Security Council Press Statement on United Nations – African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) (21.05.2019)

The members of the Security Council stressed that attacks against United Nations premises and personnel are reprehensible and unacceptable.

NEW YORK, United States of America, May 21, 2019 – The members of the Security Council strongly condemned the looting of the West Darfur Headquarters of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) in El Geneina on 14 May 2019. During the forceful intrusion into the UNAMID camp, UN property        and contingent-owned-equipment were looted, premises vandalised and the lives of UN staff and personnel put at grave risk.

The members of the Security Council stressed that attacks against United Nations premises and personnel are reprehensible and unacceptable.

The members of the Security Council called upon the Sudanese authorities to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of all UNAMD sites in Darfur, to swiftly investigate these incidents, and to bring all perpetrators of these acts to justice.

The members of the Security Council called upon the Sudanese authorities to facilitate the responsible handover of UNAMID sites.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support to the UNAMID Joint Special Representative and to UNAMID and the full implementation of its mandate.

The Sudan – Impact of Early Warning Early Action (20.05.2019)

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is developing innovative early warning systems to anticipate risks and intervene at the right time.

ROME, Italy, May 20, 2019 –  Climate-driven hazards are increasing in intensity and frequency, with weather‑related crises now occurring nearly five times as often as 40 years ago. At the same time, needs are expanding and resources are limited. New tools and ways of thinking and acting are essential to reduce the impact of these disasters as effectively as possible.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is developing innovative early warning systems to anticipate risks and intervene at the right time. The right time is often early – before a crisis becomes a humanitarian disaster. FAO’s approach is shifting from a reactive mind-set to one focused on mitigation and prevention.

When the state of Kassala in eastern Sudan experienced a dry spell in 2017 and 2018, FAO took steps early to protect the livelihoods of vulnerable agropastoralists. This study analyses the outcomes of FAO’s Early Warning Early Action (EWEA) approach in the Sudan. They complement and reinforce earlier findings in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia which demonstrated that early actions have a significant return on investment and are an effective way to address drought in Africa’s agropastoralist regions.

Joint Statement on UNAMID and the Darfur Peace Process by the African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security and the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations (17.05.2019)

Addis Ababa, New York, 17 May 2019: The African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security Smaїl Chergui and the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix express their strong condemnation of the attack and looting of United Nations African Union Hybrid Operation In Darfur (UNAMID) in El Geneina on 14 May. They are extremely concerned by such unprovoked attacks on UNAMID, which has diligently and resolutely provided security to the people of Darfur since 2007.

Commissioner Chergui and USG Lacroix wish to underline that UNAMID’s withdrawal process from Darfur will continue as per the decisions of the African Union Peace and Security Council and the United Nations Security Council. They join UNAMID in reminding the Government of Sudan and the local population of their continued obligation to safeguard UNAMID personnel and assets in accordance with the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).

Commissioner Chergui and USG Lacroix remain committed to the full implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD) and call on all peace partners to the DDPD to also sustain that commitment.

Sudan: UN expert condemns excessive use of force at protest (17.05.2019)

Sudan: UN chief calls for ‘positive momentum’ as civilian rule talks stall between military and opposition (16.05.2019)

António Guterres urged negotiators on both sides to maintain the positive momentum and reach agreement on the remaining details.

NEW YORK, United States of America, May 16, 2019 –  The UN Secretary-General has commended the progress made so far between Sudan’s military leaders and opposition forces towards agreeing a timetable for a return to civilian rule, following the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir just over a month ago.

On Tuesday, the Transitional Military Council and the Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces, announced they had agreed a three-year transition period, but on Wednesday, the military reportedly announced that talks were being suspended for three days, demanding that protesters remove road blocks from a designated area of the capital Khartoum.

According to news reports, some demonstrators were shot as soldiers tried to clear the barricades, following similar violence on Monday which left at least six dead.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, António Guterres urged negotiators on both sides “to maintain the positive momentum and reach agreement on the remaining details.”

“The Secretary-General is committed to continue working with the African Union in support of this process,” the statement continued. “The United Nations stands ready to support the Sudanese stakeholders in their efforts to build lasting and sustainable peace.” 

