Syria

Syrian Protesters, Security Forces Clash in Homs—Voice of America

“Syrian activists say 200,000 protesters have gathered in Homs on Friday, the largest demonstration yet in the restive city that has been the epicenter of a nine-month uprising…”

Homs: Bloody winter in Syria’s revolution capital—CNN

“The Arab Spring has turned to bloody winter in Homs, the city that has suffered the most from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s deadly nationwide crackdown on anti-government protesters. Known as the capital of the revolution, Homs has seen the worst of the violence that has left an estimated 5,000 people dead since protests began in Syria in March…”

 Syrians protest against Assad after Russia U.N. move—Reuters

“Hundreds of thousands of Syrians took to the streets on Friday to protest against President Bashar al-Assad, activists said, a day after Syria’s big power ally Russia sharpened its criticism of Damascus in a draft United Nations resolution…”

Hopes Rise for UN Action on Syria—Voice of America

“Russia Thursday proposed a new draft resolution condemning the violence in Syria, giving rise to hopes the U.N. Security Council will end its relative silence on the nine month crackdown on protestors. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the United States is ready to work with Moscow on the proposal…”

  Sudan and South Sudan

Arresting Darfur suspects key to ending conflict: ICC prosecutor—Sudan Tribune

“The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Luis Moreno-Ocampo told the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) today that crimes continue to be committed in Sudan’s western region of Darfur…”

Sudan’s violence impedes normalization process – US envoy—Sudan Tribune

“US Administration has clearly informed Khartoum that bilateral relations cannot be improved unless they end violence in Blue Nile and South Kordofan and allow humanitarian access to the affected population, Obama’s special envoy said this week…”

Rebels warn US companies against investment in South Sudan—Sudan Tribune

“Rebels operating predominantly in Unity state of South Sudan have issued a statement warning US companies considering investing in the country that their safety cannot be assured until the current president, Salva Kiir, is removed from power…”

IDPs need assistance in South Darfur—Radio Dabanga

“A group of 1,500 internally displaced people (IDPs) have been struggling in harsh conditions with no humanitarian support from local or international organizations, said a witness in El Daein locality to Radio Dabanga…”

Abyei Committee fails to break deadlock—Radio Dabanga

“The Abyei Joint Oversight Committee held it’s first meeting on Wednesday to discuss the administration of Abyei, a source told Radio Dabanga…”

Shooting in Western Darfur—Radio Dabanga

“On Monday four people were killed when two government affiliated militias held a gunbattle in Kidepo village, north east of Zalingei in Western Darfur. They had disagreed on how to share out looted goods between them, a witness told Radio Dabanga…”

President Kiir pledges to respect human rights—Miraya FM

“South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit says his government will respect Human Rights and fundamental freedoms and equality in the country…”

Machar calls on Jongei state communities to stop violent conflicts—Sudan Tribune

“The vice president of South Sudan, Riek Machar, has called on the communities in Jonglei state to stop their violent conflicts. Machar made the appeal on Thursday in Juba following reports that a revenge attack was under way against the Murle ethnic group, by Lou-Nuer and Greater Bor communities…”

Democratic Republic of Congo

Congo Supreme Court Hears Election Challenge—Voice of America

“The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Supreme Court has begun hearing a lawsuit seeking to annul the presidential election that returned incumbent Joseph Kabila to power…”

Central Africa Sees Endgame in LRA Conflict—Voice of America

“For more than two decades, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) has spread terror from its original stronghold in northern Uganda, murdering and raping its way across central Africa. In October, U.S. President Barack Obama ordered a 100-strong U.S. military contingent deployed to provide intelligence and technical assistance to help Uganda and its neighbors finally stop the LRA…”

Great Lakes Region Consider Establishing ‘Intelligence Fusion Center’—Voice of America

“A Ugandan official says six heads of state and government from the Great Lakes region will hold talks today (Friday) on establishing a joint intelligence-sharing center for the region…”

