- Fasting in solidarity with the people of Darfur. It began with Mia Farrow’s 12-day hunger strike. It continues with others, water-only fasting — a personal expression of outrage — a global community standing in solidarity with innocent civilians in extreme danger.
Today, Sunday May 31st 2009, the following are fasting in solidarity with the people of Darfur:
Abigail Disney New York, NY refugee rations
Zerina Xhavara Tirana, Albania refugee rations
Platon Pulla Tirana, Albania refugee rations
Elizabeth Bushey water only
Nicole Barrett Ottawa, Canada water only
Melanie Ward Hamilton, ON, Canada water only
Heather Odom Tunbridge Wells, Kent. UK water only
Nnenna Paul-Ugochukwu Lagos, Nigeria water only
IJeoma Umebinyuo Lagos, Nigeria water only
Alexander L. Paul Nassau, Bahamas water only
Gwen Woods Tucson, AZ refugee rations
Megan Talbot Tucson, AZ refugee rations
Judi Reddy Newtown, PA water only
Nell Okie Madison, CT refugee rations
Edrie Irvine Silver Spring, MD water only
Marie B. Deane Canada water only
Heather Schommer St. Paul, MN water only
Jessica Saiz El Paso, TX water only
Najam Haq Portland, OR refugee rations
Alysha Atma Portland, OR refugee rations
Maggie Donahue Eugene, OR water only
Marin Stark-Steinberg Hauppauge, NY refugee rations
Kristen F. Buffalo, NY 1/2 refugee rations
Barbara Driscoll-Lynch Piermont, NY water only
Pastor Heather Williams South Pasadena, CA 1/2 refugee rations
Beth Willow Los Angeles, CA refugee rations
Ava Leigh Stewart Los Angeles, CA refugee rations
Melody Bennett Los Angeles, CA water only
Debbie Livingston Redding, CA refugee rations
Francesca Roveda Berkeley, CA water only
Esther Sprague San Francisco, CA refugee rations
Jon Sherlock Vista, CA water only
Marbella Brown Sequim, WA refugee rations
Nancy Hendricks Cahill Bloomington, IN refugee rations
Teresa Earley Gilbert New Albany, IN water only
Kimberly Strawska Hackett Cincinnati, OH water only
Criston Bradford Memphis, TN refugee rations
Robin Greco Wright Statesville, NC refugee rations
Dianne Nutting Lakeland, FL water only
Tracy Harding Boston, MA water only
Carmel Dehbi Shrewsbury, MA water only
Michael Charles Springfield, MA water only
Kurtis Parker water only
Casey Charles Baltimore, MD water only
Christopher E. Allen-Nolan Malboro, MD water only
Courtney Robin water only
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Day 53 - May 30th 2009
- Government of Sudan (GoS) Authorities in South Darfur has rejected applications from 7 new international NGOs to work in the largest IDP camp in South Darfur ( Kalma camp).
The 7 NGOs have spent a week waiting for approval from GoS as they were encouraged to apply as GoS has promised the Special U.S. Envoy Gen. Gration to accept replacement of the expelled 13 NGOs in March 4th. Nawal Hassan Osman, a Darfuri woman activist in Nyala, told Radio Dabanga that the Authorities gave no explanation for the rejection of these international NGOs. She said another international NGO has applied to work on water problem in Kalma camp but was rejected also. She added that the situation in the camp is very critical and the only relief operations going on there in that camp is food distribution operation that is handled by World Food Organization ( U.N.) and World Vision Organization (NGO).
- GoS is continuing to arrest Darfuri activists in the large cities in Darfur. Lately some students in El Fasher were arrested. A family of another activist, who was working in the Hospital of Elfasher and arrested, are complaining that they don't know his whereabouts and fear his death.
- Amnesty International said more than 400 Darfuris have disappeared for about a year and the GoS bears the full responsibility in their disappearances.
Comment:
After the success of GoS in driving out the news agencies and expelling the international NGOs, it turned now to silence active Darfuris in Darfur and Khartoum.
Words like: Not on Our Watch, or Never Again, ring hollow to many Darfuris.
Words never stop Genocides. Actions do.
The 7 NGOs have spent a week waiting for approval from GoS as they were encouraged to apply as GoS has promised the Special U.S. Envoy Gen. Gration to accept replacement of the expelled 13 NGOs in March 4th. Nawal Hassan Osman, a Darfuri woman activist in Nyala, told Radio Dabanga that the Authorities gave no explanation for the rejection of these international NGOs. She said another international NGO has applied to work on water problem in Kalma camp but was rejected also. She added that the situation in the camp is very critical and the only relief operations going on there in that camp is food distribution operation that is handled by World Food Organization ( U.N.) and World Vision Organization (NGO).
- GoS is continuing to arrest Darfuri activists in the large cities in Darfur. Lately some students in El Fasher were arrested. A family of another activist, who was working in the Hospital of Elfasher and arrested, are complaining that they don't know his whereabouts and fear his death.
- Amnesty International said more than 400 Darfuris have disappeared for about a year and the GoS bears the full responsibility in their disappearances.
Comment:
After the success of GoS in driving out the news agencies and expelling the international NGOs, it turned now to silence active Darfuris in Darfur and Khartoum.
Words like: Not on Our Watch, or Never Again, ring hollow to many Darfuris.
Words never stop Genocides. Actions do.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Day 52 - May 29th 2009
- A Darfuri civil society leader and activist (Kabaro Mohamed Abdelkarim), was gunned down in front of his home in ElGuneina ( West Darfur) yesterday. Unknown armed men killed the well-known activist and none is arrested so far. Local people suspect pro-government militia executing the assassination. Similar murder incidents had occurred in other towns (Kutum, Elfasher, Nyala, Kabkabiyah) where prominent Darfuri activists and civil leaders were killed by death squads linked to GoS or Janjaweed.
- The problem of water is getting more critical in the camps around Zalengi as camp leaders in the area complaint in interviews with Radio Dabanga. The leaders mentioned that the expulsion of the 13 NGOs has drastically affected water, food, medical services in the camps.
- GoS is continuing its intense bombings in North Darfur. On Tuesday the GoS summoned UNAMID high ranking officials in Khartoum and ordered them no to issue any reports to the news organizations about the activities of the Army of GoS.
In the absence of international NGOs and with this warning to the UNAMID ( peace keeping troops in Darfur), the Government of Sudan (GoS) practically has a free hand in Darfur to operate without fearing its atrocities to be reported to the world.
UNAMID on last Monday reported the clashes around Umbaru between GoS forces and JEM forces ( Darfuri rebel group).
- The problem of water is getting more critical in the camps around Zalengi as camp leaders in the area complaint in interviews with Radio Dabanga. The leaders mentioned that the expulsion of the 13 NGOs has drastically affected water, food, medical services in the camps.
- GoS is continuing its intense bombings in North Darfur. On Tuesday the GoS summoned UNAMID high ranking officials in Khartoum and ordered them no to issue any reports to the news organizations about the activities of the Army of GoS.
In the absence of international NGOs and with this warning to the UNAMID ( peace keeping troops in Darfur), the Government of Sudan (GoS) practically has a free hand in Darfur to operate without fearing its atrocities to be reported to the world.
UNAMID on last Monday reported the clashes around Umbaru between GoS forces and JEM forces ( Darfuri rebel group).
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Day 51 - May 28th 2009
- Refugees leaders in the IDP camp of Abu Shouk complaint bitterly that the visiting US Senators Isakson and Corker, representing the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on Africa, did not meet with them on their tour to the Camp. One of the refugees' leaders in the camp said to Radio Dabanga " we were waiting to meet with the senators to hear directly from us about the real situation in the Camp. But they were escorted by heavy GoS security agents and officials and were telling the Senators 'turn left' they turn left, 'turn right' they turn right". The leader said that they were kept away from the path of the visiting Senators. The leader added that lately the GoS has established certain paths in some IDP camps near the Capital El Fasher as show cases for the high profile visiting Western officials, U.S. in particular.
- An IDP refugee leader from Saraf Omra ( West Darfur) said that some of the IDP refugees who were lately forced by GoS to move from IDP camp in Saraf Omra to their original destroyed villages have vanished. The leader told Radio Dabanga that the security forces prevented the refugees from going back to the camps, but the burned villages provide no support of any form of life which compelled many refugees to seek refuge in the mountains or escape to Chad.
- Some IDP refugees in the camp of Kalma have protested on news that the local Officials of GoS have started to distribute the lands and destroyed villages to some new comers ( Janjaweed and Arab Nomads from across the border).
- IDP leaders in the camps in Zalengi area (West Darfur), where large camps are located ( like Hamidiyah, Hasa Hisa, Khamsa Dagaig) complaint that they are now victimized twice when they seek medical care in the city's hospital. Firstly due to the expulsion of NGOs like Doctors-Without-Borders, medical care almost not existing in the remaining clinics in some camps which force them to risk going to the hospital in the City of Zalengi. Secondly, now the hospital (run by GoS) started to charge them money for diagnoses, treatment, medicine. Refugees are confined in camps that there are no means of income. Some of the expelled international NGOs used to provide some employment to some refugees in the camps. Now that window is closed.
- An IDP refugee leader from Saraf Omra ( West Darfur) said that some of the IDP refugees who were lately forced by GoS to move from IDP camp in Saraf Omra to their original destroyed villages have vanished. The leader told Radio Dabanga that the security forces prevented the refugees from going back to the camps, but the burned villages provide no support of any form of life which compelled many refugees to seek refuge in the mountains or escape to Chad.
- Some IDP refugees in the camp of Kalma have protested on news that the local Officials of GoS have started to distribute the lands and destroyed villages to some new comers ( Janjaweed and Arab Nomads from across the border).
- IDP leaders in the camps in Zalengi area (West Darfur), where large camps are located ( like Hamidiyah, Hasa Hisa, Khamsa Dagaig) complaint that they are now victimized twice when they seek medical care in the city's hospital. Firstly due to the expulsion of NGOs like Doctors-Without-Borders, medical care almost not existing in the remaining clinics in some camps which force them to risk going to the hospital in the City of Zalengi. Secondly, now the hospital (run by GoS) started to charge them money for diagnoses, treatment, medicine. Refugees are confined in camps that there are no means of income. Some of the expelled international NGOs used to provide some employment to some refugees in the camps. Now that window is closed.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Day 50 - May 27th 2009
- In North Darfur, more civilians are fleeing their lands and homes as GoS continues bombing areas in North Darfur.
- In South Darfur, tensions are rising as inter-tribal clashes ensued in neighboring South Kordofan which left hundreds dead yesterday.
The deteriorating security situation adds more hardships to the IDP in the camps.
- In South Darfur, tensions are rising as inter-tribal clashes ensued in neighboring South Kordofan which left hundreds dead yesterday.
The deteriorating security situation adds more hardships to the IDP in the camps.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Day 49 - May 26th 2009
- GoS kept pounding villages in North Darfur. Migs and Antonofs are participating almost daily around Um Barow, Karnoi, An Bagi, Khazan Orshi, and other locations in North Darfur. These bombings and the on-going clashes between GoS forces with JEM are resulting in civilians to flee their villages and camps seeking refuge near UNAMID bases or heading to the mountains for shelter.
- No improvement to date regarding the NGOs' humanitarian aid across Darfur. The situation is deteriorating daily since the expulsion of 13 international NGOs.
- Almost all the Darfuris rebel movements declared this morning their boycott to the peace talks with GoS in Doha, Qatar.
