DARFUR PEACE TALKS: OBASANJO SAYS DRAFT PEACE DEAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ABUJA 000969 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR AF, AF/SPG, D, INR, DRL, PRM E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/16/2016 TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM SU NI SUBJECT: DARFUR PEACE TALKS: OBASANJO SAYS DRAFT PEACE DEAL IS A "WIN-WIN" REF: ABUJA 953 Classified By: CDA Cameron Hume for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary: On April 28, Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo requested a meeting with USDEL to share his impressions of the draft peace agreement and his ideas on the way forward. Obasanjo is conducting separate meetings with the parties and then plans to bring them together later in the day. After receiving the Government of Sudan delegation led by Vice President Ali Osman Taha, Obasanjo felt that the GOS could initial the agreement by the April 30 deadline. He planned to tell the movements that the draft peace proposal contains the elements necessary for them to create their political future in Darfur. He thanked the U.S. for its attention to Darfur and commitment to the negotiations. End Summary. ¶2. (C) Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, through the African Union mediation, requested a meeting with USDEL on April 28. USDEL members Yates, Hume, and N'Djamena poloff (notetaker) were accompanied by Charge Furey. Obasanjo opened the meeting by saying that the draft peace agreement is a win-win for all involved. No party got everything that it wanted. Obasanjo had just met with Sudanese Vice President Ali Osman Taha who told him that his Government did not get everything it had wanted, but that to keep the deadline, the GOS would not derail the agreement. Obasanjo then asked USDEL our impressions of the document and next steps. ¶3. (C) Khartoum CDA Hume thanked Obasanjo for his continued involvement on Darfur and for the service of his soldiers and Nigerian members of the AU Mediation including Generals Garuba and Ikehire and Ambassador Sam Ibok. CDA Hume said that the US finds the draft peace agreement reasonable and a basis to negotiate final points. He also expressed our hope that the deal could be reached within 72 hours. Hume said that USDEL shares Obasanjo's assessment of the GOS's position on the draft agreement. ¶4. (C) CDA Hume told Obasanjo that Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) faction leader Abdelwahid Nur is disappointed that movements were not given the Vice Presidency and that the issue of the region was not definitively decided. He noted that USDEL has explained to both Abdelwahid and Minni Minnawi that the agreement, with some adjustments, offers the movements a political future. CDA Hume described Minni Minnawi's position as focused on the sequencing of the disarmament of the janjaweed and the integration of his forces. Minni's preoccupation is with the safety of his soldiers during and after integration into the Sudanese military and security forces. He noted that the parties need to discuss the issues with each other. USDEL lawyer and military expert are working closely with them. ¶5. (C) CDA Hume assured Obasanjo that Darfur remains an issue of mutual concern for President Bush, whose personal interest in Darfur means continued US support for the process, especially the negotiations and implementation of the agreement. In addition, the US is concerned about the increasing level of violence in Darfur and the challenges it presents for AMIS soldiers on the ground. US support for AMIS could include 500 NATO troops to assist with logistics and planning for AMIS and US support for the re-hatting of AMIS. Obasanjo shook his head in agreement. ¶6. (C) Obasanjo shared his ideas on the way forward. He said that he will consult with the parties individually and then bring them all together later today. If they can be persuaded, Obasanjo believes that the document could be initialed on the April 30 deadline. He would then arrange an elaborate signing ceremony on or about May 2. ThisQould allow for high-level representation. He expressed concern about whether or not Chad would attend the signing, given the presidential elections, and the fact that Chad ha broken off diplomatic ties with Sudan. ¶7. (C) The movements are the key to the deal, according to Hume, and the tabling of the text changed their situation. Obasanjo singled out Abdelwahid Nur as needing special pressure, as indicated with wringing/pressure motion hand gestures. He said that he would tell the movements that the document is not perfect but can be built upon. He hoped to be able to get the parties together for a face-to-face encounter later in the day. USDEL expressed support for this idea and offered to assist if needed. ABUJA 00000969 002 OF 002 - - - - COMMENT - - - - ¶8. (C) Obasanjo was energized and ready to meet the April 30 deadline to get the agreement initialized. FUREY