SUDAN/DARFUR: SLM/MINAWI ANNOUNCES BOYCOTT OF CFC

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 001823 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KPKO PREF SOCI UN AU SU SUBJECT: SUDAN/DARFUR: SLM/MINAWI ANNOUNCES BOYCOTT OF CFC MEETINGS, LISTS LITANY OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST AU REF: Khartoum 1806 ¶1. (SBU) Summary and action request: Growing tensions between AMIS and SLM/Minawi, due to the latter's allegations of lack of support, have led to an SLM/Minawi boycott of Ceasefire Commission (CFC) meetings. A fracture between SLM/Minawi and AMIS could only serve to further exacerbate an already deteriorating security situation in Darfur. AU rep Kingibe told a group of donors last week that, because the AU had been accused of "favoring" SLM/Minawi, he would cease logistical support (ref). AMIS has been stung by comments in the field that it is no longer neutral with regard to the non-signatories, who, AMIS believes, still need to be wooed into supporting the agreement. ¶2. (SBU) Action request: We would appreciate a read from AF and L with regard to what logistical support AMIS is politically and legally obliged to support to the one rebel signatory. We will no doubt have to help resolve this impasse. End summary and action request. ¶3. (SBU) In a meeting with ARC field officer on July 28, UNDSS El Fasher conveyed his growing concerns regarding AMIS-SLM/Minawi tensions. UNDSS displayed copies of a number of SLM/Minawi documents requesting support (mostly airlift) from AMIS and recounting how this support was either never delivered or not provided in a coordinated manner. SLM/Minawi requested transport of members to Kulkul (North Darfur) on several occasions and, with the request going unfulfilled, later set a "deadline" of July 30 for AMIS to demonstrate its support. At the July 26 CFC meeting, it was announced that SLM/Minawi is henceforth boycotting CFC meetings due to lack of support from the AU. ¶4. (SBU) UNDSS also described some of SLM/Minawi's other requests/demands: -- The AU should clearly define its position with respect to DPA non-signatories and those that signed the Declaration of Commitment; -- SLM/Minawi wants additional AMIS support and an "apology" from the AU for its "bungled" transportation efforts; -- The AU should take SLM/Minawi claims more seriously; -- AMIS should transport all SLM/Minawi reps to the sector sub-CFCs to El Fasher on July 30; -- SLM/Minawi observers should be allowed to carry their own weapons (NFI),because AMIS security cannot be guaranteed; -- SLM/Minawi believes AU is "supporting" the NRF (apparently because they believe the AU is buying into the National Redemption Front's (NRF) information campaign against SLM/Minawi); -- The AU is not listening in Tawila and unresponsive to support requests; and -- The AU is not promoting the Darfur Peace Agreement. STEINFELD