The Obama Administration offered a package of incentives to encourage good behavior towards innocent civilians in Sudan. However, the Sudanese government has continued to block humanitarian access, bomb civilian areas in South Kordofan, Darfur, Blue Nile, and South Sudan even targeting displaced persons living at the refugee camps. Al-Bashir continues to show the world that he is willing to wage violence towards the Sudanese people, therefore he needs to be stopped.  The United States government should be urged to take robust action against the Government of Sudan and NOT be lobbied by Mr. Bart Fisher for rewards which are unmerited.

At the protest on Friday, activists were joined by US Representative Frank Wolf (R-VA) who has spoken out against Sudan hiring a Washington lobbyist and stated on Tuesday,  December 13 on the House floor his outrage in learning that the “genocidal government of Khartoum hired a lobbyist to represent its interests  in Washington”. 

Demonstration outside Bart Fisher's office

Join the Sudanese people and demand for Justice by urging your member of Congress to push for robust action against Sudan.

Sudan and South Sudan

Calls for an end to Sudanese oil dispute from China—The National

“The simmering dispute over Sudan’s most valuable resource was forced on to the international stage this week, as Khartoum announced it had blocked exports from the south until an agreement on fees was reached. The growing rift has caused China, the biggest consumer of Sudanese oil, and owner of the company operating the pipeline, to call for a resolution of the conflict…”

South Sudan threatens to suspend oil production if north imposes charges unilaterally

“The South Sudan government on Wednesday reacted negatively to reports that Sudan plans to take 23% of the new country’s oil exports, saying it will consider suspending oil production if north Sudan continues to impose high transportation and refinery costs…”

Kenyan Foreign Minister to Meet al-Bashir Over Arrest Ruling

“Kenyan Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula said he will meet Sudanese President Umar al- Bashir tomorrow to defuse tensions over a Kenyan court ruling calling for al-Bashir’s arrest…”

Sudan singles out Kenya for retaliation over Bashir’s warrant

“Sudan’s decision this week to expel the Kenyan ambassador after a High Court judge ordered the government in Nairobi to arrest president Omer Hassan al-Bashir, took many observers by surprise with some describing it as an overreaction…”

Sudan expels Kenyan ambassador

“Sudan ordered the Kenyan ambassador in Khartoum to leave the country on Tuesday, after a Kenyan court issued an arrest warrant against Sudanese president Omar Al Bashir…”

SPLA deny claims of defections to rebels in Unity state

“South Sudan’s army (SPLA) has denied allegations by a rebel movement in Unity state that 55 soldiers including three majors and five captains from its fourth division have defected to the South Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SSLM/A)…”

Opposition parties form coalition in Unity state, accuse SPLM of neglect

“Four South Sudanese political parties have formed a coalition in Unity state to address the dominance of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM)…”

1 killed, 6 critically injured in camp looting by Abu-Tira

“Internally displaced person Aseyid Abdullah Abdalbannat was shot dead in ZamZam camp by a group of people belonging to the Central Reserve Forces, also known as Abu-Tira, according to local witnesses…”

Returnees Arrive In Juba

“The South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (SSRRC) on Monday received four batches of internally displaced people (IDP’s). The 3000 IDPs who arrived in Juba came from Sudan’s Kosti town in White Nile State…”

Syria

Syria in state of civil war, death toll 4,000: U.N.

“Syria is in a state of civil war with more than 4,000 dead and increasing numbers of soldiers taking up arms against the government of President Bashar al-Assad, the top U.N. human rights official said Thursday…”

Syria firms and VIPs sanctioned in “civil war”

“The United States, European Union and Arab League blacklisted Syrian VIPs and companies on Thursday to force an end to the military crackdown on protesters challenging the rule of President Bashar al-Assad…”

EU, Arab League Tighten Syria Sanctions

“European Union diplomats say member nations have agreed to tighten sanctions on Syria, as the U.N. raised the death toll from Syria’s crackdown on an eight-month-long uprising to at least 4,000…”

