Libya: The Qaddafi regime appears to be on its last legs, as TNC forces have entered Tripoli.  Fighting continues in the center of the city, and there is no information on Qaddafi’s location.  Despite reports that his sons, Saif and Mohammed, were in TNC custody, both appear to have escaped.

According to the Turkish Foreign Minister, NATO will continue its military campaign until stability is achieved throughout Libya. The Dutch government will release 100 million Euros to be used to purchase medicine from the World Health Organization.  It is likely that the pending TNC victory may lead to the unfreezing of additional blocked assets for reconstruction.

Syria: According to the UN, at least 2,200 Syrians have been killed during the anti-Assad uprising. In a briefing before the UN Security Council, High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, stated that Syria may have perpetrated crimes against humanity in its crackdown against demonstrators. In response to the ongoing violence, the EU and U.S. are drafting a UN resolution designed to impose additional pressures on the Syrian regime, including sanctions.

Policy Objectives:

• Push the UNSC to adopt a strong resolution that includes sanctions on perpetrators of crimes against civilians, an arms embargo and a referral to the International Criminal Court
• Push the European Union to adopt strong and comprehensive sanctions on Syria’s oil sector
• CRN(Conflict Risk Network): Encourage corporate actors operating in Syria’s oil sector to:
  • Urge companies to either immediately halt operations or make public or private statements to the Syrian regime to condemn the violence
  • Call for companies to establish clear policies and procedures for ensuring non-complicity in similar crises in the future

Sudan: In Southern Kordofan, a new round of fighting was reported. In Abyei, it is estimated that over 100,000 people have been displaced by violence. In Darfur, there is a sustained level of violence and human rights abuses, and humanitarian access continues to be restricted.

Sudan will reportedly allow UN agencies to access areas within South Kordofan.

Policy Objectives:

• Push the UN to create a UN peacekeeping force for South Kordofan and Blue Nile states that has a human rights monitoring component and the ability to protect civilians
• Demand humanitarian access in South Kordofan to ensure delivery of much needed aid (food, medical assistance, etc.).
• Expand the existing UN arms embargo on Darfur so that it covers all of Sudan.
• Expand U.S. and UN sanctions to cover officials and militia leaders implicated in the violence
• Demand immediate full access for an independent investigation for war crimes, crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing through the International Criminal Court

In response to these recent developments, GI-NET/SDC policy outcomes are

Sudan

• The United States and international community imposes consequences on those responsible for violence in Abyei, South Kordofan, the South, and Darfur and also pushes for a robust UN civilian protection and monitoring force in South Kordofan and Blue Nile
• Groundwork is laid for getting companies to take steps that ensure they are not harming civilians and are helping to protect them
• Raise awareness about Sudan crises among constituents, media and high level decision makers

Syria

• The UN passes a resolution implementing sanctions, an arms embargo, and referral to the International Criminal Court
• Companies disengage and pull out from Syria

UN Ambassador Susan Rice in South Sudan

President Obama

The White House Released a statement on July 9 officially recognizing the Republic of South Sudan and expressing support the new state:

Today is a reminder that after the darkness of war, the light of a new dawn is possible…we know that southern Sudanese have claimed their sovereignty, and shown that neither their dignity nor their dream of self-determination can be denied.

As Southern Sudanese undertake the hard work of building their new country, the United States pledges our partnership as they seek the security, development and responsive governance that can fulfill their aspirations and respect their human rights.

In addition to U.S. support, President Obama emphasized the urgency of seeking a solution to current hostilities:

Lasting peace will only be realized if all sides fulfill their responsibilities.  The Comprehensive Peace Agreement must be fully implemented, the status of Abyei must be resolved through negotiations, and violence and intimidation in Southern Kordofan, especially by the Government of Sudan, must end.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

In an official statement released by the State Department, Secretary Clinton said:

The United States will remain a steadfast partner as South Sudan seeks to peacefully meet these challenges and build a free, democratic and inclusive society. The strong ties between our peoples go back many decades, and we are committed to continuing to build on the partnership we have already established in the years ahead.

Also on July 9, the Secretary authored an opinion piece in the Washington Post.  She wrote, in part:

[North and South Sudan] must quickly return to the negotiating table and seek to complete the unfinished business of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement That means settling outstanding questions related to finances, oil and citizenship; demarcating remaining border areas; and fully implementing their agreement on temporary arrangements for the contested Abyei area, which lies along the border of Sudan and South Sudan, including the redeployment of all Sudanese military forces. The violence that has flared in Abyei in recent months cannot be allowed to return and jeopardize the larger peace.