Five reasons why Lord’s Resistance Army remains on the loose—CNN

“President Barack Obama announced recently that about 100 U.S. troops are being deployed to Central Africa to help “apprehend and remove” the elusive Joseph Kony and his top commanders of the Lord’s Resistance Army…”

Libya

Special Report: Libya – divided it stands—Reuters

“Libya plans an election next year. Whether it gets there could well turn on incidents like the three-day battle along Highway 1 last month…”

Gaddafi’s death may be war crime: ICC prosecutor—Reuters

“The death of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who was captured and killed by rebels in October, may have been a war crime, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said on Thursday…”

Yemen

Nobel Winner Says Yemen Could Face Civil War—Voice of America

“Nobel Peace Prize winner Tawakkol Karman of Yemen says her country could be pushed into a civil war unless the West stops supporting the current transition and takes strong legal and financial action against President Ali Abdullah Saleh…”

Syria

Syria death toll hits 5,000 as insurgency spreads—Reuters

“More than 5,000 people have been killed in nine months of unrest in Syria, the U.N. human rights chief said, as an insurgency began to overshadow what had initially been street protests against President Bashar al-Assad’s 11-year rule…”

10 Killed in Syria’s Anti-Government Unrest—Voice of America

“Activists say Syrian forces have opened fire on protesters who had gathered at a funeral for a child, killing at least four people…”

Defectors Fight Syrian Troops As Opposition Begins General Strike—Voice of America

“Syrian opposition sources say nearly to 20 people were killed across the country Sunday as bitter fighting erupted in several parts of the country. The fighting occurred as many towns and cities appear to have observed a call for a general strike…”

Syria’s Opposition Split Over Civil, Armed Unrest—Voice of America

“Syria’s opposition has launched a new form of civil disobedience with a general strike, even as armed resistance escalates. The opposing tactics highlight a growing split among those who seek to oust the government, a divide echoed in the mixed signals of the international community…”

Explosion rips through Syria gas pipeline: witness–Reuters

“An explosion ripped through a gas pipeline near the town of Rastan in the central Syrian province of Homs and flames were seen rising from the site, a witness said on Monday, the second reported blast at an energy pipeline in Homs in a week…”

UN Rights Chief Dismisses Syria’s Assad Claims on Credibility—Voice of America

“United Nations human rights chief Navi Pillay has dismissed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s recent claims that the U.N. is not a credible organization and that her commission of inquiry failed to contact his government during an investigation of human rights violations in his country…”

French accusations put Syria’s allies in spotlight—Reuters

“France says it believes Syria was behind an attack on U.N. peacekeepers in south Lebanon. While Paris has no proof, Damascus has plenty of armed supporters who might try to destabilize Lebanon to divert attention from its own turmoil…”

Democratic Republic of Congo

UN Mission Wants Congo Electoral Body To Address Poll Dispute—Voice of America

“The United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) is calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) to address concerns over the outcome of the disputed presidential and legislative elections…”

Congo President Says Re-Election Credible, Opposition Must Obey Laws—Voice of America

“In the Democratic Republic of Congo, President Joseph Kabila is rejecting suggestions that irregularities in last month’s vote cast doubt on the legitimacy of his re-election. The leading opposition candidate is rejecting those results and has declared himself president…”

East Congo Opposition to Protest Kabila Election—Voice of America

“Opposition leaders in eastern Congo are planning to protest the disputed re-election of President Joseph Kabila beginning Tuesday morning.  And while organizers say the protests will be peaceful, some opposition supporters say they fear rallies will spark violence…”

Sudan and South Sudan

SPLA spokesperson warns of a “war situation”—Miraya FM

“The security situation at the borders of Sudan and South Sudan has become tense following attacks on Jau last week says the spokesperson of the Sudan People Liberation Army Colonel Philip Aguer…”