Democratic Republic of Congo

AU, Carter Center Urge Congolese to Accept Vote Results

“Electoral observers in the Democratic Republic of Congo are urging presidential and legislative candidates to accept the results of this week’s vote. Four presidential candidates are calling for the vote to be annulled. Some people are still voting after ballots were delivered late…”

Congo Opposition Candidate Calls for Annulment of Vote

“One of the leading presidential candidates in the Democratic Republic of Congo said Tuesday that he wants this week’s elections annulled because of what he says is systematic fraud. The vote has been marred by violence and the late delivery of ballots, which forced officials to extend balloting…”

Tshisekedi Will Only Accept Credible Congo Vote, Says Party Official

“In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a top official of main opposition Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) says presidential candidate Etienne Tshisekedi will only accept the outcome of a transparent and credible general election…”

Burma

Clinton offers Myanmar first rewards for reform

“The United States will support more aid for Myanmar and consider installing an ambassador after an absence of some two decades, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Thursday, offering the first rewards for reform…”

Clinton Challenges Burma to Expand Reforms

“U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has offered Burma’s military-backed government incentives to expand recent reforms, saying economic sanctions would not be lifted until certain policies are reversed. People in Burma are welcoming Clinton and efforts to push for change in their country…”

Aung San Suu Kyi Optimistic About Clinton’s Burma Visit

“Burma’s pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, says she is optimistic that a landmark visit by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will advance reforms in the country…”

China Calls for Lifting of Burma Sanctions

“China is calling for the lifting of sanctions on Burma imposed by the United States and Europe.  Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei says China welcomes Burma’s apparent warming towards the United States, as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton makes a landmark trip to the southeast Asian nation…”

Yemen

5 Killed as Yemeni Government Forces Shell Taiz

“Shells and mortar fire rained down on the Yemeni city of Taiz on Thursday, killing five people and wounding at least 20. Residents of several Taiz neighborhoods said government forces launched the attack early in the day. Medical officials confirmed the death toll and said some of those wounded were in critical condition…”

Cote d’Ivoire

Gbagbo Party Protests ICC Action, Withdraws From Reconciliation Process

“The executive committee of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo’s Ivorian Popular Front Party says the International Criminal Court’s decision to bring Gbagbo to The Hague to stand trial is illegal…”

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.

Sudan

ICC prosecutor to request arrest warrant for Sudan defence minister: report—Sudan Tribune

Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court are seeking an arrest warrant against the Sudanese Minister of Defense Abdel-Rahim Mohamed Hussein for crimes he committed while the representative for Darfur in 2003 and 2004.  The indictment is expected to occur the week of November 17^th or 21^st.

Border battles threaten the new Sudans—BBC News

South Sudan accused Sudan of supporting southern rebels in their attacks on oil-rich areas. Sudan has denied the accusations saying that it was not the responsible for the aerial bombings of the two refugee camps in Southern Sudan and that those fleeing Blue Nile and South Kordofan to South Sudan are not civilians but rebels.  Both countries have built up security forces along the international border.

Ban voices deep concern over worsening rhetoric between Sudan and South Sudan—UN News Centre

Secretary General of the United Nations expressed deep concern over the increasingly extreme rhetoric between Sudan and South Sudan, fearing it could lead to deterioration in relations between the two countries and possibly war.  Ban also condemned the formation of the Sudan Revolutionary Front made up of four armed groups, and implored all parties to avoid violent means.

Darfuri armed groups leave for US symposium—Radio Dabanga

Representatives from Darfur armed groups left for Washington on Monday for a Darfur peace workshop.  The Justice and Equality (JEM), Sudan Liberation Army led by Minni Minnawi (SLA-MM), and the Liberation and Justice Movement, the only group to sign the Doha Darfur Peace Document (DDPD), will be represented at the workshop which is seeking to successfully implement the Doha Darfur peace agreement.

Opposition parties welcome SRF—Radio Dabanga

Opposition political parties, including the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), Popular Congress Party (PCP), and the Sudanese Communist Party (SCP), voiced support for the Sudan Revolutionary Front’s (SRF) goal to topple the National Congress Party regime, although some disagreed with its violent means.  The SRF is made up of two factions of the Sudan Liberation Army led by Minni Minnawi and Abdel Wahid, the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N).