In the op-ed, she went on to say:

One urgent step both sides must take is agreeing to a cessation of hostilities in the northern border state of Southern Kordofan, which started in early June. We are deeply concerned about the continued aerial bombardments, harassment of U.N. staff and obstruction of humanitarian relief efforts. The longer this fighting goes on, the more difficult it will become to resolve.

UN Ambassador Susan Rice

On July 9^th US Ambassador to the UN gave a speech in Juba honoring this momentous occasion and the challenges ahead.  On the road to independence she said:

No citizen of South Sudan should ever take their independence for granted. You have waged a righteous struggle to win your liberty and chart your own course among the community of nations. Let that always serve as a reminder to lift up those who are denied their rights, those who hunger for freedom, and those who suffer in places where hope seems to be forgotten.

She also commented on the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement:

… But the Republic of South Sudan is being born amid great hopes—the hope that you will guarantee the rights of all citizens…be able to live in peace and justice with your neighbors, bind up the wounds of war, and work with the Government of Sudan to resolve swiftly and peacefully all outstanding issues in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

 

Moving forward, Ambassador Rice spoke about accountability and good governance in shaping South Sudan as a model for a successful African state:

All of this will demand leadership and accountability. For democracy and development rest on the foundation of good governance. Peace and prosperity rest on the foundation of strong institutions devoted to the public interest…South Sudan’s leaders, and the citizens who hold them accountable, now have the chance to create a state that stands out not for its flag or its currency but for the investments it makes in the development of its people.

 

Similar to comments made by the President and Secretary of State Clinton, Ambassador Rice reiterated America’s commitment to working to build lasting peace and prosperity in the region:

…know that the people of the Republic of South Sudan have a true and lasting friend and partner in the people of the United States of America as you work to strengthen the foundations of your democracy, promote human rights, and expand economic growth. Our support for the cause of peace for the Sudanese people has long been bipartisan and deep, and it will continue to be.

 
GI-NET/SDC also released a statement on South Sudan’s independence this weekend, and can be viewed here.  For more information on South Sudan, check out our blogs on what Congress and the human rights and humanitarian community have been saying as South Sudan embarks on its first days as a new state.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
July 09, 2011

Statement of President Barack Obama Recognition of the Republic of South Sudan

I am proud to declare that the United States formally recognizes the Republic of South Sudan as a sovereign and independent state upon this day, July 9, 2011.  After so much struggle by the people of South Sudan, the United States of America welcomes the birth of a new nation.

Today is a reminder that after the darkness of war, the light of a new dawn is possible. A proud flag flies over Juba and the map of the world has been redrawn. These symbols speak to the blood that has been spilled, the tears that have been shed, the ballots that have been cast, and the hopes that have been realized by so many millions of people. The eyes of the world are on the Republic of South Sudan. And we know that southern Sudanese have claimed their sovereignty, and shown that neither their dignity nor their dream of self-determination can be denied.

This historic achievement is a tribute, above all, to the generations of southern Sudanese who struggled for this day. It is also a tribute to the support that has been shown for Sudan and South Sudan by so many friends and partners around the world. Sudan’s African neighbors and the African Union played an essential part in making this day a reality.  And along with our many international and civil society partners, the United States has been proud to play a leadership role across two Administrations. Many Americans have been deeply moved by the aspirations of the Sudanese people, and support for South Sudan extends across different races, regions, and political persuasions in the United States.  I am confident that the bonds of friendship between South Sudan and the United States will only deepen in the years to come.  As Southern Sudanese undertake the hard work of building their new country, the United States pledges our partnership as they seek the security, development and responsive governance that can fulfill their aspirations and respect their human rights.

As today also marks the creation of two new neighbors, South Sudan and Sudan, both peoples must recognize that they will be more secure and prosperous if they move beyond a bitter past and resolve differences peacefully. Lasting peace will only be realized if all sides fulfill their responsibilities.  The Comprehensive Peace Agreement must be fully implemented, the status of Abyei must be resolved through negotiations, and violence and intimidation in Southern Kordofan, especially by the Government of Sudan, must end. The safety of all Sudanese, especially minorities, must be protected. Through courage and hard choices, this can be the beginning of a new chapter of greater peace and justice  for all of the Sudanese people.

Decades ago, Martin Luther King reflected on the first moment of independence on the African continent in Ghana, saying, “I knew about all of the struggles, and all of the pain, and all of the agony that these people had gone through for this moment.” Today, we are moved by the story of struggle that led to this time of hope in South Sudan, and we think of those who didn’t live to see their dream realized.  Now, the leaders and people of South Sudan have an opportunity to turn this moment of promise into lasting progress.  The United States will continue to support the aspirations of all Sudanese.  Together, we can ensure that today marks another step forward in Africa’s long journey toward opportunity, democracy and justice.

