, even after the endorsement of the new media law.

[Dr. Murtada El-Ghali]: “Who said the censorship has stopped? Sir, the censorship of papers has never stopped, before and after the new media law came into effect. This information should be corrected; many people think that the censorship had stopped for some time. It has never stopped, even after the the new media law was passed by the parliament, and even after the president of the republic had signed it.”

El-Ghali said that the reshuffling of the head of the security and intelligence in Sudan has no impact on the media so far.

[Dr. Murtada El-Ghali]: “The censorship is continuing, even after the reshuffling of the head of the security, it’s still there. I really don’t know whether they will be a new line from the security apparatus towards the papers particularly, and that's what concerns us, or this reshuffling a political act that we know nothing about? But what I can confirm is that the censorship is taking place every day between 8 to 11 pm.”

That was the editor-in-chief of Ajrass Al-huriya, Dr. Murtada El-Ghali, speaking to Sudan Radio Service from Khartoum.

- - -

From Sudan Radio Service, Monday, 10 November 2008:
Khartoum Journalists Fight Press Censorship

(Khartoum) - Journalists from four daily newspapers in Khartoum are planning to demonstrate on Tuesday in front of the Constitutional Court.

They are protesting against what they called “intolerable censorship” by government security officials.

The editor-in-chief of the daily Arabic newspaper Ajrass Al-Hurriya, Dr. Murtada Al-Ghali, told Sudan Radio Service by phone from Khartoum on Sunday, that what he calls “continuous harassment and daily censorship by security agents” is making the publication of the newspapers virtually impossible.

Last week, journalists from three papers, Ajrass Al-Hurriya, Al-Midan, and Ray Al-Shaab, went on hunger strike for 24 hours to protest against the censorship of their papers by the authorities.

The three papers also suspended publication for three days last week.

Al-Ghali said that the papers have challenged the legality of the censorship in the Constitutional Court but although the court recognized their appeal, no action has been taken.

[Murtada Al-Ghali]: ”The censorship has become intolerable; it is preventing our journalists from doing their work. We brought the censorship issue to the court and our action was accepted but the censorship is still continuing. It’s getting worse; they confiscate our notes and articles without giving any reasons. And of course not all papers are treated in the same way.”

Al-Ghali said that staff from The Citizen, an English-language daily newspaper will also join their colleagues in their strike.

Ajrass Al-Hurriya, which means ”Bells of Freedom“ in English, is regularly accused by the government of being the voice of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).

However Al-Ghali dismissed the allegation, claiming that his paper is independent and it is what he called the “voice of marginalized people in Sudan”.

Ajrass Al-Hurriaya was suspended by security agents more than ten times since the paper started publishing in April this year.

Of the two other papers participating in the strike, Al-Midan belongs to the Sudan Communist Party, while Ray Al-Shaab is owned by the Popular Congress Party.

Further reading
DR Congo: Several radio stations threatened with closure for retransmitting Radio France Internationale (RFI)
- Congo Watch, Monday, August 17, 2009.

Security Situation in Darfur - Aug 17, 2009

Darfur/UNAMID Daily Media Brief
EL FASHER (DARFUR), Sudan, August 17, 2009/(APO)

Security Situation in Darfur

The security situation in Darfur is reported to be relatively calm. However, minor banditry activities and car-jacking were reported in North Darfur.

UNAMID military conducted a total of 168 patrols in and around villages and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. UNAMID police conducted a total of 136 patrols in and around the villages and camps.

South African Police arrive in Darfur

A total of 79 police officers from the South African police arrived in Darfur on 14 August, to join the AU-UN Mission in Darfur.

The officers arrived in El Fasher and will begin induction training before they are deployed across the region. When the deployment is completed, with these new arrivals, UNAMID now has more than half of its authorized strength of police advisers on the ground.

Source: United Nations – African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID)

Click on label here below for previous reports and latest updates.

US special envoy in Sudan amid growing criticism

Sudan Tribune - ‎5 hours ago‎

August 16, 2009 (WASHINGTON) — The US special envoy to Sudan Scott Gration arrived in Khartoum at the start of a five-day visit as criticisms begin to grow ...

Mia Farrow and other Darfur activists accuse U.S. envoy Gration of prolonging Sudan crisis

You couldn't make this stuff up. In an open letter to U.S. President Barack Obama's special envoy to Sudan, retired Air Force General Scott Gration, actress Mia Farrow and other activists said that Gration's strategy with Sudan was prolonging the crisis. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!
(In Arabic speak: "The camel cannot see the crookedness of its own neck")

Analysis by Louis Charbonneau (Reuters) Sunday, 16 August 2009:
Frustrated Darfur activists slam U.S. envoy Gration

UNITED NATIONS - Frustrated by the world's failure to end the humanitarian crisis in Sudan's western Darfur region, some advocacy groups have turned on the new U.S. envoy, accusing him of helping Khartoum thwart peace.

