Sudan: Chief Electoral Affairs Officer of UNMIS urges journalists to report objectively and responsibly during the general elections

Quote of the Day

“It is incredibly important for journalists to verify information. They must not spread rumors and they should try to reflect the opinion of experts as well as the diversity of opinion within Sudanese society and I think in that way we can help these elections to be peaceful." - James Ray Kennedy, Chief Electoral Affairs Officer of UNMIS, 11 Feb 2010

Speaking to Sudan Radio Service in Khartoum on Thursday, the Chief Electoral Affairs Officer of UNMIS, James Ray Kennedy, urged Sudanese journalists and international correspondents to report objectively and responsibly during the general elections. (See full report here below).

P.S. Thank you to the Sudan Watch readers who have sent in news for publication here. I have not forgotten you. At this very delicate and sensitive time for Sudan and its neighbouring countries, I am mindful of how quickly information (and rumours and falsehoods) can spread via computers, mobile texting, phones, satellite receivers and word of mouth (note how a translation error led to an international incident). As usual, I endeavour to be careful and verify information published here. I want peace for Sudan and for all of its inhabitants (animals included) to have access to food, safe drinking water and medical care. God bless the peacemakers, journalists and children of Sudan and keep them safe from harm.

Election Campaign Begins in Sudan

From SRS - Sudan Radio Service, Monday, 15 February 2010:

(Khartoum) - The elections campaign was officially launched on Saturday ahead of the general elections scheduled for April.

The NCP presidential candidate, Omar al-Bashir, launched his campaign at the Al-Hilal football stadium in Khartoum on Saturday.

The SPLM candidate Yasir Arman launched his campaign on Sunday, from the house of the late Ali Abdel-Latif, a prominent nationalist figure who led a resistance movement against the British in 1924.

SRS asked two political analysts for their impressions of the beginning of the campaign.

Taj Al-Sir Maki spoke to SRS from Khartoum.

[Taj Al-Sir Maki]: “I think that the launch of the NCP campaign was not all that successful at Al-Hilal stadium, despite the fact that the NCP has been controlling the media for 20 years. But the SPLM campaign which started from the house of the late hero Abdel Latif, was stronger because they are introducing a new project and they haven’t been tested yet. They are introducing a new project and they are calling for voluntary unity in Sudan, calling for a democratic Sudan that all Sudanese are calling for generally. The NCP campaigns came to support the same leadership everybody knows. So from my point of view, the NCP campaign didn’t present anything new.”

Prof. Al-Tayib Zain Al-Abdin also expressed his views about the launch of the elections campaign.

[Prof. Al-Tayib Zain Al-Abdin]: “In fact, the election campaign started for all political parties, not just the NCP and the SPLM. The Popular Congress Party and the Sudan Communist Party launched their campaigns as well. Generally, the campaigns have started smoothly and all political parties were allowed to conduct peaceful marches around Khartoum, which was not allowed before, and that is a good thing. It seems that the NCP launched their campaign in Al-Hilal stadium to attract Al-Hilal fans and they funded the Al-Hilal team without announcing it. Arman launched his campaign at the Abdel Latif house, because he wanted it to be a symbol of unity between south and north. Arman is really busy to ensure that there should not be a clear separation between south and north, and this line is welcomed.”

Taj Al-Sir Maki and Prof. Al-Tayib Zain Al-Abdin were speaking to SRS about the launch of the election campaign in Sudan.

Photo: Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir arrives to a campaign rally at Al-Hilal Stadium in Khartoum. Bashir launched his re-election bid with great fanfare, extolling his 21 years in power and pledging to the unity of Africa's biggest nation. (AFP/Ashraf Shazly)



Photo: A supporter of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir attends a campaign rally at Al-Hilal Stadium in Khartoum. Bashir faces his first real electoral test in April, when he is being challenged by 11 opposition candidates, among them former prime minister Sadiq al-Mahdi and former rebel leader Yasser Arman. (AFP/Ashraf Shazly)



Photo: Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir addresses supporters at the Friendship Hall in the capital Khartoum, 9 February 2010. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah) See news updates at the website of Albashir.
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Kiir launches his election campaign on Saturday, 20 Feb



Photo: Salva Kiir Mayardit, Vice President of The Republic of Sudan, President of the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS)

The incumbent President of the semi-autonomous region of Southern Sudan and chairman of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) is scheduled to officially launch his election campaign on Saturday, 20th February.

