December 4, 2009


Darfur in 10 Minutes: An Overview of the Conflict in Sudan


November 23, 2009
“Sudan delays elections by six days” KHARTOUM, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Sudan on Sunday announced a six-day delay to long-awaited elections to make up for hold-ups in registering millions of voters in the oil-producing country. Election officials have faced huge logistical challenges in rolling out the first multi-party polls in 24 years in Sudan, Africa’s largest country. Sudan’s National Elections Commission said it was extending voter registration across the country by seven days to Dec. 7 because of a late start in some areas and appeals for an extension from some political parties. As a result, the start of the ballot would be pushed to April 11, 2010 from April 5, said a statement from the Commission on state news agency Suna. The elections — parliamentary, presidential and local — have been delayed twice before from their original date of July this year, set under the terms of a 2005 peace deal that ended more than two decades of civil war between north and south Sudan. The timing of the poll has been a sensitive issue as any significant delay would push the vote into the start of the rainy season in May when large parts of Sudan are inaccessible. Some southerners fear a long delay could encroach on a referendum on southern independence promised in January 2011 under the same peace accord. North Sudan’s dominant National Congress Party (NCP) on Sunday said it supported the latest small delay, which would give voters more time to sign up. “We are afraid that a large extension of the elections will take us to the rainy season. But six days will not do that … Most of the parties have asked for an extension. This is not going to be controversial,” senior NCP official Ibrahim Ghandour told Reuters. No one was immediately available to comment from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), the dominant party in the south. The SPLM and opposition parties have previously said they would boycott the elections if a package of democratic laws they see as necessary for the vote was not drafted and passed by Nov. 30. Delays in implementing the 2005 north-south peace deal have raised tensions with less than five months until the elections.


“Sudan delays elections by six days”

KHARTOUM, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Sudan on Sunday announced a six-day delay to long-awaited elections to make up for hold-ups in registering millions of voters in the oil-producing country.

Election officials have faced huge logistical challenges in rolling out the first multi-party polls in 24 years in Sudan, Africa’s largest country.

Sudan’s National Elections Commission said it was extending voter registration across the country by seven days to Dec. 7 because of a late start in some areas and appeals for an extension from some political parties.

As a result, the start of the ballot would be pushed to April 11, 2010 from April 5, said a statement from the Commission on state news agency Suna.

The elections — parliamentary, presidential and local — have been delayed twice before from their original date of July this year, set under the terms of a 2005 peace deal that ended more than two decades of civil war between north and south Sudan.

The timing of the poll has been a sensitive issue as any significant delay would push the vote into the start of the rainy season in May when large parts of Sudan are inaccessible.

Some southerners fear a long delay could encroach on a referendum on southern independence promised in January 2011 under the same peace accord.

North Sudan’s dominant National Congress Party (NCP) on Sunday said it supported the latest small delay, which would give voters more time to sign up.

“We are afraid that a large extension of the elections will take us to the rainy season. But six days will not do that … Most of the parties have asked for an extension. This is not going to be controversial,” senior NCP official Ibrahim Ghandour told Reuters.

No one was immediately available to comment from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), the dominant party in the south.

The SPLM and opposition parties have previously said they would boycott the elections if a package of democratic laws they see as necessary for the vote was not drafted and passed by Nov. 30.

Delays in implementing the 2005 north-south peace deal have raised tensions with less than five months until the elections.