Comment:
With aerial bombings almost daily in Darfur, no peace talks anywhere between the waring parties in Darfur, no humanitarian improvements on the ground in Darfur to report of, one wonders what is the next move of the Special Envoy of the American President to Sudan?
- No improvement to date regarding the NGOs' humanitarian aid across Darfur. The situation is deteriorating daily since the expulsion of 13 international NGOs.
- Almost all the Darfuris rebel movements declared this morning their boycott to the peace talks with GoS in Doha, Qatar.
Comment:
With aerial bombings almost daily in Darfur, no peace talks anywhere between the waring parties in Darfur, no humanitarian improvements on the ground in Darfur to report of, one wonders what is the next move of the Special Envoy of the American President to Sudan?
Monday, May 25, 2009
Day 48 - May 25th 2009
- An IDP leader in Abu Shouk camp said to the newspaper (Agras Alhurriah- Bells of Liberty) that the rations are reduced drastcally in the camps. He said now in the camp of Abou Shouk the followings are rations per person:
1/8 pound per month of sugar.
1/8 gallon per month of cooking oil.
1/8 sack of flour per month.
2 gallons per day ( drinking, cooking, bath, and other uses).
- In North Darfur, Darfuris from many locations ( Karnoi, Tinah, Um Baro) said for more than a month the GoS is sending Antonoff bombers almost daily to bomb at random many locations inhabited by civilians. The GoS says it is after the rebels but most targets are civilians.
It is expected the situation will get worse due to on going clashes between GoS troops and the rebels in North Darfur.
1/8 pound per month of sugar.
1/8 gallon per month of cooking oil.
1/8 sack of flour per month.
2 gallons per day ( drinking, cooking, bath, and other uses).
- In North Darfur, Darfuris from many locations ( Karnoi, Tinah, Um Baro) said for more than a month the GoS is sending Antonoff bombers almost daily to bomb at random many locations inhabited by civilians. The GoS says it is after the rebels but most targets are civilians.
It is expected the situation will get worse due to on going clashes between GoS troops and the rebels in North Darfur.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Day 47 - May 24th 2009
- More than three dozen “Free Darfur” activists protested at the front gate of the White House on Friday May 22nd, saying that the Obama administration is not living up to its promise of working to eradicate the genocide taking place in Sudan.
“We are here to tell President Obama to live up to the promises that he made during the election campaign last year,” Musa Tageldin, a leader in the “Free Darfur” movement in Washington, said. “We are asking him to put pressure on the Sudanese government. We want him to implement a no-fly zone over the areas where the genocide is taking place and we want him to pressure the government to allow those humanitarian organizations that have been expelled to come back and help the people of Darfur.”
Earlier in the week, several members of the Congressional Black Caucus launched a fast against the genocide and attempted to put the issue back into the national conversation and in the media. Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Md.) was joined in the effort by actress Mia Farrow and social activist Marcia Dyson.
Edwards has committed to fast every Friday until the August recess.
“The Darfur genocide has killed more than 400,000 civilians and displaced 2.5 million people from their homes,” said Edwards. “We ask Obama and his administration to use their political capital to lead a truly international effort, using all carrots and sticks as appropriate and necessary to make progress towards the shared goal of achieving peace for Darfur and all of Sudan.”
Farrow planned to participate in the fast but was told on Friday by doctors that it would be a detriment to her health, according to the Associated Press. Virgin Airlines owner Richard Branson told the BBC’s news division that he will pick up the fast for Farrow.
No protestors were arrested at the White House on Friday.
“We wanted a peaceful demonstration and our permits to protest are in order,” Tageldin said. “We want the president to honor his promise and use his influence to stop the killing of men, women and children in Darfur.”
The above was reported by:
http://www.afro.com/tabid/551/itemid/3710/Darfur-activists-protest-at-White-House.aspx
- It began with Mia Farrow’s 12-day hunger strike on April 27th. It continues with others, water-only fasting — a personal expression of outrage — a global community standing in solidarity with innocent civilians in extreme danger.
People from 32 different countries are now fasting together: Albania, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Chad, Colombia, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UK, USA & Puerto Rico.
"We fast in solidarity with the people of Darfur because they do not have a choice. We fast as a personal expression of outrage at a world that has allowed the suffering of millions of innocent people. We fast because as we simply watched, Darfur’s defenseless people were forced into wretched camps where today they are facing starvation and disease. We fast because those in positions of authority who know what is right and just, could and should do more to alleviate their suffering and bring peace, protection, and justice to the people of Sudan.
We fast for Darfur’s courageous people —because we yearn for a world where human rights are respected and a life of dignity is the legacy for every man, woman and child."
http://fastdarfur.org/
“We are here to tell President Obama to live up to the promises that he made during the election campaign last year,” Musa Tageldin, a leader in the “Free Darfur” movement in Washington, said. “We are asking him to put pressure on the Sudanese government. We want him to implement a no-fly zone over the areas where the genocide is taking place and we want him to pressure the government to allow those humanitarian organizations that have been expelled to come back and help the people of Darfur.”
Earlier in the week, several members of the Congressional Black Caucus launched a fast against the genocide and attempted to put the issue back into the national conversation and in the media. Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Md.) was joined in the effort by actress Mia Farrow and social activist Marcia Dyson.
Edwards has committed to fast every Friday until the August recess.
“The Darfur genocide has killed more than 400,000 civilians and displaced 2.5 million people from their homes,” said Edwards. “We ask Obama and his administration to use their political capital to lead a truly international effort, using all carrots and sticks as appropriate and necessary to make progress towards the shared goal of achieving peace for Darfur and all of Sudan.”
Farrow planned to participate in the fast but was told on Friday by doctors that it would be a detriment to her health, according to the Associated Press. Virgin Airlines owner Richard Branson told the BBC’s news division that he will pick up the fast for Farrow.
No protestors were arrested at the White House on Friday.
“We wanted a peaceful demonstration and our permits to protest are in order,” Tageldin said. “We want the president to honor his promise and use his influence to stop the killing of men, women and children in Darfur.”
The above was reported by:
http://www.afro.com/tabid/551/itemid/3710/Darfur-activists-protest-at-White-House.aspx
- It began with Mia Farrow’s 12-day hunger strike on April 27th. It continues with others, water-only fasting — a personal expression of outrage — a global community standing in solidarity with innocent civilians in extreme danger.
People from 32 different countries are now fasting together: Albania, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Chad, Colombia, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UK, USA & Puerto Rico.
"We fast in solidarity with the people of Darfur because they do not have a choice. We fast as a personal expression of outrage at a world that has allowed the suffering of millions of innocent people. We fast because as we simply watched, Darfur’s defenseless people were forced into wretched camps where today they are facing starvation and disease. We fast because those in positions of authority who know what is right and just, could and should do more to alleviate their suffering and bring peace, protection, and justice to the people of Sudan.
We fast for Darfur’s courageous people —because we yearn for a world where human rights are respected and a life of dignity is the legacy for every man, woman and child."
http://fastdarfur.org/
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Day 46 - May 23rd 2009
- IDP refugees in Geraidah in South Darfur complained to Radio Dabanga about lack of food, difficulty in getting water, and lack of medical care in the camp. The refugees also complained about assaults of the security agents of GoS particularly on women in the camp with intention of rape. In one incident some refugees confronted an assailant, but a security unit intervened and assaulted the refugees.
- Deadly torture operations are going on in the prison of Nyala (capital of South Darfur). Many families were notified lately to come and pick up the bodies of their relatives ( mostly Darfuri activists) from the prison authorities or the morgue.
Radio Dabanga interviewed many relatives and Darfuri attorneys confirmed torture signs and marks on the bodies of the deceased.
- Many Darfur leaders have rejected the census results as announced by the GoS. They accused GoS of fraud in the census results. Census is the base of conducting fair elections in Sudan. The leaders in the South and in the East already have rejected the census results as announced by the GoS.
- Deadly torture operations are going on in the prison of Nyala (capital of South Darfur). Many families were notified lately to come and pick up the bodies of their relatives ( mostly Darfuri activists) from the prison authorities or the morgue.
Radio Dabanga interviewed many relatives and Darfuri attorneys confirmed torture signs and marks on the bodies of the deceased.
- Many Darfur leaders have rejected the census results as announced by the GoS. They accused GoS of fraud in the census results. Census is the base of conducting fair elections in Sudan. The leaders in the South and in the East already have rejected the census results as announced by the GoS.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Day 45 - May 22nd 2009
- Dr. Mohamed Tirab is a highly educated Darfuri who lives and works in United Arab Emirate (UAE). Dr Tirab's life is in grave danger. GoS has asked the Government of UAE to detain and extradite Dr. Tirab for no crime other than being an outspoken Darfuri on behalf of his people in Darfur. For the past two days he is detained by the security forces of UAE and his wife and family don't know his whereabouts. SOAT (Sudanese Organization Against Torture) has issued an alarming statement on his behalf.
- Six Darfuri students detained by GoS security forces in Khartoum have entered into hunger strike. The students are protesting their arrest by the Security forces without charging them since the beginning of this month.
- 3 prominent Darfuri persons in Kabkabiyah ( North Darfur) were abducted by armed persons in uniform.
- Some of the delegates to the Darfur Mandate Conference were detained and reportedly tortured. Darfur Mandate was a conference supposed to be held in Addis Ababa on May 16th for the Darfuri civil society leaders. The conference was canceled by the sponsors after learning that the GoS had prevented the Darfuri delegates from travelling from Sudan to attend the conference.
Comment:
Since March 4th of this year, the GoS has shown no good intention in bringing neither peace nor stability to Darfur. The humanitarian situation with the expulsion of the 13 international NGOs is getting worse by the day. The GoS feeling nobody holds it accountable, sent Chadian rebels accross the borders, bombed civilians in North Darfur, and kept detaining refugees' leaders in the IDP camps.
All of this without getting even words of condemnation from the Western capitals ( except Paris).
- Six Darfuri students detained by GoS security forces in Khartoum have entered into hunger strike. The students are protesting their arrest by the Security forces without charging them since the beginning of this month.
- 3 prominent Darfuri persons in Kabkabiyah ( North Darfur) were abducted by armed persons in uniform.
- Some of the delegates to the Darfur Mandate Conference were detained and reportedly tortured. Darfur Mandate was a conference supposed to be held in Addis Ababa on May 16th for the Darfuri civil society leaders. The conference was canceled by the sponsors after learning that the GoS had prevented the Darfuri delegates from travelling from Sudan to attend the conference.
Comment:
Since March 4th of this year, the GoS has shown no good intention in bringing neither peace nor stability to Darfur. The humanitarian situation with the expulsion of the 13 international NGOs is getting worse by the day. The GoS feeling nobody holds it accountable, sent Chadian rebels accross the borders, bombed civilians in North Darfur, and kept detaining refugees' leaders in the IDP camps.
All of this without getting even words of condemnation from the Western capitals ( except Paris).
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Day 44 - May 21th 2009
- In IDP camp of Kassab, armed militia(pro GoS) shot refugee Ishag Babikir Ahmed and injured him seriously. The refugees in the camp contacted the UNAMID unit in the camp and asked for help to transfer the injured to hospital in Kutum city. The UNAMID turned down their request citing that they have no instructions to leave the camp. Some refugees risked their lives in transferring the injured to the hospital for medical care. Clinics in the camp are running empty of medical supplies and no doctors after expulsion of 13 international NGOs on March 4th 2009.
A relative of the injured gave an statement to Radio Dabanga.