The unusual public censure highlights a growing divide on Darfur. One side are those who feel more engagement with -- and less criticism of -- Khartoum is needed to end the suffering in Darfur. On the other are those who support more pressure, more sanctions and possibly military action if Sudan blocks efforts to secure peace in the region.

The Darfur conflict has been going on for more than six years. The United Nations says as many as 300,000 people have died since 2003, compared to Khartoum's official death toll of 10,000. The world body also says some 4.7 million people in Darfur rely on aid to survive.

In an open letter to U.S. President Barack Obama's special envoy to Sudan, retired Air Force General Scott Gration, actress Mia Farrow and other activists said that Gration's strategy with Sudan was prolonging the crisis.

"We believe that your conciliatory stance and reluctance to criticize (Khartoum) both excuses and emboldens (it), thereby facilitating its ongoing reign of terror and well-known strategy of 'divide and rule,'" the letter said.

Gration has advocated loosening some U.S. sanctions against Sudan to enable Washington to deliver development aid to southern Sudan ahead of a 2011 referendum, after which it is expected to split from the north. He also has said there was nothing to justify keeping Sudan on the U.S. terror blacklist.

Gration says he needs to engage the governments of north and south Sudan, rebel groups and other key parties to revive the stalled Darfur peace talks and to ensure the north-south civil war does not erupt again. But he also supports keeping up the pressure -- including most sanctions -- on Khartoum.

John Prendergast, co-founder of the Enough Project, an anti-genocide group, also was critical of Gration. He described his deep disappointment at what he felt has been the Obama administration's failure -- through Gration -- to take the tough line on Sudan that Obama supported as a U.S. senator.

"It is shocking to all of us (activists) to see what has transpired over the last couple of months publicly," he told Reuters in an interview. "And frankly it is shocking to the people of Darfur and southern Sudan."

U.S. POLICY REVIEW

Not all activists focused their criticism on Gration.

Jerry Fowler, president of the Save Darfur Coalition, an umbrella organization for more than 180 groups, said the real problem was how long it was taking the Obama administration to decide what to do about Sudan.

"General Gration is not the issue so much as the administration's failure to finish the policy review and make clear what their strategy for Sudan is," he told Reuters.

The results of a sweeping U.S. government policy review on Sudan are expected to be released soon, possibly this month. U.N. diplomats and analysts say the United States is the key player on Sudan and can offer as an incentive something the Sudanese really want -- normal relations with Washington.

The United Nations participates in a joint U.N.-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur that has been slow to deploy because of bureaucratic obstacles created by Khartoum and lack of military hardware. But Washington, and not the U.N., may hold the key to peace in Sudan, the diplomats say.

Prendergast said that in the "vacuum" created by the delay of the policy review Gration has adopted a strategy of "constructive engagement" with Khartoum, similar to the U.S. approach to apartheid South Africa when Ronald Reagan was president. But he said Gration had done so without a mandate.

He also criticized Gration for not publicly describing Darfur as "genocide" as Obama himself has.

In a recent interview with Reuters, Gration said he has been reaching out to the Darfur activist community, speaking regularly with its key members. He said he generally agreed with the activists on what they hope to achieve in Sudan.

He cited a July 29 letter to Obama from the Save Darfur Coalition. It said Sudan must be ordered to bring peace to Darfur, implement the 2005 peace deal that ended a 22-year civil war between the north and south and replace President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, who has been indicted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court.

If Khartoum does that, the letter says "a clear process toward normalization of relations with the U.S. will be mapped out." If not, then more sanctions and possibly "targeted military action" should be used to save civilian lives.

"Everything in that letter is what I'm trying to do," Gration said, adding that it was important that the advocacy groups and U.S. government work together on Sudan.

"This is a situation where everybody's got to be on the same team working forward," he said.

Fabienne Hara of the International Crisis Group, an independent think-tank that focuses on wars and conflicts, said some of the activists were "out of touch with reality" and that Gration's decision to step up engagement with Khartoum was a welcome and much-needed change in the U.S. approach to Sudan.  

