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