UN SRSYG PRONK BLOG CRITIQUES DPA

C O N F I D E N T I A L KHARTOUM 001549 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR D, AF/FO, AF/SPG, AF/RSA, AND IO E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/01/2016 TAGS: PREL KPKO SOCI AU UN SU SUBJECT: UN SRSYG PRONK BLOG CRITIQUES DPA Classified By: Pol/Econ Chief E. Whitaker, Reason: Section 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary: Media accounts of UN SRSYG Pronk's weblog selectively quote him as calling for re-writing of the Darfur Peace Agreement, and criticizing the agreement for not including the Abdel Wahid SLM faction and the African Union for its limited capacity to implement the agreement. A fuller reading of his remarks, however, reveals not only his concerns, but his constructive suggestions for going beyond the agreement to bring peace to Darfur. His candor, however, may carry repercussions. End summary. -------------- -------------- To Blog or Not to Blog; Pronk's Bluster Airs Dirty Linen -------------- -------------- ¶2. (SBU) On July 1, the BBC ran a story, "UN Envoy Attacks Darfur Agreement," stating that UN Special Representative Jan Pronk had said the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) is in danger of collapsing and needs redrafting. The article also stated that the weblog called for security guarantees, further disarmament, and additional compensation for victims. In fact, Pronk writes, "...we should stick to the text of the agreement, but be willing to add a lot." He wrote that the appeal of the agreement should be broadened to bring on board more Darfurians, concluding that the document was necessary but not sufficient for lasting peace in the troubled region. Finally, Pronk observed that the African Union lacked the capacity to lead the process of DPA implementation. ¶3. (SBU) A similar account carried by Reuters said that Pronk noted that none of the DPA deadlines had been met, and that the agreement, signed on May 5, needed mending. Pronk is quoted as criticizing the African Union for not gaining the support of Abdel Wahid, who he said represents two-thirds of Darfur's internally displaced persons. (Note: The weblog is found at www.janpronk.nl. End note.) -------------- -------------- Using Selective Quotes Twists Pronk's True Views on DPA -------------- -------------- ¶4. (C) Although the above points occur in Pronk's blog, he also refers to the DPA as a "good text, an honest compromise between the extreme positions taken by the parties during the negotiations in Abuja. That is why the UN, like all international partners, has endorsed the agreement." While Pronk says that the DPA is "severely paralyzed," he nonetheless offers constructive ideas for breathing new life into it: timely implementation, broadening the circle of support, and transitioning towards a UN peacekeeping force. Pronk clearly states "we should stick to the text of the agreement, but be willing to add a lot...Broadening and implementation should go hand in hand. The necessary additions and refinements should take place in the framework of the Darfur-Darfur Dialogue and in the DPA institutions..." Pronk nevertheless states that the agreement had deadlines which could not be kept, and lacked full understanding on the part of international partners of the underlying tribal dynamics regarding signing the DAP versus deciding not to sign. He also takes a shot at those who are too impatient with Abdel Wahid, saying this reaction is based on "offense and annoyance." -------------- Comment -------------- ¶5. (C) Pronk, an active blogger, is well known for a frank and direct approach, to the point of frequent irritating the Sudanese Government. His weblog entries, however, underscore his genuine concerns about lasting peace in Darfur: a need for inclusion (especially of Abdel Wahid's SLM faction),the African Union's limited capacity, and the importance of a transition to a UN peacekeeping operation. His statements no doubt belie institutional friction between the AU and the UN, as well as reflecting post-DPA impatience with a lack of results. Pronk's blogging, however, raises the question of whether his views reflect those of his boss, S/G Kofi Annan. HUME