(Editing by Bill Trott)

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Further reading
Setting the Record Straight on Sudan Sanctions: Part II
Enough, Aug 16, 2009 by Nina McMurry, STAND, GI-NET

Sudan Activists Fault Special Envoy's 'Conciliatory Stance' Toward Khartoum
Enough, Aug 16, 2009 by Laura Heaton.  Here is a copy:

"Increasingly frustrated with the direction of US policy toward Sudan, as expressed by Special Envoy Scott Gration in testimony earlier this summer, Sudan activists from around the United States sent a letter to Gration this week outlining how they think the approach is problematic. “We fear that your approach to Sudan is at odds with the President’s promise and will quash the hopes of all Sudanese for justice, peace, and the end of the culture of impunity that has afflicted Sudan,” the letter said. Organizations representing the Darfuri diaspora and southern Sudanese signed on and were joined by prominent Sudan activist Mia Farrow. Among the criticisms articulated in the letter, the signatories criticize Special Envoy Gration’s approach for “neglecting to adequately engage with or incorporate the priorities expressed by Darfuri civil society and the Darfuri Diaspora." The activists logged their complaints with the top Obama administration officials and Congress as well, sending copies of the letter to the White House and to senators and representatives engaged on Sudan. An Arabic version of the letter was distributed to international media.

The original letter and the Arabic translation are available here and here."

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The activists' open letter to Scott Gration 13 August 2009 - an excerpt:

"We implore you to consider the following aspects of your performance as Special Envoy which we consider problematic:

1. Failing to both acknowledge ongoing human rights violations by the GoS and consider these violations as another component of its genocidal campaign
2. Failing to acknowledge behavior by the GoS that demonstrates its lack of commitment to peace and justice
3. Failing to hold the GoS accountable for such aforesaid behavior
4. Failing to define and promote a strong sanctions policy
5. Downplaying Sudan as a “State Sponsor of Terror” and suggesting normalization of relations with the U.S.
6. Neglecting to adequately engage with or incorporate the priorities expressed by Darfuri civil society and the Darfuri Diaspora.

These problems are elaborated below."

Click here to read Scott Gration's statement 'This I Believe' 10 August 2009.

"This I Believe" by Scott Gration, U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan

From the website of U.S. Department of State:
"This I Believe"
Scott Gration

Special Envoy to Sudan
Washington, DC
August 10, 2009

In the 1950s, journalist Edward R. Murrow hosted a radio show titled “This I Believe” that invited Americans to record essays that shared their core beliefs with listeners across the country. The essayists, ranging from heads of state to cab drivers, used the opportunity to tackle difficult topics and to offer “the guiding principles by which they lived.”

As the President’s Special Envoy to Sudan, I have been charged with the awesome responsibility of working to improve the political, humanitarian, and economic challenges confronting the people of Sudan. For the past six months, I have been working incredibly hard and logging a lot of miles to understand this dire and desperate situation better and to chart a course for moving forward. I understand that for the community of people who care deeply about this issue time is of the essence and much is at stake. I want to give you the clearest sense of where I am coming from and what my core beliefs are on the best approach to untangle the complex, varied, and nuanced set of issues facing Sudan.

I learned to walk and talk in Africa; my first words were in Swahili not English. A passion for Africa and African people runs through my veins. I also know firsthand the personal toll of war and what it means to be displaced. Growing up, my family was evacuated three times from our home in the Congo, and we became refugees. I embrace those experiences and they inform my current efforts.

I believe that the road to peace in Sudan runs through Darfur. The atrocities that have taken place in Darfur are a crime against the world that must be resolved. We are working aggressively to reverse the ongoing consequences of genocide in Darfur. Though the incidence of violent deaths has improved dramatically since 2005, the situation remains dangerous and dire. Civilians remain vulnerable, living conditions are unacceptable, and the displaced remain unable to return home in security.

For those who are concerned that we are seeking the untimely return of IDPs, I assure you that that is not the case. I share the same concerns about the idea of having the more than 2.5 million people living in IDP camps attempt returns in an insecure and uncoordinated fashion. We will never abandon or seek to endanger IDPs. Our task for now is to begin the work to create conditions that are conducive for their eventual safe return, including access to food and safe water, addressing land rights, protection of human rights, and freedom from gender-based violence. We are working closely with the African Union/United Nations joint chief mediator, Djibril Bassolé to unify the disparate rebel groups in Darfur so that they can speak with one voice to participate in the peace process. I also believe that IDPs must have a clear voice as their perspectives and solutions become part of this process.