All the Sons (and Daughters) of Darfur The Darfuri civil society consultations in Doha concluded Saturday with representatives finalizing the “Doha Declaration” and delivering it to African Union/United Nations chief mediator Djibril Bassolé and their Qatari host, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H.E. Ahmed Bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud.  The declaration reportedly urged the Sudanese government and the Darfuri rebels to commit to a ceasefire and begin negotiations as soon as possible.  It also called upon all sides and the mediators to include civil society as part of the negotiations and to task it with assisting in the implementation of any agreement. The ruling National Congress Party (NCP) is not at all enthusiastic about a coherent civil society voice.  But unlike in May with Mandate Darfur, a civil society initiative sponsored by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, we have not heard of any reported incidents of Darfuri representatives being prevented by the Sudanese government from attending.  This outcome is likely due to the combined and coordinated pressure of Bassolé, the Qataris, U.S. Special Envoy Scott Gration and other envoys.  As for the overall representation of the 170 delegates, we are hearing good things as well. Rebel representatives in Doha, who themselves are leery of a strong civil society voice, had to concede that the NCP had not stacked the conference.  While there are no hard numbers, many of the representatives and others at the consultations stated that overall they were satisfied with the attendance.  Of course, there were some pro-NCP attendees, but these were nowhere near the majority. And it seems apparent from the “Doha Declaration” itself that NCP representatives had limited influence on the outcome.  In addition to a call for a ceasefire and negotiations, the civil society representatives also made strong demands about carrying out justice, ending impunity, and resolving land issues in Darfur.  In fact, the document specifically calls for the return of all land of displaced persons and refugees to their original owners and the evacuation of those who have lived on the land during their absence.  It also calls for the disarmament of all armed forces in Darfur, except for the constitutionally authorized regular forces, and the establishment of the necessary security mechanisms by UNAMID to allow displaced persons and refugees to return to their villages. As we have just received the text in Arabic, we will try to provide a summary translation later in the week. Overall, it seems like the chief mediator Bassolé accomplished his goal: sending a strong message from civil society representatives to the Sudanese government and rebels that the conflict should be settled as soon as possible. According to The Sudan Tribune, he said that the peace process “concerns all the sons of Darfur” and that this meeting would be followed by others in Darfur.  Henry Anyidoho, the acting Joint AU-UN Special Representative for Darfur, added: The growing consensus that would emerge in the civil society consultations here in Doha will certainly have a positive impact on the next round of talks between the Government and the armed movements, and I am hopeful that this will reinvigorate the entire peace process. He issued a challenge to the gathered representatives: You have been persistently asking for this opportunity and you now have it. Please make full use of it and do not let it slip away. In addition to Bassolé and Anyidoho, the Darfuri representatives were welcomed to the meetings by Qatari prime minister, the African Union’s Chairperson Jean Ping and representatives from the Arab League, United States, United Kingdom, France, Chad, Libya, Egypt, China, Russia, Senegal, Syria, Organization of Islamic Conferences, and European Union.  Their attendance showed the interest of the world in the meetings, but Anyidoho had a strong message to the international community as well: Only when all stakeholders, including the international community, speak with one voice on how best to resolve the conflict in Darfur, will the improvements that we can already see on the ground in Darfur become sustainable and encompassing…Let us redouble our efforts towards this one objective: peace and stability in Darfur. To that end, we know that only consistent, coordinated pressure on the Sudanese government and Darfuri rebels will compel them to engage seriously in future talks.  So let us hope these consultations really represent a “breakthrough” in the negotiations and that this declaration from so many unheard voices will help push all sides to the table to address the critical issues of protection, peace and justice for millions of Darfuris.

All the Sons (and Daughters) of Darfur

The Darfuri civil society consultations in Doha concluded Saturday with representatives finalizing the “Doha Declaration” and delivering it to African Union/United Nations chief mediator Djibril Bassolé and their Qatari host, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H.E. Ahmed Bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud.  The declaration reportedly urged the Sudanese government and the Darfuri rebels to commit to a ceasefire and begin negotiations as soon as possible.  It also called upon all sides and the mediators to include civil society as part of the negotiations and to task it with assisting in the implementation of any agreement.

The ruling National Congress Party (NCP) is not at all enthusiastic about a coherent civil society voice.  But unlike in May with Mandate Darfur, a civil society initiative sponsored by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, we have not heard of any reported incidents of Darfuri representatives being prevented by the Sudanese government from attending.  This outcome is likely due to the combined and coordinated pressure of Bassolé, the Qataris, U.S. Special Envoy Scott Gration and other envoys.  As for the overall representation of the 170 delegates, we are hearing good things as well. Rebel representatives in Doha, who themselves are leery of a strong civil society voice, had to concede that the NCP had not stacked the conference.  While there are no hard numbers, many of the representatives and others at the consultations stated that overall they were satisfied with the attendance.  Of course, there were some pro-NCP attendees, but these were nowhere near the majority.

