Security Situation in Darfur Feb 8, 2010 - JSR departs for Doha to support peace talks - Humanitarian assessment in Mou, North Darfur

Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief
EL FASHER (DARFUR), Sudan, February 8, 2010/APO):
UNAMID Daily Media Brief / 2010-02-08

Security situation in Darfur
The security situation in Darfur remains relatively calm but unpredictable.

UNAMID military forces conducted 99 patrols including routine, short range, long range, night, and Humanitarian escort patrols, covering 89 villages and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps during the reporting period.

UNAMID police advisors also conducted 191 patrols in villages and IDP camps.

JSR departs for Doha to support peace talks
UNAMID Joint Special Representative (JSR) Ibrahim Gambari has today departed for Doha, to provide his support to the ongoing peace process. He is accompanied by the Mission’s Force Commander and the Directors of Civil and Political Affairs.

Tomorrow, Mr. Gambari will meet with Joint Chief Mediator Djibril Bassolé, members of the Qatari Foreign Ministry, senior Sudanese government officials, as well as the representatives of rebel movements who are already in Doha. Sudanese-Chadian relations will be discussed, as well as the region’s security and political situations in the face of the upcoming general elections.

The JSR will resume the consultations initiated during the 14th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa last week, where he outlined the Mission’s priorities. With the Mission’s deployment now nearing 80%, Mr. Gambari has indicated that UNAMID’s focus lay in supporting the Darfur peace process and in helping to secure stability by enhancing the security of civilians and internally displaced people in the region.

Humanitarian assessment in Mou, North Darfur
Yesterday, UNAMID conducted an inter-agency mission to Mou, a small village approximately 100 kilometres outside El Fasher, North Darfur, which had seen much conflict in the last few months, most recently in December 2009. The Mission, along with OCHA, IOM and WHO, gathered information on the security situation and the population’s food, water and health care needs, as well as assessed displacements and possible returns to the area.

The village was found to be in grave need of humanitarian aid. Owing to the drought during the last farming season, water is scarce and most of the villagers are dependent on rations. The region’s only health care facility is a small building which has been looted and burned and has had no medical personnel since September 2009. As a result, childbirth complications, diarrhea and malaria are common causes of death.

Following the visit, the mission drew up a series of recommendations including the need for increased patrols, more schools, greater access to medical care, and added water resources.

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

News from SRS - Sudan Radio Service:

09-Feb-2010

• ICC Drops Charges Against Abu Garda
• Chad and Sudan Pledge to Restore Relations As Deby Visits Khartoum
• Presidential Candidate Reinstated By NEC
• NCP Should Withdraw Election Candidates Belonging to PDF and PP
• Clashes Kill Eleven in Unity State
• Under-Secretary Urges Single Curriculum for Southern Sudan Schools
• Road Works Take Towns to Villages
• Sudan Sports Latest

08-Feb-2010

• SPLM Independent Candidates Call for Pagan Amum to Resign
• Minister Teny Fears Intimidation in Unity State
• 10,000 People Flee Fighting in Darfur
• Chadian President Makes "Historic" Visit to Khartoum
• SPLM Denies Intimidation of Political Opponents in South
• Gunmen Attack Lam Akol's House in Khartoum
• Trachoma Victims Receive Free Treatment in Unity State
• Sex Industry Thrives in Juba
• Pastoralism Reduces Effects of Climate Change
• Sudan Sports Latest

Historic visit: Chad President Idriss Deby Itno arrives in Khartoum Sudan after a recent security deal

Quote of the Day

"We have come here like a dove... we came to show our will, our availability, our commitment to see peace, tranquillity and confidence return...we came and wish to leave with peace" - Chad President Idriss Deby Itno, shortly after his arrival in Khartoum on Mon 08 Feb 2010

Photo: Chad President Idriss Deby Itno (right) was greeted at Khartoum airport today (Monday, 08 February 2010) by Sudan President Omar al-Bashir (left) before the two men held talks. The historic two-day visit of Mr Deby comes after a recent security deal. The visit is expected to help seal last month's accord normalising ties between the neighbouring states, a move essential to future peace in Darfur. The deal also provides for the deployment of 3,000 troops along the border, with each country contributing a 1,500-strong contingent. "This is a historic visit," Sudan's Foreign Minister Deng Alor told reporters at the airport. "We hope to see a lot of issues being discussed and resolved." (Source: AFP-Ashraf Shazly/BBC)

From BBC News Online at 17:25 GMT, Monday, 08 February 2010:
Chad President Deby in Sudan talks on Darfur

Chad President Idriss Deby is visiting Sudan for the first time since 2004 for talks on the troubled Darfur region.

