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The peace agreement that won’t bring peace

Friday, July 15th, 2011

Yesterday, the Government of Sudan and the Liberty and Justice Movement (LJM) signed a peace agreement in Doha, Qatar to end over eight years of fighting in Darfur. However, the peace agreement is unlikely to be significantly beneficial for the Darfuri people.

Signing ceremony for the agreement between the Government of Sudan and LJM. Photo by UNAMID - Olivier Chassot

One of the most considerable flaws with the peace agreement is the fact that none of the major rebel movements agreed to sign the document. According to the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), the largest fighting force in Darfur and only major rebel group participating in the Doha talks, the document also failed to address several of the key issues such as power and wealth distribution, two of the fundamental issues that led to the uprising by rebel groups after years of marginalization.

The Liberty and Justice Movement has only a relatively small fighting force, which was even further reduced when LJM commander, Ali Karbino, along with several other key leaders broke off from the group in April. LJM also lacks popular support from the majority of Darfuris meaning the agreement will receive little buy-in from the people. Many Darfuris even called on LJM not to sign the agreement and IDPs have responded that their key concerns are not addressed in the agreement claiming the Sudanese government is deceiving the world by staging their commitment to peace.

The original Darfur Peace Agreement was signed in 2006 between the Government of Sudan and the Sudanese Liberation Army-Minni Minawi (SLA-MM), however since the other major rebel groups refused to sign, the agreement was never effective. In December 2010, Minni Minawi’s forces and the Sudanese government resumed fighting. The Government of Sudan has rejected the involvement of the SLA-Minni Minawi in the Doha talks stating that “he is part of the Abuja peace agreement and there was no reason to denounce the peace pact his signed.” The other major rebel group, the Sudanese Liberation Army-Abdul Wahid (SLA-AW) had repeatedly refused to join peace talks despite the fact that he has widespread popularity and his support is necessary to achieve a lasting peace in Darfur.

The future of the peace process is uncertain with the likelihood of a comprehensive peace agreement that addresses the major concerns of the Darfuri people remaining a distant prospect.

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Obama, Clinton and Rice Express Support for South Sudan statehood

Monday, July 11th, 2011

On July 9, 2011—South Sudan’s independence day—prominent officials in the United States Government issued statements expressing support for South Sudanese independence and concern about the challenges moving forward.

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 9th 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.

 

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Posted in Civilian Protection, genocide prevention, Human Rights, Humanitarian Aid, Obama Administration, Peace Process, Peacekeeping, United Nations | Comments Off

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ICC Prosecutor Requests Investigation for Ivory Coast

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

 

UN in Ivory Coast

GI-Net/SDC has been closely following the events in Ivory Coast over the last seven months. ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo is now seeking authorization for an investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity committed since post-election violence flared in November 2010. The prosecutor is acting on his own initiative to open an investigation, but requires approval by ICC judges to proceed.

Violence in Ivory Coast has subsided since the arrest of former president Laurent Gbagbo, and democratically elected Alassane Ouattara has taken control of government.  However, in the post-election conflict (in which Gbagbo refused to resign presidency, despite election results in favor of Ouattara), forces on both sides were responsible for atrocities committed against civilians, and must be held accountable.  According to human rights monitors, at least 3000 persons were killed, 72 disappeared, and 520 were subject to arbitrary arrest and detention. There continues to be some targeting of pro-Gbagbo forces following Laurent Gbagbo’s arrest. The situation is being closely monitored by the UN.

President Ouattara sent a letter to Prosecutor Moreno-Ocampo in May requesting and investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity.  Ouattara claims that the current judicial mechanisms in Ivory Coast are not equipped to carry out fair trials and investigations into human rights violations.  Should the request for an investigation be approved, it would be the first time the ICC opens a case in a non-member state, although the State acknowledges and welcomes the Court’s jurisdiction.