A relative of the injured gave an statement to Radio Dabanga.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Day 43 - May 20th 2009
- The Security Agents of Government of Sudan (GoS) are still cracking down on the IDP leaders in the camps. Yesterday in IDP camp in Abou Shouk (near ElFasher) a leader (Adam Yahya) was arrested and taken to unknown place. Also others were arrested from the same camp.
- The GoS started returning by force some refugees from IDP camp of Saraf Gidad to their original villages. The GoS is realizing that these IDP camps are the most visible evidences of the atrocities committed in Darfur. The GoS is attemting to return these refugees to destroyed and burnt down villages with no life sustaining necessities ( water, food, shelter, security).
- Sudan Tribune reported today:
African-American legislators announce fast for Darfur
Wednesday 20 May 2009 04:30.
(WASHINGTON) – Several US lawmakers announced a fast today in solidarity with the people of Darfur, imitating actress Mia Farrow, who recently completed a 12-day-long hunger strike.
More than a dozen members of the Congressional Black Caucus appeared at a press conference alongside the actress to announce that they each in turn would fast for several days consuming only water, until ending the group protest in August.
Farrow, who repeatedly has visited Darfur refugees in Chad, called the fast a way to urge the US President not to ignore “the slaughter of innocents, the death of innocents.”
Speaking at the press conference, she insinuated that President Obama had retreated from his position that the expulsion of 16 humanitarian agencies from Darfur was “unacceptable.” US State Department officials after the March 4 expulsion order initially had repeatedly called on the President of Sudan to reverse the decision, but went silent after quietly winning a compromise solution.
Since taking office, the Obama administration’s envoy to Sudan has met with President Omer Al-Bashir’s closest aides in Khartoum, making a public pronouncement of friendship to reporters in the Sudanese capital.
According to a closed briefing given by Special Envoy Scott Gration at the US State Department on April 20, 2009, he had decided that the best way to improve the situation in Darfur is for the US government to position itself to become “friends” with the Government of Sudan.
Reserving her criticism for the US President, Farrow praised those who would participate in the act of solidarity. “Certainly I would never have dared to dream the hunger strike would go this far,” she reacted at her personal website.
“That my (very personal) decision to fast has led to such a moment in DC is more meaningful than I can say. I can’t quite believe it.”
Congressman Donald Payne, Chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, highlighted that they expect “a very vibrant policy toward Darfur” and Somalia, which he said has been “abandoned.” He added that he had already fasted several days last week.
Also present was Rep. John Lewis, a key figure of the US civil rights movement who last month was arrested in an act of civil disobedience at the Embassy of Sudan.
“What we’re ultimately demanding is that the United States government, that the Obama administration leads a peace process in Darfur,” said a statement from activist John Prendergast, representing the ENOUGH project against war crimes and genocide.
Darfur rebels are allegedly plotting a major offensive. They overran Kornoi in North Darfur last week after forcing out two Sudanese army brigades.
One year ago in May 2008, the rebel Justice and Equality Movement drew strong US condemnation for striking the Sudanese capital in a surprise assault.
- The GoS started returning by force some refugees from IDP camp of Saraf Gidad to their original villages. The GoS is realizing that these IDP camps are the most visible evidences of the atrocities committed in Darfur. The GoS is attemting to return these refugees to destroyed and burnt down villages with no life sustaining necessities ( water, food, shelter, security).
- Sudan Tribune reported today:
African-American legislators announce fast for Darfur
Wednesday 20 May 2009 04:30.
(WASHINGTON) – Several US lawmakers announced a fast today in solidarity with the people of Darfur, imitating actress Mia Farrow, who recently completed a 12-day-long hunger strike.
More than a dozen members of the Congressional Black Caucus appeared at a press conference alongside the actress to announce that they each in turn would fast for several days consuming only water, until ending the group protest in August.
Farrow, who repeatedly has visited Darfur refugees in Chad, called the fast a way to urge the US President not to ignore “the slaughter of innocents, the death of innocents.”
Speaking at the press conference, she insinuated that President Obama had retreated from his position that the expulsion of 16 humanitarian agencies from Darfur was “unacceptable.” US State Department officials after the March 4 expulsion order initially had repeatedly called on the President of Sudan to reverse the decision, but went silent after quietly winning a compromise solution.
Since taking office, the Obama administration’s envoy to Sudan has met with President Omer Al-Bashir’s closest aides in Khartoum, making a public pronouncement of friendship to reporters in the Sudanese capital.
According to a closed briefing given by Special Envoy Scott Gration at the US State Department on April 20, 2009, he had decided that the best way to improve the situation in Darfur is for the US government to position itself to become “friends” with the Government of Sudan.
Reserving her criticism for the US President, Farrow praised those who would participate in the act of solidarity. “Certainly I would never have dared to dream the hunger strike would go this far,” she reacted at her personal website.
“That my (very personal) decision to fast has led to such a moment in DC is more meaningful than I can say. I can’t quite believe it.”
Congressman Donald Payne, Chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, highlighted that they expect “a very vibrant policy toward Darfur” and Somalia, which he said has been “abandoned.” He added that he had already fasted several days last week.
Also present was Rep. John Lewis, a key figure of the US civil rights movement who last month was arrested in an act of civil disobedience at the Embassy of Sudan.
“What we’re ultimately demanding is that the United States government, that the Obama administration leads a peace process in Darfur,” said a statement from activist John Prendergast, representing the ENOUGH project against war crimes and genocide.
Darfur rebels are allegedly plotting a major offensive. They overran Kornoi in North Darfur last week after forcing out two Sudanese army brigades.
One year ago in May 2008, the rebel Justice and Equality Movement drew strong US condemnation for striking the Sudanese capital in a surprise assault.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Day 42 - May 19th 2009
- I spoke with one of the refugees' leaders in one of Hamidiyah camp in West Darfur ( Zalengei). I asked him about the conditions now. He said they stopped complaining and they put their survival skills to work. He said those survival skills that ke[t them going for the past six years. I asked him if they receive any help from the new NGOs ( Sudanese or foreign). He said there are no Sudanese NGOs providing genuine aid. There are few foreign NGOs left behind and some U.N. agencies trying to do their best to keep them alive. I asked him if they are disappointed by the reaction of the international community. He said the surprise to them if the international community does something to alleviate their suffering without upsetting the Government of Sudan. He said that they are sure now that every body is using their calamity ( the Darfuris) to his or her advantage ( members of the international community).
- Today is the 23rd day of Mia Farrow's fasting campaign in solidarity with the people of Darfur. The activist actress was advised by her doctor on her twelfth day to stop fasting due to her health condition. Richard Branson took over fasting in her place. Other activists, community leaders, and ordinary people also have joined in in this protest fasting.
Watch and listen to Mia Farrow's video in her fasting campaign at:
http://www.miafarrow.org/
Also, to see who is fasting with Mia today, check this link:
http://fastdarfur.org/?page_id=10
- Today is the 23rd day of Mia Farrow's fasting campaign in solidarity with the people of Darfur. The activist actress was advised by her doctor on her twelfth day to stop fasting due to her health condition. Richard Branson took over fasting in her place. Other activists, community leaders, and ordinary people also have joined in in this protest fasting.
Watch and listen to Mia Farrow's video in her fasting campaign at:
http://www.miafarrow.org/
Also, to see who is fasting with Mia today, check this link:
http://fastdarfur.org/?page_id=10
Monday, May 18, 2009
Day 41 - May 18th 2009
- This is an Op-Ed. from The New Republic, about handling the Darfur situation:
The New Republic
Genocide Step
The Editors, The New Republic Published: Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Back in 2007, then-candidate Barack Obama minced no words when it came to Sudan. "When you see a genocide, whether it's in Rwanda or Bosnia or in Darfur, that's a stain on all of us," he said. "That's a stain on our souls." Obama is now president, and Darfur is still a mess. What is taking place there today is not simple to describe. People are no longer being killed at the alarming rate of 2003 and 2004. Yet the region continues to attract the world's attention because two million people remain housed in camps where they live on the brink of disease and starvation, with little hope of returning home in the near future. In Germany, Cambodia, and Rwanda, genocides came to a halt when genocidaires were chased from power. But, in Sudan, while the killing has slowed dramatically, those who perpetrated the massacres remain in control of the country, able to toy with the fate of survivors in the cruelest possible manner. Sudan's leaders continue to impede a fair peace settlement, most recently by obstructing Darfuri political representatives from attending peace talks in Addis Ababa. And, in the wake of the indictment of Sudanese President Omar Bashir by the International Criminal Court, the government expelled numerous international aid groups, making the already precarious existence of displaced Darfuris that much worse. Call this situation what you want--the awful aftermath of an unresolved genocide; the second, less violent phase of a bid by Khartoum to punish ethnic groups that supported the rebellion launched in 2003--but, whatever you label Darfur in 2009, it is still a terrible catastrophe.
Since Obama is a pragmatist--and pragmatism is, by definition, what works--we should judge his policies in this area by a single standard: Are they accomplishing the goal of ending Darfur's suffering? We are sad to say that the initial signs have not been encouraging. In fact, as Obama supporters, we are extraordinarily disappointed.
The challenges are twofold. How to get the aid groups back in? And how to push toward a settlement that allows Darfuris to begin returning home--and insulates them from the whims of Khartoum by granting them physical security and some measure of political autonomy? These are urgent matters. Yet Darfur has not seemed to be a priority for the new administration. Even though the situation has grown more dire with the expulsion of the aid groups, Obama has expended few public words on the subject. Maybe he is working furiously behind the scenes to get the aid groups back into the region, but, if that is the case, then he has failed badly, since Sudan is more or less standing its ground. (In a typically obnoxious move, Khartoum has agreed to let in other aid groups, just not the ones that were kicked out in the first place. But, since those kicked out were among the largest and most capable in the world, this is, quite obviously, an unacceptable solution.)
But it is not just the seeming absence of focus on Darfur that troubles us. What little indication we have of the administration's plans has been troubling as well. The Washington Post recently quoted a Darfur activist who had met with Obama's Sudan envoy, Scott Gration, three times. The activist described Gration's approach as follows: "He thinks that to keep banging on Khartoum is not the right way. He said he wants to build rapport with Khartoum." If this is truly going to be the administration's strategy, then it is deeply wrongheaded. Sudan's leaders are willing to do whatever it takes to stay in power. For decades, they have not hesitated to slaughter huge numbers of their own people (first in southern Sudan, later in Darfur) in order to preserve their rule. But, operating under the same logic of survival by any means necessary, they have also proved willing to play ball with the West when--as after September 11--they felt that they simply had no choice. Which suggests that, if there is to be relief for the people of Darfur--if the aid groups are to be readmitted and the peace process is to move forward--Khartoum will have to feel pressure from the United States. This means diplomatic pressure, tougher multilateral sanctions, and the credible threat of military force. As the anti-genocide activists at Save Darfur, the Enough Project, and the Genocide Intervention Network recently wrote, "[T]he Sudanese government responds much more directly to pressures than they do to incentives."
Not surprisingly, alarm is growing among many liberals about this administration's approach to Darfur. Everyone from a relative dove like Nicholas Kristof to a relative hawk like (tnr contributor) Eric Reeves has expressed concern over the trajectory of Obama's Sudan policy. Count us among them. We hope that Obama will reverse course on Darfur. Meanwhile, the stain on our souls only grows.