The two countries have been fighting a proxy war for several years along their common border around Darfur.

The BBC's James Copnall in Khartoum says the visit was a surprise and caught Sudanese officials off-guard.

Sudan says Chad backs Darfur rebel groups, while Khartoum is accused of supporting armed militias who are active in eastern Chad.

Rebel groups have threatened the capital cities of both countries in recent years, sparking a flurry of accusations and counter-accusations.

Analysts say the rebels function as an extra line of defence for each country, but add that this poisonous mixture has considerably worsened the dramatic humanitarian problems in both areas.

'Historic visit'

Mr Deby was greeted at Khartoum airport by Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir before the two men held talks.

"We have come here like a dove... we came to show our will, our availability, our commitment to see peace, tranquillity and confidence return," Mr Deby said at the start of the discussions, reports the AFP news agency.

"This is a historic visit," Sudan's Foreign Minister Deng Alor told reporters at the airport.

"We hope to see a lot of issues being discussed and resolved."

The two-day visit comes after some signs of a thaw in the relationship.

The two countries last month signed an agreement aimed at boosting security on the border.

Unlike many previous treaties which proclaimed good intentions but offered little in practice, our correspondent says this one outlined several concrete steps.

Mr Deby's visit to Khartoum could put the finishing touches to this plan, our correspondent says.

They will set up a joint border force, with each country providing some 1,500 men, AFP says.

"We are committed to implementing all the agreements signed between our two countries," said Mr Bashir.

Mistrust between Khartoum and N'Djamena is still high, but neither country will be stable until the two make a real peace, our correspondent adds. [...]

Photo: Sudan President Omar al-Bashir (left) and Chad President Idriss Deby Itno review the guard of honour in Khartoum, Sudan (Credit: AFP)

Chad leader extends olive branch to Sudan's Beshir
By Guillaume Lavallee (AFP) – Monday, 08 February 2010:

(Khartoum) - Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno paid a landmark visit on Monday to Khartoum, in a bid to consolidate a thaw in ties and boost efforts to bring peace to Sudan's war-torn Darfur region.

Sudanese President Omar al-Beshir greeted Deby at Khartoum airport at the start of a visit expected to help seal last month's accord normalising ties between the neighbouring states, a move essential to future peace in Darfur.

"We have come here like a dove... we came to show our will, our availability, our commitment to see peace, tranquillity and confidence return" between the two countries, Deby said at the start of talks.

"We came and wish to leave with peace," he said on his first trip to Sudan since July 2004 when he visited El-Geneina, the strategic capital of West Darfur which borders Chad.

Chad has long accused Sudan of supporting rebels seeking to oust its government, while Khartoum has in turn charged Ndjamena with backing ethnic minority rebels in western Darfur.

But the two states also agreed in mid-January to deploy a joint force on their border, in a move aimed at ending the presence of rebels on each other's territory and halting their activity, as part of efforts towards normalisation.

"We are committed to implementing all the agreements signed between our two countries," Beshir said.

"We want to return to better relations," he added, underlining the importance of the deployment of the joint border force which will have a "strong impact" on security along the frontier and for the people of Darfur.

Last month's deal also provides for the deployment of 3,000 troops along the border, with each country contributing a 1,500-strong contingent.

Chad and Sudan had in the past signed similar agreements, but those accords were never implemented.

In March 2008, the two states signed the Dakar agreement in the Senegalese capital, but it crumbled months later when Darfur rebel group the Justice and Equality Movement launched an unprecedented assault on the Sudanese capital.

This was followed by a surprise rebel attack on Ndjamena which came close to overthrowing Deby before government forces managed to rally and rout the insurgents.

"This time it seems serious. They both need it right now," a diplomat told AFP last month on condition of anonymity on normalisation of relations between the two states.

"Chad is heading towards legislative elections in November and presidential elections in April 2011, while elections in Sudan are scheduled for April and a referendum (on southern independence) in January 2011," the diplomat said.

But Chad rebels were more sceptical.

"I don't think Deby went to Khartoum to build democracy in Chad," said Mahamat Nouri, a leader of Chad's armed opposition told AFP.

The visit "will not do much for us. Deby will continue to treat us like mercenaries," he said.

Improved ties between Khartoum and Ndjamena are also seen as a major step towards securing peace in Darfur.

Sudanese foreign minister Deng Alor expressed the hope Deby's visit would contribute to progress in indirect talks under way in the Qatari capital, Doha, between Khartoum and Darfur rebels.

