DPA IMPLEMENTATION: NEXT STEPS

C O N F I D E N T I A L KHARTOUM 001560

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/02/2016
TAGS: PREL KPKO SOCI AU UN SU
SUBJECT: DPA IMPLEMENTATION: NEXT STEPS


Classified By: Pol/Econ Chief E. Whitaker, Reason: Section 1.4 (b) and
(d)


1. (C) Summary: Charge chaired a meeting of AU partner
representatives July 1 on next steps in DPA implementation.
The participants agreed the challenges included institutional
weakness on the part of the AU, the continued issue of
non-signatories, and the uncertainty of AMIS to UN PKO
transitioning. They agreed to push the AU to move forward on
implementation and to support them to the extent possible.
The July 18 donor's meeting in Brussels could be crucial for
planning the way forward. End summary.

Brainstorming Next Steps on DPA Implementation
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2. (C) During a July 1 meeting chaired by Charge Hume,
representatives from Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy,
the Netherlands, Norway, and the UK discussed the status of
implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) and the
next steps. The S/CRS team chief briefed on efforts both in
Khartoum and El Fasher to advance the DPA Implementation
Offices.


3. (C) The Charge commented that, despite difficulties
related to the situation in Darfur, during the next few
months it is imperative that the international community
press forward in supporting the AU to implement the
agreement.


4. (C) In response, the UK ambassador said that two media
advisors were conducting a "scoping mission" and would meet
with Minni Minawi's advance team in Khartoum on July 2. He
added that Foreign Secretary Beckett might attend the July 18
pledging conference in Brussels.

Need to Gain Abdel Wahid Support, Stronger AU Leadership
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5. (C) Participants agreed that the DPA should not be
re-opened, although all recognized the benefits of securing
the support of SLA leader Abdel Wahid for the DPA.
Implementation of the DPA requires active participation by a
broad range of stakeholders. On the part of the GNU, no
Janjaweed disarmament plan had yet been submitted. Minni
Minawi had yet to provide a list of officials to assume posts
in both the government and in DPA commissions. African Union
capacity constraints and organizational dynamics hampered
rapid DPA implementation.


6. (C) The discussion turned to the July 18 donor's
conference in Brussels in support of AMIS. The German
ambassador suggested that the donors should present to the
AU, along with pledges, a request for stronger AU leadership
on the process.
HUME