UN SECURITY COUNCIL CAN STEM JEM ATTACKS IN

C O N F I D E N T I A L KHARTOUM 001184 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/SPG AND DRL E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/18/2016 TAGS: PGOV PREL ER SU SUBJECT: UN SECURITY COUNCIL CAN STEM JEM ATTACKS IN EASTERN SUDAN REF: (A) KHARTOUM 1183 (B) KHARTOUM 952 Classified By: Charge D'Affairs C. Hume, Reason: Section 1.4 (b) and (d ) ¶1. (C) The May 19 Security Council briefing with Jan Egeland presents an opportunity to send a message that the problems in Eastern Sudan have not been forgotten. With the signing of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) there is increased potential for violence in the East, just as violence in Darfur increased when the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed. The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) is not supporting the DPA, and their presence and recent increased visibility in the East indicates they are expanding their activities. There is also speculation that the Government of Eritrea (GSE) has halted preparations for Eastern Front-Government of National Unity (GNU) negotiations to see how implementation of the DPA progresses, given their disappointment with CPA implementation. Additionally, there is an internal debate within the National Congress Party (NCP) about whether Asmara can mediate the talks due to speculation of Asmara's role in the May 2 JEM attack on convoys 80 km north of Kassala. For a more detailed discussion of this issue, please see Ref A. ¶2. (C) A discussion of Eastern Sudan with Jan Egeland during his Security Council briefing on May 19 could help to reinvigorate the East negotiations and to avert another war front in Sudan. It would increase the profile of the East and demonstrate to the Eastern Front and JEM that the international community is aware of the situation. Attention to this issue would also alert the GSE and GNU that the international community recognizes the importance of the GSE in the East and is following the process of negotiations. HUME