Khartoum: SPLA officer confessed South Sudan support to the rebels

Sudan has published statements allegedly confessed by surrendered Sudan People Liberation Army (SPLA) Captian Hafez Hamza Abkar that give evidence that South Sudan has supported rebels in Sudan.  Sudan and South Sudan regularly trade accusations that the other is supporting rebels in their territory.

Syria

Syria’s ‘bloodiest day’ leaves scores dead –Al Jazeera

Monday was the bloodiest day since the demonstrations against the Assad regime began eight months ago, with at least 70 people killed in just 24 hours.  The causalities include 27 civilians, 34 soldiers, and 12 defected soldiers killed.

EU Widens Syria Sanctions as Pressure Grows on Assad to Quit—Bloomberg

International pressure against Bashar Al-Assad’s regime has increased with several countries calling for him to step down and the EU expanding sanctions to cover 18 Syrian individuals believed responsible for the violent crackdown on unarmed protestors.  King Abdullah of Jordan became the first Arab leader to publicly demand Assad step down.

Syrian soldiers killed in clash with defectors—Standard Examiner

Thirty-four Syrian soldiers were killed in an ambush in Syria’s southern Daraa province by army defectors, who switched allegiance when security forces utilized violent means against protestors.  Clashes between security forces and defected soldiers raise concerns that the peaceful opposition could turn into a civil war.

Syrian exiles find fear rather than refuge in Lebanon—Daily Star

Syrian activists who choose exile in Lebanon to escape persecution by Syrian government forces are finding that they are still in danger, as several high-profile Syrian dissidents have disappeared off the streets of Lebanon’s cities.  It is suspected that they were abducted by Syrian intelligence officers.

Syria Under Pressure After Suspension by Arab League—Business Week

Following the vote by the League of Arab States to suspend Syria’s membership, international pressure against the Assad regime has mounted. The EU has expanded individual sanctions, and King Abdullah of Jordan and a newspaper connected to the Saudi royal family have both publicly called on Assad to step down. Turkey has also increased pressure, and suspended oil and gas exploration in Syria.

Syrian opposition in Moscow for official talks—Daily Star

The Syrian National Council, a coalition of activist groups, arrived in Moscow on Tuesday to convince Russia to support them in their efforts for regime change. Russia has thus far supported Syria’s embattled president Bashar Al-Assad, and vetoed a UN Security Council sanctions resolution, as well as condemned the Arab League decision to suspend Syria’s League membership.

Syrian opposition fails to shift Russia stance on Assad—Daily Star

Syrian opposition representatives were unable to move Russia to call for Bashar Al-Assad resignation in talks in Moscow this morning. Russia instead encouraged all sides to accept the conditions in the earlier Arab League peace deal and work together to enact reforms.  Russia trades weapons with Syria and maintains a naval base on its coast.

Libya

New Libyan Army Deployed to Settle Feud—Tripoli Post

The new Libyan army, made up of the rebel forces that toppled Muammar Al-Gaddafi, was deployed to end four days of hostiles between militias from Zawiyah and Warshefana.  The soldiers were deployed as a buffer between the two areas and secured the area to prevent further hostilities.

Yemen

Yemen’s Saleh vows to step down as president—CNN News

President of Yemen, Ali Abdullah Saleh agreed to a proposal by the Gulf Cooperation Council that would have him step down from power in 90 days to allow for a transitional government to take control.  Saleh has repeatedly offered to step down, only to renege on his promises and order crackdowns on opposition demonstrations.

Burma

UK calls for Burma political prisoner release—BBC News

International development secretary for the UK, Andrew Mitchell called for the release of all political prisoners, the numbers of which are estimated to be between 600 and 1,000 people.

Burmese Monks Stage Protest Demanding Release of Prisoners—Voice of America

Five monks organized a protest calling for the release of all political prisoners held by the Burmese government.  The government has promised to give amnesty to and release 200 prisoners on Monday, but has so far failed to do so. Several hundred people participated in the protest.

