



African Union: The 906th meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council on the situation in Sudan (05.02.2020)













Clashes in El Geneina, in Sudan’s West Darfur State, have forced more than 11,000 people to flee as refugees into neighbouring Chad since last month.
Clashes in El Geneina, in Sudan’s West Darfur State, have forced more than 11,000 people to flee as refugees into neighbouring Chad since last month. Four thousand of them have fled during last week alone and it is estimated that the clashes have displaced some 46,000 inside the country.
Most of them were already internally displaced people and when attacks happened in West Darfur in late December 2019, including on displacement camps, people fled and found temporary refuge in schools, mosques and other buildings in El Geneina.
With El Geneina only 20 kilometers from the border, thousands of refugees crossed into Chad, a number UNHCR anticipates could reach 30,000 in the coming weeks as tensions persist. UNHCR teams on the ground are hearing accounts of people fleeing after their villages, houses and properties were attacked, many burnt to the ground.
In Chad, the refugees are currently scattered in several villages along a line that spans nearly 100 kilometers near the border, around the town of Adré, in the province of Ouaddaï which already hosts 128,000 Sudanese refugees. The conditions are dire. Most are staying in the open or under makeshift shelters, with little protection from the elements. Food and water are urgently needed, while health conditions are a concern.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, its Government counterpart and humanitarian partners are on the ground and coordinating the response to this emergency, registering refugees and providing lifesaving aid including food, water, relief items. Refugees needing special care, including unaccompanied children, are being identified and assisted.
However, the rate of refugee arrivals risks outpacing our capacity. More resources and support will be required to bolster the response.
Together with the Chadian government, UNHCR is in the process of identifying a new site further from the border, where the refugees can be relocated and receive the security and assistance they desperately need.
Meanwhile in West Darfur, UNHCR and other humanitarian actors are also rushing relief items such as blankets, sleeping mats and jerry cans to assist displaced men, women and children at over three dozen gathering points. In the past week, trucks with additional relief items arrived from UNHCR’s warehouses in other Darfur states, with more aid on the way.
UNHCR continues to seek international community’s support for the transitional government of Sudan in addressing the root causes of the conflict in Darfur. Restoring security will be key for peacebuilding. This will also allow much needed development assistance to support sustainable solutions, including the return of Sudanese displaced inside the country and living as refugees, once conditions are conducive.


UNAMID looks forward to the immediate reinstatement of this joint security mechanism and expresses its willingness to play its part in ensuring its successful implementation.
This development follows meetings JSR Mamabolo held in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum with the Sudan Minister of Defence (MOD) and with the Assistant Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on 16 January and 24 January 2020, respectively. The mechanism comprises of UNAMID, UN Country Team, Sudan Ministry of Defence and other relevant Sudanese authorities.
“This is an important step towards ensuring safety and security of local communities, UN staff and assets when incidents like the recent looting in Kabkabiya occur. A central body like the joint security mechanism will enhance security related cooperation between UNAMID and the host government, a key element in achieving immediate and impactful response to these challenging situations,” JSR Mamabolo noted.
“For instance, in the recent Kabkabiya looting incident, MoFA and related security elements, once alerted by the Mission of the developing situation, immediately deployed in the area averting further destruction of property and possible loss of lives. UNAMID Pakistan Battalion, based in Kabkabiya also reacted speedily to the call for support and secured the concerned UN agency premises. This collaborative approach is to be commended and replicated in the future, when such incidents occur,” UNAMID JSR added.
UNAMID looks forward to the immediate reinstatement of this joint security mechanism and expresses its willingness to play its part in ensuring its successful implementation.

