Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06KHARTOUM1827
2006-07-31 15:37:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Khartoum
Cable title:
SITUATION REPORT FROM NORTH DARFUR
how-toVZCZCXRO5954 PP RUEHMA RUEHROV DE RUEHKH #1827/01 2121537 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 311537Z JUL 06 FM AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3960 INFO RUCNFUR/DARFUR COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHRN/USMISSION UN ROME
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KHARTOUM 001827
SIPDIS
AIDAC
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR AF/SPG, PRM, AND ALSO PASS USAID/W
USAID FOR DCHA SUDAN TEAM, AFR/SP
NAIROBI FOR USAID/DCHA/OFDA, USAID/REDSO, AND FAS
GENEVA FOR NKYLOH
NAIROBI FOR SFO
NSC FOR JBRAUSE, NSC/AFRICA FOR TSHORTLEY
USUN FOR TMALY
BRUSSELS FOR PLERNER
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID PREF PGOV PHUM SOCI SU
SUBJECT: SITUATION REPORT FROM NORTH DARFUR
KHARTOUM 00001827 001.2 OF 002
-------
Summary
-------
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KHARTOUM 001827
SIPDIS
AIDAC
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR AF/SPG, PRM, AND ALSO PASS USAID/W
USAID FOR DCHA SUDAN TEAM, AFR/SP
NAIROBI FOR USAID/DCHA/OFDA, USAID/REDSO, AND FAS
GENEVA FOR NKYLOH
NAIROBI FOR SFO
NSC FOR JBRAUSE, NSC/AFRICA FOR TSHORTLEY
USUN FOR TMALY
BRUSSELS FOR PLERNER
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID PREF PGOV PHUM SOCI SU
SUBJECT: SITUATION REPORT FROM NORTH DARFUR
KHARTOUM 00001827 001.2 OF 002
--------------
Summary
--------------
1. From July 12 to July 22, the USAID Office of U.S. Foreign
Disaster Assistance (OFDA) Humanitarian Protection and Internally
Displaced Persons (IDP) Advisor provided field officer coverage in
El Fasher, North Darfur. Intra-Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) fighting,
an increase in numbers of new IDPs, and additional attacks against
international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) were the major
issues observed during this period. Amidst the volatile and
unpredictable security situation in North Darfur, USAID/OFDA
implementing partners continue to respond to beneficiaries'
humanitarian needs in a timely and efficient manner. End summary.
--------------
Intra-SLA Fighting Causes New Displacements
--------------
2. From July 12 to July 22, the USAID/OFDA Protection Advisor
traveled to El Fasher, North Darfur to provide field coverage and
support. The USAID/OFDA Protection Advisor remained in El Fasher
and visited area camps Al Salaam and Zam Zam. In El Fasher, the
USAID/OFDA Protection Advisor also met with USAID/OFDA implementing
partners, representatives from the U.N. Mission in Sudan (UNMIS),
and the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
(OCHA).
3. Increased violence and inter-fighting between SLA/Minni Minawi
(SLA/MM) and SLA/Abdel Wahid al Nur (SLA/AW) forces in the areas
surrounding Tawila and Korma caused the displacement of civilians to
the camps surrounding El Fasher. As of July 26, OCHA estimated that
between 18,000 and 20,000 people had been displaced in these areas.
OCHA did not have an estimate on the number of potential IDPs that
are not in camps and have scattered around the Tawila and Korma
areas. On a positive note, OCHA indicated that the humanitarian
response to this large displacement has been efficient.
4. OCHA and UNMIS-Human Rights (UNMIS-HR) reported that SLA/MM
forces have engaged in indiscriminate attacks, killings, and looting
of civilians who are attempting to flee the violence. In mid July,
OCHA, UNMIS-HR, UNMIS-Protection, and the U.N. Department of Safety
and Security (UNDSS) conducted an inter-agency assessment mission to
the Korma area to further investigate these allegations. On July
18, the USAID/OFDA Protection Advisor met with UNMIS-HR and obtained
additional details and confirmation of the attacks committed by
SLA/MM forces around the Korma area between July 5 and 7.
5. The attacks led by SLA/MM forces in villages surrounding Korma
led to the deaths 56 men. This death toll was confirmed by
UNMIS-HR, based on the consistent accounts from surviving villagers
and from the newly displaced people interviewed in the camps around
the El Fasher area. In addition, UNMIS-HR visited the grave sites
and has a list of the victims' names.
6. The focal point of the killings occurred in the Daljil village
area, where UNMIS-HR confirmed that 48 males were killed (11 were
students and under the age of 18),and another 12 adult men were
wounded. UNMIS-HR described the villagers as unarmed civilians, and
characterized the attack on Daljil as a massacre carried out by
SLA/MM forces. UNMIS-HR stated that SLA/MM forces described the
incident as a battle against SLA/AW militants, and there was an
exchange of fire. According to the IDPs and villagers, there were
no reports of an exchange of fire. Villagers and IDPs stated that
they were "under the control of SLA/AW forces," but they were not
combatants. The villagers who remain in the area currently have
restricted freedom of movement, as SLA/MM forces are preventing them
from traveling outside their villages. UNMIS-HR highlighted that
Shoba village is currently uninhabited, while Daljil village has
some people remaining in it.