"This visit is going definitely to have a positive impact on the Doha talks," he said.

Beshir praised Deby's "positive efforts" in supporting the Doha peace process which aims to end the conflict in Darfur where the United Nations says about 300,000 people have died since ethnic rebels revolted in 2003.

Khartoum puts the death toll at 10,000.

ICC Haskanita Darfur Sudan: United Resistance Front (URF) leader Bahar Idriss Abu Garda will not be tried

Photo: International Criminal Court Headquarters in The Hague

Darfur rebel chief not to be tried by International Criminal Court
Report from RNW - Radio Netherlands Worldwide
Published on: 08 February 2010 - 5:58pm
By Thijs Bouwknegt (ICC-CPI)

Darfur rebel chief Bahar Idriss Abu Garda will not stand trial for the killing of 12 African Union peacekeepers in 2007, the International Criminal Court ruled on Monday.

The Pre-Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Court was not satisfied that there was sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that Bahar Idriss Abu Garda could be held criminally responsible either as a direct or as an indirect co-perpetrator for the commission of the crimes with which he was charged by the Prosecution.

Abu Garda was charged with three war crimes, namely violence to life, intentionally directing attacks against personnel, installations, material, units and vehicles involved in a peacekeeping mission, and pillaging, allegedly committed during an attack carried out on 29 September, 2007, against the African Union Mission in Sudan (“AMIS”), a peace-keeping mission stationed at the Haskanita Military Group Site (“MGS Haskanita”), in the locality of Umm Kadada, North Darfur.

The judges stressed that the case was of sufficient gravity as the consequences of the attack had affected not only the AMIS personnel and their families, but also the local population as AMIS, involved in a peacekeeping mission, established under the auspices of the African Union, first suspended, and finally reduced its activities in the area.

The Chamber also found that there were substantial grounds to believe that AMIS personnel and installations, material, units and vehicles stationed at the MGS Haskanita were entitled to protection given to civilians and to civilian objects under the international law of armed conflicts. The Chamber found, however, that the Prosecution’s allegations that Abu Garda participated in the alleged common plan to attack MGS Haskanita were not supported by sufficient evidence.

The Chamber’s decision was taken by unanimity, and one judge filed a separate opinion. The decision does not preclude the Prosecution from subsequently requesting the confirmation of the charges against Abu Garda if such request is supported by additional evidence. The Prosecution can also submit a request to Pre-Trial chamber I for leave to appeal the decision on the confirmation of charges.

Background information
On 18 May, 2009, Bahar Idriss Abu Garda appeared for the first time before the Court, in compliance with a summons issued under seal by Pre-Trial Chamber I on 7 May, and unsealed on 17 May. The confirmation of charges hearing in the case of The Prosecutor v. Bahar Idriss Abu Garda was held from 19 to 30 October, 2009.

The situation in Darfur was referred to the International Criminal Court by the United Nations Security Council’s resolution 1593, on 31 March, 2005. Three warrants of arrest have been issued by Pre-Trial Chamber I for Ahmad Harun, Ali Kushayb and Omar Al Bashir for crimes against humanity and war crimes. The three suspects remain at large.

(ICC)

[end of copy from RNW]

Related reports

From BBC News at 17:32 GMT, Mon, 08 Feb 2010: Darfur rebel Abu Garda will not face ICC charges - War crimes charges against a Darfur rebel leader have been dropped by International Criminal Court judges.

From The New York Times by The Associated Press, (THE HAGUE, Netherlands) 12:28 p.m. ET, Mon, Feb 08, 2010: International Court Dismisses Case of Darfur Rebel - International war crimes judges dismissed the case against a Sudanese rebel leader Monday, ruling that prosecutors failed to provide enough evidence to put him on trial for the deaths of international peacekeepers.

From Reuters Africa Mon, Feb 08, 2010 5:09pm GMT: Hague court dismisses charges against Sudan rebel - The war crimes court threw out the charges against Abu Garda, after the pre-trial chamber ruled that he could not be held criminally responsible for the attack. "The chamber declines to confirm the charges against Mr Abu Garda," the court said, but added the prosecution was still able to submit fresh evidence in a bid to have the charges upheld. The ICC's Office of the Prosecutor could not immediately comment on the ruling.

From Middle East Online, Mon, Feb 08, 2010: No war crimes trial for Darfur rebel chief - "The prosecution's allegations that Abu Garda participated in the alleged common plan to attack Haskanita were not supported by sufficient evidence," said the ICC ruling.