UNHCR: Escalating insecurity disrupts flow of aid in S.Sudan—Miraya FM

“The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Friday voiced grave concern over the plight of 20,000 refugees in South Sudan who are increasingly at risk as fighting rages near the border with Sudan…”

New clashes in South Kordofan leave 19 dead, rebels say—Sudan Tribune

“Rebels fighting the Sudanese government in South Kordofan State have reported fresh clashes in which 19 people were killed on Saturday as Sudan’s army claimed it choked rebels’ supplies of arms…”

Sudan said to be ready for talks with SPLM-N rebels—Sudan Tribune

“An official representing the ex-opposition Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in Sudan’s new government has revealed that doors are now open for a negotiated settlement to the crisis in South Kordofan and Blue Nile…”

9 killed in fresh attack in Jonglei State—Miraya FM

“At least nine people have been killed and about 13 others have been injured in a fresh attack on Pigi County, located on the northern part of Jonglei State…”

More raids frighten citizens of South Sudan’s Jonglei state—Sudan Tribune

“As residents of Jalle Payam (district) organized funerals rituals for last week raid on Friday, more people died on Sunday in Makuach Payam, Bor and others in Pigi county where renegade army general George Athor is holing up with his forces…”

UNMISS SRSG calls for end to violence in Jonglei—Miraya FM

“The killings this week in the villages in Jalle Payam, Bor South County, as well as in Twic East County, underline the importance of the Jonglei Peace Process and the urgent need to move forward, the Special Representative of the Secretary General to South Sudan, Hilde Johnson has said…”

Sudan suspends repatriation of South Sudanese children—Miraya FM

“The government of Sudan has postponed the hand over of 900 unaccompanied South Sudanese children until July next year…”

ICC judges dismiss legality of African Union decision on Bashir, refer Malawi’s non-compliance to UNSC—Sudan Tribune

“The judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday issued the first decision of its kind dismissing the legality of an African Union (AU) resolutions ordering all its member states not to cooperate with the court in apprehending the Sudanese president Omer Hassan al-Bashir…”

SAF complicates talks on Abyei, says Minister—Miraya FM

“Sudan Armed Forces’ (SAF) refusal to withdraw from the disputed border region of Abyei is affecting the progress of the talks, the Cabinet Affairs Minister, Deng Alor, has said…”

Laurent Gbagbo at the ICC

Today, the former president of Cote d’Ivoire, Laurent Gbagbo, made his first appearance in front of International Criminal Court (ICC) judges after arriving in The Hague last week. Gbagbo is being held in an ICC detention centre and is facing four counts of crimes against humanity for violence which he initiated after losing his position in last November’s presidential election to Alassane Ouattara.

Even though the international community recognized the presidential election as free and fair, Gbagbo refused to step down and initiated a brutal campaign supported by the Ivorian Defence and Security Forces (FDS), youth militia and mercenaries, which abducted, tortured, raped, and killed Ouattara supporters. The conflict resulted in the deaths of over 3,000 Ivorians and caused at least one million civilians to flee their homes. Finally, after four months of violence between pro-Gbagbo and pro-Ouattara supporters, Ouattara’s forces succeeded in taking the capital in April, capturing Gbagbo bringing an end to the bloody conflict.

Despite underlying tensions between the two sides, Cote d’Ivoire has been relatively peaceful since Gbagbo’s capture and it is positive sign that President Ouattara and the Ivorian government turned him over to the ICC to face justice. While the ICC has only issued a warrant for Gbagbo, Chief Prosecutor Luis-Moreno Ocampo continues to investigate crimes against humanity and war crimes allegedly committed by pro-Gbagbo and pro-Ouattara forces. Justice is an important aspect of peace and must be applied to all parties responsible for atrocities against civilians, not only Gbagbo and his supporters, in order to prevent conflict from recurring in the war torn country of Cote d’Ivoire.