7. Thus far, it appears that sexual violence against women did not
play a central role in these attacks. Although UNMIS-HR has
received some allegations regarding this issue, to date, they have
been unable to confirm any cases. According to the Sheik of Daljil
village, the women remained in their homes while the men fled. In
some of the attacks, women and men have been whipped. UNMIS-HR will
continue to follow this issue.
KHARTOUM 00001827 002.2 OF 002
--------------
INGOs Face Increased Security Challenges
--------------
8. USAID/OFDA partners International Rescue Committee, Relief
International (RI),GOAL, and CHF International, as well as other
INGOs operating in North Darfur, are increasingly faced with real
threats of banditry and carjackings. RI reported that on July 12
one of their national staff members was fatally shot on the
Kabkabiya/Al Shireaf road by three bandits, in what was reported as
a carjacking gone awry. There are unconfirmed rumors that the
incident was ethnically motivated. RI has temporarily suspended
activities in the area, and a police investigation is on-going. On
July 14, UNDSS reported that it evacuated seven NGO workers
(MSF-Belgium and RI staff) from Saraf Omra after MSF-Belgium's
compound was raided by three armed men who attempted to steal three
vehicles. The armed men successfully stole one vehicle, but no one
was injured during the robbery. RI and MSF-Belgium temporarily
suspended activities in the area. According to OCHA, the evacuation
was conducted in an efficient and timely manner.
9. According to the USAID/OFDA Protection Advisor, the general
feeling among INGOs facing these security incidents is that they
were not specifically targeted; rather, these incidents were acts of
opportunity aimed at acquiring vehicles. UNDSS continues to monitor
the situation and remains in close coordination with all INGOs in
the area.
--------------
Humanitarian Response to Influx of IDPs
--------------
10. The USAID/OFDA Protection Advisor observed that OCHA
coordinated the humanitarian response to the new influx of IDPs in
the camps surrounding El Fasher in an organized and efficient
manner. OCHA is concerned that there are a large number of IDPs
that have scattered into rural areas or villages in the Korma and
Kassam Tunjur area. The displacement picture is much larger than
that illustrated by the camp arrivals. Many IDPs are either unable
to reach camps or have sought refuge with family members in remote
villages. The challenge for the humanitarian community is to access
these areas. UNDSS is evaluating travel conditions to affected
areas.
11. OCHA reported that the humanitarian assistance response in
camps has been well organized, and supplies are available. Notably,
IDPs arriving at Zam Zam camp and Tawila have been arriving with
some food stocks and household materials. Few emergency food
rations have been required, non-food item (NFI) stocks are not
strained, and the food aid pipeline problems have been resolved,
with IDPs receiving full rations. However, IDPs arriving at Al
Salaam camp have fewer possessions or assets.
STEINFELD
SIPDIS
AIDAC
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR AF/SPG, PRM, AND ALSO PASS USAID/W
USAID FOR DCHA SUDAN TEAM, AFR/SP
NAIROBI FOR USAID/DCHA/OFDA, USAID/REDSO, AND FAS
GENEVA FOR NKYLOH
NAIROBI FOR SFO
NSC FOR JBRAUSE, NSC/AFRICA FOR TSHORTLEY
USUN FOR TMALY
BRUSSELS FOR PLERNER
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID PREF PGOV PHUM SOCI SU
SUBJECT: SITUATION REPORT FROM NORTH DARFUR
KHARTOUM 00001827 001.2 OF 002
--------------
Summary
--------------
1. From July 12 to July 22, the USAID Office of U.S. Foreign
Disaster Assistance (OFDA) Humanitarian Protection and Internally
Displaced Persons (IDP) Advisor provided field officer coverage in
El Fasher, North Darfur. Intra-Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) fighting,
an increase in numbers of new IDPs, and additional attacks against
international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) were the major
issues observed during this period. Amidst the volatile and
unpredictable security situation in North Darfur, USAID/OFDA
implementing partners continue to respond to beneficiaries'
humanitarian needs in a timely and efficient manner. End summary.
--------------
Intra-SLA Fighting Causes New Displacements
--------------
2. From July 12 to July 22, the USAID/OFDA Protection Advisor
traveled to El Fasher, North Darfur to provide field coverage and
support. The USAID/OFDA Protection Advisor remained in El Fasher
and visited area camps Al Salaam and Zam Zam. In El Fasher, the
USAID/OFDA Protection Advisor also met with USAID/OFDA implementing
partners, representatives from the U.N. Mission in Sudan (UNMIS),
and the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
(OCHA).