Update:  On Tuesday Ivory Coast’s Justice Minister Jeannot Ahoussou Kouadio signed an accord with the ICC pledging cooperation with the pending investigation.  Minister Kouadio pledged no impunity on the part of the Ivorian government and said that “The Ivorian government will cooperate fully so that light can be cast on all crimes committed in Ivory Coast…whether they were by people close to Ouattara’s camp or to Gbagbo’s camp.”  The apparent willingness to cooperate with ICC investigations on the part of State leaders is an indication of the Court’s growth in legitimacy and a trend towards accepting culpability for possible crimes committed. Furthermore, working to ensure that all perpetrators will be investigated speaks well of the potential to end impunity and increase state accountability.

 

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ICC Issues Arrest Warrant for Gaddafi

Monday, June 27th, 2011

Today, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Muammar Gaddafi, his son, Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi and his head of intelligence, Abdullah Al-Senussi on charges of crimes against humanity. They are accused under Articles 7(1)(a) and 7(1)(h) of the Rome Statute.

The warrants were issued by Pre-Trial Chamber I based on a request made by ICC Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo on May 16, 2011. The investigation first opened on March 3, 2011 and was referred to the ICC by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1970. The resolution grants jurisdiction to the ICC over crimes committed since the uprising began in February.

 

International Criminal Court

Along with Col. Gaddafi, his son Saif al-Islam is being investigated for the recruitment of foreign mercenaries. Abdullah al-Senussi is being investigated for attacks against demonstrators. The Chief Prosecutor has accused the Gaddafi regime of opening fire on civilian demonstrators, shelling funeral processions, and using snipers to kill civilians. The warrants come more than 100 days after NATO began a military campaign to protect civilians in Libya as authorized by UNSC Resolution 1973.

In response to today’s action by the ICC, Genocide Intervention Network/Save Darfur Coalition issued a statement which can be viewed here.

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Submit Questions to The Guardian’s Podcast on Southern Sudan’s Future

Friday, June 24th, 2011

Children in favor of independence for Southern Sudan

This month’s Global Development Podcast from the British daily newspaper The Guardian will be dedicated to the opportunities and challenges facing Southern Sudan after it becomes the world’s newest country on July 9th. The Guardian is taking questions for the podcast, which will be recorded on Wednesday, June 29th, and questions can be posted here.

Escalating tensions with Khartoum, a lack of infrastructure, an impoverished population, and a wealth of natural resources all contribute to form a complex and constantly shifting situation in the fledgling nation. The panel discussing these and other issues South Sudan will confront as gains its independence will include Sara Pantuliano, head of the humanitarian policy group at the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), and former head of the Sudan peace-building unit at the UN Development Programme (UNDP). Jonas Njelango, Sudan country representative for Tearfund, an international relief and development charity working in southern Sudan since 1998 will also contribute to the podcast. In addition, Jok Madut Jok, a fellow at the Rift Valley Institute and undersecretary for culture and heritage in the government of Southern Sudan, will join the podcast from Juba.

Your suggestions for topics on which the panel should focus and questions that should be posed to the panelists are welcomed. What do you think the new country needs to prioritize in its first year? What does the Government of Southern Sudan need to do to overcome inequalities between different regions and groups? And how can different development actors work together to make sure aid and other resources (including land and oil) are used and distributed to the benefit of southern Sudan’s poorest people?

Click here to post your questions, comments and suggestions. If you have any problems posting, or if you would prefer to comment anonymously, email development@guardian.co.uk and your thoughts will be added to the discussion.

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Senator Mark Udall Sponsors Letter to Obama on Sudan

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

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).

 

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The Darfur Stakeholder Conference

Friday, June 3rd, 2011

Tuesday marked the last day of the All Darfur Stakeholder Conference held in Doha which began on May 27th. The talks brought together representatives from civil society organizations, refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), the Sudanese government, and rebel movements to discuss ongoing conflict in Darfur and negotiations in Qatar.

Representatives at the All Darfur Stakeholders Conference. Picture: UNAMID - Olivier Chassot

Before the conference, Salih Mahmoud Osman, a Darfuri lawyer and human rights advocate who has been actively engagements in the Doha negations, provided a message on our blog about the importance of involving civil society and all stakeholders stating that, “The stakeholders meetings are an important reminder that peace in Darfur relies not only on the negotiating parties, but on the people of Darfur that they purport to represent.”