The US-Burma Connection—The Irrawaddy

Recent events in Burma may suggest that the Obama Administration’s dual tactics of engagement and sanctions have been effective in bringing some limited changes to Burma.  Further international support is needed if real change is to come to Burma.

Burmese women routinely harassed in city—The Times of India

Burmese refugee women are reportedly being attacked, assaulted, and harassed while in exile in Delhi, India.  Justice officials often fail to act to protect Burmese refugees or prosecute cases against their attackers.

Click here to view the embedded video.

The South Sudan army also claimed that Sudanese troops and militia attacked a military base in the South earlier today leaving 18 soldiers dead and another 73 wounded. According to the Southern troops, Bashir’s forces are attempting to capture the south’s oil fields. This week’s attacks are the first military assaults on South Sudan since its independence and will undoubtedly exacerbate the already tenuous relationship between Khartoum and Juba and could escalate into further conflict.

According to the United Nations, the Sudanese government dropped at least five bombs on Yida camp, one of which fell on a school. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, called for an investigation into the bombing and for those responsible to be held accountable.

Four hundred advocates, supporters and friends of United to End Genocide and the STAND student network converged on Washington, D.C. this weekend for the End Genocide Action Summit. It was an incredible gathering overflowing with information and inspiration.  It was impossible to be there and not be moved.

Right now, many of these advocates are converging on Capitol Hill to deliver a message that is a matter of life and death for many thousands in Sudan who are the latest targets of a mass murderer who is wanted for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide by the International Criminal Court: Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir. They are demanding that the United States take action now to stop Bashir from continuing to terrorize the Sudanese people.

Many summit participants were young activists – some experienced campus organizers and others who had never taken action in support of any cause before. There were seniors, soccer moms, business people and artists. There were those who have been touched by the horror of genocide and mass atrocity first hand.  They all joined us to show that even when conflicts don’t hit the headlines, there is a wellspring of citizens who are vigilant and ready to take action. Their willingness to act to stop the suffering of people in far parts of the world has a power that cannot be underestimated.

Courageous activists from Sudan shared their stories and grounded us in the realities of those who are facing threats and violence every day.  A panel on what is happening in Sudan was packed to overflowing. Conference participants demanded that the session be repeated a second time so that everyone could learn what is happening there.  Indeed, we were heartened that New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof chose this past Sunday to highlight the current violence in the Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile regions of Sudan in his column, getting this story to many people who were not here with us, but also care and will take action.

What is happening In Sudan? It bears repeating that right now violence against Sudanese in these southern border regions is escalating to a horrific level.  Omar al-Bashir, architect of the Darfur genocide, has directed attacks on civilians in South Kordofan and Blue Nile.  Huge numbers of people have been displaced from their homes.  The attacks are only going to intensify now, as the rainy season comes to an end and roads become passable.  And adding to the terror, the bombings have prevented Sudanese from planting crops, the government is denying access to humanitarian aid and hundreds of thousands are now at risk of starvation.

Conference participants committed themselves to action. United to End Genocide’s Stop Bashir! campaign has already generated over 25,000 individual calls to action even before this weekend’s Action Summit and is gaining momentum.  We have testified before Congress and are working with allied Members to push for stronger US action, and we continue to keep the pressure on the Administration.

The Action Summit was a moment for all of us to recharge and recommit to our vision of a world without genocide or mass atrocities.  Now we’re ready to continue to ground that vision in action.  We will send postcards and petitions, we will have call-in days, we will call for and testify at Congressional hearings, we will propose legislation, we will continue to speak out in the media and organize events to garner attention, we will build our numbers and our presence in Washington and throughout the nation.  We will create a drum beat of pressure on the Administration that won’t let up until they reverse course and stop accommodating this brutal killer and his ruthless regime.

We need you now more than ever. There a number of ways to help but for starters, we want to collect at least 50,000 signatures to our Stop Bashir campaign by December 6th, the 6 month anniversary of when Bashir’s forces began their attacks in South Kordofan.  Please go to www.stopbashir.org, sign a postcard and then share this action through your social networks. Five minutes of your time will go a long way to getting us to 50,000.