And it seems apparent from the “Doha Declaration” itself that NCP representatives had limited influence on the outcome.  In addition to a call for a ceasefire and negotiations, the civil society representatives also made strong demands about carrying out justice, ending impunity, and resolving land issues in Darfur.  In fact, the document specifically calls for the return of all land of displaced persons and refugees to their original owners and the evacuation of those who have lived on the land during their absence.  It also calls for the disarmament of all armed forces in Darfur, except for the constitutionally authorized regular forces, and the establishment of the necessary security mechanisms by UNAMID to allow displaced persons and refugees to return to their villages. As we have just received the text in Arabic, we will try to provide a summary translation later in the week.

Overall, it seems like the chief mediator Bassolé accomplished his goal: sending a strong message from civil society representatives to the Sudanese government and rebels that the conflict should be settled as soon as possible. According to The Sudan Tribune, he said that the peace process “concerns all the sons of Darfur” and that this meeting would be followed by others in Darfur.  Henry Anyidoho, the acting Joint AU-UN Special Representative for Darfur, added:

The growing consensus that would emerge in the civil society consultations here in Doha will certainly have a positive impact on the next round of talks between the Government and the armed movements, and I am hopeful that this will reinvigorate the entire peace process.

He issued a challenge to the gathered representatives:

You have been persistently asking for this opportunity and you now have it. Please make full use of it and do not let it slip away.

In addition to Bassolé and Anyidoho, the Darfuri representatives were welcomed to the meetings by Qatari prime minister, the African Union’s Chairperson Jean Ping and representatives from the Arab League, United States, United Kingdom, France, Chad, Libya, Egypt, China, Russia, Senegal, Syria, Organization of Islamic Conferences, and European Union.  Their attendance showed the interest of the world in the meetings, but Anyidoho had a strong message to the international community as well:

Only when all stakeholders, including the international community, speak with one voice on how best to resolve the conflict in Darfur, will the improvements that we can already see on the ground in Darfur become sustainable and encompassing…Let us redouble our efforts towards this one objective: peace and stability in Darfur.

To that end, we know that only consistent, coordinated pressure on the Sudanese government and Darfuri rebels will compel them to engage seriously in future talks.  So let us hope these consultations really represent a “breakthrough” in the negotiations and that this declaration from so many unheard voices will help push all sides to the table to address the critical issues of protection, peace and justice for millions of Darfuris.


November 19, 2009
“PUBLIC SILENCE IN BEIJING” Dear Andi, The first critical test of President Obama’s new strategy for Sudan has come and passed. Last week, President Obama received Save Darfur’s petition signed by over 40,000 activists and a bipartisan letter from 44 Members of Congress urging him to make Sudan a priority in his talks with China. Through your activism, we were able to shine a spotlight on the disturbing relationship between China and Sudan and demonstrate to Congress and the media that there is a vibrant constituency of Americans committed to bringing peace to Darfur. But we can’t let up now. Unfortunately, President Obama left China yesterday without making any public reference to having raised Sudan with Chinese President Hu Jintao. Background statements to journalists reveal Sudan was on a list of topics discussed by the leaders in their private meetings. However, this type of low key approach will not build the international cooperation and support necessary to bring peace to Sudan. Together, we must work even harder to make peace in Sudan a priority for the Obama Administration. The coming months will be a crucial time for Sudan. Former presidential speechwriter Michael Gerson recently summed up the urgent need for leadership: “Only a president and his secretary of state can insist on boldness. Absent that insistence, America’s Sudan policy is in a holding pattern, waiting for the next crisis to refocus global attention. Meanwhile, women are raped, with impunity. Weapons are illegally imported, with impunity. Civilians are attacked, with impunity. And at some point, impunity becomes permission.” We need leadership now from President Obama to build a strong multilateral coalition to address Sudan’s many challenges, renew the Darfur peace process, fully implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and ensure free and fair elections throughout the country. The people of Darfur are counting on us to make sure they are not forgotten. Together, we will help promote a just and lasting peace for the people of Darfur and all of Sudan. —Mark Mark Lotwis Save Darfur Coalition

“PUBLIC SILENCE IN BEIJING”

Dear Andi,

The first critical test of President Obama’s new strategy for Sudan has come and passed.

