Unified Mission Analysis Centre (UMAC)
United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS)
Khartoum, Sudan
Highlights:
- Ceasefire Political Commission (CPC)
met in Khartoum
- National Legislature ratified the DPA
- Darfur rebel leaders founded the National Redemption Front (NDF)
- FVP Salva Kiir stated that he had no objection to a transition to the UN force in Darfur
- UN Radio "Miraya" launched in Juba
- AU withdrew 30 Chadian AMIS monitors from Darfur
- South Darfur witnessed increased violence in IDP camps
Political
The Ceasefire Political Commission (CPC) met in Khartoum on 1 July, with the SRSG, DSRSG and Force Commander in attendance. The meeting was briefed on the status of formation of Joint Integrated Units (JIUs) by the Co-Chairs and Technical Committee of the Joint Defense Board, JIU Commander (SAF) and Deputy Commander (SPLA).
On 1 July, the National Legislature ratified the DPA. According to the official Sudanese news agency, the Legislature called on the international community to provide support and assistance for Darfur's reconstruction and urged parties that did not sign the agreement to join the peace process.
On 30 June, in Asmara, Darfur rebel leaders founded the National Redemption Front (NDF). The NRF's Founding Declaration flagged a forthcoming statement on its position regarding the DPA. The signatories include Dr Khalil Ibrahim, the leader of JEM, Mr Ahmed Ibrahim Diraige (Chairman) and Dr Sharif Harir of the Sudan Federal Democratic Alliance and Khamis Abdalla Abakar, formerly SLA-Abdul Wahid Deputy Chairman. Abdul Wahid, the leader of the SLA-Abdul Wahid faction, did not sign the declaration.
On 30 June, SLA-Minawi faction's External Relations Secretary Ibrahim Ahmed Ibrahim issued a statement supporting the suspension of the DPA. Meanwhile, a delegation of SLA-Minawi remains in Khartoum for talks with the Government of Sudan on DPA implementation.
On 30 June, the SRSG, accompanied by PDSRSG Zerihoun, went to Juba to launch the UN Radio "Miraya" together with the First Vice President Salva Kiir. Speaking at the ceremony, FVP Salva Kiir stated that he had no objection to a transition to the UN force in Darfur. After the ceremony, the SRSG and the PDSRSG held discussion with VP Kiir on Eastern Front, LRA and implementation of the CPA issues. On 30 June, in Juba, FVP Salva Kiir stated that he had no objection to a transition to the UN force in Darfur.
Local Arab-language media reported a meeting between Presidents Bashir and Déby at the AU summit, in Banjul, Gambia on 1 June. The meeting was reportedly brokered by President Gaddafi of Libya.
Meanwhile, local Arab-language press reported that the AU withdrew 30 Chadian AMIS monitors from Darfur at the request of Sudan's Foreign Ministry. The Peace and Security Council (PSC) heard Sudan's request at their meeting in Banjul on 27 June.
On 28 June, SRSG Pronk published comments about the DPA on his weblog. He emphasized the need to implement the Agreement, to broaden its 'circle of support', and to support the transition to a UN peacekeeping operation.
Local Arab-language press gave extensive coverage to the SRSG's comments. The reports emphasized the SRSG's comments that the opposition rebel issues should be addressed in the DPA, that further dialogue was required and that more compensation was required for affected persons.
UNMIS Police:
Local police in El-Renk (Malakal) confirmed to UN Police Popular Defense Force (PDF) militiamen pose a threat in the area. Local police stated that the PDF was integrated into SAF and are camped inside El-Renk. Local police also informed the existence of another militia group "GUSH" which also was integrated into SAF but camped in Fayeur (two km from El-Renk).
Khartoum and Northern Sudan :NSTR
North Darfur
Security:
On 29 June, AU CivPol redeployed to Zam Zam Station (18 km South of El Fasher) informed UNMIS that they still have not received official communication from the Sheikhs and Umdas in Abu Shouk Camp regarding the resumption of patrols (Sit Rep 29 June). The IDPs complained that they no longer welcomed AU Civpol in the camp since they felt the AU cannot protect them from armed militia attacks.
On 30 June, reports were received that the SLA/Minnawi faction attacked the SLA/Wahid controlled village of Tarny (20 km Southwest of Tawilla). Comment: AMIS received a letter by a Sheikh in Tarny requesting the mission to deploy protection forces to stop attacks and harassment by the SLA/Minnawi and armed Zaghawa shepherds.