Salva Kiir Mayardit was nominated by his ruling party to contest for the post of the president of the Government of Southern Sudan. He will compete against another presidential candidate in the South, Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin, chairman of the breakaway Sudan People’s Liberation Movement for Democratic Change (SPLM-DC).

Dr. Lam Akol is currently based in Khartoum and has not yet officially launched his campaign in the South.

Full story at Sudan Tribune by James Gatdet Dak, (JUBA) Tuesday, 16 February 2010.
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Chief Electoral Affairs Officer of UNMIS urged journalists to report objectively and responsibly during the general elections

Elections a Litmus Test for Democracy in Sudan Says UNMIS
From SRS - Sudan Radio Service, Monday, 15 February 2010:

(Khartoum) - The United Nations Mission in Sudan says the forthcoming general elections will be a “litmus test” for democracy in Sudan.

Speaking to SRS in Khartoum on Thursday, the Chief Electoral Affairs Officer of UNMIS, James Ray Kennedy, urged Sudanese journalists and international correspondents to report objectively and responsibly during the general elections.

[James Ray Kennedy]: “It is incredibly important for journalists to verify information. They must not spread rumors and they should try to reflect the opinion of experts as well as the diversity of opinion within Sudanese society and I think in that way we can help these elections to be peaceful. I think if we succeed in holding peaceful and credible elections in 2010 in Sudan, there is a very good chance that we can see elections on a regular basis in Sudan. We have not seen democratic elections on a routine basis in Sudan; it seems to have been more of an exceptional thing rather than a routine thing.”

Kennedy also said that although the war is still going in Darfur, he believes that it is possible to hold peaceful elections in Darfur.

[James Ray Kennedy]: “I think what we need to look at is the voter registration exercise. Voter registration did not reach 100 per cent of the population in Darfur but it reached a very high percentage of the population and it reached it in a very peaceful manner. We hope and believe that it will be possible to have elections in Darfur that are relatively peaceful, that are relatively successful. I say quite often that there is no such a thing as a perfect election anywhere but we are all working to make these elections as good as possible under very difficult circumstances - including in Darfur.”

James Ray Kennedy also urged the people of southern Sudan who are eligible to vote in the referendum to turn out in big numbers and vote in order to determine the future of the Sudan.

Photo: Sudanese women register for national elections in Khartoum, 2009. Presidential hopefuls in Sudan, Africa's largest country, have begun campaigning for the first multi-party poll since 1986. (AFP/File/Ashraf Shazly)
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Arman Meets Darfur SPLM Delegation in Khartoum

From SRS - Sudan Radio Service, Monday, 15 February 2010:

(Khartoum) - The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement’s presidential candidate, Yasir Arman, met an SPLM delegation from Darfur on Thursday and Friday in Khartoum.

In the meeting, the SPLM leaders discussed the political, humanitarian and security situation in Darfur.

One of the delegates, the SPLM secretary in Western Darfur state, Mohamed Abubakar Juma, spoke to SRS from Khartoum on Saturday.

[Mohamed Abubakar]: “Among the issues discussed regarding the Darfur crisis was the insecurity and also the difficulty in reaching some of the voters in most areas. We have also talked about the current Doha talks in relation to the general election. After the meeting, we agreed that we should request the government and the Elections Commission to coordinate with the international community for the sake of free and fair elections. Some of the things we have agreed on were that the emergency conditions should be lifted. The Darfur crisis must be solved quickly and also we must work together with UNAMID.”

The Darfur SPLM leaders also called for the quick resolution of the Darfur conflict before the general elections in April. They also called on the anti-government groups to unite and fight as one for Darfur.