State Department Legal Adviser Harold Koh

While we understand the need to debate such issues, we compel Congress to focus on civilian protection and to authorize the military intervention now underway to protect civilians in Libya. In fact, Mr. Koh’s testimony emphasized that despite legal debate surrounding U.S. intervention in Libya, the Gaddafi regime has systematically targeted civilians and civilian protection should be the priority. Koh stated, “If the legal issue is resolved in one way or the other, the choice still remains what to do about the civilians of Libya.”

In the afternoon following the hearing, the Committee considered the passage of S.J.Res.20, which would authorize the limited use of force in Libya. We are pleased that the joint resolution passed in a 14-5 vote.  Last week, the House considered and voted against a similar measure that would authorize limited US involvement in Libya.  The next step will be for S.J.Res.20 to be considered on the Senate floor.  We hope that a vote will take place before the end of the week, when the Senate leaves for the July 4^th recess.

Senator Mark Udall (D-CO)

On Tuesday, Senator Mark Udall (D-CO) was joined by 12 Senators in a letter sent to President Obama. The letter urges the President to take steps to mitigate the crisis occurring in the border regions of North and South Sudan. In the South Kordofan region alone, attacks by the Sudanese army have resulted in the displacement tens of thousands. Civilian casualties have been reported along with widespread looting and destruction.

The letter to the President highlights the crisis unfolding in Abyei, South Kordofan and Blue Nile regions. The letter further expresses concern for the implications that the fighting will have on the peace process:

“Fighting in the border areas of Abyei and Southern Kordofan threatens to derail implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and bring both sides to the brink of renewed civil war.”

While the letter commends the President’s work with the Security Council to put pressure on the Sudanese government, it also pressures Obama to take more decisive action.  The letter asks the President to suspend consideration of debt relief to Sudan until the CPA is fully implemented, and to “urge Arab States and China…to use their leverage to persuade president Bashir to withdraw his troops.” The complete text of the letter can be found here.

Senator Udall’s letter was signed by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Boozman (R-AR), Scott Brown (R-MA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The full-page ad in the Washington Post urged President Obama to take meaningful action to protect civilians in Sudan

President Omar al-Bashir continues his campaign of violence against his own people in Darfur, Abyei, and the Nuba Mountains. Instead of imposing effective punitive measures on the Khartoum regime, the U.S. has offered potential rewards to the war criminals in a failed attempt to uses incentives to stop their atrocities. The call-in day sent a clear message to the Obama administration: the time for incentives has passed. As a world leader, it is the moral imperative of the United States to combat mass atrocities and ethnic cleansing with authoritative and effective actions, such as freezing the assets of Khartoum officials and expanding war crimes investigations.

The phone blitz also drew media attention to the sustained violence in Sudan. Recent media coverage of the region has been dominated by news about the approaching independence of South Sudan, leaving atrocities such as the violence in Abyei and the Nuba Mountains critically underreported.

The call-in day used the genocide prevention hotline 1-800-GENOCIDE (1-800-436-6243) to connect callers to the White House. 1-800-GENOCIDE provides citizens with a direct line to their local elected officials, allowing them to directly lobby for genocide prevention and responses to atrocities. The opportunity to urge your government to act on behalf of genocide victims is not over with the conclusion of the call-in day; 1-800-GENOCIDE is always open. Call today!

The call-in day was organized by Genocide Intervention Network/Save Darfur Coalition in response to a recent increase in violence in Sudan, and joined by other activist groups including (among others), the Enough Project, Stop Genocide Now, American Jewish World Service, Investors Against Genocide, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, Citizens for Global Solutions, the Sudan Advocacy and Action Forum, and the Rabbinical Assembly.

1-800-GENOCIDE

1-800-436-6243

Please join us today for an urgent national call-in day to President Obama.  Over the past few weeks violence has steadily increased in Sudan. Government officials in the United States and around the world have spoken out against attacks and other violence, but now it is time for them to take action and impose meaningful consequences on President Al-Bashir’s regime.

Click to view larger image.

A full page ad is running in the Washington Post this week asking President Obama when he will impose serious consequences for ethnic cleanings and mass atrocities in Sudan. The ad is being run by American Jewish World Service, ENOUGH, Genocide Intervention Network/Save Darfur Coalition, Investors Against Genocide, and Stop Genocide Now.

Please call the White House at 1-800-GENOCIDE today to help reinforce the ad’s message and urge President Obama to expand sanctions, freeze assets of the regime’s l

eaders, investigate war crimes, and increase protection of civilians.

