SUDAN/DARFUR: Update on Security and

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 001409 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR D, AF/FO, AF/RSA, AND AF/SPG DEPT PLS PASS USAID FOR AFR/EA AND DCHA SUDAN GROUP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV MOPS KPKO PREF UN AU SU SUBJECT: SUDAN/DARFUR: Update on Security and Humanitarian Access - June 14, 2006 ¶1. Overview: UNDSS reports that over the past two weeks there has been a notable reduction in clashes between the parties to the Darfur conflict. However, UNDSS observed that inter-SLA conflicts have been on the rise, especially in areas to the north of Kutum in North Darfur State. Our assessment is that low-level violence is likely to continue, particularly between SLA factions to gain influence and territory and related to banditry. Larger- scale attacks are also possible, in part due to jinjaweed apprehension due to pending disarmament. In terms of humanitarian programs, most attacks take place to rob vehicles and communications equipment; there has been relatively little theft of food or other relief commodities. ¶2. Security incidents: ¶A. On June 14, 2006, early morning, INGOs and UN agencies reported heavy fighting in and around Korma town, located 70 km northwest of El Fasher. While only the SLA is present in the area, no one could confirm the SLA factions involved. UNDSS declared the area a "no go" zone, and all INGOs have been requested to suspend their activities in the area. ¶B. On June 14, UNDSS reports that five international organization staff (one international and four national) went missing on June 13 in the Kutum area. UNDSS will not disclose the name of the specific agency involved, although other sources indicate it is the IOM. UNDSS officials flew to Kutum on June 14 to investigate. ¶C. On June 13, SLA/Minawi forces and the breakaway SLA/Minawi faction known as the "Group 19" fought intensely in villages around Kulkul. ¶D. On the night of June 12-13, four armed men wearing military uniforms attacked the UNHCR office in Habillah, West Darfur. In the brief raid, according to both UNHCR and UNDSS, the assailants shot a guard in the leg and stole a Thuraya phone and a laptop computer from the office. ¶E. On June 12, mission DoD personnel received preliminary reports of ongoing fighting between members of the Mini Minawi and the Abdel Wahid SLM factions northwest of Kutum, North Darfur State. No details are yet available. ¶3. Humanitarian Access Update: On June 8, an UNMIS human rights team visited Muzbat in an effort to meet Sulayman Jamus and assess his detention conditions. The SLA/Mini Minawi faction field commander met the team and chaired a meeting with SLA leaders in the area. SLA told the UNMIS human rights team that Jamus had been moved to another location for security reasons, and stated that the team would have to come back to meet with him on another day. HUME