The New Republic
Genocide Step
The Editors, The New Republic Published: Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Back in 2007, then-candidate Barack Obama minced no words when it came to Sudan. "When you see a genocide, whether it's in Rwanda or Bosnia or in Darfur, that's a stain on all of us," he said. "That's a stain on our souls." Obama is now president, and Darfur is still a mess. What is taking place there today is not simple to describe. People are no longer being killed at the alarming rate of 2003 and 2004. Yet the region continues to attract the world's attention because two million people remain housed in camps where they live on the brink of disease and starvation, with little hope of returning home in the near future. In Germany, Cambodia, and Rwanda, genocides came to a halt when genocidaires were chased from power. But, in Sudan, while the killing has slowed dramatically, those who perpetrated the massacres remain in control of the country, able to toy with the fate of survivors in the cruelest possible manner. Sudan's leaders continue to impede a fair peace settlement, most recently by obstructing Darfuri political representatives from attending peace talks in Addis Ababa. And, in the wake of the indictment of Sudanese President Omar Bashir by the International Criminal Court, the government expelled numerous international aid groups, making the already precarious existence of displaced Darfuris that much worse. Call this situation what you want--the awful aftermath of an unresolved genocide; the second, less violent phase of a bid by Khartoum to punish ethnic groups that supported the rebellion launched in 2003--but, whatever you label Darfur in 2009, it is still a terrible catastrophe.
Since Obama is a pragmatist--and pragmatism is, by definition, what works--we should judge his policies in this area by a single standard: Are they accomplishing the goal of ending Darfur's suffering? We are sad to say that the initial signs have not been encouraging. In fact, as Obama supporters, we are extraordinarily disappointed.
The challenges are twofold. How to get the aid groups back in? And how to push toward a settlement that allows Darfuris to begin returning home--and insulates them from the whims of Khartoum by granting them physical security and some measure of political autonomy? These are urgent matters. Yet Darfur has not seemed to be a priority for the new administration. Even though the situation has grown more dire with the expulsion of the aid groups, Obama has expended few public words on the subject. Maybe he is working furiously behind the scenes to get the aid groups back into the region, but, if that is the case, then he has failed badly, since Sudan is more or less standing its ground. (In a typically obnoxious move, Khartoum has agreed to let in other aid groups, just not the ones that were kicked out in the first place. But, since those kicked out were among the largest and most capable in the world, this is, quite obviously, an unacceptable solution.)
But it is not just the seeming absence of focus on Darfur that troubles us. What little indication we have of the administration's plans has been troubling as well. The Washington Post recently quoted a Darfur activist who had met with Obama's Sudan envoy, Scott Gration, three times. The activist described Gration's approach as follows: "He thinks that to keep banging on Khartoum is not the right way. He said he wants to build rapport with Khartoum." If this is truly going to be the administration's strategy, then it is deeply wrongheaded. Sudan's leaders are willing to do whatever it takes to stay in power. For decades, they have not hesitated to slaughter huge numbers of their own people (first in southern Sudan, later in Darfur) in order to preserve their rule. But, operating under the same logic of survival by any means necessary, they have also proved willing to play ball with the West when--as after September 11--they felt that they simply had no choice. Which suggests that, if there is to be relief for the people of Darfur--if the aid groups are to be readmitted and the peace process is to move forward--Khartoum will have to feel pressure from the United States. This means diplomatic pressure, tougher multilateral sanctions, and the credible threat of military force. As the anti-genocide activists at Save Darfur, the Enough Project, and the Genocide Intervention Network recently wrote, "[T]he Sudanese government responds much more directly to pressures than they do to incentives."
Not surprisingly, alarm is growing among many liberals about this administration's approach to Darfur. Everyone from a relative dove like Nicholas Kristof to a relative hawk like (tnr contributor) Eric Reeves has expressed concern over the trajectory of Obama's Sudan policy. Count us among them. We hope that Obama will reverse course on Darfur. Meanwhile, the stain on our souls only grows.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Day 40 - May 17th 2009
- Today is the 21st day of Mia Farrow's fasting campaign in solidarity with the people of Darfur. The activist actress was advised by her doctor on her twelfth day to stop fasting due to her health condition. Richard Branson took over fasting in her place. Other activists, community leaders, and ordinary people also have joined in in this protest fasting.
Watch and listen to Mia Farrow's video in her fasting campaign at:
http://www.miafarrow.org/
Also, to see who is fasting with Mia today, check this link:
http://fastdarfur.org/?page_id=10
Watch and listen to Mia Farrow's video in her fasting campaign at:
http://www.miafarrow.org/
Also, to see who is fasting with Mia today, check this link:
http://fastdarfur.org/?page_id=10
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Day 39 - May 16th 2009
- No Sudanese national NGO has replaced any services of the expelled 13 international NGOs, Radio Dabanga said today. The Radio said that sources in UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) handling the three States of Darfur (North, West, and South Darfur) said UNICEF is stretched thin in trying to cover the need of Darfur IDPs (Internal Displaced People) in the camps. A refugees' leader in the IDP camp of Abou Shouk (near El Fasher) said to Radio Dabanga that they have seen no Sudanese National stepping in to cover vital services used to be provided by NGOs like Oxfam, IRC, and CARE to the refugees inside the camps. The leader said UNICEF is covering small portion of the missing services and the situation in the camp is very bad.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Day 38 - May 15th 2009
- Chad will provide witnesses and evidences to the International Criminal Court (ICC), Radio Dabanga reported today:
N’DJAMENA (15 May) - The government of Chad officially announced having a list of witnesses ready to testify at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. The witnesses will support the charges against several suspects, including the Sudanese president Omar al Bashir.Chad claims also to possess evidence and documents to be submitted to the International Criminal Court. That says the Chadian Minister of Information, Mohamed Hussein, to Radio Dabanga. Being the official spokesman of the Chadian government he added that his country has decided to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Court over the issue of Darfur ‘because we face constantly Sudanese attacks against our people and the Sudanese refugees in Chad’. Earlier, the Chadian president Idris Deby said that his country is willing to cooperate with the International Criminal Court over Darfur.
- To date, and after 38 days of promises of Government of Sudan to Special Envoy Gration and Senator Kerry, there is no evidence that the humanitarian aid "Gap" is closing in Darfur. Today marks the 72nd day since 13 NGOs were expelled from Darfur by AlBashir in his retaliation to the warrant of his arrest issued by the ICC.
- Today is the nineteenth day of Mia Farrow's fasting campaign in solidarity with the people of Darfur. The activist actress was advised by her doctor on her twelfth day to stop fasting due to her health condition. Richard Branson took over fasting in her place. Other activists, community leaders, and ordinary people also have joined in in this protest fasting.
Watch and listen to Mia Farrow's video in her fasting campaign at:
http://www.miafarrow.org/
Also, to see who is fasting with Mia today, check this link:
http://fastdarfur.org/?page_id=10
N’DJAMENA (15 May) - The government of Chad officially announced having a list of witnesses ready to testify at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. The witnesses will support the charges against several suspects, including the Sudanese president Omar al Bashir.Chad claims also to possess evidence and documents to be submitted to the International Criminal Court. That says the Chadian Minister of Information, Mohamed Hussein, to Radio Dabanga. Being the official spokesman of the Chadian government he added that his country has decided to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Court over the issue of Darfur ‘because we face constantly Sudanese attacks against our people and the Sudanese refugees in Chad’. Earlier, the Chadian president Idris Deby said that his country is willing to cooperate with the International Criminal Court over Darfur.
- To date, and after 38 days of promises of Government of Sudan to Special Envoy Gration and Senator Kerry, there is no evidence that the humanitarian aid "Gap" is closing in Darfur. Today marks the 72nd day since 13 NGOs were expelled from Darfur by AlBashir in his retaliation to the warrant of his arrest issued by the ICC.
- Today is the nineteenth day of Mia Farrow's fasting campaign in solidarity with the people of Darfur. The activist actress was advised by her doctor on her twelfth day to stop fasting due to her health condition. Richard Branson took over fasting in her place. Other activists, community leaders, and ordinary people also have joined in in this protest fasting.
Watch and listen to Mia Farrow's video in her fasting campaign at:
http://www.miafarrow.org/
Also, to see who is fasting with Mia today, check this link:
http://fastdarfur.org/?page_id=10
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Day 37 - May 14th 2009
- Sudan govt forces bomb near North Darfur-UN
By Andrew Heavens
KHARTOUM, May 13 (Reuters) - Peacekeepers said they saw Sudanese government aircraft bombing suspected rebel positions in the western Darfur region on Wednesday, days after negotiations between Khartoum and the insurgents resumed.
But Sudan's armed forces denied the reports, saying they had not carried out any out any operations around the town of Umm Baru, in North Darfur, the scene of recent clashes between the rebel Justice and Equality Movement and a group of former rebels backed by the government.
Members from the joint U.N./African Union UNAMID peacekeeping force said they heard five shell explosions in territory north of the town.
"UNAMID forces observed Sudanese Government aircraft bombing targets north of Umm Baru ... shortly after 10 a.m. this morning," the force said in a statement.
A UNAMID official, who asked not to be named, said it was thought the army was targeting JEM positions. No one was immediately available from JEM to comment.
Brigadier Uthman al-Agbash told Reuters no government bombing had taken place. "The Sudanese army did not have any military operations in this area" he said.
Aerial attacks are banned in Darfur by ceasefires and a U.N. Security Council resolution. Sudan's army has said it has used aerial attacks in the past.
JEM commanders said they defeated a force of fighters loyal to former rebel leader Minni Arcua Minnawi close to Umm Baru over the weekend. In 2006, Minnawi became the only Darfur rebel to sign a peace deal with the government and then became a presidential assistant.
JEM has been consolidating its position as one of the largest rebel military forces in Darfur in recent months by recruiting commanders from other insurgent groups, while confronting Minnawi's forces on a number of fronts.
JEM resumed discussions with Sudan's government in Qatar last week, but the discussions have so far not evolved into full peace talks.
U.N. officials say up to 300,000 people have died and more than 2.7 million have been driven from their homes in Sudan's western Darfur region in six years of ethnically and politically driven violence. Khartoum says 10,000 have died.
- 3 civilians were killed by Janjaweed ( on camels and 4-wheel drive vehicles) in Wadaah area ( North Darfur). The Janjaweed took the animals of the slain.
Also, in Shangel Tobai area (Central Darfur) a civilian was killed by janjaweed and his animaks were taken by the assailants. In both events the Police did not take action after it recieved complaints from the citizens in the area.
By Andrew Heavens
KHARTOUM, May 13 (Reuters) - Peacekeepers said they saw Sudanese government aircraft bombing suspected rebel positions in the western Darfur region on Wednesday, days after negotiations between Khartoum and the insurgents resumed.
But Sudan's armed forces denied the reports, saying they had not carried out any out any operations around the town of Umm Baru, in North Darfur, the scene of recent clashes between the rebel Justice and Equality Movement and a group of former rebels backed by the government.
Members from the joint U.N./African Union UNAMID peacekeeping force said they heard five shell explosions in territory north of the town.
"UNAMID forces observed Sudanese Government aircraft bombing targets north of Umm Baru ... shortly after 10 a.m. this morning," the force said in a statement.
A UNAMID official, who asked not to be named, said it was thought the army was targeting JEM positions. No one was immediately available from JEM to comment.
Brigadier Uthman al-Agbash told Reuters no government bombing had taken place. "The Sudanese army did not have any military operations in this area" he said.
Aerial attacks are banned in Darfur by ceasefires and a U.N. Security Council resolution. Sudan's army has said it has used aerial attacks in the past.
