So atlast she was able to meet Bashir, after being snubbed and kept waiting for two days. But had anything changed?
Am talking about Jendayi Frazer, the US envoy sent by Bush to urge the Sudan government to accept a UN force to Darfur. The answer remains the same and will always be a big NO, she was told.
And here seems to be the main reasons that make the government of Sudan fear the UN, the Sudan Tribune says:
"Sudan has likened the deployment of U.N. troops to a Western invasion that it says would attract militants and cause an Iraq-style quagmire.
But analysts say Khartoum objects to U.N. troops because it fears the soldiers would arrest any officials or militia leaders likely to be indicted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court".
So the government has skeletons in the closet about Darfur that they don't want the world to know. It is an admittance that something wrong had wrong there. Cool, I couldn't spell it much better than that.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Jendayi Frazer: Mission Impossible!
It is sad that the situation in Darfur is deteriorating very fast. Only God knows where all the wrangling and arm twisting will lead the people of Darfur.
The saddest thing is that the people of Darfur who are facing the daily killings, rapes and hunger have no voice in their own destiny. Althought the US pressure on Sudan to accept the UN force is not bearing any fruits so far, all eyes are focused on the visit of the US Special Envoy Jendayi Frazer.
Will her visit bear fruits? Bashir has already said no change of policy. It is unfortunate that she had a cold reception in Khartoum, an NCP organized or rather staged demonstration to her visit. Her car was also mobed by protestors!
There are lots of questions that come to mind about Darfur with regards to the government: why is the SPLM, which is part of the Government of National Unity, silent about Darfur? Why is the rebel faction of Minni Minawi silent about Darfur? The Islamists are being mobilized to opposed the UN forces in Darfur, but where are the moderates who want to see peace in Darfur?
Poor Jendayi, she had an impossible mission to convince Khartoum . . .
The saddest thing is that the people of Darfur who are facing the daily killings, rapes and hunger have no voice in their own destiny. Althought the US pressure on Sudan to accept the UN force is not bearing any fruits so far, all eyes are focused on the visit of the US Special Envoy Jendayi Frazer.
Will her visit bear fruits? Bashir has already said no change of policy. It is unfortunate that she had a cold reception in Khartoum, an NCP organized or rather staged demonstration to her visit. Her car was also mobed by protestors!
There are lots of questions that come to mind about Darfur with regards to the government: why is the SPLM, which is part of the Government of National Unity, silent about Darfur? Why is the rebel faction of Minni Minawi silent about Darfur? The Islamists are being mobilized to opposed the UN forces in Darfur, but where are the moderates who want to see peace in Darfur?
Poor Jendayi, she had an impossible mission to convince Khartoum . . .
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Uganda/LRA sign truce
Bravo Riak Machar! Your mediation efforts has borne fruits.
At least the Government of South Sudan have scoop a big thing. The signing of the peace truce between the Lord's Resistance Army rebels and the Ugandan government is a welcomed break in the 20 years war.
The ICC will have to review their arrest warrants for the LRA leaders. At least there is a chance that norhern Uganda and South Sudan will have some peace.
At least the Government of South Sudan have scoop a big thing. The signing of the peace truce between the Lord's Resistance Army rebels and the Ugandan government is a welcomed break in the 20 years war.
The ICC will have to review their arrest warrants for the LRA leaders. At least there is a chance that norhern Uganda and South Sudan will have some peace.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Sudan abuses children - UN
They have always been an available resource for any fighting force. You just get them, train them how to kill, brainwash them and show them who to kill and they will willingly do that! And of course you don't have to pay them!
Am talking about children in wars and conflicts. They have always been used around the world: the LRA in Uganda, the Tamil Tigers, anywhere, you name it.
The Sudan is still abusing children. The Report by UN Secretary General report accused the SPLA and the government of Sudan of abusing children, enlisting them as child soldiers and of widespread sexual abuse.
This things must stop. Children should be in schools, not the battle fields. How can the world prevent such abuses from happening? The government should respect the rights of children.
Am talking about children in wars and conflicts. They have always been used around the world: the LRA in Uganda, the Tamil Tigers, anywhere, you name it.
The Sudan is still abusing children. The Report by UN Secretary General report accused the SPLA and the government of Sudan of abusing children, enlisting them as child soldiers and of widespread sexual abuse.
This things must stop. Children should be in schools, not the battle fields. How can the world prevent such abuses from happening? The government should respect the rights of children.
Monday, August 21, 2006
The Darfur Nightmare Revisited
Darfur has become a nightmare not only to Sudan, but also to the UN and the International Community.