3. Increased violence and inter-fighting between SLA/Minni Minawi
(SLA/MM) and SLA/Abdel Wahid al Nur (SLA/AW) forces in the areas
surrounding Tawila and Korma caused the displacement of civilians to
the camps surrounding El Fasher. As of July 26, OCHA estimated that
between 18,000 and 20,000 people had been displaced in these areas.
OCHA did not have an estimate on the number of potential IDPs that
are not in camps and have scattered around the Tawila and Korma
areas. On a positive note, OCHA indicated that the humanitarian
response to this large displacement has been efficient.
4. OCHA and UNMIS-Human Rights (UNMIS-HR) reported that SLA/MM
forces have engaged in indiscriminate attacks, killings, and looting
of civilians who are attempting to flee the violence. In mid July,
OCHA, UNMIS-HR, UNMIS-Protection, and the U.N. Department of Safety
and Security (UNDSS) conducted an inter-agency assessment mission to
the Korma area to further investigate these allegations. On July
18, the USAID/OFDA Protection Advisor met with UNMIS-HR and obtained
additional details and confirmation of the attacks committed by
SLA/MM forces around the Korma area between July 5 and 7.
5. The attacks led by SLA/MM forces in villages surrounding Korma
led to the deaths 56 men. This death toll was confirmed by
UNMIS-HR, based on the consistent accounts from surviving villagers
and from the newly displaced people interviewed in the camps around
the El Fasher area. In addition, UNMIS-HR visited the grave sites
and has a list of the victims' names.
6. The focal point of the killings occurred in the Daljil village
area, where UNMIS-HR confirmed that 48 males were killed (11 were
students and under the age of 18),and another 12 adult men were
wounded. UNMIS-HR described the villagers as unarmed civilians, and
characterized the attack on Daljil as a massacre carried out by
SLA/MM forces. UNMIS-HR stated that SLA/MM forces described the
incident as a battle against SLA/AW militants, and there was an
exchange of fire. According to the IDPs and villagers, there were
no reports of an exchange of fire. Villagers and IDPs stated that
they were "under the control of SLA/AW forces," but they were not
combatants. The villagers who remain in the area currently have
restricted freedom of movement, as SLA/MM forces are preventing them
from traveling outside their villages. UNMIS-HR highlighted that
Shoba village is currently uninhabited, while Daljil village has
some people remaining in it.
7. Thus far, it appears that sexual violence against women did not
play a central role in these attacks. Although UNMIS-HR has
received some allegations regarding this issue, to date, they have
been unable to confirm any cases. According to the Sheik of Daljil
village, the women remained in their homes while the men fled. In
some of the attacks, women and men have been whipped. UNMIS-HR will
continue to follow this issue.
KHARTOUM 00001827 002.2 OF 002
--------------
INGOs Face Increased Security Challenges
--------------
8. USAID/OFDA partners International Rescue Committee, Relief
International (RI),GOAL, and CHF International, as well as other
INGOs operating in North Darfur, are increasingly faced with real
threats of banditry and carjackings. RI reported that on July 12
one of their national staff members was fatally shot on the
Kabkabiya/Al Shireaf road by three bandits, in what was reported as
a carjacking gone awry. There are unconfirmed rumors that the
incident was ethnically motivated. RI has temporarily suspended
activities in the area, and a police investigation is on-going. On
July 14, UNDSS reported that it evacuated seven NGO workers
(MSF-Belgium and RI staff) from Saraf Omra after MSF-Belgium's
compound was raided by three armed men who attempted to steal three
vehicles. The armed men successfully stole one vehicle, but no one
was injured during the robbery. RI and MSF-Belgium temporarily
suspended activities in the area. According to OCHA, the evacuation
was conducted in an efficient and timely manner.
9. According to the USAID/OFDA Protection Advisor, the general
feeling among INGOs facing these security incidents is that they
were not specifically targeted; rather, these incidents were acts of
opportunity aimed at acquiring vehicles. UNDSS continues to monitor
the situation and remains in close coordination with all INGOs in
the area.
--------------
Humanitarian Response to Influx of IDPs
--------------
10. The USAID/OFDA Protection Advisor observed that OCHA
coordinated the humanitarian response to the new influx of IDPs in
the camps surrounding El Fasher in an organized and efficient
manner. OCHA is concerned that there are a large number of IDPs
that have scattered into rural areas or villages in the Korma and
Kassam Tunjur area. The displacement picture is much larger than
that illustrated by the camp arrivals. Many IDPs are either unable
to reach camps or have sought refuge with family members in remote
villages. The challenge for the humanitarian community is to access
these areas. UNDSS is evaluating travel conditions to affected
areas.
11. OCHA reported that the humanitarian assistance response in
camps has been well organized, and supplies are available. Notably,
IDPs arriving at Zam Zam camp and Tawila have been arriving with
some food stocks and household materials. Few emergency food
rations have been required, non-food item (NFI) stocks are not
strained, and the food aid pipeline problems have been resolved,
with IDPs receiving full rations. However, IDPs arriving at Al
Salaam camp have fewer possessions or assets.
STEINFELD