Photo: A girl digs for mud to make bricks, in the Abu Shouk camp outside El Fasher, North Darfur, 9 February 2010. Picture taken 9 February 2010. (Reuters/Andrew Heavens)



Photo: A displaced boy wears a t-shirt printed with a picture of U.S. President Barack Obama, in the Zamzam refugee camp in North Darfur, 8 February 2010. Picture taken 8 February 2010. (Reuters/Andrew Heavens)

Note (seen on Albashir website, Sudanese Press in brief, Thursday, 11 February 2010): (Alraid) - Obama's brother is in Khartoum to participant at the meeting of Munazzamat al-Da’wa al-Islamiia.
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UMMA Party Heals Divisions and Unites

From SRS - Sudan Radio Service, Monday, 15 February 2010:

(Juba) - The UMMA National Party and the UMMA Reform and Renewal party have decided to unite under the umbrella name of the UMMA National Party.

The Chairman of the UMMA Reform and Renewal party, Mubarak Al Fadil, told SRS from Juba on Sunday that the unity of the parties came at a very critical time.

[Mubarak Al Fadil]: “The announcement of the political unity between the two parties came at a critical time in Sudanese politics. There are so many important issues going on, among them are the referendum in 2011 which might lead to the secession of a beloved part of the nation, and at the moment Sudan is witnessing a war in Darfur and instability in Southern Darfur, the Nuba mountains and the east. Sudan is indeed undergoing a lot of problems and there is a possibility that the nation might break into so many parts.”

Al Fadil also said the unity of the UMMA party is a step in the right direction. He said that it will play a major role in stabilizing the nation and supporting peace in Sudan.

Photo: Relatives and students carry the body of Darfuri student Mohamed Musa in Omdurman locality in Khartoum, 15 February 2010. Armed riot police surrounded hundreds of protesters at the funeral of Musa, 23, who colleagues said was tortured and killed by Sudanese authorities in a case that has sparked tensions ahead of elections. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah)



Photo: Sudan-appointed special prosecutor Nimr Mohamed addresses a news conference at the U.N. offices in the capital Khartoum, 11 February 2010. Mohamed, Sudan's special prosecutor for crimes in Darfur, has not charged or tried anyone, and the government must speed up trials or lose the confidence of the people, a U.N.-appointed human rights expert said on Thursday. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah)
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SPLM to discuss NCP’s suggestions to resolve South Kordofan election boycott

From Mirayafm, Tuesday, 16 February 2010:

The Political Bureau of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) will meet on Tuesday to discuss the suggestions of National Congress Party (NCP) to resolve the SPLM boycotting the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in South Kordofan State, SPLM Secretary General Pagan Amum confirmed to Miraya FM.

Earlier the Governor of South Kordofan State, Ahmed Haroun, who leads the NCP delegation to Juba, delivered a message from the Chairman of the NCP, Omer Al Bashir, to the SPLM Political Bureau, suggesting solutions to overcome the crisis.

Meanwhile, Amum also told Miraya FM that the SPLM Political Bureau will hold a meeting to make a final decision on party members who chose to contest as independent candidates.

Darfur peacekeepers get helicopters after long wait

On Tuesday, Sudan's neighbour Ethiopia became the first country to respond to the call by sending five tactical helicopters to Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, said UNAMID.

"This will make a huge difference ... Only one country has been able to help us. An African country has supported us," force spokesman Noureddine Mezni told Reuters.

"We still need more, at least 18 in total. Up to now we have had zero tactical helicopters ... Imagine managing without this mobility in such a huge area."

Full story: Reuters, Tuesday, 16 February 2010.
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Sudan Sports Latest

From SRS - Sudan Radio Service, Monday, 15 February 2010:

(Nairobi) - Al Hilal FC won the Bani Yas friendly tournament cup after defeating the hosts Bani Yas on Saturday.

The match officially finished with a 2-2 draw leading to the penalty kicks which ended 5-4. Al Hilal’s striker Mohamed Al Tahir was awarded the tournament’s top scorer trophy.

Only four teams participated in the friendly mini-tournament which was organized by Emirates’ Bani Yas FC to celebrate the opening of the club’s new stadium.

Meanwhile, Al Merriekh FC on Sunday drew one-nil with their Ethiopian hosts Saint George during the preliminary round of the African Champions’ league.