South Darfur
Security:
On 1 July, IDPs in Dabanera informed AMIS that on 29 June SLA/Minnawi soldiers attacked and looted Aradip and Martal IDP Camp, killing nine people.
On 1 July, AMIS reported that two unknown men tried to rape four girls from Khor Omer IDP Camp (Ed Daein).
For the past days, Kalma IDP camp witnessed several violent attacks and robberies. On 30 June, AU CivPol was informed about the murder of an INGO night watchman (Fur origin) in Kalma IDP Camp by unknown gunmen. On 30 June, armed men shot an IDP trader who refused to hand over money. The victim sustained serious gunshot wounds. In another incident on the same day, AU CivPol reported two armed men shot an IDP male (Fur origin) in the camp. On 29 June, armed men stole broke into two stores in Kalma IDP Camp and stole several bags of sugar and sweets. On 28 June, armed men looted the hut of an IDP (Fur origin) in Kalma camp. On 27 June, six armed men unsuccessfully attempted to steal a water pumping machine at a water point about 600 meters south of Kalma IDP Camp. All incidents were reported to the Bilel Government Police.
On 30 June, the Head and fifteen other Sheikhs from Yassin IDP Camp (23 km Northeast of Gereida) visited the AU Camp in Gereida requesting for protection and security escort for their women during firewood collection. This comes after AU CivPol reported on 28 June that four female IDPs from Yassin IDP Camp were abducted by thirty militiamen while collecting firewood. The women were taken to Mashrou village where they were tortured and raped.
On 30 June, AMIS patrol to Kazanjadeed (110 km Northeast of Nyala) observed about 200 inhabitants armed with rifles, alleging that the SLA/Minawi soldiers abducted a Sheikh and his two sisters on 28 June. The locals demanded that AMIS negotiate for the release of the Sheikh; otherwise they will take action. The locals added that AMIS was not welcomed in Kazanjadeed if they failed to negotiate the Sheik's release.
On 28 June, AMIS reported that unknown armed men attacked a passenger truck that had gone to collect firewood 16 km north of Menawashi. The attackers killed two IDP males and injured 27 others. Civil Affairs:
On 1 July, UNMIS in Nyala was invited by WFP and an INGO to brief an Australian Member of Parliament and Shadow Foreign Minister on the work of UNMIS.
West Darfur
Security:
On 1 July, an unknown number of SAF troops and Chadian Opposition Rebels (CAOG) departed El Geneina and headed southwest, in the direction of Masteri.
On 30 June, AU CivPol was informed by the Sheikh of Hamadiya IDP Camp that the AMIS Station in his camp was looted. The AU Sector Commander re-emphasized the need for AU Civpol to resume activities in the IDP Camps. The Sheik replied that AU Civpol would be welcomed if they carried out the same mandate as AMIS and should not implement the DPA which is not in their interest.
Southern Sudan
Security:
On 28 June, fighting between the Murle and the Nuer tribes over a cattle dispute was reported in Lokongole, Pibor County. The SPLA intervened and then fighting occurred between them and the Murle tribe. At least five people were reported injured. One INGO staff member and three government officials were relocated to Lokichoggio by an INGO chartered aircraft. Comment: Lokongole has been declared level 4.
On 1 July, about 400-500 returnees from Mayen Pajok demonstrated at the UN agency Sub-Office in Akon (125km North of Wau). The returnees were frustrated with the food distribution on 29 June. A settlement was negotiated between the UN, the Payam Administrator and the Chief of the Mayen Pajok returnees.
On 28 June, a Government Police Sergeant-Major attempted to steal food items that were outside a UN agency rubhall in Akon in preparation for distribution the next day. Tribal security personnel ended up striking him in the head with a rifle butt, and the senior Police official threatened to return with colleagues to retaliate. UN FSO and Security Assistant liaised with Senior police official and the local police station to defuse the situation. Comment: Food items pre-positioned outside the rubhall the day before a distribution makes it an attractive target for looting. This is not an isolated case of police involvement in theft of food items. According to local staff, many police and other local authorities are of the opinion that food stocks are Government food and they have free access to divert the items as they see fit.
