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Sudan

United Nations Sudan Bulletin 07 Sep 2006

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

Highlights:

Demonstration to took place in Khartoum on 6 September in protest against recent fuel and commodity price increases

Armed men opened fire at AU Protection Force in Kassab IDP Camp, marking it the third security incident involving the AU in two days (3-4 September) in the Kutum area

Editor in- chief of Al-Wifag newspaper found dead and beheaded

General:

On 6 September, President Al Bashir reiterated that Sudan would not accept UNSCR 1706 in a speech before a public rally in Kassala. He said that Sudan's rejection to the resolution is final. He declared that he has ordered camps to open to train the Mujahidin (holy fighters). He strongly criticized the opposition and said that the demonstrations would not topple the government but make it stronger.

Papers also reported that the AU Peace & Security Council would arrive in Khartoum next week for talks with President Bashir, Vice-President Kiir and Senior Presidential Aid Minnawi on the future of its mission in Sudan. The Press reported that SLM leader AbdulWahid had warned that an AMIS withdrawal would create a security void in the region.

FVP Kiir and the President of GoSS have recently issued a number of decrees relieving and appointing new officials in GoSS. He accepted the resignation of Nhial Bol and appointed Dr. Bernab M. Benjamin as the Minister of International Cooperation. He also relieved Warrap State Governor, Patrick Zamoi and appointed Samuel Abo John in his place. He relieved Paul Odiang, Minister of Fianance and Commerece, George Morat, the Economic Advisor, Professor Angelo Logali, the Political Advisor, Felix Okingi, the Commissioner of Bodi, Mark Leo Bos, the Commissioner of Kapeota and Kilasio Ohesa, the Commissioner of Aktos. He appointed George Morat as Minister of Finance and Commerce, Ben Loki as Minister of Information and Communications, Fransis Oking as Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and Rural Development, Maj Gen Marshilo Atowari as Advisor of Security Affairs, Robert Lukamo as Adisor of Political Affairs and Adarsni Lobara as a Commissioner of Bodi.

The second session of the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly (SSLA) commenced on 6 September by FVP Salva Kiir. The event was attended by Gen Wani Igga, the Speaker of the SSLA, Riek Machar, the GoSS VP, GoSS Ministers, Members of the Assembly and the Ugandan Minister for Interior Dr. Rugunda, who is in Juba leading the Ugandan Delegation attending the talks between the LRA and the Ugandan Government. In his statement, Salva Kiir outlined his Governments 200 Day Action Plan, stipulating priority policy actions, activities, projects and programmes which he said his Government was committed to completing within a specified time-frame.

On 6 September, a demonstration was organized by opposition parties (not authorized by the Government) against the fuel and commodity increases. It began at around 1430 hrs in the City Centre area of Khartoum with three areas of rioting in Khartoum; the Khartoum University, the area around Khartoum Great Mosque and Omdurman Souk. The use of tear gas was confirmed at all locations and shooting was reported in the Khartoum City Centre. Police sources said that more than 30 activists were arrested during the demonstrations.

On 6 September, the Wali of North Darfur State, Osman Mohamed Yousif Kibir, welcomed joint work between the state government and SLM/Minni Minawi relating to humanitarian services for displaced persons, refugees and people affected by the security incidents in the various parts of the state. On 5 September, the governor received the SLM's Humanitarian Affairs official, Al-Sharif Ishaq, in the presence of the Director General of the Humanitarian Aid Commission in the state, Ibrahim Ahmed Hamid in El Fasher.

On 6 September, the editor in- chief of Al-Wifag newspaper, Mohamed Taha Mohamed Ahmed, who was abducted on 5 September from his house, was found dead and beheaded on 6 September in Kalakla area (southern of Khartoum). Assistant General Director of the Police Forces for Khartoum State, Maj. Gen. Mohamed Najib Al-Tayeb, said in a statement to Police Press Office that the incident was committed in an ugly manner which was strange to the lofty customs, conduct and morals of the Sudanese people. He said that the Police authorities have arrested a number of persons who were suspected of committing the crime. Maj. Gen. Al-Tayeb pointed out that the Police authorities are continuing investigation for arrest of the culprits and referring them to justice.

According to local media, the absence of the Deputy President of GOSS, Dr. Riak Mechar outside Juba has delayed the resumption of the 3rd round of talks scheduled to start Monday between the Ugandan Government and LRA.

UNMIS Police:

UN Police Yei was asked by the local Police Commissioner to assist with the updating of local police personnel and a project on payroll.

