Unified Mission Analysis Centre (UMAC)
United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS)
Khartoum, Sudan
Highlights:
9 July announced as official public
holiday throughout Sudan on the occasion of the celebrations of the signing
of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement
South Darfur State approved proposal to amend the State's Constitution
Increased fighting by SLA factions in Darfur region
Political
The Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers announced that 9 July would be an official public holiday throughout Sudan on the occasion of the celebrations of the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). On 8 July, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Ateem Garang (SPLM) said that SPLM will not participate in the festivities because the CPA was signed on 9 January.
On 8 July, the Legislative Council in South Darfur State approved a proposal from State Governor Al-Haj Atta Mannan to amend the State's Constitution, according to local media. The proposal allocates 21 parliamentary seats to the signatory movements of the DPA, gives a further four seats to the National Congress and increases the number of ministries from eight to 10.
On 7 July, Vice President Taha returned to Sudan. At the airport, he told the press that he had interrupted his holiday because of the difficult circumstances facing the country. On 8 July, local media reported a close-door meeting between President Bashir and SVP Taha at the President s residence to discuss recent developments in the country. Comment: Arab-language press has been reporting allegations on the differences between the two, particularly on the role of the UN in Darfur. On 6 July, President Bashir publicly denied a rift, saying that the rumours were fabricated by the media.
On 8 July, at the opening ceremony of the New Manshiya Bridge, President Bashir restated his opposition to international forces in Darfur. He called for Darfur rebel groups to join the peace process and stressed that there would not be more negotiations on Darfur.
President Museveni of Uganda named an eight member team for GoSS-brokered talks with the LRA in Juba due to start on 12 July. The team is led by Minister of Internal Affairs Ruhakana Rugunda, who will be assisted by Henry Okello Oryem, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs in charge of International Relations.
On 8 July, in Juba, GoSS Vice-President Riek Machar urged the LRA to include deputy leader Vincent Otti to its delegation for a stronger presence, according to international news agencies. Machar pointed out that the Government of Uganda agreed to negotiate with LRA leadership.
In an interview with Sudan Radio Service on 7 July, Cabinet Affairs Minister in the Government of National Unity, Deng Alor Kual called on the NCP to implement the Abyei Protocol.
UNMIS Police:
A small boy found a landmine in a bush and handed it over to a JIU soldier in Lolere (Juba). UN Police advised that an awareness program be organized in schools and for the public on the dangers of handling landmines.
Khartoum and Northern Sudan
Security:
As of 5 July, NRF rebels responsible for the attack on Hamrat Al Sheikh on 4 July (Sit Rep 5 July) are allegedly located in Om Sunta village (80 km west of Hamrat Al Sheikh). On 5 July, a humanitarian convoy under heavy police escort left El Obeid for Hamrat Al Sheikh with food and medicines.
North Darfur
Security:
On 8 July, a G-19 senior field commander (SLA/AW (Abdul Wahid)) reported that Birmaza (G-19 controlled-area) was under attack by SLA/MM (Minni Minnawi) rebels. A Government Antonov aircraft joined by a white helicopter was observed circling the area. Further investigations revealed that it was a white Government helicopter which passed over the town heading in the direction of Muzbat. Comment: As a result of this renewed and potential ongoing fighting, UNDSS issued warnings to UNMIS, UN Agencies and NGO's through OCHA that operations in the above reported areas should be reviewed and suspended until further notice.
On 8 July, an AMIS helicopter was shot at by unknown individuals carrying an unidentified projectile(s) 12 km Northeast of Shangil Tobayi. The helicopter was completing an air patrol at a 100 meter altitude with about 12 passengers. No further information is available. Comment: UNDSS has temporarily restricted flights to the area.
On 8 July, a G-19 senior field commander confirmed that SLA/MM rebels, allegedly supported by SAF troops from El Fasher, attacked and captured Umm Sidir (G-19 controlled-area, 90 km North of El Fasher).
On 7 July, SLA/MM rebels attacked Al Aradib Ashara and Faiga villages, both under SLA/AW (Abdul Wahid) influence. Three people were reported killed and one was injured.
On 5 July, the SLA/MM and SLA/AW factions were reported fighting in the SLA/AW controlled village of Tina (12 km Southwest of Tawilla). The SLA/MM rebels were based from Susuwa (Southwest of Tawilla). A SLA/AW senior field commander had also participated in the fight with his forces.
On 5 July, SLA/MM rebels attacked the villages Dalim, Kathim and Birka (about 40 km Northwest of El Fasher) which were most likely under SLA/AW influence. The number of injured civilians and large number of stolen livestock is unconfirmed.