From Voice of America News, Mon, Feb 08, 2010: ICC Throws Out Charges Against Sudan Rebel Leader - The panel said it was "not satisfied" there was sufficient evidence to prosecute Abu Garda, either as a direct or indirect co-perpetrator of the attack. ICC prosecutors can ask the panel to reinstate the charges if they find additional evidence.

From UN News Centre, Mon, Feb 08, 2010: ICC dismisses charges against Darfurian rebel leader for lack of evidence - The Court noted that today’s decision does not preclude the prosecution from subsequently requesting the confirmation of the charges against Mr. Abu Garda “if such request is supported by additional evidence,” or appealing the decision on the confirmation of charges. The ICC is an independent, permanent court that investigates and prosecutes individuals accused of the most serious crimes of international concerns, such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Prosecutors at the Court are currently probing events in four regions or countries: Darfur, northern Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Central African Republic (CAR).

UNAMID Sudan: Security situation in Darfur, 03 Feb 2010 - Justice Mohamed Chande Othman tours Darfur incl Abu Shouk camp & Swilinga

Source: United Nations – African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID)
El Fasher (Darfur), Sudan, Wednesday, February 3, 2010/via APO:
UNAMID Daily Media Brief / 2010-02-03

Security situation in Darfur
The security situation in Darfur remains relatively calm but unpredictable.

UNAMID military forces conducted 55 patrols including routine, short range, long range, night patrols, and Humanitarian escort patrols, covering 66 villages and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps during the reporting period.

UNAMID police advisors also conducted 108 patrols in villages and IDP camps.

Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights visits North Darfur
The newly appointed Independent Expert on the situation of Human Rights, Justice Mohamed Chande Othman, arrived in the North Darfur capital of El Fasher today. He is expected to undertake occasional visits to the Sudan and engage in constructive dialogue with the Government and other relevant stakeholders on human rights concerns brought to his attention as mandated by the Human Rights Council.

Upon arrival, Mr. Othman was briefed by the UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative, Henry Anyidoho, the Director of Human Rights, Ms. Marie-Therese Keita, and other UNAMID substantive sections. The Independent Expert also paid a courtesy visit to the Wali (Governor) of North Darfur, Mr. Osman Kibir, and visited the Abu Shouk internally displaced persons (IDP) camp and Swilinga village to assess first hand the returnees as reported.

Mr. Othman and his entourage are next scheduled to travel to Nyala, Zalingei and El Geneina in South and West Darfur respectively.

Head of Darfur Integrated Operation Team bids farewell to Darfur
The current head of the Integrated Operational Team (IOT), Mr. Michael Gaouette, yesterday concluded a four-day visit to Darfur. He was accompanied by Mr. Jack Christofides, who will succeed him as head of IOT in March.

During his visit, Mr. Gaouette met with the Mission’s leadership to discuss the current political, security and humanitarian situation in Darfur. He observed that UNAMID had made significant progress and that its presence had made an impact on the ground. However, he added that there remains much work to be done.

The Darfur IOT delivers support to the Mission by resolving operational issues at the working level and providing integrated advice to senior management. Mr. Gaouette stated that the IOT’s future objectives are to help secure a peace agreement for Darfur and assist in its implementation.

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

Click on label here below to view previous reports and latest updates on the security situation in Darfur.

ICC Haskanita: URF's Bahar Idriss Abu-Garda dismisses Sudan Tribune report

Speaking to Sudan Radio Service (SRS) on Monday, 01 February 2010, from Doha in Qatar, URF Commander Bahar Idriss Abu-Garda described a report by Sudan Tribune as inaccurate. The report in question (from Washington, Monday, 30 January 2010, entitled "Two Darfur rebel commanders expected to appear before ICC next week: sources") was published at Sudan Tribune on Sunday, 31 January 2010. Read more here below.

AMIS peacekeepers slain at Haskanita



Photo: Troops stand behind the coffins of Nigerian peacekeepers killed in Darfur during a funeral ceremony in Abuja October 5, 2007 (Reuters) Credit: Photo and caption from Sudan Tribune report, 31 Jan 2010.

Here is a copy of the report by SRS dated Tuesday, 02 February 2010:

Abu-Garda Dismisses Reports of ICC Summonses in Haskanita Case

(Doha) - The leader of the Darfur anti-government movement, the United Resistance Front, Bahar Idriss Abu-Garda, has dismissed allegations that two commanders of Darfur movements have been summoned by the International Criminal Court.

On Sunday, the Sudan Tribune reported that two Darfur rebel commanders charged with masterminding an attack on African Union peacekeepers in Haskanita in 2007 will appear before the international court.