The team returned to Khartoum on Monday morning after being away from the country for about four weeks.

And in other football news, in Rwanda, Amal Atbara FC lost their African Union Confederation Cup game against Rwanda’s Atrako 2-0 on Sunday.

And finally in Khartoum, the teenage football team from the state of Equatoria won the first National Junior Football Championship after defeating Al Jazeera 2-1 in the finals on Saturday at the Inkhaz stadium.

With special credit and thanks to:

Charles Haskins
News Programming Advisor
Sudan Radio Service (SRS)
A project of Education Development Center
Safaricom: +254 715 05 2924
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www.sudanradio.org

Sudan/Chad: New page opened on peace (analysis)

Sudan/Chad: New page opened on peace (analysis)
From Daily Independent (Nigeria) by Paul Arhewe
Monday, 15 February 2010 - via www.afrika.no:

Abuja (Nigeria) - The two 'Horns of Africa' countries which hitherto are torn on each others' flesh have decided this week to let by-gone be by-gone, and turn a new page. Chadian president Idriss Deby made a surprise visit to Khartoum last Monday, after each country has laid several accusations and counter accusations of sponsoring rebels to fight the other's government.

Deby's visit no doubt has really laid a path for peace, as Sudan's president Omar Hassan al-Bashir the following day issued a statement saying his country has completely turned the page in the conflict with Chad.

In his words: "I say to our people in Sudan and in Chad, we have completely turned the page on problems between us. This visit has put an end to the problems between Chad and Sudan," he added.

Bashir has even accepted an invitation from Deby to pay a return visit to N'djamena.

This present peaceful meeting won't be the first time the two oil-producing neighbouring countries are trying to put aside the rancour distorting their peaceful cohabitation.

In March 2008, the two countries entered an accord in Dakar, the Senegalese capital, but it crumbled months later when a major faction of Darfur insurgents, the Justice and Equality Movement, launched an unprecedented attack on Khartoum. The reprisal on Ndjamena, which came as a surprise assault came close to overthrowing Deby's government before his military troops managed to rally and rout the rebels.

Mid January this year, Sudan and Chad okay the deployment of a joint force on their borders, in order to end the presence of rebels on each other's territory and halt their activities as part of normalisation efforts.

As Deby was brokering the peace, he stated "...a calm is not enough. Agreements and protocols alone cannot bring back confidence if politics are not included. It is time to outdo ourselves in order to seal this peace."

"If I am with you today, it's not purely for an accolade, I have come so that we can transform the current calm into definitive peace," he added.

Even Sudan's leader has been flabbergasted by his core enemy's surprise visit. "When we were told that President Deby was coming to Khartoum it was a surprise, but a pleasant surprise," Bashir said.

Bashir said joint projects would be set up in the border area between both countries in order to help those affected by the Darfur conflict.

The two countries have agreed to prevent armed groups from using the territory of either state against the interests of the other and to establish mechanisms to monitor their common border.

Analysts are of the view that al-Bashir is seeking cheap popularity, especially as he is standing to run this April for Sudan's first democratic elections in 24 years. Al-Bashir is trying to douse tension in his conflict-devastated state ahead of the April elections.

According to Roland Marchal, a senior research fellow and an expert on Chad-Sudan at France CERI international research institute, "Bashir will need to get an international community that is not too critical. It makes sense, especially as Chad has committed itself to not supply equipment to the Darfur rebels."

According to United Nations' estimate, about 300,000 deaths were recorded when non-Arab insurgents took up arms against Darfur people in early 2003. But President al-Bashir put the death toll at 10,000. About 2.7 million people have fled their homes and been displaced in eastern Chad and western Sudan because of bloodletting clashes with these areas.

The war broke out when Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) and Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) began attacking government targets and installations. The rebels were accusing Sudan of oppressing black Africans in favour of Arabs Janjaweed militia - who are accused of trying to "cleanse" black Africans from large swathes of territory.

Sudan government following the attacks then mobilised a self-defence militias. The government denies any links to the Arab. Al-Bashir has called the Janjaweed "thieves and gangsters".