AMIS reported that on 6 July, a town leader of Birka village (60 km West of Tawilla) was killed by SLA/MM rebels during the on going fighting between SLA/MM and SLA/AW in the Korma general area. The SLA/MM rebels travelled into the town via Dali IDP Camp (Southest of Tawilla). Protection:
Intra SLA fighting in and around Tawilla has forced the displacement of about 4,000 IDPs. On 8 July, AMIS reported that about 650 new IDPs, mostly women and children, arrived in Zam Zam camp who fled from the ongoing fighting between SLA factions in the Tawilla area. All newly arrived IDPs belong to the Fur tribe and fled from 21 villages; Koyo, Kera, Kosheny, Sandingo, Karfolla, Dady, Hashaba, Saby, Khor Mally, Dybis, Hymeda, Dolma, Dawa, Wadadi, M Saleat, Dally, Nemera, D Ba, Carhma, Daybo and Abdia. The IDPs alleged that the SLA/MM faction was indiscriminately killing, raping women and abducting Fur civilians in Tawilla. One IDP alleged he witnessed fifteen young women being raped and then killed. He further alleged that about forty men were kidnapped and believed to have been executed. The general security situation was reported to be tense.
South Darfur
Security:
On 7 July, unknown armed men attacked a Government military camp at the outskirts of Duma (40 km North of Nyala). Two soldiers were killed.
On 6 July, Falata armed militia ambushed some Habaniya traders in Ragag (50 km Northwest of Buram) killing seven Habaniya tribesmen. In retaliation, on 7 July, fighting between armed militias of the Falata and Habaniya tribes continued. 15 people were killed from both sides. Government police and military reinforcements were sent to the area. The Commissioners of Buram and Tulus Localities held meetings with the Umdas and tribal leaders to resolve the problem.
On 7 July, two IDPs from Kalma IDP Camp were shot dead near Arbaha village (400 meters north-east of Kalma Camp).
On 7 July, two armed men in military uniform attacked a convoy of three UN Agency contracted commercial trucks carrying humanitarian supplies from El Obeid to El Geneina. They beat the drivers and looted about 75,000 SD and their mobile phones.
On 6 July, armed men attacked an UN Agency contracted commercial truck in Tortahan (53 km Southeast of Nyala) with 24 passengers while travelling from El Deain to Nyala. The truck overturned and 17 passengers were injured.
On 6 July, armed militia attacked the village of Saadon (2 km North of Gereida). In retaliation, Masalite tribesmen pursued them, however, eleven of the tribesmen were killed and seven wounded.
West Darfur:NSTR
Southern Sudan
Security:
On 6 July, inter-clan fighting was reported in the area between Bhar el Naam and Pacong (20km Southwest of Rumbek). Six people were reported killed. Comment: On 6 July, SRRC Rumbek advised UN agencies and UNMIS that the area should be considered insecure until further notice. WFP missions were cancelled as result of the fighting.
Due to recent ambushes on the Juba-Mangalla and Juba -Torit roads, all UN agencies and implementing partners are advised to use armed escorts on these roads and movements should be cleared by the Deputy Designated Official (DDO) through UNDSS in Southern Sudan prior to departure. UN agency staff is advised to contact the Security Office in Juba three days before travelling on these routes so armed escorts can be arranged.
Humanitarian:
On 7 July, a barge carrying 1,000 spontaneous returnees in which 14 cases of cholera were confirmed left Bor. The passengers destined to Bor disembarked despite requests that they remain on board until the cholera cases were stabilized.
An INGO clinic received 21 new cases of Hepatitis A from 3 to 5 July in Wau town. An unconfirmed report on a high number of recent deaths following this outbreak was reported.
On 8 July, an IOM convoy carrying 205 IDPs left Yei to arrive at the Lologo way station near Juba.
On 7 July, Yei County celebrated the second Girl Child Education Day with the Speaker of the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly as a keynote speaker. There are 27,000 students in Yei 22,000 in primary schools and 5,000 in secondary schools. Speakers urged parents to stop the practice of the early marriages for girls and to encourage them to pursue their education so that they can fill the 25% of GoSS positions allocated for women. Civil Affairs:
On 7 July, the Jonglei Task Group, left for Akobo (Central Jonglei) to monitor the disarmament process and civilian arms control. The project is geared towards the disarmament, monitoring the process according to the UNMIS mandate, working to build confidence and supporting the CPA by reducing the resistance against the process.
According to an assessment mission undertaken by NGOs, displaced people in Mvolo (Western Equatoria State), from tribal clashes in May in Wulu County (Lakes State), are in urgent need of food, as well as Non-Food Items (NFI) such as sheets for shelter. Reconciliation activities are unlikely to be carried out until the needs of the displaced people are met, and they return to their villages.
Eastern Sudan: NSTR
Abyei, Blue Nile and South Kordofan
Civil Affairs:
On 4 - 6 July, the Nuba Relief Rehabilitation and Development Organization (NRRDO) organized a conference on Civil Administration and Peaceful Co-existence in Kadugli town working to reform and reestablish traditional civil administration mechanisms and peaceful co-existence among all the tribes in Southern Kordofan.
Restriction of Movement:
Safety of Personnel: NSTR
Casualties: No casualties reported