Opinion: Hemeti will challenge the Gods

The Commander of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) the former Janjaweed, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo “Hemeti” is now challenging the state and the Sovereign Council. As he has not accepted to fully integrate the militia into the army.

RSP is already semi-autonomous, but by the act in government from 2017. The powers of the President can still command it. Therefore, the manner in which the law is created. It is creating a hard way to find ways to measure it. As it was an autonomous unit, but can be commanded by the President. This is maybe why the Sovereign Council and the Transitional Government want it under the same umbrella and not run as a separate outfit anymore. Especially, when the integrity and the power imbalance it might create.

The National Army is about 110,000 soldiers. While the RSF is about 20,000 militia men. Therefore, the size of RSF is substantial. Though, Hemeti is overplaying his hand here. Al-Burhan is the President (Chairman) of the Sovereign Council and Commander of the Armed Forces. By the laws of RSF Act of 2017. This means Al-Burhan can direct the RSF the way he see fit.

That means the RSF have to comply. The RSF Act was created for Al-Bashir’s wishes and whims. However, he is no longer the President and Commander-in-Chief. At this current time Al-Burhan runs as the President with Hamdok as the Prime Minister. Therefore, Hemeti which happens to be the Deputy of Al-Burhan doesn’t have the mandate to rebel against this.

Yes, the law is made in a way, which creates a lot of issues. Certainly, it was wilfully done so. In such a way that Al-Bashir could put all the blame on Hemeti and say he acted on his own merit. Instead of having to take responsibility for the actions made by the RSF in Darfur. Now, the same protocols are stifling the integration and furthering the process of a peaceful transition.

Hemeti doesn’t want to give up now. After years as a General and continued to rise to prominence. He has tried to make himself look more feasible and trade-off as a political broker. Still, everyone knows his past and willingness to dip into the coffers and get dirty. This man is willing to sell arms to Tchad or the Central African Republic. His willing to kill civilians and be a militia leader. So, it is not like his a man of protocol and a man of procedure. The RSF web page proves that as well.

Now, his willing to bet on the prestige and the ambition on his past. That he has the ability to overcome this obstacle and loose some sort of independence from the army. While the law, which he himself referred to recently. Is stating that the President can direct it and appoint it’s leadership. Meaning, if he Hemeti goes hard on this. Al-Burhan can in effect demote him and appoint someone else who is willing to accept the fate of the RSF in the SAF. That is just a mere fact and Hemeti should be aware of that himself.

His 20,000 combating a strong national army is a bloodshed in awaiting. Hemeti already have a war-torn Darfur and is known for his attacks on civilians there. Not like there is much love lost between the general public and the RSF. They still remember how the RSF was used to quell the revolution and civilians demonstrating against Al-Bashir. Therefore, he will not garner their love anytime soon.

This is why Hemeti should accept this plight. Swallow his pride and be happy that his even the Deputy in the Sovereign Council. That even with his horrific and depressing history, which he should have answered for in the court. The lives and the families he has hurt over the years. Still, he has rose to power and sitting at the high table. That man should feel lucky and not take this for granted.

Al-Burhan and the rest of the Sovereign Council is in it’s right to integrate and get the RSF into the SAF. That is just natural and not continue the agony of having it separate. Hemeti should understand that and just move-on. If he does… he will still have the reigns and be considered influential. However, if he gambles this all now.

Both the laws, the people and the Sovereign Council will dismiss him. There will be little to no redemption and what’s worse for him. That if they arrest him or start investigation of all of his acts during the years. The man will not see the light of day again. He will either be brought to court or get jail time. That is something you don’t want when you gotten this far…

However, Hemeti rather risk it, it seems and possibly loose it all. As he challenge the Gods, thinking they will forgive him. What a fool(!). This will only hurt him and he will not see it coming. Peace.

Sudan: WFP’s response to inter-communal violence in Darfur, Sudan (29.01.2021)

This is a summary of what was said by WFP spokesperson Tomson Phiri – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

GENEVA – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is ramping up assistance to displaced people following a spate of inter-communal violence in West and South Darfur which has forced over 100,000 people to flee in search of safety.

An estimated 70,000 of the displaced people are gathered in over 70 centres across Geneina city in West Darfur. Additional gathering points have been identified as people continue to arrive where WFP and Sudan Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) joint population assessments are being planned. The total number of displaced people is feared to exceed 100,000.

WFP started distributions of emergency food assistance to people inside Geneina, so far reaching 40,000 people in 30 of the 71 centres. Assistance comprises staples – sorghum, pulses and salt to make meals – as well as high energy biscuits, which provide immediate nutrition for children and adults without the need for water or cooking. Food distributions to the remainder of the affected population are ongoing within the city while food distributions outside Geneina will start once the verification exercise is complete.