According to the report, the names of the two rebels have not been disclosed but they are believed to be Abdallah Bandah, from the United Resistance Front, led by Abu-Garda and Saleh Jarbo Jamous, from JEM.

Speaking to SRS on Monday from Doha in Qatar, Bahar Idriss Abu-Garda described the report as inaccurate.

[Abu-Garda]: “This information is not true; I dismissed it in an interview with the Arabian TV channel. The only party that can summon these people is the ICC, up until now they didn’t announce anything or even decide to do so. You can’t know anything till the court announces. You remember in the past before I went to the court, several names were mentioned, at that time they were saying Commander X, sometimes Commander Alsasi, these talks were many, but they all turned out to be just suppositions.”

Abu-Garda voluntarily appeared before the ICC in connection with the assault on AU peacekeepers in 2007 that left 12 soldiers dead. [end of SRS report]

Also, here is a copy of the first six comments at Sudan Tribune's report (see above) entitled "Two Darfur rebel commanders expected to appear before ICC next week: sources". Note, the five words in the first comment that I have highlighted in red.

31 January 05:48, by Nuer and Equatoria Dominated SAF & Malitias
They are supposed to be killed, what type of peace they are keeping besides bringing their sex presitution looking for only ladies for sex and comsuming alcohol. Soon more will be killed.
- - -

31 January 08:32, by Time1
The Darfur rebels are ready to clear their name and they have nothing to hide, however Omer bashir should also be brave and appear in c ourt to clear his name, if he thinks he is really innocent then he should have nothing to be afraid of.but Omer bashir clearly knows that he is a war criminal that is why he does not want to stand trail.
- - -

31 January 14:00, by Wed Deng
If those two commanders are to be taken to ICC, there will be no law because the Bashir is now here with Us and he has killed thousands of people while peacekeepers were around. I hope they are bribed by Bashir.
- - -

31 January 10:45, by Time1
There is no law and order in the north Sudan? look at the mismanagement in Darfur? or in the east? the political crisis and intimidation of opposition in Khartoum and centre? or in the occupation of Halayeeb? First of all there is no freedom for opposition in north Sudan, no freedom of press, frequent arrests of oppositions and killing of darfurians.

This are the main point obstructing peace in Sudan:

1-Omer bashir committed war crimes in Darfur, muslims massacring muslims in Darfur, you Arabs discriminate against black africans of Darfur even when they are muslims, war still in Darfur and central Sudan, where is the peace in the north, are you dreaming to make you feel better?

2-The president of north Sudan is the only serving president in the whole continent who has been charge with war crimes and genocide, he is wanted by ICC and is a fugitive of international justice, does that show a good image of the Arabs in north Sudan?

2-you are already int he US lists of Terrorists states,you sponsor bin ladin, you support LRA in terrorist rebels, you support al shabab in Somali and islamic rebels in ethiopia, i do not see north sudan coming off that lists very soon.

4-What oil does north sudan have, currently? let not talk about oil that north will have in the future, because everyone will have oil in the future, but currently north sudan depends 90 of its budget on oil which is 50% of oil from south sudan, everybody know Sudans oil is in the south, in uppernile and unity states the major oil producing states in Sudan, north sudan has no oil, when south sudan seperates we will see that big mouth of having oil in north sudan, the fact is north Sudan is dependent on south Sudans oil currently.

5- North is a dictatorial system, one party states run by NCP since 1989, everybody knows north Sudan is run by a dictator and an ICC war crimnal, there is no democracy in north sudan, the Hardline Islamic cultuure mixed with Hardline Arab culture does not allow for democratic and sercular systems of governance in north Sudan.

Until north Sudan change its culture of hardline islamic believe mixed with hardline Arabic culture, they will not move forward.
- - -

31 January 11:28, by jur_likang_a_ likan’g
The UN Secretary General should be duty bound to uphold the 1948 Universal declaration of Human Rights in order for him to maintain the work ethics of this global esteemed office. I strongly urge Mr Ban Ki Moon to withdraw his statement on the Independence of South Sudan.

It should be noted that the results of self-determination of South Sudan referendum should be the determining factor for the future of South Sudan and only South Sudanese will solely be responsible for that by their votes when it comes to the time. Non participants in this referendum should not make unnecessary comments that cause insecurity in South Sudan. Specifically those people who hold high offices in UN, EU and AU should not make irresponsible statements on matters concerning 2005 CPA. This agreement is a testimony that the world pointed that the war in South Sudan should halt and the future of the land belongs to the inhabitants of this part of the globe that has known nothing other that dehumanisation, dealienation and neglect by the so-called national leaders who actually run a government of the few.

