UN – AU Force Contradicts Itself 

Sudan is looking forward to fruitful cooperation with the hybrid UN-AU Force.  On 9 February 2008 the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Deng Alor has signed the final Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and reiterated Sudan’s commitment to the hybrid forces’ success.  He did that despite the publication on 8 February of a statement by INAMID Commander in which he protested at “reports of attacks by government forces against villages to the north of Al Geneina.”

The day of the signing of the SOFA agreement witnessed the publication of another statement by R. Adada about “attacks on villages by government forces [which] have resulted in deaths and significant population displacement.”

News agencies, including the revered BBC Focus on Africa took up the “story” about the Sudanese government attacking civilians.However, the website of UNAMID published on 9 February,  the following item which we quote in full:
 “The Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) said they have regained control of Saraya, Abu Saroug and Salaiaa areas in west Darfur which were overrun by the Justice and Equality Movement under the leadership of Ibrahim Khalil last month”. Sources in the state say that JEM forces under the leadership of Ibrahim Khalil entered the Chadian territories.  In response to Miraya FM’s question regarding the statements made by JEM leaders saying that Janjaweed militiamen backed the armed forces in the attack.  SAF spokesman, Lt. Colonel Al Sawarmi Khalid Saad said “the forces which supported the armed forces were from the Border Guard Forces.”    

The picture is now complete.  JEM overran three areas (without any UN protest!).  The Sudanese army – in the line of duty – moved in to force the rebels out of the areas and into Chad (where they were busy fighting to save the regime last week!).  The Sudanese army did not attack civilians or villagers; but rebels who were armed to the teeth by a neighbouring country. Rebels who refused to sign the peace deal which is the basis of UNAMID’s presence in Sudan!  UNAMID’s mandate says explicitly that it should: “support the early and effective implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement, prevent the disruption of its implementation and armed attacks and protect civilians, without prejudice to the responsibility of the Sudanese government.”

The statements of protest from the UN sources suggested a different situation.  Their own website revealed the significant omission and the contradiction!