WFP is extremely concerned with the continued violence. November to January is when farmers are engaged in the winter season planting and the main season harvesting of millet and sorghum. Even a momentary burst of violent disruption of livelihood activities, can have a long-lasting impact. If a planting or harvesting period is missed, it may not be resumed. If livestock cannot be moved to pasture or water, they may not survive. The biggest loser in all this, are the poor households whose food security situation is further compromised.

###

The United Nations World Food Programme is the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. We are the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

Sudan: OHCHR – Press briefing notes on Sudan – Darfur, 22 January 2021 (22.01.2021)

Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: Ravina Shamdasani\ Location: Geneva\ Date: 22 January 2021

We have received deeply disturbing information about two deadly incidents of inter-communal violence in Darfur over the past week, and we fear that the lack of security and chronic impunity in the region leaves it vulnerable to further serious violence.

Between Saturday and Sunday, 16-17 January, 160 people were reportedly killed and 215 injured in clashes between armed men of the Masalit and Arab communities around Krinding camp for internally displaced people in West Darfur. Following the murder of an Arab tribal leader, allegedly by a Masalit man, armed men from the Arab community opened fire at the mostly Masalit IDPs in the camp and set many shelters on fire. In spite of measures by the Governor of West Darfur to bring the situation under control on Saturday, violent clashes erupted between armed men from both communities on Sunday in the region, which also resulted in mass displacement. A nearby village was also set on fire.

In a separate incident, on Monday 18 January, 72 people were reportedly killed and 73 others were injured in South Darfur’s Gereida locality following clashes between armed men from the Falata tribe and the Reizigat tribe. The incident was triggered by the killing of a 10-year-old boy from the Reizigat tribe on 17 January after his search for his camels caused him to cross into land claimed by the Falata tribe. The following day, Rezigat armed men launched an attack on a Falata village. Both sides exchanged fire, causing deaths, injuries and displacement. We understand that the state security committee has been attempting to contain the situation in South Darfur through the deployment of security forces to the area.

These incidents raise serious concerns about the imminent risk of further violence in Darfur, in an environment where decades-old ethnic and tribal tensions that were further stoked by the previous regime continue to fester. There are severe gaps in protection by State authorities, as well as a lack of accountability for violations. Local health facilities have reported being unable to cope with the high number of casualties.

We call on the Government of Sudan to promptly ensure the full implementation of its National Plan for the protection of civilians, and to restore public order and the rule of law in Darfur. We urge the authorities to prioritize carrying out thorough and effective investigations with a view to promptly ensuring that individual perpetrators are brought to justice — to break the cycle of armed citizens taking the law into their own hands to avenge attacks on members of their communities. Victims and their families have the right to redress.

We urge the judicial authorities to take immediate action on the findings of a previous report into intercommunal violence that occurred between 29-31 December 2019 in El Geneina, West Darfur, as a crucial step in the fight against impunity.

We stand ready to continue engaging constructively with the Government, including through our presence in Sudan, on the many human rights challenges the country continues to face.

Sudan: Ten children killed and seven injured in recent wave of violence in West Darfur, Sudan (22.01.2021)

Statement by Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Sudan

KHARTOUM, 22 January 2021 – “It is one week since the violence in El-Geneina began and one year since the last flare-up of similar senseless violence that killed over 80 people, including children, and displaced many thousands more.

“Over 150 people have now lost their lives, including 10 children, the youngest under five years old.

“Too many lives lost. Too many young futures cut short.

“UNICEF appeals to the tribal leaders in the area, to the young people and to tribes in west Darfur to stop fighting.

Despite the many challenges the Government of Sudan faces, we appeal to the authorities prioritize the protection of civilians and strengthening the application of rule of law. We must finally address the long-term root causes of conflict, and lay the foundations for lasting peace.

“I served in El-Geneina between 2009 and 2010. It pains me that 10 years on, the level of violence in the streets of this beautiful city is only escalating.”

Sudan: Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. for Sudan, Babacar Cissé, on 20/01/2021 about the recent killing of three aid workers (20.01.2021)

Sudan: Flash Update #2 – Conflict, Ag Geneina, West Darfur, 20 Jan 2021 (20.01.2021)

Sudan: UN chief calls for protection of civilians as violence spikes in Sudan’s West Darfur (18.01.2021)

The United Nations Secretary-General has voiced deep concerns over escalating violence in West Darfur and called Sudanese authorities to “expend all efforts” to end the fighting and protect civilians.