Two Darfur rebel commanders expected to appear before ICC next week: sources
31 January 12:43, by Shadrack Nuer Machut
Why is the ICC tempting every issue without quick and positive reactions? It is not a matter of calling everybody but it matters a lot to intervene possibly.
- - -

Click on Haskanita label here below for related reports. Also, see reports from SRS - Sudan Radio Service 25 Jan - 02 Feb 2010:

02-Feb-2010

• SAF Accuses UNAMID of Supplying JEM in Darfur
• Abu-Garda Dismisses Reports of ICC Summonses in Haskanita Case
• Jonglei Youth Protest Against Ban Ki-moon Appearing To Favor Unity
• More Reality And Less Rhetoric In Darfur Urges Flint
• Kuol Manyang - Where Roads Go Development Follows
• Amum Calls For Economic Review
• Maridi Dam Renovations Will Improve Water Quality

01-Feb-2010

• Taha Visits Juba To Discuss CPA Implementation Talks
• Religious Leaders Express Concern For The Future Of Sudan
• Amum Urges Sudanese To Accept Election Results Peacefully
• Juba's Suk Libya Ravaged By Flames
• Red Cross Holds Protests In Support Of Kidnap Victims
• 15,000 Job Vacancies For Southern Sudanese In North
• Football - Egypt Win African Cup Of Nations - Again

29-Jan-2010

• SPLM Demands IGAD Intervention In CPA Talks
• New UNAMID Boss Sets His Priorities
• SNA Presidential Candidate Pledges To Restore Freedom
• SSDF Candidate Runs For Governor in CES
• Juba Judiciary Staff Strike For Arrears
• Khartoum Medical Staff Threaten Strike Action
• Egypt Reach Cup Of Nations Final After 4-0 Win Over Algeria
• News from Sudan Radio Service for 25-28 January 2010

AFP misquoted UN chief Ban Ki Moon - How a translation error led to an international incident - UN chief clarifies erroneous reports re Sudan unity

How a translation error led to an international incident
From Foreign Policy.com by Colum Lynch, Tuesday, 02 Feb 2010 - 4:16 PM:

On Saturday morning [30 January 2010], Ban Ki-moon appeared to be breaking with five years of standing U.N. policy toward Sudan, telling two French news agencies in an interview that he would try to prevent Africa's largest country from splitting into two nations in a 2011 referendum on independence for southern Sudan. "We'll work hard to avoid a possible secession," the wire service Agence France Presse reported him saying.

Ban's remarks were little noted in Washington, but they have set off a major international incident in Sudan, prompting Sudan's southern leaders to accuse the secretary-general of interfering in the South's decision to determine its own political future. Southern Sudan's president, Salva Kiir Mayardit, wrote a letter this morning [Tuesday, 02 February 2010] to Ban, saying his published remarks constituted "an erroneous description of the U.N.'s role as a guarantor" of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ended one of Africa's bloodiest and longest civil wars, and offered southerners the right to vote on independence in January 2011. "I'm sure it was not your intention to depict the U.N.'s role in this manner," the letter reads.

Ban told the French reporters that he favors a unified Sudan, saying, "We will try to work hard to make this unity attractive." But he never said he would actively work actively to oppose it. AFP apparently mistranslated the English language interview in its first French version of the story, and then repeated the mistake in English. The actual quote was "Then we will work very closely -- we will have to work very closely -- not to have any negative consequences coming from this potential or possible secession."

The problem is that the story, which first appeared on the wires in French Saturday morning [30 January 2010] and in English in the early afternoon, has played out over the past three days in the international press, getting picked up by news agencies like the BBC and the Financial Times. The new head of the U.N.'s mission in Sudan, Haile Menkerios, has been on the phone with Salva Kiir during the past 24 hours trying to assure him Ban was misquoted. The U.N., meanwhile, only issued its first public denial this afternoon [Tuesday, 02 February 2010]:

"In order to clarify erroneous reports about remarks attributed to the Secretary-General concerning Sudan, the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General would like to reaffirm the Secretary-General's position, which is in accordance with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and the United Nations mandate in Sudan.

The Secretary-General made clear that the United Nations would work to support the parties in their efforts to "make unity attractive" as well as the exercise by the people of Southern Sudan of their right to self-determination in a referendum. In this connection, he made clear that that the United Nations would work to avoid any potential negative consequences following next year's referendum.