With legislative elections in Cote d’Ivoire set to begin this upcoming Sunday, the international community must pay attention and be ready to respond so that heightened tensions surrounding Gbagbo’s turnover to the ICC and the countries first elections since last year’s atrocities do not result a reemergence of violence.

Sudanese Defense Minister Abdulrahim Mohamed Hussein

Hussein was the former Minister of the Interior and the head of the “Darfur Security Desk” during the height of the genocide and was involved in recruiting, mobilizing, funding, arming, and training janjaweed forces. He also reportedly pushed for forced returns of internally displaced persons as well as severe restrictions on humanitarian access.

This is the highest level arrest warrant request for a Sudanese official since President Omar al-Bashir, who is now wanted for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. If the ICC pre-trial chamber approves the arrest warrant for Hussein he will become the fourth Sudanese official wanted by the ICC for the genocide in Darfur following the cases against Bashir, former Minister of State Ahmad Harun, and janjaweed leader Ali Kushayb. This request also serves as a reminder that the crisis in Darfur is far from over.

However, Darfur is not the only region in Sudan where the government has committed atrocities against civilians and unfortunately Ocampo is unable to extend investigations into other regions of Sudan due to limitations in the referral by the United Nations Security Council. Not surprisingly, Sudan is not a state party to the Rome Statue and therefore the only way for the ICC to open an investigation into other crimes against civilians in Sudan is through an additional Security Council referral. Over the past seven months, the Sudanese government has committed a multitude of atrocities in the states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile as well as the disputed border region of Abyei displacing at least 404,700 civilians. While the United Nations has stated that the atrocities committed in these regions may constitute war crimes and ethnic cleansing, the Obama Administration and international community have failed to take substantial action to stop the attacks or hold those at fault responsible.

Justice is a vital instrument for peace as well as for the deterrence of future atrocities. While the additional request for an arrest warrant is a positive step, perpetrators of crimes against civilians cannot be permitted to do so with impunity which they continue to do in Darfur as well as other regions of Sudan. It is essential for the international community to support justice for the people of Sudan by pressuring the Government to turn over officials responsible for crimes in Darfur to the Court. The Obama Administration must also lead the UN Security Council to hold the perpetrators of atrocities in South Kordofan, Blue Nile and Abyei accountable by referring the situation to the International Criminal Court.

President Bashir during his visit to Kenya in August 2010

President Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide, first traveled to Kenya in August 2010 and attempted to travel to the country a second time for the IGAD summit last October. Both occasions were met with heavy criticism by Kenyan civil society groups and international justice advocates since as a state party to the ICC, Kenya is obligated to arrest any individual wanted by the court. Unfortunately, Kenya is not the only ICC member state to flout their obligations under the Rome Statute and Chad, Djibouti, and Malawi have also welcomed the wanted war criminal into their countries.

After Bashir’s second attempt to visit Nairobi, the Kenyan chapter of the International Commission of Jurists filed a suit against their government to prevent Kenya from defying their international obligations by allowing Bashir to visit yet again. The ruling by the Kenyan court is an important victory for civil society organizations and international justice proponents and sends a strong signal to leaders of ICC member states that their people take commitments to justice seriously and will act to keep leadership from allowing impunity for perpetrators of mass atrocities.

Bodies of Gaddafi supporters at the Mahari Hotel in Sirte © Peter Bouckaert/HRW

Earlier this week, Human Rights Watch issued yet another report on serious crimes allegedly perpetrated by NTC forces. According to the report, last week 53 Gaddafi supporters were executed at a hotel in Sirte which was under the control of NTC forces. Several of the bodies had their hands tied behind their backs and others had bandages covering prior wounds. Further actions like this will only serve to create additional tension and violence. It is crucial that the NTC adhere to international justice norms and not extrajudicially execute forces opposed to them.

While it is promising that the NTC has promised to investigate and prosecute the killers of Gaddafi, they must also live up to their commitments to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and turn over Gaddafi’s son, Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, and Libya’s former intelligence chief, Abdullah Al-Senussi, to The Hague if they are captured. According to reports, the NTC may soon face that test as rumors have emerged that Saif is trying to negotiate his turnover to the court.