1. Dial 1-800-GENOCIDE
2. We’ll connect you to the White House
3. Tell them your name and what state you are from
4. Urge President Obama to impose serious consequences on the Sudanese Government
5. Ask your friends and family to make the call as well

Incentives that the United States has offered to influence the Sudanese Government are not working and attacks have intensified in Darfur, Abyei and the Nuba Mountains.  In a recent statement, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N.  Susan Rice said, “According to the United Nations, more than 360,000 people have been displaced in Sudan over the past 6 months, and more than half were displaced in the past month. As many as 75,000 people have fled the fighting in Southern Kordofan.” It is time for President Obama to impose consequences on the Government of Sudan now.

– President Obama

Abyei. UN Photo: Stuart Price

Please join us this Wednesday for an urgent national call-in day to President Obama.  Over the past few weeks violence has steadily increased in Sudan. Government officials in the United States and around the world have spoken out against attacks and other violence, but now it is time for them to take action and impose meaningful consequences on President Al-Bashir’s regime.

Call the White House at

1-800-GENOCIDE

1-800-436-6243

Please call the White House at 1-800-GENOCIDE tomorrow and urge President Obama to expand sanctions, freeze assets of the regime’s leaders, investigate war crimes, and increase protection of civilians.

1. Dial 1-800-GENOCIDE
2. We’ll connect you to the White House
3. Tell them your name and what state you are from
4. Urge President Obama to impose serious consequences on the Sudanese Government
5. Ask your friends and family to make the call as well

Incentives that the United States has offered to influence the Sudanese Government are not working and attacks have intensified in Darfur, Abyei and the Nuba Mountains.  In a recent statement, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N.  Susan Rice said, “According to the United Nations, more than 360,000 people have been displaced in Sudan over the past 6 months, and more than half were displaced in the past month. As many as 75,000 people have fled the fighting in Southern Kordofan.” It is time for President Obama to impose consequences on the Government of Sudan now.

In September 2010, the Obama Administration presented a package of incentives to the Government of Sudan in exchange for progress on the full implementation the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), credible and peaceful referenda on Southern secession and the future of Abyei, an agreement on post-referendum arrangements, and the resolution of the Darfur conflict through a peace agreement that is credibly implemented.

If the Government of Sudan makes tangible progress to ensure sustainable peace, the package of incentives the United States can award would include:

• Renewal of diplomatic relations
• Removal from the State Sponsors of Terrorism List
• Lifting of economic sanctions
• Support for debt relief

However, since the United States introduced these incentives, Sudan has not made significant progress and has in fact regressed on several key issues including CPA implementation, post-referendum arrangements, and resolution of the Darfur conflict. Despite negative progress, Khartoum still expects to receive these rewards.

While the referendum in South Sudan went exceedingly well and the National Congress Party (NCP) led by President Omar al Bashir did not obstruct the process, one positive step is not enough to merit extensive rewards. The removal of Sudan from the State Sponsors of Terrorism List (SSTL) and the normalization of diplomatic relations should go forward as long as they are in accordance with key stipulations including resolution of Abyei and certification that Khartoum is not supporting the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

In light of a military build-up around Abyei in violation of the CPA and continued aerial bombardments and denial of humanitarian access in Darfur, granting further rewards to Khartoum would be unconscionable.  The United States must not lift sanctions or provide debt relief until the Government of Sudan (GoS) achieves the following:

• Makes concrete progress towards the resolution of the conflict in Darfur by implementing a peace agreement that addresses the fundamental grievances of the Darfuri people;
• No longer conducts or sponsors violence against civilians in Darfur or elsewhere in Sudan;
• Fully implements the remainder of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement;
• Resolves remaining post-referendum issues such as the status of Abyei, demarcation of the borders, as well as disagreements over citizenship, security, oil revenue, and currency.

Over the past decade, the people of Darfur have suffered through a devastating genocide, have been forced to flee their homes by the millions, and innocent men, women and children in Darfur suffer continuing attacks, many of which are launched by the Government of Sudan. While promising peace talks for Darfur are currently being held in Doha, a few key players threaten to derail the entire process.

The Doha peace process is Darfur’s best hope for a peaceful future. We must speak out together to ensure its success.

Urge the United States to take further action for peace in Darfur.

Sign our petition to Deputy National Security Advisor Denis McDonough, one of President Obama top advisors who deserves praise for his diligent work to ensure a peaceful referendum for South Sudan. Join us in asking Mr. McDonough to continue the great work he has begun and lay out the steps he needs to take to ensure a successful peace process for Darfur.