We will be acting on other crises, as well.  Activists heard firsthand about what is happening to people in Syria, in Burma, in Democratic Republic of Congo.  As many of you at the summit reminded us, we can only have an impact if we come together, if we amplify our voices, if we build a larger, stronger community of activists who will stand up now, today — to stop Bashir’s campaign of horror in Sudan, and to act any time people are threatened by genocide or mass atrocity, anywhere in the world.

Together, we move forward, sobered by the enormity of the challenge before us but heartened by the committed men and women – young and old – who are uniting to end genocide.

Director of Policy & Government Relations at UEG, listens to Chairman Frank R. Wolf (R-VA) speak, after briefing the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on the violent crises in South Kordofan and Blue Nile.

Director of Policy and Government Relations for United to End Genocide, Daniel Sullivan, testified yesterday in a hearing before Members of Congress on the increasingly dire situation in Sudan.  The hearing titled “First Hand Accounts of Violence and IDP/Refugee Problem in South Sudan’s Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile regions”, was held by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and included testimony by independent journalist, Ryan Boyette, and Director of Communications for the Enough Project Jonathan Hutson, who spoke on the work the Satellite Sentinel Project is doing in Sudan.

Mr. Sullivan discussed conversations he had with Sudanese displaced by fighting in South Kordofan and testified on the looming food crisis in South Kodofan and Blue Nile. Denial of access to humanitarian aid organizations combined with a failed harvest due to combat and government bombings will put over one million people at risk of famine in the next two to three months.  Mr. Sullivan laid out steps that the US government can take to stop the attacks in Sudan and emphasized that the time to act to avert a major famine is now.

Representative Frank Wolf, Chairman of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, addresses the audience at the hearing about the role Congress can take in ending the conflicts in Sudan.

Mr. Sullivan also spoke about the President of Sudan’s trip to Malawi yesterday.  President Omer El-Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for charges of genocide, and should have been arrested by Malawi’s government, which is a signatory of the Rome Statute and therefore obligated to uphold ICC rulings. He asked that Congress take further action to pressure countries to uphold their commitments to the International Criminal Court.

Chairmen Frank Wolf and Jim McGovern hosted the hearing and reiterated their continued commitment to making civilian protection in Sudan a political priority in US foreign policy.

You can read the rest of his testimony before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission below:

_________________________________________________________________________

Daniel P. Sullivan

United to End Genocide, Director of Policy and Government Relations

Briefing for Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission

“First-hand Accounts of Violence and Growing IDP/Refugee Problem in Sudan’s Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile regions”

October 13, 2011

Thank you Chairman Wolf and members of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission for holding this briefing and for everyone here for their interest. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak to you today on the escalation of violence in South Kordofan and Blue Nile. So many members of this Commission have been long-time champions of justice, accountability and peace in Sudan. Your leadership has been and continues to be critical.

I am here on behalf of United to End Genocide the merged entity that was previously the Save Darfur Coalition and the Genocide Intervention Network. I was in Sudan a couple of months prior to South Sudan’s official independence and again with United to End Genocide’s President Tom Andrew’s for South Sudan’s independence. Sadly, the warning signs in Abyei, South Kordofan, and Blue Nile were clear even months before independence. The popular consultations stipulated by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the North and South of Sudan were delayed and have not taken place. Several months before Southern independence in July, I met with Yasir Arman, head of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) and with Malik Agar, the now deposed governor of Blue Nile. Both warned even then about Bashir’s designs for the three areas (Abyei, Blue Nile, and South Kordofan).

When I returned to Sudan in July the worst fears had already come true. Bashir’s Sudanese Armed Forces and allied militias displaced 110,000 people from Abyei and began attacks in South Kordofan which have now spread to Blue Nile. While in Juba, Tom Andrews and I met with several people displaced from the Nuba Mountains in South Kordofan.

A pair of priests from Kadugli told about house to house searches and targeting of people based on their political affiliation with the SPLM-N as well as religion and ethnicity.

One man told me how a church had been looted and turned into a base of military operations. Other churches were burned and looted. One church was struck by a bomb.