The NTC faces many serious challenges as they seek to rebuild their nation. A critical step towards creating national unity will depend on council’s observance of international law and dedication to justice. The council must respect human rights, even those of their opposition, and have an opportunity to demonstrate their dedication by turning over Saif and Al-Senussi to the court.

—

October 13, 2011

Your Excellency Ambassadors Matenje and Bowler:

We are writing to convey our deep concern about the Malawian government’s decision to welcome Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir to Lilongwe. As a state party to the International Criminal Court, Malawi must fulfill their commitments to international law and justice and arrest President Bashir who continues to target his own people.

As you know, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for President Bashir on charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in Darfur. Not only is Bashir responsible for the deaths of 300,000 people in Darfur, but he is also currently committing atrocities against civilians in South Kordofan and Blue Nile as we speak. His indiscriminate bombing of civilians and blocking of food aid has displaced over half a million people this year and is setting up a humanitarian catastrophe that could threaten over a million people. In light of the continuing violence against civilians in Sudan, it is essential that Malawi, a signatory to the International Criminal Court, demonstrate the countries dedication to civilian protection and international justice by arresting Omar al Bashir.

Malawi’s decision sends a dangerous message to the world and to would be perpetrators of mass atrocities. As justice and accountability are critical components for lasting peace, we urge Malawi to fulfill their obligation to international law and justice by carrying out the arrest warrant for President Bashir.

Sincerely,

Bama Athreya

Executive Director

United to End Genocide

Darfur, S. Kordofan rebels agree to overthrow Sudanese government, JEM rebuffs alliance- Sudan Tribune

• The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in South Kordofan and two factions of the Sudan Liberation Movement signed an alliance with the goal of overthrowing President Bashir and his government and establishing a secular state. The Justice and Equality Movement did not join the accord because it said the focus should be on a citizenship rights state, not a secular state.

JEM negotiation team departs from Doha- Radio Dabanga

• The Justice and Equality Movement mediation team announced it will be leaving Doha and says it will return only when negotiations become serious.

Sudanese newspaper seized for revealing Bashir-Agar meeting- Sudan Tribune

• Sudanese authorities confiscated Sunday and Monday copies of Al-Ahdath newspaper in retaliation for disclosing a planned meeting between President Bashir and Blue Nile governor Malik Agar last week.

Sudan says UNSC meeting on South Kordofan has ulterior motives- Sudan Tibune

• The Sudanese Foreign Minister claimed the UN Security Council meeting on South Kordofan was due to pressure from activist groups spreading false information, because he claims there is positive progress in South Kordofan.

EU criticizes Bashir’s visit to Chad despite ICC warrant- Sudan Tribune

• The European Union criticized President Bashir’s visit to Chad for the swearing in President Idriss Deby to a new five-year term. Chad, although a member of the International Criminal Court, has failed to arrest Bashir on multiple occasions.

Activists in Front of the White House, Copyright George Robert Newcomb

On July 23^rd, the Syrian Emergency Task Force hosted a rally in front of the White House at Lafayette Park.  The purpose of the rally was to call on the United States government to support freedom, democracy and justice in Syria.  Since the Syrian Revolution in March, Assad’s security forces have killed over 1,700 innocent civilians as a means of suppressing peaceful protests.  Protestors denounced the Assad regime and called for free elections, a free press, and freedom of expression in Syria.  The keynote speaker was Award winning Syrian composer and pianist Malek Jandali who performed onstage.  The rally lasted for four hours and had a large turnout despite the unbearable heat.