Well, this are not yet finished. There are dozens of problems ahead for Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his cabinet. It is not like Tories have won or succeeded anything. The possible reactions or results of the end of membership with the European Union (EU) isn’t carved out yet. Hell, even the issues of trade, border patrol, fishing nor the Northern Ireland questions are finalized.
The celebration of a new penny on the 31st January 2020 is a mockery, but also pointless. The Tories haven’t bagged it. They are not packing their briefcases and securing their tickets for the destination. Yes, the final Withdrawal Agreement was voted for and the next stage of Brexit is happening. However, the possible outcomes are from sealed. The ink isn’t even dry on the paperwork.
Who knows what the businesses will do, when the borders are shut and the hardships of trading across the Channel hits the fan. Who knows what will happen when the costs of banking and City of London comes across. It is not like the Tories can get it any harder. Not like they are getting the best deals and not getting issues from across the pond.
The PM will not address this and will rather deflect this. Surely, the industries and the ones whose exporting products will be hit the hardest. There are no certainty, the ones moving are already templating it or has already left. Several of businesses has moved to Ireland, France and Germany as a result of Brexit.
That is why, the projected downturns aren’t far fetched and the possible projections of the Withdrawal Agreement are bleak too. Not like this will not be a big natural hit on the consumer, the public and on the possible revenue of the state. However, the Tories will celebrate the end of Brexit. Loosing influence in Europe and become the “independent” island it is. Nevertheless, they still want to trade and be a partner, but not married to it. See how that will go and what cost that may bring.
This Brexit has been shambles from the Referendum until today. Not like Theresa May did it well. Neither has Boris Johnson. Boris is more superficial and conning, while May wobbled ahead. None of them is winning this. We just have to see if Boris will loose more. He won a mandate in Parliament, but if the wrecks the economy and beats the living hell out of the ones giving him a majority. He will surely be remembered for utter destruction on his own. Instead of finding good ways out of it.
He had nice times in his Jaguar. Nice time with screaming matches with his girlfriend. Mocking Corbyn in the PMQ. But what does that matter, when the public will be self-inflicted by dodgy deals and shoddy political work from the core group of people in Whitehall and Downing Street.
Who knows what this will entail, what sort of tariffs, regulations and the initial costs, who will be damaged, scorned by this deal and at what end has it?
I don’t have the answer, but by all reports, all studies with some barren I have come across. The negatives outshines the victories. Its like celebrating the French Fries, when you got a juicy burger sitting right there. By all means, the French Fries are a neatly cut potato with right amount of salt and oil. However, the burger is fresh breaded bun, with lettuce, ketchup and a barbecued patty. It should be easy choice.
So, on the 31st January, the ones celebrating are the ignorant, the ones who doesn’t care about the consequences, but are enjoying a break with Europe. The ones in sorrow, are not necessarily in support of the EU, but the ones that wonder if they are losing the benefits or the trade-offs made by the Union. Which the UK are now loosing out off. They got to bargain and leverage itself with everyone as a single entity. They got to do the right and at the right price. However, that will take time and the UK doesn’t have that. Especially, if they plan to cover the lost base and the lost power within the EU.
So in a few days time. The next chapter of negotiations start. The UK will have to fight and battle, they are not through yet. It is now all damage control. We got to see, if the EU citizens in the UK will get rights to stay or if they have to leave. We got to see, if the Northern Ireland will be hurt by this. That we will only with time.
However, what we do know … is that the UK is self-inflicting harm. They are doing damage to itself and hurting itself. We just got to see how it will be and by what estimates. Peace.

Zalingei/Khartoum, 23 January 2020- “This emerging trend of harassment of UN and NGO staff and subsequent looting and vandalization of UN and NGO premises and assets is not only very disturbing but totally uncalled for. UN and NGO staff are in Darfur to provide critical humanitarian and peacekeeping support in the region and deserve the full support and appreciation from the communities they serve,” UNAMID’s Joint Special Representative/Joint Chief Mediator, Jeremiah Mamabolo stated in response to reports received about the wanton destruction of property in Kabkabiya, North Darfur.
On 22 January, a large crowd of men, women and children harassed staff from the International Organization of Migration (IOM) who were on mission to distribute non-food items to victims of flooding that occurred in Kabkabiya, North Darfur last October. The distribution commenced on 20 January at the premises of an implementing partner and was supposed to conclude on 22 January. However, towards the end of the distribution program, some looters attacked the IOM staff alleging that they were not included in the distribution matrix. It was later reported that the premises of five other local NGOs were also looted.
Later in the day, government security forces intervened whilst UNAMID’s Pakistan Contingent based in the area, also secured the World Food Programme (WFP) premises and four local staff remaining in the offices.
“We appeal to both federal and state government authorities to thoroughly investigate above incidents and bring all persons responsible for these unwarranted actions to book,” JSR Mamabolo added.
The Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Gwi-Yeop Son, condemned the attacks on humanitarian offices, assets and looting of humanitarian supplies in Kabkabiya, North Darfur.
“I condemn these acts and call upon the Government authorities to launch a swift investigation and bring those responsible to account,” Ms. Son said. “Attacks against humanitarian actors and operations endanger lives, violate the protection of civilians, including humanitarian workers, under international humanitarian law, and jeopardize the provision of life-saving aid to people in need.”
Over the past year there were several other incidents of looting of humanitarian supplies in Darfur.
UNAMID continues to monitor the situation and will take taking appropriate measures to continue to facilitate humanitarian access in Darfur, in line with its protection of civilians’ responsibilities as mandated by the United Nations Security Council.