The UN chief also stressed the “importance of upholding the human rights of all citizens and continuing to prioritize dialogue as a means to address outstanding differences. He also stresses the need to avoid any form of violence which could undermine the safety and security of the citizens as well as the stability of the country.”

Protests in Sudan against fuel and food prices began last December, and came to a head on 11 April, when military leaders announced that Mr. Bashir had been overthrown. Mass demonstrations have continued outside the army headquarters in the capital, demanding a return to civilian rule.

Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Sudan (16.05.2019)

The United Nations stands ready to support the Sudanese stakeholders in their efforts to build lasting and sustainable peace.

NEW YORK, United States of America, May 16, 2019 – The Secretary-General commends the progress achieved during the negotiations between the Transitional Military Council and the Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces regarding the modalities of the transition in Sudan. He urges the parties to maintain the positive momentum and reach agreement on the remaining details.

The Secretary-General is committed to continue working with the African Union in support of this process. The United Nations stands ready to support the Sudanese stakeholders in their efforts to build lasting and sustainable peace.

The Secretary-General stresses the importance of upholding the human rights of all citizens, and continuing to prioritize dialogue as a means to address outstanding differences. He also stresses the need to avoid any form of violence which could undermine the safety and security of the citizens as well as the stability of the country.

Sudan: AUC Chairperson commends the Sudanese stakeholder for the progress being made toward reaching a political agreement (15.05.2019)

Sudanese Professional Association: The Situation Regarding the Dialogue with the Transitional Military Council (22.04.2019)

On yesterday, the 21st of April, the Forces of the Declaration of Freedom and Change (DFC) announced that they are stopping all forms of communication with the Transitional Military Council (TMC). This happened after the TMC called for a meeting to question the intention of the DFC forces to announce the names of its candidates for the civilian sovereign council and the transitional cabinet. The TMC conveyed that it received over a hundred proposals on how to formulate the the interim government and it will study all of them to proceed forward. The TMC clearly expressed that it does not recognize the DFC forces as the representative of the protestors in the sitdown strike (sit-in) and that it considers other forces – forces that include allies of the deposed regime – as legitimate partners in the transitional period. We in the SPA categorically reject this manipulation of the dialogue process and consider it a wicked play from the political committee assigned by the TMC to run the dialogue. This committee is comprised of members who are figures from the previous regime, and its head (Omer Zain Elabdin) was the head of the National Congress Party (NCP) within the army. Zain Elabdin is trying his best to bring back the deposed regime from the window after Sudanese people rejected it in the widest popular referendum. The committee also includes Jalal Eldin Elshiekh the deputy director of the infamous National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) and Eltayeb Babiker, the force behind the infamous public order framework.

Another trick attempted by the TMC political committee is the false framing of the DFC forces as being not ready and fragmented. However, the DFC forces have discussed the three tiers of government and submitted a full proposal of transition to the security council and discussed the proposed names. Many of the political forces in the DFC coalition announced that it will not participate in the interim government and will be committed to nominating a list of professional qualified names for the cabinet.

The main issue of conflict with the TMC is the nature of the sovereign council. While the TMC insists on a fully military council, the DFC forces propose a civilian council with military representation to act as the sovereign head of state in the country.

This statement is to convey the current situation of the current political process in Sudan. The dialougue process is being manipulated by the political committee of the TMC in an attempt to circumvent this revolution and preventing it from achieving its full objectives, but we assure the Sudanese people and the world that as we were victorious in our battle, we shall be glorious in our times of peace.

The foreign relations committee

The Sudanese Professionals Association

UNAMID condemns violent confrontations in Kalma Idp Camp in South Darfur (22.04.2019)

These confrontations reportedly resulted in the killing of 16 people including a humanitarian field worker.

ZALINGEI, Sudan, April 22, 2019 – The African Union – United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) strongly condemns recent violent confrontations between two rival youth groups in Kalma Camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in South Darfur state, which occurred on 13 April 2019. These confrontations reportedly resulted in the killing of 16 people including a humanitarian field worker, with 17 injured and a significant number of IDPs displaced.