JEM commanders said they defeated a force of fighters loyal to former rebel leader Minni Arcua Minnawi close to Umm Baru over the weekend. In 2006, Minnawi became the only Darfur rebel to sign a peace deal with the government and then became a presidential assistant.
JEM has been consolidating its position as one of the largest rebel military forces in Darfur in recent months by recruiting commanders from other insurgent groups, while confronting Minnawi's forces on a number of fronts.
JEM resumed discussions with Sudan's government in Qatar last week, but the discussions have so far not evolved into full peace talks.
U.N. officials say up to 300,000 people have died and more than 2.7 million have been driven from their homes in Sudan's western Darfur region in six years of ethnically and politically driven violence. Khartoum says 10,000 have died.
- 3 civilians were killed by Janjaweed ( on camels and 4-wheel drive vehicles) in Wadaah area ( North Darfur). The Janjaweed took the animals of the slain.
Also, in Shangel Tobai area (Central Darfur) a civilian was killed by janjaweed and his animaks were taken by the assailants. In both events the Police did not take action after it recieved complaints from the citizens in the area.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Day 36 - May 13th 2009
- Security situation in Darfur is deteriorating. Yesterday 3 policemen were killed in east of Nyala (South Darfur). A police station was attacked by militia on horses and camel backs.
- In North Darfur, more people were displaced in the locality of Kalmindo. The displacement is due to fighting recently between rebels and GoS.
- In North Darfur, more people were displaced in the locality of Kalmindo. The displacement is due to fighting recently between rebels and GoS.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Day 35 - May 12th 2009
- Yesterday, IDP camp of HasaHisa (in Zalengei area - West Darfur) ran out of water completely ( water pumps were down). The camp leaders convened an emergency meeting with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)to find solution to this urgent problem.
- Today is the sixteenth day of Mia Farrow's fasting campaign in solidarity with the people of Darfur. Although the activist actress was advised by her docto to stop fasting due to her health condition, but Richard Branson took over her spot in the campaign. Other activists, community leaders, and ordinary people also joined in this protest fasting.
watch and listen to Mia Farrow's video in her fasting at:
http://www.miafarrow.org/
Also, to see who is fasting with Mia today, check this link:
http://fastdarfur.org/?page_id=10
- Today is the sixteenth day of Mia Farrow's fasting campaign in solidarity with the people of Darfur. Although the activist actress was advised by her docto to stop fasting due to her health condition, but Richard Branson took over her spot in the campaign. Other activists, community leaders, and ordinary people also joined in this protest fasting.
watch and listen to Mia Farrow's video in her fasting at:
http://www.miafarrow.org/
Also, to see who is fasting with Mia today, check this link:
http://fastdarfur.org/?page_id=10
Monday, May 11, 2009
Day 34 - May 11th 2009
- UN says not as ready as would like for Darfur rainy season
KHARTOUM, May 10 (Reuters) - The expulsion of international NGOs means aid agencies are not as ready as they could be for the rainy season in Darfur but a humanitarian crisis is not imminent, a senior U.N. official said on Sunday.
Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir expelled 13 international aid agencies after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him in March on charges of masterminding war crimes in Darfur.
Some parts of Darfur, a region roughly the size of France in western Sudan, become very difficult to reach during the rainy season which starts in a few weeks. Rain floods unmade roads and tracks and rivers swell.
Many of the camps, where some 2 million people headed after the violence drove them from their homes, lie in flood plains.
Speaking to reporters at the end of a trip to Sudan including Darfur, U.N. humanitarian chief John Holmes said:
"We are not as ready as we would like to be. Normally before the rainy season, the agencies, NGOs working there would be pre-positioning food and other goods...because it becomes very difficult to move them around once the rainy season started."
Because of the expulsions, those efforts were delayed because it took a while to regain access to warehouses where these goods are kept, Holmes said.
About 4.7 million people rely on humanitarian aid in Darfur, a conflict in which U.N. officials say as many as 300,000 people have died in almost six years of ethnic and political violence. Khartoum says 10,000 have died.
"We now have access, we'll be working extremely hard to make up for lost time. But we're not in as good a position as we would have been otherwise," Holmes said.
"The rainy season is always a period of increased risk, the risks are even greater than they would have been otherwise because of the expulsions. But I'm reasonably confident we'll get through it without a major crisis."
Holmes said the most "critical life-saving gaps" in aid, particularly in food, water and emergency shelter, had been filled, albeit in an ad-hoc way.
"So that there is not as far as I can tell a threat of an imminent humanitarian crisis at the moment in Darfur."
KHARTOUM, May 10 (Reuters) - The expulsion of international NGOs means aid agencies are not as ready as they could be for the rainy season in Darfur but a humanitarian crisis is not imminent, a senior U.N. official said on Sunday.
Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir expelled 13 international aid agencies after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him in March on charges of masterminding war crimes in Darfur.
Some parts of Darfur, a region roughly the size of France in western Sudan, become very difficult to reach during the rainy season which starts in a few weeks. Rain floods unmade roads and tracks and rivers swell.
Many of the camps, where some 2 million people headed after the violence drove them from their homes, lie in flood plains.
Speaking to reporters at the end of a trip to Sudan including Darfur, U.N. humanitarian chief John Holmes said:
"We are not as ready as we would like to be. Normally before the rainy season, the agencies, NGOs working there would be pre-positioning food and other goods...because it becomes very difficult to move them around once the rainy season started."
Because of the expulsions, those efforts were delayed because it took a while to regain access to warehouses where these goods are kept, Holmes said.
About 4.7 million people rely on humanitarian aid in Darfur, a conflict in which U.N. officials say as many as 300,000 people have died in almost six years of ethnic and political violence. Khartoum says 10,000 have died.
"We now have access, we'll be working extremely hard to make up for lost time. But we're not in as good a position as we would have been otherwise," Holmes said.
"The rainy season is always a period of increased risk, the risks are even greater than they would have been otherwise because of the expulsions. But I'm reasonably confident we'll get through it without a major crisis."
Holmes said the most "critical life-saving gaps" in aid, particularly in food, water and emergency shelter, had been filled, albeit in an ad-hoc way.
"So that there is not as far as I can tell a threat of an imminent humanitarian crisis at the moment in Darfur."
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Day 33 - May 10th 2009
- Today is the 33rd day since the Government of Sudan promised President Obama's Special Envoy to Sudan, Major General Gration, that the "Gap" in the humanitarian services will be restored. The "Gap" was a result of GoS expulsion of 13 International NGOs from Darfur. The situation in the IDP camps as of today is getting worse by the day. The Special Envoy is Back in Khartoum, the major IDP camps( Kalma, Abou Sjouk, Kassab, Zalengie) report no NGOs are back.
- Reports of internal displacements of people due to clashes at the border areas between Chad and Sudan, also in the North of Darfur due to clashes between two rebel groups.
- After Actress Activist Mia Farrow ordered to stop fasting by her doctor due to deteriorating health conditions, Sir Richard Branson took over the fasting. There are many people started fasting with Mia Farrow and are continuing fasting in solidarity with the people of Darfur.
- Reports of internal displacements of people due to clashes at the border areas between Chad and Sudan, also in the North of Darfur due to clashes between two rebel groups.
- After Actress Activist Mia Farrow ordered to stop fasting by her doctor due to deteriorating health conditions, Sir Richard Branson took over the fasting. There are many people started fasting with Mia Farrow and are continuing fasting in solidarity with the people of Darfur.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Day 32 - May 9th 2009
- Mia Farrow ends Darfur fast, Branson takes over
Source: Reuters
* Doctor asked Farrow to end hunger strike
* Richard Branson to fast for three days
By Louis Charbonneau
UNITED NATIONS, May 8 (Reuters) - Actress Mia Farrow, ailing after almost two weeks on a hunger strike, announced on Friday that British billionaire Richard Branson would take over her protest in solidarity with people in Sudan's Darfur region.
A Farrow spokesman said her health had deteriorated in the past few days and her doctor requested that she end the liquids-only fast she began 12 days ago to protest at Khartoum's expulsion of more than a dozen aid agencies from Darfur.
Farrow asked Branson to take over the fast, her statement said, adding that the British entrepreneur had accepted and would begin a three-day hunger strike on Friday.
"I'm honoured to be taking over the fast for the next three days," the founder of the Virgin Group said in a statement on his blog.
"We cannot stand and watch as 1 million people suffer. We all need to stand up and demand that international aid is restored and that the people of Darfur are protected and given the chance to live in peace."
Farrow's spokesman said last month that her doctor expected the slightly built actress could not fast for more than three weeks.
Farrow, who was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the U.N. children's agency UNICEF in 2000, has been campaigning for years to raise funds for children in conflict zones such as Darfur, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Chad and Nigeria.
The International Criminal Court issued a warrant for the arrest of Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir in March, charging him with masterminding mass killings and deportations in Darfur in western Sudan.
Since then, Sudan has expelled 13 foreign and three domestic humanitarian aid agencies, accusing them of collaborating with the Hague-based ICC.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in his latest report on the joint U.N.-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur, known as UNAMID, that the expulsions had put "over 1 million people at life-threatening risk" in Darfur.
U.N. officials say that as many as 300,000 people have been killed and more than 2.7 million driven from their homes in Darfur in almost six years of ethnic and political violence.
Khartoum, however, says 10,000 people have died. Some 4.7 million people rely on humanitarian aid in Darfur. (Editing by Bill Trott)
- The largest city in Darfur lives these days in terror because of Janjaweed. On Tuesday, two people were killed at El Fasher main-market after they refused two men dressed in military uniform to hand over their mobile phones.Relatives and the shopkeeper who witnessed the killing on Tuesday, told Radio Dabanga that both men were wearing masks. After forcing the two visitors of the market to hand over the mobile phones, one of them refused. The other smashed his phone. After firing a round of bullets, one person died immediately. The other died on Wednesday morning in the hospital. The names of the men who died are Sadiq Mohammed Ahmed and Adam Mohamed Bilal.
On yesterday ( Friday), there was intense firing of AK47 in the market which drove many people running for cover and praying people leave Mosques. Fridays are pray and market days. It was learned that there was a clash between the Army and an armed militia that used to take the law in its hands.
- A UNAMID officer was shot dead in the second largest city in Darfur ( Nyala - capital of South Darfur).
- In addition to this wave of violence and insecurity, the IDP camps have seen no improvements in living conditions since the expulsion of the 13 International NGOs.
Obama's Special Envoy to Sudan, General Gration, is in Khartoum. He got more promises from the GoS that it will allow some NGOs in, but a GoS official made it clear that the expulsion of the 13 NGOs is final.
- The GoS has confiscated the Passports of Darfur delegates who were ready to travel to Addis Ababa to attend a conference of the Darfuri Civil Society on peace in Darfur to be held in the Ethiopian capital. The conference is canceled.
Comment:
There is a deafening silence from Obama's Administration towards these events about Darfur.
People of Darfur see ray of hope in actions of decent people like Mia Farrow, Sir Richard Branson, and those who joined them in the fasting in solidarity of the people of Darfur.
Darfur's problem will not go away by its self. Action is needed to make the words " Never Again" mean Never Again.
Source: Reuters
* Doctor asked Farrow to end hunger strike
* Richard Branson to fast for three days
By Louis Charbonneau
UNITED NATIONS, May 8 (Reuters) - Actress Mia Farrow, ailing after almost two weeks on a hunger strike, announced on Friday that British billionaire Richard Branson would take over her protest in solidarity with people in Sudan's Darfur region.