A  one-time member of the Sudanese Air Force explained how Khartoum was using Antanov aircraft to roll out bombs indiscriminately over civilian areas in violation of international law and to devastating effect on the civilian population of South Kordofan.

A woman who works for a local humanitarian organization told about desperate efforts to secure remaining World Food Program food stores as international groups were kicked out and denied further access. The fighting further prevented the planting of crops meaning that food scarcity would be even greater.  At that time she estimated that as many as a million people could be affected by food shortage. More recently, I have heard from international humanitarian groups that a million is a conservative estimate. With fighting and displacement spread to Blue Nile and the harvesting season arriving with little planted food, the next couple months will be particularly dire.

The access has been minimal but the evidence actually quite abundant. The UN released a report of abuses taking place in June. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International released a report last month based on visits to bombed sites. Mr. Boyette has provided new fresh evidence. And next week Pax Christi and Julie Flint who was recently in South Kordofan will release a report which will show that the crimes of the Bashir regime continue.

Omar al-Bashir, the man responsible for genocide in Darfur, is the common link to this suffering. It is essential that he be stopped and held accountable for his crimes. Just yesterday United to End Genocide launched a campaign to urge Secretary Clinton and the U.S. government to stop talk of normalizing relations with Bashir, the war criminal, and to take tougher measures to protect civilians and end the crimes that continue to take place in Sudan. Today came the disturbing news that Malawi, a signatory to the International Criminal Court, will allow Bashir to visit. It will join Chad, Kenya, and Djibouti as ICC signatories that have allowed Bashir to visit without arrest. Bashir has also visited non-ICC members including Eritrea, Egypt, Libya, Iran, and China. Such a visit must be condemned.

What can be done? United to End Genocide’s president Tom Andrews when testifying before this Commission a couple of weeks ago laid out some steps that can be taken. I will repeat them briefly now and encourage everyone to pick up his testimony which is available in the back.

First, expand sanctions on individuals responsible for atrocities throughout Sudan. Current individual sanctions of atrocities are specific to Darfur. Anyone who commits heinous crimes must be held accountable regardless of where in Sudan these atrocities take place.

Second, make saving lives in Sudan a high priority in our dealings with other nations – particularly those who can exert the most leverage on Bashir and his regime. We need coordinated sanctions by the international community starting with our European allies. Maybe even more importantly, the United States must work to move China in a new direction. The Chinese have a great deal of leverage with the Government of Sudan. Their significant monetary investment makes it in their interest to have a peaceful and stable Sudan. But their actions belie their interest and denigrate values that we have a moral obligation to defend and advance. The red carpet that the Chinese government literally unfolded for Bashir just months ago in Beijing was an outrage. We need to hear that outrage spoken loudly and clearly by President Obama and other world leaders. And while China and Russia are the obvious and sadly expected roadblocks to multilateral action, countries like Brazil, India, and South Africa have also stood in the way. It is important for the United States to clearly express to these countries that saving lives in Sudan is a high priority.

Third, leverage with individual countries must be used to catalyze action in the United Nations Security Council. Even simple condemnation has been difficult to achieve, let alone steps that can truly protect civilians. That must change. Efforts should be made to pass a United Nations Security Council resolution that expands individual sanctions for perpetrators, expands the existing arms embargo on Darfur to all of Sudan, expands the mandate of the International Criminal Court to cover the entire country, demands unfettered humanitarian access, and authorizes an international civilian protection force with the mandate and capacity to protect civilians.

Congress also has an important role to play. First, the American people need to know the truth about Omar al Bashir and the atrocities he continues to commit. The attention brought by this Commission and the African Sub-Committee is an important step in that direction and, again, I commend you for your leadership. The American people have shown in their response to Darfur that they care about the people of Sudan, but many are unaware of what is happening right now. Very little information is coming out of places like South Kordofan. Your help is needed to raise the alarm. Congress should consider legislation that would mandate increased United States sanctions and push the Administration to advance the policies I’ve laid out here today.

