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 -------------- - ¶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 -------------- -------------- ¶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