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The peace agreement that won’t bring peace

July 15th, 2011 by Shannon Orcutt

Yesterday, the Government of Sudan and the Liberty and Justice Movement (LJM) signed a peace agreement in Doha, Qatar to end over eight years of fighting in Darfur. However, the peace agreement is unlikely to be significantly beneficial for the Darfuri people.

Signing ceremony for the agreement between the Government of Sudan and LJM. Photo by UNAMID - Olivier Chassot

One of the most considerable flaws with the peace agreement is the fact that none of the major rebel movements agreed to sign the document. According to the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), the largest fighting force in Darfur and only major rebel group participating in the Doha talks, the document also failed to address several of the key issues such as power and wealth distribution, two of the fundamental issues that led to the uprising by rebel groups after years of marginalization.

The Liberty and Justice Movement has only a relatively small fighting force, which was even further reduced when LJM commander, Ali Karbino, along with several other key leaders broke off from the group in April. LJM also lacks popular support from the majority of Darfuris meaning the agreement will receive little buy-in from the people. Many Darfuris even called on LJM not to sign the agreement and IDPs have responded that their key concerns are not addressed in the agreement claiming the Sudanese government is deceiving the world by staging their commitment to peace.

The original Darfur Peace Agreement was signed in 2006 between the Government of Sudan and the Sudanese Liberation Army-Minni Minawi (SLA-MM), however since the other major rebel groups refused to sign, the agreement was never effective. In December 2010, Minni Minawi’s forces and the Sudanese government resumed fighting. The Government of Sudan has rejected the involvement of the SLA-Minni Minawi in the Doha talks stating that “he is part of the Abuja peace agreement and there was no reason to denounce the peace pact his signed.” The other major rebel group, the Sudanese Liberation Army-Abdul Wahid (SLA-AW) had repeatedly refused to join peace talks despite the fact that he has widespread popularity and his support is necessary to achieve a lasting peace in Darfur.

The future of the peace process is uncertain with the likelihood of a comprehensive peace agreement that addresses the major concerns of the Darfuri people remaining a distant prospect.

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Webcast from trip to Africa

July 15th, 2011 by admin

On Wednesday June 14, President Tom Andrews and Senior Policy Analyst Dan Sullivan held a live webcast discussing their recent travels to Sudan, Rwanda and Kenya and answering viewer’s questions they submitted via twitter.

Click here to watch watch the first and second sections of the webcast

Each of these three stops had a symbolic purpose in regard to genocide and the international community. As Tom explained, Kenya served as an example of an effective and quick response from the international community. After the 2008 elections, violence escalated quickly into what could have been a tremendous disaster; however large scale atrocity was avoided thankfully due to the engagement of the international community. Rwanda, as many would guess, exemplified a conflict where the international community failed to react; sadly at the cost of 800,000 lives. In Rwanda, Tom and Dan met with a number of refugees from the conflict, a haunting reminder of the consequences of inaction.

The story of South Sudan, as Tom and Dan both described, was an example of both joy and horror. On one hand, the engagement of the international community led to the drafting of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and ultimately allowed South Sudan its independence. However, despite the joy that comes from this, we must not forget the multitude of lives that were lost and continue to be lost in regions such as South Kordofan and Abyei. The responsibility of the international community is far from over.

Tom and Dan both recalled the amazing energy and unbridled joy they were fortunate enough to share as South Sudan became an independent state. But just as Tom and Dan had unforgettable memories of this joyful state, they also had memories of horror stories told by the people of South Kordofan where more than 70,000 people have now been displaced. Due to violence, residents have taken to hiding in caves and hills and are now also facing cut offs in aid. As for the situation in Abyei, over 110,000 people have already been displaced when the Government of Sudan occupied the disputed region in May. Though the referendum was planned to take place along with the other back in January, it seems to have been permanently postponed.

Tom also recognizes that as individuals we can also show our support for peace by:

  • Calling 1-800-Genocide to hear talking point to tell the White House
  • Calling and meeting with Members of Congress so that they know the people of Sudan and South Sudan are a priority to their constituents
  • Participate in the Hunger Strike for Darfur from 12pm July 22nd to 12pm July 23rd
  • Attend a rally near you on July 23rd to protest the Bashir regime

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Exciting Upcoming Events

July 14th, 2011 by Rebecca Dennis

Hunger Strike for Darfur

At noon on July 22, Sudanese Diaspora members and activists around the globe will begin a 24-hour long fast for Darfur. During the global hunger strike, participants will be contacting their government officials, asking for:

- Immediate protection of civilians

- Unimpeded humanitarian access

- Accountability for the crimes against humanity committed by Khartoum’s regime

- Justice for the genocide victims and atrocities committed in Darfur and throughout Sudan.