A Farrow spokesman said her health had deteriorated in the past few days and her doctor requested that she end the liquids-only fast she began 12 days ago to protest at Khartoum's expulsion of more than a dozen aid agencies from Darfur.
Farrow asked Branson to take over the fast, her statement said, adding that the British entrepreneur had accepted and would begin a three-day hunger strike on Friday.
"I'm honoured to be taking over the fast for the next three days," the founder of the Virgin Group said in a statement on his blog.
"We cannot stand and watch as 1 million people suffer. We all need to stand up and demand that international aid is restored and that the people of Darfur are protected and given the chance to live in peace."
Farrow's spokesman said last month that her doctor expected the slightly built actress could not fast for more than three weeks.
Farrow, who was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the U.N. children's agency UNICEF in 2000, has been campaigning for years to raise funds for children in conflict zones such as Darfur, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Chad and Nigeria.
The International Criminal Court issued a warrant for the arrest of Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir in March, charging him with masterminding mass killings and deportations in Darfur in western Sudan.
Since then, Sudan has expelled 13 foreign and three domestic humanitarian aid agencies, accusing them of collaborating with the Hague-based ICC.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in his latest report on the joint U.N.-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur, known as UNAMID, that the expulsions had put "over 1 million people at life-threatening risk" in Darfur.
U.N. officials say that as many as 300,000 people have been killed and more than 2.7 million driven from their homes in Darfur in almost six years of ethnic and political violence.
Khartoum, however, says 10,000 people have died. Some 4.7 million people rely on humanitarian aid in Darfur. (Editing by Bill Trott)
- The largest city in Darfur lives these days in terror because of Janjaweed. On Tuesday, two people were killed at El Fasher main-market after they refused two men dressed in military uniform to hand over their mobile phones.Relatives and the shopkeeper who witnessed the killing on Tuesday, told Radio Dabanga that both men were wearing masks. After forcing the two visitors of the market to hand over the mobile phones, one of them refused. The other smashed his phone. After firing a round of bullets, one person died immediately. The other died on Wednesday morning in the hospital. The names of the men who died are Sadiq Mohammed Ahmed and Adam Mohamed Bilal.
On yesterday ( Friday), there was intense firing of AK47 in the market which drove many people running for cover and praying people leave Mosques. Fridays are pray and market days. It was learned that there was a clash between the Army and an armed militia that used to take the law in its hands.
- A UNAMID officer was shot dead in the second largest city in Darfur ( Nyala - capital of South Darfur).
- In addition to this wave of violence and insecurity, the IDP camps have seen no improvements in living conditions since the expulsion of the 13 International NGOs.
Obama's Special Envoy to Sudan, General Gration, is in Khartoum. He got more promises from the GoS that it will allow some NGOs in, but a GoS official made it clear that the expulsion of the 13 NGOs is final.
- The GoS has confiscated the Passports of Darfur delegates who were ready to travel to Addis Ababa to attend a conference of the Darfuri Civil Society on peace in Darfur to be held in the Ethiopian capital. The conference is canceled.
Comment:
There is a deafening silence from Obama's Administration towards these events about Darfur.
People of Darfur see ray of hope in actions of decent people like Mia Farrow, Sir Richard Branson, and those who joined them in the fasting in solidarity of the people of Darfur.
Darfur's problem will not go away by its self. Action is needed to make the words " Never Again" mean Never Again.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Day 31 - May 8th 2009
- Today is the twelfth day of Mia Farrow's fasting campaign in solidarity with the people of Darfur. The activist actress is joined by other activists, community leaders, and ordinary people in her protest fasting.
watch and listen to Mia Farrow's video in her fasting at:
http://www.miafarrow.org/
Also, to see who is fasting with Mia today, check this link:
http://fastdarfur.org/?page_id=10
- War in Eastern Chad compels NGOs to relocate their staff to Goz Baida.
There are more than 250 thousands Darfuri refugees in Eastern Chad.
watch and listen to Mia Farrow's video in her fasting at:
http://www.miafarrow.org/
Also, to see who is fasting with Mia today, check this link:
http://fastdarfur.org/?page_id=10
- War in Eastern Chad compels NGOs to relocate their staff to Goz Baida.
There are more than 250 thousands Darfuri refugees in Eastern Chad.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Day 30 - May 7th 2009
- Today marks the 30th day since the Special Envoy General Gration was promised by the Government of Sudan that it will close the "gap" in humanitarian services due to the expulsion of 13 international NGOs.
Today the Special Envoy Gration is in Sudan.
Today also the U.N. humanitarian chief John Holmes is in Sudan too.
Yet one of the high ranking officials in GoS says to the world in defiance:
"For the expelled 13 NGOs, this is history. It's finished".
Here is how GoS got the world as a hostage, together with the people of Darfur:
* Expelled ones will not be allowed to return
* U.N. humanitarian chief to assess severity of aid-gap
By Yara Bayoumy
KHARTOUM, May 6 (Reuters) - Sudan said on Wednesday it would "not close the door" to foreign aid organisations that want to operate in the largest country in Africa but a decision to expel 13 international NGOs was non-negotiable.
President Omar Hassan al-Bashir expelled those aid groups after the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest in March on charges of masterminding war crimes in Darfur. Sudan accused the aid groups of helping build the charges against Bashir.
"For the expelled 13 NGOs, this is history. It's finished. But this decision ... does not close the door for any new NGOs -- American, British, French ... with new names, with new logos," said Hassabo Mohamed Abd el-Rahman, the head of Sudan's state Humanitarian Aid Commission.
"Any new NGOs that fulfil the criteria are most welcome," he told reporters at the airport after welcoming U.N. humanitarian chief John Holmes to Sudan on Wednesday. "I can assure you that there are many applications being processed."
"We're working on the capacity-building of national NGOs, the Sudanization... Sudanization does not mean that we close the door for foreign aid," Abd el-Rahman said.
Some 4.7 million people rely on humanitarian aid in Darfur. The U.N.'s NGO partners gave out out food aid, monitored for disease outbreaks and provided clean water and health care across the area which is roughly the size of France.
Sudan has said Sudanese groups have been filling the gaps left by the expelled groups and there is no problem with aid distribution.
Holmes said the expulsion had left "serious capacity gaps".
"Clearly there were gaps left when the NGOs were expelled... we have been trying to fill those most critical life-saving gaps but we know we've not been able to do that on a full basis."
EXPELLED NGOS TO RETURN?
Holmes, who will be travelling to southern Sudan and Darfur during his visit, said the solution would be for the expelled NGOs to be allowed to return.
"Our position from the beginning is that the best way out of this problem is to reverse the decision and let back in the NGOs that were expelled... if there are ways in which gradually over time some, or all, of them can be allowed back in to work that's something I'd very much welcome," Holmes said.
"That's something we'll be discussing in the next few days."
He said that while some progress had been made with the government, there was "still some way to go yet".
In New York, a senior Western diplomat said U.S. special envoy Scott Gration, who arrived in the Sudanese capital on Wednesday, has been working to persuade Khartoum to let the expelled NGOs back into Darfur.
The diplomat said the Sudanese had indicated that some or all of the NGOs would probably be allowed back into Sudan, though they would have to do so by forming a partnership with a local Sudanese partner. Other diplomats confirmed this.
Before the expulsions the United Nations and aid groups were running the world's largest humanitarian operation in Darfur.
U.N. officials say as many as 300,000 people have died and more than 2.7 million driven from their homes in almost six years of ethnic and political violence. Khartoum says 10,000 have died.
- Today is the eleventh day of Mia Farrow's fasting campaign in solidarity with the people of Darfur. The activist actress is joined by other activists, community leaders, and ordinary people in her protest fasting.
watch and listen to Mia Farrow's video in her fasting at:
http://www.miafarrow.org/
Also, to see who is fasting with Mia today, check this link:
http://fastdarfur.org/?page_id=10
Comment:
The Official who defiantly declared that: "For the expelled 13 NGOs, this is history. It's finished" is an aid to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Ahmed Haroun.
Ahmed Haroun is wanted by the ICC on crimes against humanity, war crimes, murder, rape, .. in total more than 41 counts of charges against him.
Today the Special Envoy Gration is in Sudan.
Today also the U.N. humanitarian chief John Holmes is in Sudan too.
Yet one of the high ranking officials in GoS says to the world in defiance:
"For the expelled 13 NGOs, this is history. It's finished".
Here is how GoS got the world as a hostage, together with the people of Darfur:
* Expelled ones will not be allowed to return
* U.N. humanitarian chief to assess severity of aid-gap
By Yara Bayoumy
KHARTOUM, May 6 (Reuters) - Sudan said on Wednesday it would "not close the door" to foreign aid organisations that want to operate in the largest country in Africa but a decision to expel 13 international NGOs was non-negotiable.
President Omar Hassan al-Bashir expelled those aid groups after the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest in March on charges of masterminding war crimes in Darfur. Sudan accused the aid groups of helping build the charges against Bashir.
"For the expelled 13 NGOs, this is history. It's finished. But this decision ... does not close the door for any new NGOs -- American, British, French ... with new names, with new logos," said Hassabo Mohamed Abd el-Rahman, the head of Sudan's state Humanitarian Aid Commission.
"Any new NGOs that fulfil the criteria are most welcome," he told reporters at the airport after welcoming U.N. humanitarian chief John Holmes to Sudan on Wednesday. "I can assure you that there are many applications being processed."
"We're working on the capacity-building of national NGOs, the Sudanization... Sudanization does not mean that we close the door for foreign aid," Abd el-Rahman said.
Some 4.7 million people rely on humanitarian aid in Darfur. The U.N.'s NGO partners gave out out food aid, monitored for disease outbreaks and provided clean water and health care across the area which is roughly the size of France.
Sudan has said Sudanese groups have been filling the gaps left by the expelled groups and there is no problem with aid distribution.
Holmes said the expulsion had left "serious capacity gaps".
"Clearly there were gaps left when the NGOs were expelled... we have been trying to fill those most critical life-saving gaps but we know we've not been able to do that on a full basis."
EXPELLED NGOS TO RETURN?
Holmes, who will be travelling to southern Sudan and Darfur during his visit, said the solution would be for the expelled NGOs to be allowed to return.
"Our position from the beginning is that the best way out of this problem is to reverse the decision and let back in the NGOs that were expelled... if there are ways in which gradually over time some, or all, of them can be allowed back in to work that's something I'd very much welcome," Holmes said.
"That's something we'll be discussing in the next few days."
He said that while some progress had been made with the government, there was "still some way to go yet".
In New York, a senior Western diplomat said U.S. special envoy Scott Gration, who arrived in the Sudanese capital on Wednesday, has been working to persuade Khartoum to let the expelled NGOs back into Darfur.
The diplomat said the Sudanese had indicated that some or all of the NGOs would probably be allowed back into Sudan, though they would have to do so by forming a partnership with a local Sudanese partner. Other diplomats confirmed this.
Before the expulsions the United Nations and aid groups were running the world's largest humanitarian operation in Darfur.
U.N. officials say as many as 300,000 people have died and more than 2.7 million driven from their homes in almost six years of ethnic and political violence. Khartoum says 10,000 have died.