Sudan's Bashir thinks that by playing tough, the world will turn away from Darfur! He thought he can sleep the nightmare off!
No way! With the AU troops dying now and again, and the population fleeing death, hunger and diseases, there is no way that the world is going to keep quiet. The support the Aab League is giving Sudan won't hold water, because when the goings get tough, they too may fade away.
There are no permanent policies in the world. I believe the tough guy talk is just mere propaganda and may give way with enough pressure. Keep the barometer rising, Mr Koffi Annan!
Tip:
The Sudanese Thinker: Sudan, Iran & The Arab League
Sudan's Bashir thinks that by playing tough, the world will turn away from Darfur! He thought he can sleep the nightmare off!
No way! With the AU troops dying now and again, and the population fleeing death, hunger and diseases, there is no way that the world is going to keep quiet. The support the Aab League is giving Sudan won't hold water, because when the goings get tough, they too may fade away.
There are no permanent policies in the world. I believe the tough guy talk is just mere propaganda and may give way with enough pressure. Keep the barometer rising, Mr Koffi Annan!
Tip:
The Sudanese Thinker: Sudan, Iran & The Arab League
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Garlic and lemons treat AIDS!
You may not believe, but that is what the South Africans are saying!
At the ongoing International AIDS Conference in Canada, the South African delegation are showing a new treatment regiment for HIV/AIDS: fruits and garlic can treat AIDS!
Closer to home, HIV/AIDS remains a big challenge in Sudan, but especially in the South which borders an AIDS zone. Just coming out of years of war, the border is still porous and no programmes are in place to fight the pandemic.
The recent call by the Minister of Health to increase AIDS awareness is in place. ARV is almost unknown in the Sudan. South Sudan also faces a big challenge.
I may as well prepare my own . . . Papayas, anyone?
At the ongoing International AIDS Conference in Canada, the South African delegation are showing a new treatment regiment for HIV/AIDS: fruits and garlic can treat AIDS!
Closer to home, HIV/AIDS remains a big challenge in Sudan, but especially in the South which borders an AIDS zone. Just coming out of years of war, the border is still porous and no programmes are in place to fight the pandemic.
The recent call by the Minister of Health to increase AIDS awareness is in place. ARV is almost unknown in the Sudan. South Sudan also faces a big challenge.
I may as well prepare my own . . . Papayas, anyone?
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Bashir got it wrong, again!
The Sudanese president Omar Hassan Ahmed al Bashir has declared that the UN force risk facing Hizbollah-like resistance in Darfur. Point taken, but he is wrong there, again as usual.
Who are dying in Darfur? Sudanese! And they are Muslims too! How do you explain the use of the UN force (could be mainly Christian force) to save Muslims from fellow Muslims!
Hizbollah was fighting a different kind of war that cannot be compared to the carnage in Darfur. The truth is the Bashir governmen wants to continue the policy of ethnic cleansing of the African tribes in Darfur. Period. Hope Minni Minawi is listening.
Who are dying in Darfur? Sudanese! And they are Muslims too! How do you explain the use of the UN force (could be mainly Christian force) to save Muslims from fellow Muslims!
Hizbollah was fighting a different kind of war that cannot be compared to the carnage in Darfur. The truth is the Bashir governmen wants to continue the policy of ethnic cleansing of the African tribes in Darfur. Period. Hope Minni Minawi is listening.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Two years for Slovenian envoy
How many people enter Sudan illegally every day? There are hundreds of people from the neighbouring countries who have been living in the country for years without the necessary papers.
Why should they target the special envoy of the Slovenian president who entered Sudan through Darfur with the rebels without a visa? Tomo Kriznar is now jailed for two years for "spying"
Something of a diversion . . . ?
Why should they target the special envoy of the Slovenian president who entered Sudan through Darfur with the rebels without a visa? Tomo Kriznar is now jailed for two years for "spying"
Something of a diversion . . . ?
BBC in Juba on FM
Juba citizens welcomed the official launching of the BBC relay transmitter on FM 88.2 today.
Welcome to Juba, BBC. You have been part of our struggle.
Welcome to Juba, BBC. You have been part of our struggle.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Setback at LRA talks
The peace talks between the Lord Resistance Army and the Uganda government in Juba to try to bring a settle has hit another setback. The Uganda Defence Force today kills senior rebel commander Raska Lukwiya, the third man in the LRA high command. This can be seen as an act of provocation. It also shows that the Ugandan government is not serious about peace.