To find out more and sign up to participate visit  www.fastdarfur.org or “Hunger Strike for Darfur” on facebook

 

Rally at the White House

Date:
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20006

On July 23rd, the 7th anniversary of the United States Congress declaring the conflict in Darfur to be Genocide, Sudanese from all regions, including Darfur, the Nuba Mountains, Abyei, Nubia, Eastern Sudan and Central Sudan, will join together with American activists outside the White House, to protest the ongoing violence of Omar al-Bashir’s regime. They will call for action from the United States to protect civilians, hold al-Bashir accountable, and bring peace to all of Sudan.

Confirmed speakers at the White House Rally include:

Hon. Thomas Andrews

President of Genocide Intervention Network/ Save Darfur Coalition

John Prendergast

Co-Founder of the Enough Project

Other speakers will include prominent human rights activists, policy experts, and genocide survivors will speak.

Separate events will also be held throughout the US (including Nebraska, Arizona and Texas) and Internationally in Canada, France, the UK, Egypt and Uganda.

For more information visit: Save Darfur Coalition – Events

 

In-district lobby days in August

The Senate will be on recess from August 8-September 2, giving you a great opportunity to meet with them at their local offices. With so much going on, we anticipate that August will be a crucial month to lobby on both Sudan and genocide prevention. You can sign up online and we’ll provide talking points and materials for your meeting. We will also be holding several training calls to help you prepare and can connect you with others in your area who might be interested in lobbying.

Sign up to lobby your Senators today. Meetings will need to be scheduled soon.

 

Make the Call: 1-800-GENOCIDE

As always, we’ll be making 1-800-GENOCIDE available to connect you directly with the White House and with talking points, so you can call TODAY.

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Live Webcast

July 14th, 2011 by Allen Combs

Please join us for a live webcast with Save Darfur Coalition President Tom Andrews and Senior Policy Analyst Dan Sullivan today at 3:30 p.m. Eastern (12:30 Pacific).

Video streaming by Ustream

If you’d like to ask a question during the webcast you can tweet @SaveDarfur.

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Headlines from Sudan: July 14th

July 14th, 2011 by Janina Pescinski

Here is the daily roundup and summary of the major headlines coming out of Sudan. SDC/GI-NET does not necessarily support the views expressed in the articles in this post.

Ethiopia begins deploying troops to disputed Abyei region- Sudan Tribune

  • Ethiopia has begun deploying troops to Abyei as part of the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA). The deployment of 4,200 Ethiopian troops was approved by the Security Council in late June to demilitarize the area and protect civilians.

Lethal violence against Darfuri in Libya, say witnesses- Radio Dabanga

  • Darfuris have reported that they are being targeted in Libya as a result of public accusations by the Sudanese government that they are fighting as mercenaries for Qaddafi. One individual reported being arrested by the Libyan rebels and witnessing about 25 other Sudanese killed.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Libya Rebels Must Also Protect Civilians

July 14th, 2011 by valli

In our last blog post on Libya we told you about Congress and their stalemate on funding U.S. military operations in Libya.  While Libya talks on the Hill are on hold due to the debt crisis, fighting in Libya continues to put civilians at risk.

Human Rights Watch released a report yesterday calling on rebel forces to play an active role in civilian protection:

“The rebel forces should hold accountable anyone from their ranks responsible for looting, arson, and abuse of civilians in recently captured towns in western Libya”

Destruction in Libya

According to the report, rebel forces have been responsible for looting homes and shops, destroying property, and abusing civilians.  HRW emphasized the need for leaders to control rebel activity. Many civilians are fleeing their homes, fearing “reprisals from rebel forces,” adding to the growing number of internally displaced in Libya. Tensions over tribal resettlement by the Libyan government over the last few decades have resurfaced due to the instability.

The report documented violence occurring in three towns that until recently were being used as a base for attacks against rebel-held territory. Rebels were documented looting hospitals for medical supplies, and beating civilians suspected of aiding Gaddafi’s forces prior to the rebel takeover. As the rebels continue to gain territory and challenge the Gaddafi regime, their obligation to protect civilians and avoid human rights violations is not lost on the international community.

 

 

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Headlines from Sudan: July 13th

July 13th, 2011 by Janina Pescinski

Here is the daily roundup and summary of the major headlines coming out of Sudan. SDC/GI-NET does not necessarily support the views expressed in the articles in this post.