Khartoum and Northern Sudan:

Rule of Law:

On 5 September, UNMIS attended an open forum organized by the Legislative and Justice Committee of the National Assembly to discuss two draft bills on the Political Parties Act. One bill was prepared by the Future Directions Center and the other was presented as a GoNU draft. However, the SPLM stated they were not involved in the drafting of the Bill. Major political parties attended this forum but no agreement was reached on a common text. However, upon proposal from the Chair of the Legislative and Justice Committee, participants decided to establish a committee that will collect comments on the drafts from political parties, including those that are not represented in the current National Assembly. Comment: This is a good first step that the National Assembly convened this "open" forum.

North Darfur

Security:

On 4 September, five armed men opened fire at AU Protection Force in Kassab IDP Camp/Civpol Police Post. Six bullets penetrated through the AU Civpol post/container which serves as an office. No causalities reported. Comment: This is the third security incident involving the AU in two days (3-4 September) in the Kutum area.

Civil Affairs:

On 6 September, UNMIS met with the North Darfur Legislative Council, civil society organizations, AU representatives, IDPs from Abu Shouk and Es Salaam Camps, and SLM/MM official representatives in El Fasher. The purpose of the visit was to have a clear understanding of the situation on the ground, to gauge the opinions of different key interlocutors on the current developing trends, the DPA/DDDC, and grass-roots reconciliation efforts.

On 5 September, as a follow-up to the 3 September El Fasher University incident, the Council of the University Deans issued a statement calling for the resumption of classes. In the meantime, the Council declared that all political activities be put on hold until new policies are established. However, the situation at the University remains tense.

South Darfur

On 31 August, about 50 suspected armed militiamen on horses attacked a group of women and children collecting grass and firewood, 2 km South of Nyala. One person was allegedly killed, several civilians injured.

Civil Affairs:

On 6 September, UNMIS in Nyala met with representatives of SLA/MM to gauge their view on how UNMIS could assist in the dissemination and implementation of the DPA and the DDDC. The SLA representatives expressed his group's disappointment regarding the dissemination and the implementation of the DPA, and raised concerns regarding the ceasefire violations by the Government military forces and their allied militias, the lack of disarmament for the Janjaweed, and the lack of logistical or financial support to the SLA to start peaceful political activities.

West Darfur

Security:

On 6 September, UNDSS Zalingei was informed that two INGO vehicles were shot at by five armed on Zalingei/Nertiti road near Khor Ramlla 10 kms before Nertiti township. No injuries reported.

On 6 September, a group of armed men stopped and robbed a commercial track at Zalingei/Nertiti road between Fogodikko and Khor Ramalla.

Civil Affairs:

On 4 September, UNMIS in El Geneina conducted a three-day field visit to Mornei, and met with the Deputy Chairman of the Native Administration, and IDP community leaders. UNMIS held a workshop on 5 September with the African Union at the group site in Mornei to present the DPA/DDDC.

Southern Sudan

Security:

In follow-up to the situation in Phom El Zaraf, a Joint Monitoring Unit (JMT) reported the situation in Kaldak as calm. Gabriel Tang did not go to Phom El Zaraf but his team went and is expected to return with the injured. Today, two JMT will assess the situation in Phom El Zaraf and Dor Diel.

Due to the land issues in Yei town and the dispute over the boundaries between Yei River County and Lainya County, a high-level delegation from the Government of Central Equatoria-Juba arrived in Yei town on 6 September.

Civil Affairs:

With the release of the Director of a local NGO, Manna Sudan, the NGO and its activities are in question in the Eastern Equatoria State. The community now feels relieved, and should the Director be completely acquitted of all charges, they will hold a peace dialogue with the Governor and the leadership of his tribe. There have been allegations that the Director was waging war against the Lotuko tribe, creating unnecessary tension between them and the Lango (from Ikotos).

Humanitarian:

Recently arrived returnees (by barge) in Panyar are facing difficulties due to lack of food. WFP will try to organize food drop. As no reports are available on the presence of mines and UNMIS can not carry out humanitarian assistance to the area.

Rehabilitation of Rubkona runway is ongoing but lack funds and Government's cooperation might force the rehab activities to stop.

Gender:

On 6 September, the UNMIS participated in a training of 30 paramount chiefs, chiefs and sub-chiefs organized by UNHCR, in collaboration with CHF and the Council of Chiefs on Protection and HIV/AIDS, to sensitize community leaders on gender and women's rights, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), HIV/AIDS and peacebuilding issues. Participants acknowledged that women in Southern Sudan do not enjoy the extent of their rights, especially in inheritance and access to land because of traditional practices especially dowry, discriminatory practices and lack of awareness on human rights.

Abyei, Blue Nile and South Kordofan: NSTR

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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