The fragile peace talks has started on a difficult footing in the first place. The declaration of cease fire by the rebels last week was welcomed, but the Uganda government was yet to declare the same. A cease fire will have given the talks some firmness. It can also give the discussion "a good faith" atmosphere.
A similar event occured during the long Sudanese peace talks in Nairobi. When the SPLA captured Torit in 2003, the GOSS withdraw from the talks and Omar Bashir said the protocols that have been signed "the SPLA should soak in water and drink". It disrupted the talks. But when the SAF took back the town with massive Arab support, they were pressured to go back to the table and later reached a deal.
Uganda should negotiate in good faith. Attacking rebels and not declaring a cease fire raises a lot of doubts about their seriousness in the discussions. The LRA should exert utmost restrain by not retalliating to this agression.
The fragile peace talks has started on a difficult footing in the first place. The declaration of cease fire by the rebels last week was welcomed, but the Uganda government was yet to declare the same. A cease fire will have given the talks some firmness. It can also give the discussion "a good faith" atmosphere.
A similar event occured during the long Sudanese peace talks in Nairobi. When the SPLA captured Torit in 2003, the GOSS withdraw from the talks and Omar Bashir said the protocols that have been signed "the SPLA should soak in water and drink". It disrupted the talks. But when the SAF took back the town with massive Arab support, they were pressured to go back to the table and later reached a deal.
Uganda should negotiate in good faith. Attacking rebels and not declaring a cease fire raises a lot of doubts about their seriousness in the discussions. The LRA should exert utmost restrain by not retalliating to this agression.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
CPA: between NCP and SPLM
The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed between the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M) and the National Congress Party (NCP) is one year seven months old. And it seems it is not going on fine.
The guns may have gone silent, the refugees trying to go home and the government of South Sudan and Government of National Unity in place, but all the signs are that things are far from right between the bed fellows.
There are parts of the CPA are not being implemented to date or sections being very slowly implemented, if at all. Oil money for the South is still unclear as the country make billions and the Abyei Border Commission report suspended.
The fact now that the NCP and SPLM are talking the issues over are signs of the seriousness of cracks in the fragile peace. Hope they agree on these issues. No one really want to go back to war. Our people have suffered enough. Let peace prevail.
The guns may have gone silent, the refugees trying to go home and the government of South Sudan and Government of National Unity in place, but all the signs are that things are far from right between the bed fellows.
There are parts of the CPA are not being implemented to date or sections being very slowly implemented, if at all. Oil money for the South is still unclear as the country make billions and the Abyei Border Commission report suspended.
The fact now that the NCP and SPLM are talking the issues over are signs of the seriousness of cracks in the fragile peace. Hope they agree on these issues. No one really want to go back to war. Our people have suffered enough. Let peace prevail.
Friday, August 11, 2006
LRA and South Sudan
The ongoing peace talks between the Lord Resistance Army (LRA) rebels and the Uganda government is the closest that the two parties have got into since the out break of the conflict. However, the obstacles this talk is facing because the Government of Uganda have not declare as cease fire like the rebels is threatening the gragile talks.
The President of South Sudan Salva Kirr Mayardit has summoned the rebels to try to broker an agreement. There is a lot at stake here.
South Sudan has not enjoyed the fruits of the hard-won peace. After more than fourty years of instability, some semblence of stability has come to the South. But the LRA is threatening all that. They continue to rick havoc in South Sudan, attacking villages, killing civilians and abducting people. These atrocities must stop.
If this talks collapse things will not be good in South Sudan. The fact that some elements of the Sudan Armed Forces still support the LRA are complicting matters. These too must stop. Enough is enough!
The world must come together to end this conflict. The arrest warrants issued by the International Court of Justice for Kony and his henchment should be suspended if the negotiations can bring peace. Peace is the goal of all parties, ICC included.
The President of South Sudan Salva Kirr Mayardit has summoned the rebels to try to broker an agreement. There is a lot at stake here.
South Sudan has not enjoyed the fruits of the hard-won peace. After more than fourty years of instability, some semblence of stability has come to the South. But the LRA is threatening all that. They continue to rick havoc in South Sudan, attacking villages, killing civilians and abducting people. These atrocities must stop.
If this talks collapse things will not be good in South Sudan. The fact that some elements of the Sudan Armed Forces still support the LRA are complicting matters. These too must stop. Enough is enough!
The world must come together to end this conflict. The arrest warrants issued by the International Court of Justice for Kony and his henchment should be suspended if the negotiations can bring peace. Peace is the goal of all parties, ICC included.
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