Sudan’s NISS says released “all detainees”- Sudan tribune

  • The National Security and Intelligence Services (NISS) in Sudan claims it has released all detainees, as per the instructions of President al-Bashir. According to the Sudanese Media Center, 66 detainees were released. Sudan’s 2010 National Security Act gave NISS powers of arrest, detention, search and seizure, which activists say NISS abuses to arbitrarily arrest and torture human rights defenders, journalists and dissidents.

Sudan: UN reports ongoing heavy bombardment in Southern Kordofan- UN News

  • The UN humanitarian office in Sudan reports that heavy bombings continue in South Kordofan near Kadugli and in another town in the north-east. The Sudanese Government’s Humanitarian Aid Commission reports that the number of internally displaced persons has significantly decreased from the 73,000 reported by the UN. However, the UN has reported numerous recent aerial bombardments making the governments claim unlikely.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Headlines from Sudan: July 12th

July 12th, 2011 by Janina Pescinski

Here is the daily roundup and summary of the major headlines coming out of Sudan. SDC/GI-NET does not necessarily support the views expressed in the articles in this post.

Al-Bashir says Abyei dispute could lead to war with South Sudan- Sudan Tribune

  • President Omar al-Bashir warned that any attempt by South Sudan to impose a unilateral solution in Abyei could lead to war with the north. Both states have pledged to continue negotiations to resolve outstanding issues.

Sudan’s North-South oil deal feared to omit transparency terms- Sudan Tribune

  • Sudan and South Sudan are in the process of negotiating an oil deal, but international organizations have expressed concern that the agreement will not include guarantees for transparency.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Reflections From Juba

July 11th, 2011 by Allen Combs

Save Darfur Coalition President Tom Andrews and Senior Policy Analyst Dan Sullivan just completed a two week trip to Kenya, Rwanda and South Sudan. Here is a quick video they put together as they prepared to leave the new Republic of South Sudan:

Tom and Dan are hosting a live webcast on Thursday, July 14th, to talk about what they saw on their journey. The event begins at 3:30 p.m. Eastern (12:30 p.m. Pacific) and will address genocide prevention, the ongoing violence in the Nuba Mountians, South Sudan’s independence and much more. If you have a question you can submit it in advance, and be sure to join us for the live event on Thursday.

Who: Save Darfur Coalition President Tom Andrews and Senior Policy Analyst Dan Sullivan
What: Live Webcast
When: Thursday, July 14th at 3:30 p.m. Eastern (12:30 p.m. Pacific)
Where: http://blogfordarfur.org

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The New UN Peacekeeping Mission for South Sudan

July 11th, 2011 by Shannon Orcutt

On Friday, the United Nations Security Council unanimously approved a resolution for a new peacekeeping mission to replace the current UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) whose mandate expired on Saturday when South Sudan officially became an independent country and split from the North. The mandate for the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) establishes the mission for one initial year, with the intention for further renewal.

The Security Council authorized the deployment of up to 7,000 troops, which is an improvement from the previous mission which had 5,000 troops in the South. In a country the size of Texas with less than 50 miles of paved roads, the additional 2000 troops are essential in order to effectively have a decentralized mission that is able to protect civilians and not just United Nations infrastructure. After the mission’s initial three and six months, the Security Council will review the conditions on the ground to determine if the troop levels can be reduced to 6,000. The added clause was likely included to appease members of the Security Council who initially objected to the additional troops due to UN budget concerns. The UNMISS personnel will also include 900 police as well as UN civilian staff including human rights experts.

In May, Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary General of the UN, issued a report with recommendations for the new UNMISS mission. Two major aspects of the suggested mandate that were missing in Ban Ki-moon’s report were a full Chapter VII mandate which authorizes the use of force by peacekeepers in order to protect civilians, and any mention of responding to attacks by the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) who continue to terrorize civilians throughout Central Africa, including South Sudan. While the previous UNMIS mission had a mandate to protect civilians which would technically encompass responding to LRA attacks, UNMIS failed to take effective action to counter LRA attacks.

In June, the Save Darfur Coalition/Genocide Intervention Network sent a letter to U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice urging her to utilize her influence at the Security Council to ensure that the new UNMISS mission was equipped with a robust Chapter VII mandate that had specific language directing the new mission to respond to LRA attacks in South Sudan, both of which were included in the final version of the UNMISS mandate that was passed last week.

Since the Government of Sudan has refused to allow the mission to continue in the North, the new mission will operate solely in the South, leaving a critical gap along the contentious border region where fighting has displaced over 188,000 civilians in the past two months. While the Security Council has authorized the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), the state of South Kordofan, where fighting between the Sudanese government and the Sudan Peoples Liberation Army-North has persisted now for over a month, will have no peacekeeper presence. The absence of a peacekeeping force in South Kordofan and its neighboring state Blue Nile, could have disastrous consequences for civilians.

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