- Today is the eleventh day of Mia Farrow's fasting campaign in solidarity with the people of Darfur. The activist actress is joined by other activists, community leaders, and ordinary people in her protest fasting.
watch and listen to Mia Farrow's video in her fasting at:
http://www.miafarrow.org/
Also, to see who is fasting with Mia today, check this link:
http://fastdarfur.org/?page_id=10
Comment:
The Official who defiantly declared that: "For the expelled 13 NGOs, this is history. It's finished" is an aid to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Ahmed Haroun.
Ahmed Haroun is wanted by the ICC on crimes against humanity, war crimes, murder, rape, .. in total more than 41 counts of charges against him.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Day 29 - May 6th 2009
- Mia Farrow spoke to the people of Darfur in the IDP camps and in Diaspora through Radio Dabange (Darfuri radio broadcasts from Netherlands). In an interview with the radio, she greeted in Darfuri greetings the Darfuri displaced people in the camps in Darfur and refugees in Eastern Chad. Mia Farrow emphasized in the interview that peace in Darfur would not be possible while Sudan is headed by a fugitive President indicted with crimes against humanity and war crimes against the people of Darfur.
Mia Farrow also was interviewed by Larry King last night in the TV show ( Larry King Live).
Today is the tenth day of Mia Farrow's fasting campaign in solidarity with the people of Darfur. The activist actress is joined by other activists, community leaders, and ordinary people in her protest fasting.
watch and listen to Mia Farrow's video in her fasting at:
http://www.miafarrow.org/
Also, to see who is fasting with Mia today, check this link:
http://fastdarfur.org/?page_id=10
- SUDAN: NGO expulsions leave significant healthcare gaps in Darfur
In a report from United Nations, IRIN (humanitarian news and analysis -
a project of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs), the gap in humanitarian aid after the expulsion of 13 international NGOs is growing bigger in Darfur.
The report:
NAIROBI, 4 May 2009 (IRIN) - The expulsion of 13 international NGOs (INGOs) operating in the western Sudan region of Darfur has left gaps in health coverage, according to the UN World Health Organization (WHO) as 12 of them provided health and nutrition services to about 1.1 million people.
Through mobile clinics, hospitals and primary healthcare (PHC) facilities, the organisations had been providing essential services ranging from referrals for complicated and life-threatening cases to surveillance of epidemics, states the WHO March-April health bulletin.
In North Darfur, reproductive healthcare services have been interrupted after the closure of a PHC facility; the activities of other health facilities, serving at least 200,000 people, have also been curtailed.
In West Darfur, only 63 of 145 medical staff are providing services at 18 health facilities.
In South Darfur, one rural hospital in Muhajariya and some other health facilities are closed. Five of six therapeutic feeding centres are also shut.
In response, a joint UN and Sudan Government Action Plan for Darfur has recommended among other measures the redeployment of trained and qualified staff accepted by the community, supervision of clinics and provision of medical supplies to clinics, as well as the immunisation of children younger than five.
However, accessing children for routine immunisation programmes in hard-to-reach or insecure areas remains a challenge in Darfur. Meanwhile, vaccination against meningitis is ongoing in areas such as Kalma, Bilel and Al Salaam. Already this year, some 180 suspected cases of meningitis have been reported in the three Darfur states.
The expulsions affected at least 6,500 staff, or 40 percent of the humanitarian workforce in Darfur. The INGOs were expelled on 4 March, soon after the International Criminal Court indicted President Omar Al-Bashir for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the western region of Darfur.
The conflict in Darfur has led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands and displaced about half a million people since 2003.
One of the expelled INGOs, Oxfam GB, on 15 April appealed against its expulsion, warning that the humanitarian situation in Darfur had deteriorated.
The effects of the expulsions have been felt beyond Darfur in eastern Sudan and the so-called Three Areas bordering on Southern Sudan, Abyei, Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile. Replacing lost expertise in Darfur will be very difficult, according to the UN.
- Government of Sudan (GoS) is testing the Obama's Administration. News from Darfur, in West Darfur area, Nomad Arabs herding camels and cows, are becoming bolder in grazing their animals in farms owned by remnants of Darfuri peasants in some remote villages. A farmer complained to Radio Dabanga that these herders destroyed the little plants he has grown when they drove their animals through his farm. When he protested he was threatened. These Arab Nomads are supported by the GoS.
Also the GoS has unleashed the Chadian rebels to advance towards the Chadian Capital N'Djamena.
Comment:
Government of Sudan has its plans from A to Z ready. Each plan is timely triggered. The International Community ( mainly the U.S.A.), is the one that surprises us each and every time that it is surprised by the actions of a regime headed by a fugitive and run by bunch of thugs and killers. We discover that the international community each time has plan zero ( NO PLAN plan).
At the ICC issuance of the warrant of arrest, the plan to expel 13 international NGOs was triggered. GoS scored big. Who is talking now about arresting Albashir??!!
We have surpassed 60 days since the expulsion of the NGOs, and approaching to the 30 days since Special Envoy Genral Scott Gration and Senator John Kerry got a promise from AlBashir's regime that the GoS will close the gaps in humanitarian aid to save the people of Darfur. "Gaps" mean starvation to death, fatal diseases, dehydrating thirst, of the people of Darfur.
Now, while Gration is in Sudan these days checking on the promise of closing the "gaps", GoS unleashes its Chadian rebels across the border in a race to beat the rain and change the regime in Chad. Of course the subject will be changed in Khartoum for General Gration. Now the conversation will not be about closing the "gaps", but the General will ask his new-found friends in Khartoum to halt the Chadian rebels' assault. He will get more of the same: promises.
Khartoum understands only one language: Deadlines backed with credible threat. They understand " cost" very well.
Mia Farrow also was interviewed by Larry King last night in the TV show ( Larry King Live).
Today is the tenth day of Mia Farrow's fasting campaign in solidarity with the people of Darfur. The activist actress is joined by other activists, community leaders, and ordinary people in her protest fasting.
watch and listen to Mia Farrow's video in her fasting at:
http://www.miafarrow.org/
Also, to see who is fasting with Mia today, check this link:
http://fastdarfur.org/?page_id=10
- SUDAN: NGO expulsions leave significant healthcare gaps in Darfur
In a report from United Nations, IRIN (humanitarian news and analysis -
a project of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs), the gap in humanitarian aid after the expulsion of 13 international NGOs is growing bigger in Darfur.
The report:
NAIROBI, 4 May 2009 (IRIN) - The expulsion of 13 international NGOs (INGOs) operating in the western Sudan region of Darfur has left gaps in health coverage, according to the UN World Health Organization (WHO) as 12 of them provided health and nutrition services to about 1.1 million people.
Through mobile clinics, hospitals and primary healthcare (PHC) facilities, the organisations had been providing essential services ranging from referrals for complicated and life-threatening cases to surveillance of epidemics, states the WHO March-April health bulletin.
In North Darfur, reproductive healthcare services have been interrupted after the closure of a PHC facility; the activities of other health facilities, serving at least 200,000 people, have also been curtailed.
In West Darfur, only 63 of 145 medical staff are providing services at 18 health facilities.
In South Darfur, one rural hospital in Muhajariya and some other health facilities are closed. Five of six therapeutic feeding centres are also shut.
In response, a joint UN and Sudan Government Action Plan for Darfur has recommended among other measures the redeployment of trained and qualified staff accepted by the community, supervision of clinics and provision of medical supplies to clinics, as well as the immunisation of children younger than five.
However, accessing children for routine immunisation programmes in hard-to-reach or insecure areas remains a challenge in Darfur. Meanwhile, vaccination against meningitis is ongoing in areas such as Kalma, Bilel and Al Salaam. Already this year, some 180 suspected cases of meningitis have been reported in the three Darfur states.
The expulsions affected at least 6,500 staff, or 40 percent of the humanitarian workforce in Darfur. The INGOs were expelled on 4 March, soon after the International Criminal Court indicted President Omar Al-Bashir for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the western region of Darfur.
The conflict in Darfur has led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands and displaced about half a million people since 2003.
One of the expelled INGOs, Oxfam GB, on 15 April appealed against its expulsion, warning that the humanitarian situation in Darfur had deteriorated.
The effects of the expulsions have been felt beyond Darfur in eastern Sudan and the so-called Three Areas bordering on Southern Sudan, Abyei, Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile. Replacing lost expertise in Darfur will be very difficult, according to the UN.
- Government of Sudan (GoS) is testing the Obama's Administration. News from Darfur, in West Darfur area, Nomad Arabs herding camels and cows, are becoming bolder in grazing their animals in farms owned by remnants of Darfuri peasants in some remote villages. A farmer complained to Radio Dabanga that these herders destroyed the little plants he has grown when they drove their animals through his farm. When he protested he was threatened. These Arab Nomads are supported by the GoS.
Also the GoS has unleashed the Chadian rebels to advance towards the Chadian Capital N'Djamena.
Comment:
Government of Sudan has its plans from A to Z ready. Each plan is timely triggered. The International Community ( mainly the U.S.A.), is the one that surprises us each and every time that it is surprised by the actions of a regime headed by a fugitive and run by bunch of thugs and killers. We discover that the international community each time has plan zero ( NO PLAN plan).
At the ICC issuance of the warrant of arrest, the plan to expel 13 international NGOs was triggered. GoS scored big. Who is talking now about arresting Albashir??!!
We have surpassed 60 days since the expulsion of the NGOs, and approaching to the 30 days since Special Envoy Genral Scott Gration and Senator John Kerry got a promise from AlBashir's regime that the GoS will close the gaps in humanitarian aid to save the people of Darfur. "Gaps" mean starvation to death, fatal diseases, dehydrating thirst, of the people of Darfur.
Now, while Gration is in Sudan these days checking on the promise of closing the "gaps", GoS unleashes its Chadian rebels across the border in a race to beat the rain and change the regime in Chad. Of course the subject will be changed in Khartoum for General Gration. Now the conversation will not be about closing the "gaps", but the General will ask his new-found friends in Khartoum to halt the Chadian rebels' assault. He will get more of the same: promises.
Khartoum understands only one language: Deadlines backed with credible threat. They understand " cost" very well.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Day 28 - May 5th 2009
- High winds and sand storms have destroyed yesterday thousands of tents and make-shift shelters in the displaced people (IDP) camps in Darfur. The following camps have reported heavy destruction in shelters: Hamideyah camp (West Darfur Zalengei area), Abu Shouk camp (near Elfasher in Nort Darfur), Kassab camp(near Kutum in North Darfur), Al Salam camp (near ElFasher in North Darfur), Shddad camp (near Shangel Tobai in central Darfur).
The high winds and sand storms at this time is prelude to the rainy season.
A refugee in Shaddad camp said to Radio Dabanga that usually at this time every year some NGOs would be ready with complete stock of canvases, plastic sheets, new tents, trained staffed, ready to help the refugees rebuild the destroyed shelters. The refugees added that many families now on the open and don't know where to go to get any help or who could supply tents and other shelter material.
13 international NGOs were expelled by the Government of Sudan on 4th of March in retaliation to the International Criminal Court (ICC)issuance of warrant to arrest President of Sudan Albashir on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur.
- Today is the ninth day of Mia Farrow's fasting campaign in solidarity with the people of Darfur. The activist actress is joined by other activists, community leaders, and ordinary people in her protest fasting.
watch and listen to Mia Farrow's video in her fasting at:
http://www.miafarrow.org/
Also, to see who is fasting with Mia today, check this link:
http://fastdarfur.org/?page_id=10
Comment:
In our silence, we are complicit.
The high winds and sand storms at this time is prelude to the rainy season.