According to media reports, at least 83 people, including women and children, have been killed and more than 160 wounded in inter-communal clashes this weekend. Several houses are also said to have been destroyed and about 50,000 people displaced.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson on Sunday, Secretary-General António Guterres called on the Sudanese authorities to “expend all efforts to de-escalate the situation”.

He also called on them to “bring an end to the fighting, restore law and order and ensure the protection of civilians, in accordance with the Government’s National Plan for Civilian Protection.”

Mr. Guterres also expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

The violence occurred about two weeks after the African Union-United Nations hybrid peacekeeping mission in the region (UNAMID) ended its operations at the end of 2020. UNAMID is currently drawing down and the process is expected to complete by the end of June 2021.

Millions in need of assistance

The vast Darfur region, roughly the size of Spain, has been plagued by conflict and inter-communal tensions for years. Millions have been displaced by the violence, including many who fled into neighbouring Chad.

According to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), almost 5 million people there received humanitarian assistance between January and September 2020. Darfur is also one of the poorest regions in Sudan, with poverty rates as high as 67 per cent in Central Darfur. Several health facilities have also been closed due to lack of funds and staff.

Sudan: UNAMID Ends its Mandate on 31 December 2020 (30.12.2020)

Khartoum, 30 December 2020— On 22 December 2020, The UN Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2559 which ends UNAMID’s mandate on 31 December 2020. This was the culmination of a sustained process of consideration of the situation in Sudan and Darfur, including developments related to the peace process and the establishment and progress made by the transitional Government of Sudan in its quest to address the conflict in Darfur.

This latest decision of the Security Council means that Thursday 31 December will mark the end of UNAMID’s mandated operations in Darfur. The last patrols, programmatic and other mandated tasks will take place on the same day.

As of 1 January 2021, UNAMID’s troops and police personnel will focus on providing security for the Mission’s drawdown activities, personnel and assets. UNAMID will have a period of six months to undertake the drawdown, which will be conducted in a phased manner. This will involve repatriating troops, their vehicles and other equipment, separation of international and national staff as well as a sequential closure of Mission’s team sites and offices and handing them over to designated entities in line with United Nations rules.

This process should result in the withdrawal of all uniformed and civilian personnel from Sudan by 30 June 2021, except for a liquidation team that will finalise any residual issues and complete the administrative closure of UNAMID.

With UNAMID ceasing all its mandate-related activities which have been centred on supporting the peace process, protection of civilians, including facilitation of delivery of humanitarian assistance and supporting the mediation of intercommunal conflicts, the Government of Sudan will fully assume its primary role for addressing all the issues in these areas. The end of UNAMID’s mandate and its departure from Sudan does not mean the end of the international community’s support to Sudan. Indeed, UNITAMS and the United Nations Country Team will continue to support the Government of Sudan in addressing its multiple challenges related to security, political and economic challenges.

Sudan: TMC’s 3rd June 2019 Massacre proven with the finding of a mass grave in Khartoum

“Rapid Support Forces soldier records the massacre. He says: “kill them all. They took away my holiday” The woman at the end is asked “military or civilian (governmentt)?” Under durress, she says “military,” The soldier responds “If you said civilian, I will show you.”” (Sudan In The News, 03.06.2019).

Today the The Commission of Inquiry into the Disappearance of Missing Person found a mass grave dating to the 3^rd Jne 2019 massacre, which was ordered and done by the Transitional Military Council (TMC). The TMC ordered this or the Sudan Uprising and the Sudanese Revolution, which toppled Al-Bashir months before.

The ones responsible of this massacre and mass grave is in-charge today in the Sovereign Council. This being General Al-Burhan and General Hemiti. These two should be implicated into the murders and the hiding of the missing people from July 2019. It isn’t decades back and you cannot find the paperwork or paper-trail to find the ones ordering it and burying it.

The past of the TMC is now hunting it. They maybe hope this will blow over and not cost them. As the Sudanese have secured more recognition abroad and diplomatic victories. Therefore, today’s news show’s what the leaders within the Sovereign Council is capable of. This is the men who was loyal and army commanders within the regime of Al-Bashir. Not some random leaders becoming technocrats in a Transitional Government.

Here is one timeline. Explaining the gist of what happened. Clearly, there are numbers missing of deceased. As the findings of a mass grave says a lot!

Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust (HART) timeline:

“June 3rd

Protest leaders say security forces attack their Khartoum sit-in at the centre of the movement, opening fire, torching tents and killing more than 100 people and injuring over 300. The assault on June 3 marked the worst violence in Sudan since the April 11 overthrow of long-time leader Omar al-Bashir. The security forces’ bloody dispersal of the weeks-long sit-in outside the military headquarters in Khartoum drew sharp condemnation from the United Nations, the African Union (AU) and others.