In response to these violent confrontations, UNAMID immediately deployed its Police who created a buffer between the two rival groups thereby diffusing this situation and preventing further harm to civilians. UNAMID Police also provided First Aid assistance to the injured and increased its patrols in the area. The Mission will soon dispatch an Integrated Team to the area to further engage with traditional leaders in the IDP Camp and local authorities to prevent a recurrence of such tragic incidents in the future.

The Mission reminds all protagonists involved that IDP camps are considered humanitarian space which should be free of weapons, where displaced people must not be subjected to threats, harassment, attacks or harm. Such actions could constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law.

Any internally displaced person found carrying a weapon and using it, is no longer viewed as a civilian but is seen as a combatant and as such loses humanitarian protection provided to civilians.

The Mission calls upon all IDPs to respect humanitarian principles and not to engage in violent acts. “While the prime responsibility of protecting civilians rests with the Government of Sudan, UNAMID shall continue to collaborate with the relevant IDP leaders and Government authorities on protecting civilians and engage with them regarding this matter at all levels. The Mission urges tribal and local community leaders to encourage their community members to solve their differences in a peaceful and cooperative manner,” said Jeremiah Mamabolo, UNAMID Joint Special Representative.

UNAMID continues to monitor the situation and is taking appropriate measures, in line with its protection of civilians’ responsibilities as mandated by the United Nations Security Council.

Sudan: The Joint Forces of the Declaration of Freedom and Change have suspended the negotiations with the Transitional Military Council!

As the sit-in demonstrations continues, as the riots and the protest around the Sudanese Republic continues. Even as the International Community is embracing the remains of the National Congress Party and leadership around former President Omar Al-Bashir. The Joint Forces of the Declaration of Freedom and Change isn’t having that. This is the Sudanese Professional Authority (SPA) and allies, who are all working to dismantling the Al-Bashir dictatorship, bit by bit. Not just the head, but rock the whole system.

This is the next step, as a part of a revolution. Where plenty in the proximity of Al-Bashir is behind bars, awaiting trials, while others are lingering and trying to salvage their positions in the new Republic.

Certainly, for a little while the SPA and allies have negotiated with the new governing body, the Transitional Military Council. Today, they went in a Press Conference clearing the air and saying they have suspended the talks. Surely, the progress have been to abysmal or not noteworthy to trust the keepers of the state. Since, they might or most likely works to keep status quo and not really deliver the civilian government the demonstrators are working for. As the TMC are taking slow mediocre baby-steps towards something and just doing what is needed. To show that they have some intent of change.

The SPA and allies are certain of what they want in this game, as they distrust the TMC and with reason. As this is military men who wants power and continue with the former military rule over the Republic. Not having elected officials representing the public and following orders from representatives of the public.

Surely, the progress is now stopping. The buck is also stopping with the TMC. The SPA and allies are showing quick resolve, when they are suspending talks with the TMC. As they are not seeing the vision or they willing to give way, other than just mere icing on the cake. The hard piece is to destroy to rebuild. That is what the SPA and allies wants, to ensure another type of governance and government.

Instead, they are at the boiling point seeing not enough. That is why the SPA and allies are initiating a civilian government on their own without the TMC. This will be established now and at the end have an election after 4 years. This will consist of 3 parts.

1^st National Supreme Council of State (a three person, rotating President)

2^nd National Council of Ministers (at least 16 members), this will consist of technocrats and nominated from the Forces of the Declaration of Freedom and Change.

3^rd Interim National Parliament representing the current constituencies of Sudan. Lists and nominations by the regions, which have to be approved by the Supreme Council of State.

Surely, these names and individuals who was supposed to fill in the roles of three branches is not yet known. Still, the SPA and allies are carefully planning their next steps. As the TMC will postpone or ensure all changes takes time or maybe not happen at all. Since, they are all of the guard of Al-Bashir and seen his moves. Therefore, they might hope this demonstrations and these sit-in will eventually stop.

However, the works since Mid-December 2018 is still continuing. The SPA and allies seems ready, they are resilient and working towards their goal. The people in Post Al-Bashir should worry about their past and what hurt they have put on the people. Because, they are not having it. That is why they are persisting to work like this. Not accepting a half-way deal, but want the public to get what is justifiably theirs, not the military leaders or one dictator, but their own. Peace.