Archive for October, 2007

The Talk Still Hasn’t Materialized

Sunday, October 7th, 2007

A lot has happened during this last month in Darfur but nothing substantial has materialized. This is due to debates regarding the agreed upon conditions.

Firstly, the peacekeeping force is not allowed to seize away or collect arms belonging to the various warring parties. Secondly, it will not be able to pursue and arrest alleged war criminals sought by the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Jan Pronk, the UN’s previous envoy to Sudan has commented on the adopted resolution:

Recent decisions of the Security Council concerning Sudan offer a new perspective. The Security Council has decided to send a hybrid peace keeping force, together with the African Union. I have doubts concerning the mandate given to the force. It is weaker than desirable. However, the decision is a new political fact and that in itself may help breaking the stalemate which arose after the signing of the Abuja peace agreement in May 2006. So, all efforts should be made to bring the force to Sudan as soon as possible and to make it possible for the UN and the AU on the ground to interpret the mandate in a pro-active and robust manner. The new political momentum should not be lost.

At the moment, there are so many complexities involved. Long story short, some rebels are refusing to attend peace talks unless peace keepers arrive. Khartoum is reluctant to allow in peace keepers unless, the rebels agree on a peace deal. It’s a deadlock. Mediators are asking for patience.

Rob Crilly, who just returned from Darfur has many good posts on what’s going on. Be sure to see his blog.

Meanwhile, the Bush administration opposes a Sudan divestment bill. Could it really be because of what they claim:

“Such a list seriously risks alienating the very countries whose assistance we need to maintain and increase international pressure on the Bashir regime,” he said.

Or is the issue of Darfur taking a backseat because Sudan is cooperating heavily with the CIA in the War on Terror? After all Bush’s envoy to Sudan, Andrew Natsios did say there was no more genocide in Darfur.