As important as it is to address the issue of Darfur, I believe that we equally dedicate all available resources to achieving full implementation of the CPA. In the next two years, Sudan will face both national elections and two referenda. An unsuccessful and marred election could contribute to significant unrest and instability in a state bordering nine other countries and even incite renewed conflict. In the last few months, we have initiated trilateral talks with the parties to the CPA and have developed an implementation strategy. These talks are ongoing and we are holding all parties accountable for their commitments. We are determined to create the conditions for a peaceful process and post-referendum period whether the result is a single, stable, and unified Sudan or a Sudan that divides into two separate states.

Our work on implementing the CPA is complemented by our efforts to address the pressing needs of Southern Sudan. The South needs urgent attention and assistance in building its infrastructure and promoting development before the referendum in 2011. While the current US sanctions against the government in Khartoum explicitly exclude Southern Sudan, in practical terms they do not.

Large equipment needed for infrastructure or economic development in the South must go through Port Sudan and/or Khartoum in the North, which makes these necessary investments for the South subject to our sanctions. “Smart,” targeted sanctions are absolutely necessary and desirable against key components of the government in Khartoum. I want to be clear. These sanctions should not be lifted.

However, I believe that we must consider specific exceptions or selective rollbacks to facilitate development in the South and fully implement the CPA. We need more flexibility to achieve our desired results, which are: pressuring the North, developing the South, and incentivizing good behavior on all sides.

I believe that we cannot hope to achieve these results and a lasting peace if we only engage with those we already agree with. We must work to mediate and work with all stakeholders—Khartoum, Juba, rebel groups, Chad, civil society, and the international community. It is important to recognize the stated position of the US government on President Al-Bashir. We hold him responsible for the actions of his government and recognize that the justice process is moving forward. I have not met and have no plans to meet with President Al-Bashir.

As we continue moving forward, I will need the support and engagement of the entire community that is dedicated to addressing the challenges facing Sudan. We all have to work together and to be on the same team. Let us continue to exchange our best ideas in support of our important mission.

Thank you for your continued interest and dedication, Scott.

Gration Starts Sudanese – American Dialogue from Juba

Sudan Vision - Mona Al-Bashir - ‎30 minutes ago‎

The US envoy to Sudan, Scott Gration starts today his 4th visit to the country within the bilateral dialogue rounds. The Ceremonies Administration Director ...

Daily Nation

Sudan - Lift US sanctions on Sudan

ISRIA - ‎4 hours ago‎

The US's presidential envoy to Sudan, General J Scott Gration, never a man content to kow-tow to public opinion, has just embarked on what his predecessors ...

ANALYSIS-Frustrated Darfur activists slam US envoy Gration Reuters

Gration Starts Sudanese – American Dialogue from Juba Sudan Vision

South Sudan faces new war over oil Telegraph.co.uk

Sudan Tribune - Sudan Vision

all 13 news articles »

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Daily Nation

Conflicting Priorities Complicate US Policy Toward Sudan

Voice of America - Alan Boswell - ‎Aug 11, 2009‎

The special US envoy to Sudan, Scott Gration, testified before a Congressional hearing two weeks ago the United States would have to soon "unwind" sanctions ...

SPLM would not support move to lift Sudan from US terrorism blacklist Sudan Tribune

Hussam Zaki: Egypt Seeking to Achieve Stability in Sudan Sudan Vision

Rift within Obama Administration's Sudan Policy Is Exposed New Sudan Vision

Sudan Tribune - Sudan Tribune

all 119 news articles »

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Reuters South Africa

Obama Envoy Says Sudan Sanctions Hamper Peace Efforts

Bloomberg - Juliann Neher - ‎Jul 30, 2009‎

The Foreign Relations Committee is planning to have a closed briefing to review intelligence findings on Sudan. Gration said the administration intends to ...

US Sudan Envoy Testifies to Congress Voice of America

Darfur activists worry of US easing on Sudan eTaiwan News

Envoy queries Sudan terror status BBC News

Kansas City infoZine - The Associated Press

Sudan football: Nigeria pull out of CECAFA Under-17 Youth Championship (Bashir Cup)

Nigeria have pulled out of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) Under-17 competition, organisers have announced.

CECAFA secretary Nicholas Musonye said the young Eagles informed him of their withdrawal, citing other commitments in Europe.

Nigeria, who were one of the two guest nations in the competition, will now be replaced by Malawi, who had been put on standby.

The other guest side is Egypt.

Full story: Goal.com, Sunday, 16 August 2009 - Nigeria Pull Out Of CECAFA Under-17 Competition
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Further reading:

Sudan Watch: Sudan Football Association boss publicly shreds ...

In their own reaction, the NFF told the Sudan FA boss to take care ... The Nigeria Football Federation has lambasted the Sudan Football ... 

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