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Sudan

United Nations Sudan Situation Report 17 Aug 2006

Unified Mission Analysis Centre (UMAC)
United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS)
Khartoum, Sudan

Highlights:

LRA talks to resume 18 August

Government named two SPLM members to senior Sudanese diplomatic posts

WFP warned food aid rations for six million people in Sudan might be scaled down

General:

Sudanese and international media cited President Omar al-Bashir as saying that his country had been inspired by Hezbollah and would battle a proposed international peacekeeping force in Darfur. "We are determined to defeat any forces entering the country just as Hezbollah has defeated the Israeli forces," the President said.

On 17 August, Alwan newspaper alleged Government plans for a limited reshuffle to accommodate DPA and Declaration of Commitment signatories. The paper quoted sources saying that the GoS Ministry of Social Affairs would be allocated to SLM-Free Will, and the State Minister for Industry and the Minister of Information would be allocated to SLMMinawi. At the state level, the paper alleged that SLM-Minawi would receive the two Deputy Governorships in North and West Darfur, and possibly the Governorship of South Darfur.

On 16 August, in an interview aired by the BBC, LRA deputy leader Vincent Otti claimed that the current mediator GoSS FVP Riek Machar was not neutral, and that South Africa should play a more active role in the talks between the LRA and the Government of Uganda. A GoU delegation spokesperson in Juba told the UN's IRIN agency that talks will resume on 18 August. Both sides have called for UN and AU representation on truce monitoring teams.

On 16 August, a Ugandan Army spokesperson told the BBC that its forces had killed a junior LRA commander and three fighters on 14 August in Northern Uganda.

On 16 August, the Government named two SPLM members to senior Sudanese diplomatic posts. Mr. John Ukac Lueth will be Sudan's Ambassador to the USA, and Dr. Akec Khoc Acieu will be Deputy Head of Sudan's delegation to the UN. The SPLM has also been allocated ambassadorships to Japan, Spain, Kenya and Uganda.

On 16 August, the Deputy Governor of South Kordofan State Dr. Eisa Bashari, told local media that the SPLM and the NCP have agreed to a joint committee to resolve disputes about the draft State Constitution which delayed the formation of the State Government. The State Constitution could be adopted as early as 24 August.

On 16 August, Gezira State police authorities ordered IDPs in Dar Al Salaam (south of Khartoum) to evacuate their homes in line with a court decision. According to local press, thousands of armed police raided the village and clashed with the IDPs, injuring at least ten people.

WFP, in a press briefing warned that food aid rations for six million people in Sudan might have to be scaled down as early as October because food stocks are running short. For the first three months of 2007, WFP requires an estimated US$350 million. Specifically, in July WFP was unable to get food to more than 470,000 people in Darfur, up from 290,000 who could not be reached in June. WFP is extremely concerned about the recent dramatic increase in the killing of aid workers in Darfur. Eleven humanitarian workers have died in the region since the DPA was signed.

Military

CRITICAL INCIDENTS

On 15 August, Murle tribesmen attacked Juet village (South of Motot ((08º09'49"N 32º03'10"E)) One person was killed and another was seriously injured. The attackers also abducted a seven year old child. Comment: This is the second incident in a week (13 August) in which the Murle tribe attacked villagers in the same area. Even with the SPLA civilian disarmament, the Murle tribe still possess weapons.

UNMIS Police: NSTR

Khartoum and Northern Sudan: NSTR

North Darfur:

A traffic accident involving a Government military truck resulted in the death of seven civilians North of El Fasher market on 15 August. Eighteen people were injured.

South Darfur:

Security:

In Nyala, on 15 August, two men attacked an INGO staff member and stole money, a Thuraya, a mobile phone and a VHF radio.

On 15 August, a UN agency warehouse was looted in Otash. Preliminary investigation suggests the culprits used duplicate keys to open the containers. Details of looted items could not be confirmed.

West Darfur: NSTR

Southern Sudan:

Security:

On 16 August, a UN agency vehicle was shot at by five SPLA soldiers 20km north of Bor while travelling to Padak. The vehicle was stopped and the SPLA soldiers forcibly jumped into the vehicle and later ran away. One SPLA soldier was arrested. No injuries were reported.

A threatening letter was delivered to an INGO Compound demanding they restrict their movement within their compound and the Hospital where they work in Tambura (Western Equatoria).

On 16 August, sixteen boys tried to collect water from the TCC Camp (Malakal) and were stopped by the camp guards. The boys started throwing stones and plastic bottles. Five of the boys were arrested by local Police.

Abyei, Blue Nile and South Kordofan: NSTR

Eastern Sudan : NSTR

Restriction of Movement:

On 16 August, a UN Team (OCHA, UNDSS and UNMIS) met again with the Chief of National Security in Khartoum to follow up on the notification process restricting UNMIS movement in South Darfur. The issue unresolved.

Safety of Personnel: NSTR

Casualties: NSTR

Bulletins generally sum up the main events, incidents and developments on the ground in the various areas of UNMIS operation in Sudan. As public records of occurrences, the reports include statements and accounts from a wide range of sources and witnesses such as the internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, representatives of the Government, rebel movements, non-governmental organizations and others. As such, statements and accounts cited in the Bulletin and quoted from such individuals do not necessarily reflect the views of UNMIS.

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