Families cannot afford a nutritious meal – let alone other essential needs such as medical care, water, and education.
Donors show strong international support for Sudan in 2020 On 17 January, at a High-Level Roundtable in London co-hosted by the UK, Sweden, OCHA and with participation of the Sudanese Government, 19 international donors affirmed the importance of scaling up humanitarian assistance to Sudan in 2020 and providing resources early in the year. The participants emphasized the importance of providing funding effectively, including through multi-year and flexible support modalities. Sudan also received assurances from the UN and NGOs to step up response to address the country’s urgent humanitarian needs.
For a link to the full 2020 Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) document click here

The Revitalized – Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) was supposed to be formed by 22nd February 2020. This after a 100 day extension of the last deadline. Both major parties like Dr. Riek Machar of Sudan People Liberation Movement/Army – (In-Opposition) (SPLM/A-(IO) and President Salva Kiir Mayardit of Sudan People Liberation Movement/Army – In Goverment (SPLM/A-IG). There is now talks of another 90 days extension.
The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) had an original deadline that was on the 12th November 2019. That is why R-ARCSS needs time to be fixed and worked with. The Khartoum Declaration of 27th June 2018 was the start of this process, but clearly, the South Sudanese stakeholders needs time. They need more than small visits of SPLM/A-(IO) delegations. It needs more than tokens of hope from the Rome Declaration of 12th January 2020. It gives hope from the South Sudan Opposition, but it doesn’t stop the needed dialogue.
Kiir and Machar needs more time together. They need to sit with the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) and others. So, that their grievances get met. That people are not using the uncertainty to fuel internal conflicts in various of states. This is what is happening. While the last train is going away.
What is bugging me, while following it. Is to see how the European Union, the Troika and United States are pushing hard for finishing it by the artificial deadline. The date of 22nd February 2020 shouldn’t be the final nail in the coffin. Especially, if they prolong the cease-fire, push for more negotiations and actually leads to something positive on the ground. That should matter than a put up date. Especially, after such a long and bloody conflict the South Sudanese has been through. Its like that is water under the bridge after the Independence from Khartoum.
Let’s be serious for minute. If it was fine with a 100 days in November 2019. What’s the big difference now in January 2020? Not so much right? 90 more days will not solve it, just like the 100 days before. However, it gives the party more time and actually do things that matters. Hopefully not just buy time for recruitments, but sit together with IGAD and Special Envoys to iron things out.
The R-ARCSS follows the previous deal, the ARCSS. It is many of the same players and stakeholders. They are all playing this as a way of gaining power. But if they get this done with whatever time it takes. It is better, that the parties are formal and conducting manners like this. Instead of going back to the battlefield and hunting each other. Another civil war will not be in anyone’s interest, unless they are merchants of death.
The international community are focusing on a date, instead of the results. The ones whose supporting this must see this flaw. They should instead facilitate and ensure the parties get to talk, get to walk through the steps of the R-ARCSS and get the TGoNU in order. Instead of forcing a marriage without the preen-up in order. The bride and the groom will get into a brutal divorce if so. That is at least what I see coming.
Last time it went bad. It was tanks in the streets of Juba. Machar fled to the Democratic Republic of Congo and the rest is history. However, with the knowledge of that. The dates where the negotiations ends shouldn’t be the focus, be the aim, but the progress and opening up more avenues for the stakeholders to actually succeed. That is if they care about the fate of the Republic.
No process is perfect, because we as people are not perfect, but humans with defects. That is why we need measures and mechanisms to secure our flaws for a better outcome. The International Community and the ones supposed to cheer on the stakeholders are not seeing this. They want the grand results without the needed work behind it. That’s not how they do it themselves, neither how any of them would allow being pushed to finish reforms at home. Therefore, they should give them more time. Not being locked to artificial dates, but instead salute progress and hope that each step is getting closer to the outcome everyone wants. Sustainable Peace, not a “fake peace”. Peace.