Last week, President Obama received Save Darfur’s petition signed by over 40,000 activists and a bipartisan letter from 44 Members of Congress urging him to make Sudan a priority in his talks with China.

Through your activism, we were able to shine a spotlight on the disturbing relationship between China and Sudan and demonstrate to Congress and the media that there is a vibrant constituency of Americans committed to bringing peace to Darfur.

But we can’t let up now.

Unfortunately, President Obama left China yesterday without making any public reference to having raised Sudan with Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Background statements to journalists reveal Sudan was on a list of topics discussed by the leaders in their private meetings. However, this type of low key approach will not build the international cooperation and support necessary to bring peace to Sudan.

Together, we must work even harder to make peace in Sudan a priority for the Obama Administration.

The coming months will be a crucial time for Sudan. Former presidential speechwriter Michael Gerson recently summed up the urgent need for leadership:

“Only a president and his secretary of state can insist on boldness. Absent that insistence, America’s Sudan policy is in a holding pattern, waiting for the next crisis to refocus global attention. Meanwhile, women are raped, with impunity. Weapons are illegally imported, with impunity. Civilians are attacked, with impunity. And at some point, impunity becomes permission.”

We need leadership now from President Obama to build a strong multilateral coalition to address Sudan’s many challenges, renew the Darfur peace process, fully implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and ensure free and fair elections throughout the country.

The people of Darfur are counting on us to make sure they are not forgotten. Together, we will help promote a just and lasting peace for the people of Darfur and all of Sudan.

—Mark

Mark Lotwis
Save Darfur Coalition


November 13, 2009



November 10, 2009

In a live webcast event at 3:00 PM (EST) this afternoon Save Darfur Coalition President Jerry Fowler and STAND Student Director Layla Amjadi will sit down with Special Envoy to Sudan Scott Gration and NSC Senior Director for Multilateral Affairs Samantha Power to discuss the administration’s plan for Sudan and ask them your questions.


November 9, 2009

Voices for Darfur: 5 Years of Advocacy November 9th, 2009 At this weekend’s conference – Pledge2Protect – the Save Darfur Coalition began it’s plenary on Sudan with this video, showcasing the movement’s advocacy over the past 5 years.


November 5, 2009

Turn up the heat.

Dear Andi,

Send an email to your representative today asking them to sign the Congressional letter to President Obama.

President Obama is just one week away from the first critical test of his new policy for Sudan: making Sudan a priority when he meets with Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Key Darfur and Sudan advocates in Congress are circulating a letter to President Obama. The letter urges him to raise Sudan during his visit to China, a vital first step towards building an international coalition to exert public pressure on Khartoum to bring peace and justice to all of Sudan.

Rep. Frank Wolf and Rep. Michael Capuano are circulating a sign-on letter in Congress urging the President to prominently feature Sudan on his agenda with China.

The Wolf-Capuano letter urges the President to push China to use its influence over Sudan to end attacks in Darfur, implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, prepare for free and fair elections, and make a renewed commitment to the ongoing peace process.

The ultimate success of the new Sudan policy depends on presidential leadership in building support among countries like China and Japan, which hold leverage with Sudan, to put pressure on Khartoum to change its behavior.

The new U.S. strategy for Sudan recognizes the importance of presidential engagement to build international pressure on Sudan. President Obama’s trip to China is the first test of this new policy.

With the President leaving for China next week, the letter will be circulated for only 5 more days before being sent to President Obama.

Once again, thank you for all your efforts to bring peace to Darfur and all of Sudan.

—Mark

Mark Lotwis
Save Darfur Coalition