I’d like to end with a final recognition of just how dire the situation is in South Kordofan and Blue Nile. Food aid continues to be blocked. The end to the rainy season means likely increased ground attacks. And the harvest season without crops will only exacerbate the dire humanitarian conditions. Time is running short and action must be taken. Thank you.

—

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

Bashir says Sudan’s army to “liberate” rebels’ bastion in Blue Nile—Sudan Tribune

At a public rally yesterday, Sudan President Omer El-Bashir vowed that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) would “liberate” Kurmuk, the stronghold of the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) in the Blue Nile state. The SAF has already retaken the capital of Blue Nile state, al-Damazin. President Bashir promised that those who had committed crimes against humanity would be punished.

Gunmen abduct five internationals and four Sudanese in Darfur – UN—Sudan Tribune

A UN source said that five international and four Sudanese staff were kidnapped by armed men near Umraik village in North Darfur. Efforts are bring made to find the hostages and negotiate their release. Kidnapping of aid workers and others became a serious problem in Darfur after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for President Bashir.

Minister: 1.3 million people are facing food shortages—Miraya FM

South Sudan’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Ben Achan Ogwaro, says 1.3 million people are facing food shortages and that people and people in Jonglei and Upper Nile have been particularly affected.  Ogwaro says the food shortages are due to blockades at the border checkpoints, an influx of refugees, the continuing crisis in Abyei and high fuel prices.

UNMISS Chief applauds President Kiir’s anti-corruption efforts—Miraya FM

United Nations representative to South Sudan, Hilde Johnson, commended South Sudan on its efforts to punish corruption and maintain transparency in government.

World is watching how South Sudan builds new nation, says UN envoy—UN News Centre

The UN special representative to South Sudan, Hilde Johnson, urged South Sudan President Salva Kiir to properly investigate and prosecute those government officials accused of corruption. President Kiir has declared a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, which Hilde Johnson says is the necessary preconditions to developing South Sudan into a stable nation.

Six refugees raped in North Darfur—Radio Dabanga

According to relatives of the victims, several women had gone out to farm to collect firewood when they were attacked, raped, and then tied to trees.  The victims took their case to the commissioner of Kabkabiya who said he could not get the perpetrators because they would have already fled. In another area of Kabkbiya armed men beat four women and stole their donkey. A refugee was also kidnapped and robbed before being released several hours later.

PDF forces take over state security office—Radio Dabanga

Some 800 new recruits to the Popular Defense Forces (PDF), a Sudanese government-backed militia, raided the state security office in Ali Kilik, South Kordofan, saying that they had not received pay for four months of work. Some of the PDF soliders were ordered to participate in actions in the Nuba Mountains but refused saying they did not want to attack their neighbors. PDF soldiers have also blockaded the road used to bring oil in refusing to move until they received their pay.  Aerial bombing raids by the government continue in South Kordofan, with the latest strike occurring in Umm Durain.

JEM splinters say ready for peace deal with Khartoum—Sudan Tribune

A breakaway group from the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) pledged to sign the Doha Darfur Peace Document (DDPD).  The splinter faction is led by Mohamed Bahr Ali Hamdein, who was stripped of his position by JEM leadership after they accused him of attempting a coup within the group by signing DDPD.

NISS shuts down Al-Jarida—Radio Dabanga

The National Intelligence and Security Services of Sudan raided the office of the independent newspaper Al-Jarida and then banned it. Al-Jarida had been already been suspended twice and told not to publish stories by reporters from the Ajraz Al Huriya newspaper, which has already been banned. No official reason was given for the banning of the Al-Jarida newspaper.

South Sudan among recipients of UN grants to end violence against women—UN News Centre

South Sudan received an annual grant from the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women. The grant will go to a program that will team the American Refugee Committee with the government of South Sudan in order to develop and standardize the way rape cases are managed in a clinical setting.

An Activist On a Hunger Strike—allAfrica

The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information denounced the continued detention without trial of Sudanese human rights activist Bushra Qamar Hussein. Hussein has been in the Al Cooper prison for three months and has begun a hunger strike.  Hussein has allegedly been abused while in the prison.