Many Darfuris have expressed concerns about the legitimacy of the conference and have claimed that the majority of participants do not represent the Darfuri people and are actually supporters of the ruling National Congress Party (NCP). On May 28th, the second day of the conference, talks were delayed after civil society and displaced representatives refused to participate claiming the committees created were chosen by the government, however, discussion were able to resume later in the day. Talks were also delayed the previous day after five of the leading delegates were arrested at Nyala airport by the government.

Tension over the previous Doha civil society conference, which took place in July 2010, led to fighting between IDPs who supported the talks and those opposed in both Kalma and Hamadiya displacement camps. The fighting led to a humanitarian crisis in Kalma after the government responded to the fighting by blockading the camp causing an estimated 60% of Kalma’s 100,000 residents to flee.

During the conference, the stakeholders agreed to internal dialogue and consultations within Darfur which would be monitored by an international committee. Details on how the consultations will be conducted have not been determined. Many fear that without sufficient international support, internal dialogue could have a negative effect since it would limit the ability of Darfuris to participate without fear of reprisal by the government, therefore, the international community must be involved in the oversight of these consultations to ensure they are conducted in a credible manner.  The representatives also expressed their support for the draft document proposed by the mediation that will be used as a framework for a peace agreement.

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Message from Doha: A Darfuri Voice for Peace

Friday, May 27th, 2011

Starting today over 400 representatives of Darfuri civil society are scheduled to gather in Doha to discuss their concerns and weigh in on the current peace talks between the Government of Sudan and Darfuri rebel groups.

As the meetings gets underway, Salih Mahmoud Osman, a Darfuri lawyer and human rights advocate who has been active in mediation efforts in Doha, provides this message from the ground:

“The Darfuri stakeholders meetings beginning in Doha are an integral part of efforts at peace in Darfur.  While representatives of rebel groups have been in Doha working toward an acceptable peace agreement, these efforts alone cannot ensure the popular legitimacy needed for a sustainable peace.  The stakeholders meeting will bring together the civil society, tribal leaders, Darfur authorities, and representatives of displaced persons upon which a sustainable peace in Darfur depends.  These are the communities necessary for resolving the toughest issues, including land, return, compensation, justice, reconciliation, and security, and they represent the people who will be most affected if peace efforts should fail.

The international community will also be represented in the stakeholders meetings.  The absence of a permanent presence by the international community through most of the Doha process has been a detriment to mediation efforts.  The constant presence of representatives from the United States, European Union, and others over the past few weeks has been a welcome positive change and has helped to reinforce the most promising developments in over two years in Doha.  The international community must sustain that level of vigilance and support, quietly encouraging all parties to engage positively toward reaching a peace agreement acceptable to all sides.

The stakeholders meetings should be an impetus for a peace agreement upon which further consultations with civil society can move forward in Darfur.  Such consultations will be dependent both on a ceasefire agreement and on the establishment of an enabling environment, starting with measures by the Government of Sudan to lift the state of emergency law, to release detainees held without charge or charge them according to fair trial standards, and to end restrictions on the right to freedom of expression and assembly.

The stakeholders meetings are an important reminder that peace in Darfur relies not only on the negotiating parties, but on the people of Darfur that they purport to represent.  The people of Darfur want peace and they want the Darfuri movements in Doha to engage positively toward that end.  After two years of talks in Doha, the international community should join the Darfuri people in applying the positive pressure needed to make that message clear.”

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No Rush to Reward Khartoum

Thursday, May 12th, 2011

This evening, Save Darfur Coalition/Genocide Intervention Network released a new policy paper, “No Rush to Reward Khartoum“.

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).

(more…)

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Urge the United States to Take Further Action for Peace in Darfur

Friday, May 6th, 2011

Sally Smith is the coordinator of Sudan Now.

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.

 

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