A refugee in Shaddad camp said to Radio Dabanga that usually at this time every year some NGOs would be ready with complete stock of canvases, plastic sheets, new tents, trained staffed, ready to help the refugees rebuild the destroyed shelters. The refugees added that many families now on the open and don't know where to go to get any help or who could supply tents and other shelter material.
13 international NGOs were expelled by the Government of Sudan on 4th of March in retaliation to the International Criminal Court (ICC)issuance of warrant to arrest President of Sudan Albashir on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur.
- Today is the ninth day of Mia Farrow's fasting campaign in solidarity with the people of Darfur. The activist actress is joined by other activists, community leaders, and ordinary people in her protest fasting.
watch and listen to Mia Farrow's video in her fasting at:
http://www.miafarrow.org/
Also, to see who is fasting with Mia today, check this link:
http://fastdarfur.org/?page_id=10
Comment:
In our silence, we are complicit.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Day 27 - May 4th 2009
- Huge fire destroyed about 80 homes in the IDP ( Internaly Displaced People) camp of Alriadh near ElGeneina in West Darfur. This is the second time for this camp and fourth that camps around ElGeneina ( West Darfur) to be set on fire since the ICC has issued a warrant to arrest Sudan's President Albashir in 4th of March. Government of Sudan had retaliated immediately by expelling 13 international humanitarian Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs). It is reported that the fire has destroyed some of items stored by the expelled NGOs in preparation to the rainy season ( tents, canvas and plastic sheets). The IDP camp leaders suspect arson and accuse the Janjaweed and security agents of GoS in setting these fires in an attempt to empty the IDP camps.
- In El Fasher, the largest city in Darfur and where the UNAMID is headquartered, Janjaweed forces yesterday wreaked havoc in the market of the city and terrorized the merchants and citizens before the Army of GoS persuaded them to cease their disorderly behavior.
- Today is the eighth day of Mia Farrow's fasting campaign in solidarity with the people of Darfur. The activist actress is joined by other activists, community leaders, and ordinary people in her protest fasting.
Comment:
Government of Sudan has complete control on all units of Janjaweed throughout Darfur as well as on its armed forces. These acts of arson, violence in cities and towns, ambushes outside IDP camps, breaking in and looting of supply storage areas in the camps, kidnapping of westerners, all these are concerted efforts. This is Genocide in slow motion, on our watch.
- In El Fasher, the largest city in Darfur and where the UNAMID is headquartered, Janjaweed forces yesterday wreaked havoc in the market of the city and terrorized the merchants and citizens before the Army of GoS persuaded them to cease their disorderly behavior.
- Today is the eighth day of Mia Farrow's fasting campaign in solidarity with the people of Darfur. The activist actress is joined by other activists, community leaders, and ordinary people in her protest fasting.
Comment:
Government of Sudan has complete control on all units of Janjaweed throughout Darfur as well as on its armed forces. These acts of arson, violence in cities and towns, ambushes outside IDP camps, breaking in and looting of supply storage areas in the camps, kidnapping of westerners, all these are concerted efforts. This is Genocide in slow motion, on our watch.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Day 26 - May 3rd 2009
- More meningitis cases are reported in the central Drfur (Shangel Tobai IDP camp.
A refugee said "Abu Farrar is spreading". Abu Farrar ( The Ax man) is the local name given to the meningitis fever.
- The London-based Arabic newspaper (Alsharq Alawsat) wrote that the Sudanese Government has released hundreds of containers held in Port Sudan since the Bush Administration was in office. The containers belong to the U.S. government as part of the new U.S. Embassy (15 sq. miles)in Khartoum. The newspaper said the new embassy, which is located in south of Khartoum, will b the largest U.S. Embassy in Africa ( larger than those in Cairo and Johannesburg). The newspaper added that the construction activity could be seen from the highway and expected to be open in September of this year.
- Today is the seventh day of Mia Farrow's fasting campaign in solidarity with the people of Darfur. The activist actress is joined by other activists, community leaders, and ordinary people in her protest fasting.
A refugee said "Abu Farrar is spreading". Abu Farrar ( The Ax man) is the local name given to the meningitis fever.
- The London-based Arabic newspaper (Alsharq Alawsat) wrote that the Sudanese Government has released hundreds of containers held in Port Sudan since the Bush Administration was in office. The containers belong to the U.S. government as part of the new U.S. Embassy (15 sq. miles)in Khartoum. The newspaper said the new embassy, which is located in south of Khartoum, will b the largest U.S. Embassy in Africa ( larger than those in Cairo and Johannesburg). The newspaper added that the construction activity could be seen from the highway and expected to be open in September of this year.
- Today is the seventh day of Mia Farrow's fasting campaign in solidarity with the people of Darfur. The activist actress is joined by other activists, community leaders, and ordinary people in her protest fasting.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Day 25 - May 2nd 2009
- In a phone call from the ground - Darfur -today, this Blog learned that water situation is getting very critical in the IDP camps of Kassab (North Darfur) and Garsilla (North West Darfur).
- As of today, there are no indications on the ground, in the IDP camps, of any improvement of the humanitarian situation in Darfur since the expulsion of the 13 international humanitarian NGOs on 4th of March 2009. There are no genuine efforts seen in "closing the gaps" in humanitarian aid to the refugees in Darfur.
- Today is the sixth day of Mia Farrow's fasting campaign in solidarity with the people of Darfur. The activist actress is joined by other activists, community leaders, and ordinary people in her protest fasting.
Comment:
With all said and done, the discouraging part of Obama's Administration approach to the Sudan crisis in general and Darfur problem in particular, is that time frames and time benchmarks are conspicuously absent.
This open ended policy is what the regime in Khartoum was working for all the time. They love to promise the U.S. officials with what the Administration wishes to hear, but no commitment when these promises would be fulfilled.
Without holding the regime accountable to time frames and deadlines, promises from the regime will be exactly that: promises.
The leading Darfur activists groups in U.S.A. have a duty and responsibility. They should hold the Administration accountable on not fulfilling the election promises given by then candidate Obama.
Issuing nice sounding studies on policy blueprints without spelling out time schedules will amount to nothing but another break to Khartoum regime.
- As of today, there are no indications on the ground, in the IDP camps, of any improvement of the humanitarian situation in Darfur since the expulsion of the 13 international humanitarian NGOs on 4th of March 2009. There are no genuine efforts seen in "closing the gaps" in humanitarian aid to the refugees in Darfur.
- Today is the sixth day of Mia Farrow's fasting campaign in solidarity with the people of Darfur. The activist actress is joined by other activists, community leaders, and ordinary people in her protest fasting.
Comment:
With all said and done, the discouraging part of Obama's Administration approach to the Sudan crisis in general and Darfur problem in particular, is that time frames and time benchmarks are conspicuously absent.
This open ended policy is what the regime in Khartoum was working for all the time. They love to promise the U.S. officials with what the Administration wishes to hear, but no commitment when these promises would be fulfilled.
Without holding the regime accountable to time frames and deadlines, promises from the regime will be exactly that: promises.
The leading Darfur activists groups in U.S.A. have a duty and responsibility. They should hold the Administration accountable on not fulfilling the election promises given by then candidate Obama.
Issuing nice sounding studies on policy blueprints without spelling out time schedules will amount to nothing but another break to Khartoum regime.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Day 24 - May 1st 2009
- In a retaliatory action, the Security Forces (GoS) in the region of Nertity (West Darfur) shot and killed 3 IDP refugees ( a woman and a child among the dead) and injured 7. Also the Security forces (mostly Janjaweed in uniform) burned many homes and destroyed stores of food. These retaliatory actions came in the heel of earlier clashes between the Security Forces (Janjaweed) and some rebels in the area. Some refugees said to Radio Dabanga that they were warned by the government agents not to talk to any media, the radios' correspondents in particular.
- In Zalengei area, leaders of IDP refugees' camps complained of terrorizing military jets' flights over the IDP camps in the area. Migs and Sokhoys military jet fighters flew in low altitudes over the camps causing terror among the refugees, especially the children and women. Also there was intense firing of shots in the air for some time.
Later the Government sources said that it ( GoS) was celebrating the graduation of new units of the Border Guards (the official name of the Janjaweed militias who are mostly Arab Nomads from the neighboring countries).
- In a deal signed with the Government of North Darfur, UNICEF will contribute more than 8 million Dollars to be spent on health, food, and water projects in North Darfur.
The North Darfur Governor (Kiber) is one of the most corrupt official in Darfur. Residents of Elf Fasher say that he has " demonstration contractors" who have paid people to show up in all the visits of Al-Bashir ( President of Sudan) to North Darfur after the ICC indictment on March 4th 2009. Janjaweed Militia now control the capital city of North Darfur ( El Fasher).
- 804 Darfuri students in a university in Khartoum were not allowed to take the final exams due to non-payment of dues and fees. Not taking the final exam is equivalent to expulsion from that educational institute.
Due to war and instability in Darfur, those students from Darfur who excel academically, find themselves in an economical disadvantageous position in comparison to other students in the rest of North Sudan. Last week hundreds of female college students who live collectively in rented homes (boarding houses) in Khartoum, were under threat of eviction due to delinquency in rent. This (eviction threat)is becoming a common occurrence to the Darfur students in Khartoum.
The DPA (Darfur Peace Agreement) signed in 2006 has clauses that call for waiver of fees and other expenses for the Darfur students in Khartoum and other cities due to the war situation in the Darfur region, but the GoS is using education (deprivation) as another tool against the people of Darfur.
- Today is the fifth day of Mia Farrow's fasting in solidarity with the people of Darfur. The activist actress is joined by other activists, community leaders, and ordinary people in her protest fasting.
- In Zalengei area, leaders of IDP refugees' camps complained of terrorizing military jets' flights over the IDP camps in the area. Migs and Sokhoys military jet fighters flew in low altitudes over the camps causing terror among the refugees, especially the children and women. Also there was intense firing of shots in the air for some time.
Later the Government sources said that it ( GoS) was celebrating the graduation of new units of the Border Guards (the official name of the Janjaweed militias who are mostly Arab Nomads from the neighboring countries).
- In a deal signed with the Government of North Darfur, UNICEF will contribute more than 8 million Dollars to be spent on health, food, and water projects in North Darfur.
The North Darfur Governor (Kiber) is one of the most corrupt official in Darfur. Residents of Elf Fasher say that he has " demonstration contractors" who have paid people to show up in all the visits of Al-Bashir ( President of Sudan) to North Darfur after the ICC indictment on March 4th 2009. Janjaweed Militia now control the capital city of North Darfur ( El Fasher).
- 804 Darfuri students in a university in Khartoum were not allowed to take the final exams due to non-payment of dues and fees. Not taking the final exam is equivalent to expulsion from that educational institute.
Due to war and instability in Darfur, those students from Darfur who excel academically, find themselves in an economical disadvantageous position in comparison to other students in the rest of North Sudan. Last week hundreds of female college students who live collectively in rented homes (boarding houses) in Khartoum, were under threat of eviction due to delinquency in rent. This (eviction threat)is becoming a common occurrence to the Darfur students in Khartoum.
The DPA (Darfur Peace Agreement) signed in 2006 has clauses that call for waiver of fees and other expenses for the Darfur students in Khartoum and other cities due to the war situation in the Darfur region, but the GoS is using education (deprivation) as another tool against the people of Darfur.
- Today is the fifth day of Mia Farrow's fasting in solidarity with the people of Darfur. The activist actress is joined by other activists, community leaders, and ordinary people in her protest fasting.
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