Note this copy of a comment posted at the article:

PERMMEMBER 10:56 PM ET February 3, 2010

How attractive?
Was this really a translation error? Or did BKM have it right?
The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) commits the parties in para 1.5.5 to:
"Design and implement the Peace Agreement so as to make the unity of the Sudan an attractive option especially to the people of South Sudan."
It's an odd concept for a peace agreement that leads to a referendum on secession...

Any suggestion that the United Nations may have taken a position that may prejudge the outcome of such a referendum is incorrect."

- - -

UN Issues Statement Clarifying World Body's Position on Sudan
From Xinhua, Wednesday, 03 February 2010 2010, 05:59:28, Web Editor: Wang Wenwen:

The United Nations issued a statement on Tuesday [02 February 2010] clarifying the world body's position concerning Sudan's unity over an anti-"secessionist" remark by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that a news outlet reported, which compelled protesters and stirred up emotions and criticism.

UN spokesman Martin Nesirky issued a statement Tuesday here at the UN Headquarters in New York to "clarify erroneous reports," in which he reiterated in the statement that the UN chief "made clear that the United Nations would work to support the parties in their efforts to 'make unity attractive' as well as the exercise by the people of Southern Sudan of their right to self-determination in a referendum."

"The spokesperson for the secretary-general would like to reaffirm the secretary-general's position, which is in accordance with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and the United Nations mandate in Sudan," the statement said.

It was reported in a joint interview with French news media that Ban had said that "we'll work hard to avoid a possible secession."

A later version of the AFP story on Tuesday left the word secessionist out.

"The basic point as I said, in the statement, any suggestion that the UN should take a position that should prejudge an outcome is incorrect," UN associate spokesman Farhan Haq said here at UN Headquarters at a daily press conference.

"(They) did not use the quotes that were attributable to him," Haq said.

The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), signed by the Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA) separatists in the south and the national government in the north, brought the end to a decades long civil war, in which at least 2 million people were killed, 4 million others uprooted and 600,000 more forced to flee across the country's borders.

"The Agreement must be implemented in spirit as well as the letter if the immense work undertaken is to be sustainable," the secretary-general said in his report last October, calling on both sides to boost their level of cooperation.

UN chief rebuffs "erroneous" reports about Sudan remarks - People's Daily Online - ‎Feb 2, 2010‎ - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Tuesday rebuffed "erroneous" media reports about his recent remarks concerning the unity of Sudanese parties and a

UN Issues Statement Clarifying World Body's Position on Sud-CRIENGLISH.com

UN Chief's Comment on South Sudan's Independence Stirs Anger CNSNews.com

UN seeks to calm Sudan row Financial Times - William Wallis, Barney Jopson - ‎22 hours ago‎ Ban Ki-Moon said in an interview with the French News Agency (AFP) on the sidelines of this week's African Union summit that the UN would “work hard to make ...

UN insists not taking sides in Sudan referendum AFP - 3 days ago

UN wants Sudanese unity - News24 - 4 days ago

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UN Secretary-General on Sudan—High-Level Meeting in Addis Ababa
From United Nations – Office of the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General (NEW YORK) Wednesday, 03 February 2010, via African Press Organization (APO) -

Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General on Sudan—High-Level Meeting in Addis Ababa:

In order to clarify erroneous reports about remarks attributed to the Secretary-General concerning Sudan, the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General would like to reaffirm the Secretary-General’s position, which is in accordance with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and the United Nations mandate in Sudan.

The Secretary-General made clear that the United Nations would work to support the parties in their efforts to “make unity attractive” as well as the exercise by the people of Southern Sudan of their right to self-determination in a referendum. In this connection, he made clear that that the United Nations would work to avoid any potential negative consequences following next year’s referendum.

Any suggestion that the United Nations may have taken a position that may prejudge the outcome of such a referendum is incorrect.

SOURCE: United Nations – Office of the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General

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Reaction to Ban Ki-moon Secession Statement
Report from SRS - Sudan Radio Service, Wednesday, 03 February 2010:

(Asmara/Khartoum) - There have been mixed reactions to the statement by the UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon that the UN and the AU will work hard to avoid the secession of southern Sudan.

Ban Ki-moon made the statement during the AU summit in Addis Ababa over the weekend.

The director of the Peace Building Centre in the Horn of Africa, Dr. Taysir Mohamed Ahmed, has described Ki-moon’s statement as “illogical and meaningless”.

Ahmed spoke to SRS from Asmara, Eritrea on Wednesday.