But refugees have refuted Sudan's government stance, saying air raids by government aircraft would be followed by attacks from the Janjaweed, who would ride into villages on horses and camels, slaughtering men, raping women and stealing whatever they could find.

The international community has blamed President Bashir on the crisis, and issue an arrest warrant on him last year. Even, last week another fresh charge was approved by the International Criminal Court (ICC). However, Africa Union (AU) has refused to honour ICC warrant on the sitting president.

The international community has welcomed this new initiative towards peace in these Horn of Africa countries.

No doubt, the new peace deal with not only be a relief to the people within this war-torn zone, but an economic benefits to other Africa countries, and international organisations who spend their resources in sending military peace-keeping force and relief materials.

The United States has congratulated the Governments of Chad and Sudan on the signing of the January 15 agreements in N'Djamena to normalize relations.

We believe that the normalization of Chad-Sudan relations provides an important opportunity to advance ongoing international efforts toward a peaceful resolution of the situation in Darfur, and we call on the Governments of Chad and Sudan to contribute actively and appropriately to these peace efforts. This agreement will also enhance regional stability and promote economic growth.

The UN has lauded the "positive step" between the Sudan and Chad governments in securing their common borders and joining resource to combating rebels.

The Assistant-Secretary-General for Rule of Law and Security Institutions in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), Dmitry Titov, told the Security Council that "While the challenges in Darfur remain enormous, there is a hope and an opportunity that the coming year will bring positive changes for the region".

Security situation in Darfur Feb 15, 2010 - UNAMID honours Ugandan police advisors

Darfur / UNAMID Daily Media Brief
EL FASHER (DARFUR), Sudan, Monday, 15 February 2010/APO
UNAMID Daily Media Brief / 2010-02-15

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

UNAMID military forces conducted 110 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 96 patrols in villages and IDP camps.

UNAMID honours Ugandan police advisors
In recognition of their contributions to the promotion of security and stability in the region, UNAMID today awarded peacekeeping medals to 115 Ugandan police advisers.

The medal parade was held at the Mission’s headquarters in El Fasher, North Darfur, and attended by Joint Special Representative Ibrahim Gambari, Deputy Joint Special Representatives Henry Anyidoho and Mohamed Yonis, Force Commander Lt Gen Patrick Nyamvumba and other senior UNAMID officials and personnel.

Congratulating the officers, JSR Gambari thanked them for their selfless service and determination. He also expressed sorrow over the three Ugandan peacekeepers who have lost their lives in Darfur since UNAMID was established, but urged the advisors to redouble their efforts and continue “the higher cause of serving humanity.”

Ugandan ambassador to Sudan, and guest of honour, Ms. Betty Akech, conveyed her country’s pride in being a part of the Mission and applauded the medallists for continuing to carry out their duties in the face of numerous challenges.

Uganda has contributed a total of 135 police officers to UNAMID. In addition to their mandated tasks, UNAMID police officers have been training local police in preparation for the upcoming general elections.

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

News from SRS - Sudan Radio Service:

15-Feb-2010

• Election Campaign Begins in Sudan
• Four Die in Jonglei Clashes
• Arman Meets Darfur SPLM Delegation in Khartoum
• Elections a Litmus Test for Democracy in Sudan Says UNMIS
• UMMA Party Heals Divisions and Unites
• Sudan Sports Latest

12-Feb-2010

• Half Lakes State Population May Starve
• NCP and PCP in Conflict over Darfur Conflict
• Supreme Court Dismisses SPLM-DC Objection
• Ugandan Trade Fair Opens in Juba
• Sudan Sports Latest
• Darfur Anti-Goverment Groups Suggest Postponing Elections
• Southern Sudan Gripped By Election Fever
• SPLM Independent Refuses to Resign From Party
• SPLM Has Unfair Advantage On the Airwaves Claim UDF
• Sudan Sports Latest

11-Feb-2010

• Two Die in Kass IDP Camp Attack
• Jimmy Carter Declares "Complete Confidence" in NEC During Sudan Visit
• Three GOSS Officials to Answer Human Rights Charges in Yambio
• SSAC Launches Anti-Corruption Campaign in South
• New GOSS Boss Arrives in Nairobi
• Sudan Sports Latest

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).