Human Rights:
On 28 June, FVP and President of GoSS, Salva Kiir, nominated the five members who will compose the Southern Sudan Human Rights Commission (SSHRC): Ms. Joy Kwaje (Chairperson); Mr. Thomas Dut (Deputy Chairperson); Mr. Nyang Lul (member); Dr. Anei Mawein (member); Mr. Kong Dier Dut (member). Comment: This appointment of members to the SSHRC took place before the SSHRC Act was enacted by the Parliament. Premature nomination of members prior to the actual establishment of the Commission raises concerns about the credibility of the future functioning of the Commission.
Humanitarian:
Further clarification to Sit Rep 29 June, WFP Aweil reported that following recent routine distribution of food to about 11,000 returnees in the last week of May, they found no local authority representatives except SRRC staff whom the team traveled with from Malualkon. There was a high presence of Government military men even during the food distribution -which was carried out smoothly- and some were demanding to be given food but the team was able to politely decline. Comment: Given previous experience in March, where a WFP staff member was detained for no apparent good reason for some hours by the military and was released on the intervention of the NBEG State Governor and SRRC, local authorities should have a more permanent and visible presence in Malual. WFP appealed to SRRC and OCHA to visit Malual to re-assess situation.
Civil Affairs:
On 30 June, during the official opening of the UNMIS Radio in Juba, FVP Salva Kiir said that the disarmament process carried out in the Upper Nile States and some parts of Equatoria States was meant to get rid of the other armed groups whose aim was to disrupt the CPA process by causing conflict to innocent rural populations. He further emphasized that the issue of disarmament was a regional problem which calls for efforts of all countries in the region namely: Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Congo and Somalia. The FVP also assured the population that the Census will be carried out next year according to the CPA.
Humanitarian:
On 1 July, IOM transported 126 Bor Dinka IDPs from Yei to Juba. The IDPs who arrived by IOM trucks were taken to the Lologo way station. This is only part of the 4,000 IDPs who have registered to return to Bor.
The Lou-Nuer-Murle Peace Conference took place on 26-28 June in Akobo town. During the Conference, clans were reported fighting from 25-28 June in Lingah outside Akobo town. The County Commissioner reported that 18 people were killed. The wounded could not be the airlifted due to the unlandable airstrip following the heavy rains.
On 30 May, UNHCR informed that USD 2,000 was stolen from their safe. UNHCR reported that their rub halls had been broken into six times. The breakings were reported to the local police but no arrests have been made.
During a weekly UN and INGO security meeting (on 29 June) in Jonglei state, a new airlifting site was identified near to the UNHCR compound in event of an evacuation. Also, a new proposed UN compound site has been allocated to UN agencies behind the current UNHCR compound.
UNICEF issued 1,000 insecticide treated mosquito nets for the safe motherhood initiative. At least 1,000 pregnant women and children under five will be prevented from getting malaria.
Mine Action:
An UXO was found under the fence of recently inaugurated Juba Radio site. No further information is available.
Eastern Sudan: NSTR
Abyei, Blue Nile and South Kordofan
Security:
On 30 June, Camp Tillo (Kadugli) was looted by 50-60 residents from nearby villages after the official hand over by UNMIS to the Ministry of Education. Anti-riot police apprehended three pick up trucks loaded with stolen goods and several individuals are under investigation. Comment: Prior to the handover, the Ministry of Education was advised to bring Police due to the volatility of the situation as previously experienced during another UNMIS move on 20 June. However, they brought only one armed policeman during the hand over.
Restriction of Movement:
In Sector III, SPLA (former South Sudan Independence Movement (SSIM)) Commander refused to allow verification of Headquarters in Rubkona (6 Km North of Bentiu).
In Sector VI, a Joint Monitoring Team (JMT) was denied permission to spend the night in Higilig area (120 Km Northeast of Abyei) by the 28 SAF Brigrade commander.
Safety of Personnel:
A former South Sudan Defense Forces (SSDF) Commander now incorporated to SAF, went to the two compounds accommodating UNMOs, UN Police and an UNMIS civilian staff member in Abyei town and issued a 2-hour ultimatum for UN staff to vacate the accommodation. 40 people moved to the UN TCC camp. The SAF 31 Brigade Commander assured the safety of all UNMIS staff.
Casualties: No casualties reported