June 3rd-July 9^th

Severe restriction to the internet throughout Sudan from June 3 to July 9 on orders of the ruling Transitional Military Council.

June 4th

40 bodies pulled from the Nile’ after deadly violence. The Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors (CCSD) said 40 bodies were retrieved from the Nile River” (HART – ‘Sudan Briefing: May – July 2019 Timeline of Events’ 15.07.2019).

On the 3^rd June 2019 I wrote this:

“The TMC will be remembered for this, these acts of evil. They got blood on their hands and it will haunt them, just like the rest of them. At one point it will get caught up and destroy them. The TMC is only protecting itself, not the people. The army is supposed to protect the territory and the citizens of it, not colonize and destroy it to rule, but that is what it does” (Minbane – ‘Sudan: The TMC colonized Khartoum today!’ 03.06.2019).

The haunting of the TMC happened today as it revealed to what extent. A Mass Grave entails a lot of bodies dumped on place, buried in haste to hide the “evidence” and hope it decompose before anyone finds the skeletons of the dead bodies. However, the Commission of Inquiryi nto the Disappearance of Missing Person found the ones unreported and missing from that fatal day.

The actions of the TMC is now evident. They made a Mass Grave out of the massacre. Not only the dead dropped into the river Nile. The Rapid Support Force (RSF) or the Janjaweed should be held accountable and responsible. Also, the other military agencies that did this. The lives taken is on their watch and their orders. The TMC members of the Sovereign Council should answer for this.

They have already tried to hide it and shown their true acts of deviousness. Hopefully the families who lost people can get some relief and see the remains of their loved ones. However, their deaths should be answered. The sins of the leaders ordering this needs to be held to account. These people deserves justice and deserves to honoured. Not just being a token of how the TMC got away from the law and got legitimized months later. Peace.

Sudan: The Sovereign Council accepted to pay U.S. Ransom [to get off the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorist List]

The Sovereign Council have paid the $335m USD in ransom to be removed from the U.S. State Sponsor of Terrorism List. The Sudanese Government have accepted the agreement with United States, after U.S. President Donald J. Trump would delete Sudan from the list, if they paid up the 335 million dollars into an escrow account.

Prime Minister Abdalla Hamadok and President Abdel-Fatah al-Burhan have accepted this deal. Being pushed to pay a huge amount of money to “clean their name”. That is why this was practically a ransom. They were bushwhacked by the Americans.

To be able to “clean their name” and get away from the history during the Al-Bashir reign. The usage of militias, weapons-trade and create insecurity in regions of Sudan and elsewhere. This is just deleted over a transaction of money. The state sponsored militias who was killing for years. The ones causing a civil war, which led to the cession of South Sudan. All of this is just erased over a payment of some cash.

This payment is coming from an economy and state, which needs funds to cover the troubles of COVID-19, floods and whatnot. There has already been aftermath of the revolution, which let to the fall of Al-Bashir. The one who was in-charge when the bombing happen to the U.S. Embassy in 1998.

In my mind, this isn’t a fair diplomatic exchange between to grieving parties. No, this is one imperial move in 2020. How else can you describe this?

You will stay on a “Sponsoring Terrorist List” unless you pay us damages! That is the message here and the Sudanese complied as the “minor” partner in this. A way to clear themselves and get more acknowledge in the International Community.

Instead of fixing internal issues with militias and regional proxies. The Sudanese are paying some money and the sins are forgiven. To a state, which had a revolution and had a crisis of inflation. An inflation that made it impossible for many to buy bread. Therefore, asking from money here is ice-cold and insane.

That is why this is a ransom. The US isn’t changing things on the ground. Yes, Khartoum have moved in a positive step in Darfur and Blue Nile. However, the stalemate in Abyei continues and without a new peaceful means.

The US have cleared the Sudanese without having any significant changes other than with positive headlines. The Sudan has paid some money, but they are needing to change their behaviour. The ones in charge in the Sovereign Council can act like status quo. They are being cleaned up and all it took was paying some money. That is the mere reality here.

Not making policy changes. Not stopping militias or communal conflicts. No, the Sudanese can do whatever they feel, as long as they pay the fees put on them. This is how it looks. The Sudanese is accepting being taken hostage for circumstances before their reign. Some were in the hierarchy of Al-Bashir. Still, they are the ones paying up now for the sins of the past. Instead, of fixing the reasons for why happen in the first place.

That is what is striking here. The US should look into the reasons for why it happened, instead they are accepting a blank check and all grins. That is how morally bankrupt this administration is. Peace.