6 illegal checkpoints in Western Bhar-El-Ghazal State closed—Miraya FM

Akol Majok Rok, Jur River County Commissioner in Western Bahr-el-Ghazal state, has closed six illegal checkpoints in hopes that it would ease the flow of goods and keep down inflation. Six people were also arrested in the County for stealing goods at a checkpoint.

Interior Ministry to establish anti-terrorist unit—Miraya FM

Interior Minister of South Sudan, Alison Manani Magaya announced plans to create and train an anti-terrorism unit in order to counter any future terrorist threats to the nation. The Minister said that illegal immigrants in South Sudan may pose a threat to the nation’s security.

Al-Bashir vows to defend Sudan against “traitors”—Sudan Tribune

President Omer Al-Bashir pledged to rigorously defend Sudan against “traitors”. He demanded the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) put down their arms, as political parties could not have armies under the Sudanese constitution. He said that, “There will be no neglect in dealing with traitors because Sudan is protected by strong hands and an army that does not know defeat”.

Thousands more flee air strikes in Sudan’s Blue Nile State—UNHCR

Air strikes in the Blue Nile continued over the past week; the latest reported strike occurred Monday. On Friday of last week some 1,500 refugees crossed through the Karmuk border crossing into Ethiopia.  UN High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR) officials estimate some 25,000 Sudanese are now in Ethiopia and the organization is attempting to relocate these refugees to the safer Sherkole camp.

Food price protests renew in Sudan’s capital—Sudan Tribune

Khartoum was the site of renewed protests over the rising cost of food.  150 young people demonstrated in a square, burning tires, and demanding regime change. The protests were broken up with teargas and arrests, and the government blamed the protests on unnamed groups. The government has shut down independent newspaper Al-Jaridah.

UN agencies seek $18 million to assist Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia—UN News Centre

UN High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR), UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) asked for more than $18 million to take care of 35,000 estimated to arrive in Ethiopia from the Blue Nile state of Sudan where bombing of civilian population centers continued. Currently 25,000 refugees are already living in Ethiopia, and with the continuing bombing the number is expected to rise.

‘Armed men attacked nomads and farmers’—Radio Dabanga

A UNAMID investigation discovered that the earlier reported deaths of several people due to clashes between nomads and farmers were actually killed by armed men. In fact, representatives of the nomadic and farmer communities were sitting down to a peace committee to discuss farming rights and nomadic migration, when four armed men drove up in Land Rovers and opened fire, killing four people and injuring several others. The earlier erroneous report by UNAMID has caused the two communities to distrust UNAMID and suspect they are in collusion with the Sudanese government.

S. Sudan: High food prices push inflation rates to 57%–Sudan Tribune

Annual inflation rates in South Sudan have risen to 57% because of the rise in food prices and beverages. Some have blamed the inflation due to food prices on the closure of the borders between North and South Sudan.

Chad’s president reassures Sudanese counterpart over border security agreements—Sudan Tribune

Chad President Idris Deby sent an envoy to Khartoum to reassure President Bashir that Chad remains committed to the border security arrangements agreed upon in January 2010. Tensions between Chad and Sudan increased after the rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) leader, Khalil Ibrahim, slipped back into Darfur from over the Chadian border. Sudan is concerned JEM may upset the Doha peace process with the rebel group Liberation and Justice Movement.

South Sudan on Track to be mine-free—Miraya FM

The South Sudan Mine Authority has reported that South Sudan is on track to be mine free by the year 2025. It says that 8,000 miles of roads have already been cleared and first priority are those areas suspected to have large concentrations of mines.

Bassolé calls on rebel groups to ceasefire and join efforts for peace in Darfur—Sudan Tribune

At the UN General Assembly, Burkina Faso’s foreign minister and former chief mediator for Darfur peace talks, Djibril Bassole, called on rebels in western Sudan to agree to a ceasefire and enter peace talks with the government. Bassole is attempting to continue the Doha peace talks and get Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) rebels to participate. The Doha peace process has stalled because the Sudanese government has refused to open the Doha Darfur Peace Document (DPPD) for renegotiations, saying the only topics up for continued discussion is participation in the government and reintegration of rebels.