Rally to Free Syria, Copyright George Robert Newcomb

The Syrian Emergency Task Force is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. that works to convey the democratic aspirations of the Syrian people to the American public. The S.E.T.F. was created in order raise awareness in the United States of the continuing oppression in Syria.  As an organization dedicated to peace and justice, S.E.T.F. supports humanitarian organizations in their efforts to help the Syrian people and bring the crimes committed by the regime who engaged in killing, torturing, or detainment to a lawful settlement through legal and peaceful means.  Many of its members are first or second generation Syrians.  In May, the group filed a lawsuit in order to bring the horrific crimes which have occurred in Syria to trial.  The S.E.T.F. also has satellite groups in Illinois, California, Texas, New Jersey, and New York who are responsible for documenting Syrian testimony on crimes against humanity.

The organization consistently promotes action alerts.  Currently, they are asking all activists to contact the White House, the State Department, and members of Congress to support freedom in Syria.  They are calling on the Obama administration to:

• Issue a strong condemnation of the ongoing massacres in Syria, specifically the escalation in Dier Ez-Zour and Hama

• Pressure the UN Security Council to condemn the Syrian regime’s action

• Refer Assad and others to the International Criminal Court to be tried for crimes against humanity

• Lead a coalition of moderate Arab countries and European countries to increase pressure on the Assad regime to allow international media and human rights representatives into Syria.

S.E.T.F. encourages supporters to urge the State Department to support stronger measures against the Syrian regime, and to coordinate efforts to stop the regime from receiving economic assistant from Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. Additionally, the State Department should take the lead in sending emergency food and medical supplies to the Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey, and to request that Turkey provide full access to the Syrian refugee camps.  Lastly, they advocate that activists should contact their Congressional representatives to make a statement on the Senate and House floor condemning Assad’s regime for its brutality and demanding his removal from Syria today.

Click here to view the embedded video.

For more information on how to get involved and support the Syrian Emergency Task Force, please visit their website: http://www.syrianemergencytaskforce.org/.

JEM and SPLA attack Sudan’s army in S. Kordofan – rebel spokesperson- Sudan Tribune

• The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) claims it has carried out a joint attack with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in South Kordofan. The JEM spokesperson claims they killed over 150 SAF and captured military equipment.

UN report incriminates Sudan army’s acts in South Kordofan, calls for ICC probe- Sudan Tribune

• A UN report on the violence in South Kordofan says the actions of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and allied militias may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity and calls for a referral to the ICC. The report says both sides acted against civilians, the SAF actions were most egregious, including aerial bombardments, forced displacement, abductions, house-to-house searches, arbitrary arrests and detentions, targeted killings and summary executions.

South Sudan’s new currency launched amidst concerns over omission of date

• The new currency of South Sudan was launched yesterday. People were concerned that the date on which the notes were printed was not indicated, which could be important for future anti-counterfeiting measures. President Salva Kiir encouraged citizens to exchange their money for the new currency and transfer their foreign accounts to the Central Bank of South Sudan.

Sudan’s Blue Nile state governor calls for resistance against proposed law- Sudan Tribune

• The governor of Blue Nile state refuses to recognize a proposed amendment to the Popular Consultation law to extend the consultations for six months, which Sudanese cabinet endorsed. The popular consultations for Blue Nile and South Kordofan were included in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, but have not yet been carried out.

Leaders of camps for displaced in Darfur support Doha- Radio Dabanga

• Leaders from Fato Borno Camp and Kalma Camp in Darfur have indicated their support for the Doha agreement signed last Thursday, saying the humanitarian situation in the camps is not sustainable and the agreement is a chance for peace.

Grim humanitarian situation in Nuba Mountains- Radio Dabanga

• Activists say that the humanitarian situation in the Nuba Mountains is entering a phase of near-starvation and aid is being obstructed. They demanded that the UN Security Council refer the situation to the ICC.

SPLA alleges six abducted by LRA in WeBG – Radio Miraya

• The Sudan People’s Libration Army says six civilians were abducted by the Lord’s Resistance Army in Western Bahr el-Ghazal state. Some managed to escape, and the SPLA pursued the LRA to the border with the Central African Republic.