[Dr. Taysir Mohamed Ahmed]: “This statement was unusual, because the right of self-determination is internationally recognized and it is one of the fundamental rights expressed in the CPA. Secondly, Ban Ki-moon himself comes from a country which seceded from another country, am I right? Then why were they allowed to secede yet it is forbidden for others? Ban Ki-moon would have been better off speaking about the efforts to solve the root causes of the civil war in Sudan since independence, instead of saying they will work to make sure Sudan remains united. So, it was an illogical and meaningless statement.”

Another political analyst reacted with rather less hostility to Ki-moon’s statement.

Taj Al-Sir Makei spoke to SRS from Khartoum.

[Taj Al-Sir]: “As a general idea it is right to think that the UN will work towards avoiding the secession of the south. But the reaction to Ban Ki-moon’s statement was a misinterpretation if people think that he supports the unity of the country. But the issue will be decided upon by the referendum, and the only people who will determine unity or secession are the people of southern Sudan. Personally, I think it was just a point of view indicating that if the south secedes, some other voices will demand the same thing for other parts of Sudan - and this is possible.”

According to the CPA, the people of southern Sudan shall have the right to self-determination through a referendum, at the end of the interim period in 2011, choosing between unity of the Sudan and secession.

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UN seeks to calm Sudan row
From the Financial Times by William Wallis in Addis Ababa and Barney Jopson in Juba
Published: February 5 2010 16:23 | Last updated: February 5 2010 16:23

The United Nations has no intention of pushing south Sudan to vote one way or the other at next year’s referendum on self-determination, a senior UN official has said, after comments attributed to the UN secretary general sparked a diplomatic storm.

Ban Ki-Moon said in an interview with the French News Agency (AFP) on the sidelines of this week’s African Union summit that the UN would “work hard to make unity [with Khartoum] attractive”, a position potentially pitting it against the wishes of the majority of south Sudanese.

AFP later said it had misquoted the UN chief making a stronger commitment to “prevent secession”. But this was only after the episode had prompted alarm in the government of the semi-autonomous south at the prospect of the UN taking a more proactive approach to such a sensitive issue.

The referendum on self-determination was a key provision of a peace agreement that in 2005 brought a formal end to a 20-year civil war between the north and non-Muslim rebels from south Sudan.

“You cannot change the course of a ship midstream,” said Haile Menkerios, the new UN special representative for Sudan, clarifying the UN position and adding that it was up to the Sudanese to influence the outcome of the referendum. The responsibility of the UN was to ensure the agreement was implemented, he said.

“Helping southern Sudan to build institutions, to build capacity up is an effort the international community must increase. It does not in any way prejudge the outcome of the referendum. Whichever way the decision is going, such an effort would have a positive contribution,” he said.

Relations between the northern Islamist regime of Omar al-Bashir, president, and south Sudan have become increasingly tense in the countdown to scheduled elections in April and the referendum due next January.

A majority vote for southern independence is looking likely, but negotiations on sharing oil wealth, demarcating borders, sharing external debt and many other divisive issues are far from complete.

Mr Ban’s reported comments prompted Salva Kiir, president of south Sudan, to write to the secretary general requesting his “confirmation” that the UN’s role as a guarantor of the peace deal was to support its implementation and “a smooth transition post-referendum, regardless of the outcome”.

Luka Biong Deng, minister of presidential affairs in the government of south Sudan, told the Financial Times that the episode had had a positive effect. “It was necessary because it triggered the fundamental question about the mandate of the UN,” he said.

Questions about the south’s chances of success as an independent state have been revived by the controversy, with considerable concern focusing on rising ethnic violence in the region and the continued existence of rival militias outside the southern army and within it.

“It’s good that these things happened now, because otherwise as we move nearer to the referendum some voices will start talking about whether this state is viable or not,” Mr Biong said. “I think the issue of whether the situation is viable or not is our collective responsibility, as the government and the international community.”

He said the southern government had made significant progress in improving security and raising standards of governance, but diplomats and business people in Juba, the southern capital, say more needs to be done.

Some African Union and some UN officials fear a vote for independence could reignite the civil war in Sudan and inspire secessionists elsewhere in Africa.

Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2010. Print a single copy of this article for personal use. Contact us if you wish to print more to distribute to others.

News from SRS - Sudan Radio Service 29 Jan 2010 - 03 Feb 2010:

03-Feb-2010

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• Reaction to Ban Ki-moon Secession Statement
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• Arman Announces Opposition Party Darfur Conference
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• Abu-Garda Dismisses Reports of ICC Summonses in Haskanita Case
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• Kuol Manyang - Where Roads Go Development Follows
• Amum Calls For Economic Review
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• Taha Visits Juba To Discuss CPA Implementation Talks
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• News from Sudan Radio Service for 25-28 January 2010