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AFRICA

Sudan/Darfur

Expected Council Action
In February, the Council is expected to review a report from the Secretary-General on Darfur. Discussions will likely focus on the strategic elements laid out in July 2009 in resolution 1881 and in particular on efforts to accelerate the Darfur peace process, taking into account the briefing to the Council on 21 December 2009 on the recommendations of the AU High-Level Panel on Darfur.

The mandate of UNAMID expires on 31 July.

Key Recent Developments
On 25 January, Ibrahim Gambari, the new AU-UN Joint Special Representative arrived in El Fasher, the headquarters of the AU-UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). Gambari stated that top priority for UNAMID is consolidating the peace process in Darfur.

On 29 December 2009 UNAMID and the Sudanese government signed a framework to increase the safety of UNAMID personnel and assets following recent attacks. Separate attacks by unidentified militias on 4 and 5 December led to the killing of five Rwandan peacekeepers.

On 7 December 2009, the Council urged the Sudan government to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice and called on all parties to cooperate fully with UNAMID. The Secretary-General’s 16 November 2009 report had warned that until all parties provide unconditional security, challenges will continue for UNAMID.

On 21 December 2009, former South African President Thabo Mbeki and AU Commission Chairperson Jean Ping briefed the Council on the recommendations of the AU High-Level Panel on Darfur. Mbeki stated that peace, reconciliation and justice in Darfur are linked to any comprehensive peace agreement.

On 16 November 2009 the Secretary-General’s report highlighted three critical tracks towards a political settlement:

• continuing dialogue between the government and armed groups to agree on sustainable security arrangements;
• addressing the concerns and priorities of representatives of Darfurian civil societies for inclusion in a political settlement; and
• supporting Chad-Sudan reconciliation efforts.

In a letter dated 14 December 2009, the Secretary-General advised the Council that four experts had been appointed to the Sudan sanctions Panel of Experts until 15 October 2010. On 12 October 2009, the experts briefed the Council on their plans in the coming year.

Clashes between the Sudanese army and Sudan Liberation Army/Abdul Wahid Faction (SLA/AW) continued in January in North Darfur, with some 18 civilians killed. On 14 January UNAMID appealed to the parties to allow them to conduct an investigation and assess the needs of the population affected by recent clashes.

On 30 November 2009 the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Edmund Mulet, briefed the Council on the unstable security situation and the obstacles faced by UNAMID. The Joint AU-UN Chief Mediator for Darfur, Djibril Bassolé, briefed the Council that lack of confidence between the parties impacted progress in the peace talks. Mediation efforts had been focused on building consensus among civil society groups, organising negotiations between the movements and the government and assisting Chad and Sudan to improve relations.

In July 2009, in resolution 1881, the Council asked the Secretary-General to submit a strategic workplan containing benchmarks for the implementation of UNAMID’s mandate and report on progress against these benchmarks, including the political process, on the humanitarian and security situation and on compliance by all parties with their international obligations.

Key Issues
The first issue is whether there is anything the Council can do to assist the peace process. A related issue is the implementation of the AU High-level Implementation Panel recommendations, including on power-sharing, wealth-sharing, security and compensation. Another related issue is whether the efforts of mediators alone are sufficient to bring all parties together for a settlement, and whether the Council can be more effective in supporting the mediation efforts.

A second key issue, also a strategic priority in resolution 1881, is reducing the continuing violence in Darfur which limits the freedom of movement of UNAMID and the access of humanitarian personnel as they respond to the needs of populations impacted by the evolving security environment. A related question is whether the 29 December 2009 framework agreement is having any positive impact.

A third key issue highlighted in resolution 1881 is ensuring the rule of law, strengthened governance and human rights protection. A question for the Council is what it should do to respond to the apparent lack of progress in these areas.

Another further key issue is political settlement in Darfur, which would allow the people of Darfur to participate in the approaching elections.

Options

Options include:

• renewing the Council’s demands for the government and rebel movements to fully commit to the peace process;
• emphasising credible participation by Darfurians in the elections as a way to build confidence for a political settlement;
• noting the role of the report of the AU High-Level Implementation Panel and its complimentarity with Council objectives for Darfur and the importance of forging a closer partnership between the UN and AU in strengthening and supporting the mediation; and
• deciding to invite members of the Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council to form a joint “contact group” to provide direct member state support for the mediation.

Council Dynamics
As elections approach, many Council members are increasingly anxious about the north-south Sudan issue and the likely impact for Darfur.

Council members seem agreed on the peace process as the key to achieving a sustainable solution for Darfur. However, most members also emphasise that the security and governance issues also need to be addressed in this process.

Most members are encouraged by Mbeki’s briefing on the report of the AU High-Level Implementation Panel. They seem comfortable with many of the recommendations which address peace, justice, accountability and reconciliation in Darfur. 

The UK is the lead country on Darfur in the Council.

UN Documents

Other Relevant Facts

Full forecast

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