SLM/A EFFORTS TO WIN OVER G-19 COMMANDERS FALTER

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 KHARTOUM 002381 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/26/2016 TAGS: PREL KPKO PGOV PINR AU US UN SU SUBJECT: SLM/A EFFORTS TO WIN OVER G-19 COMMANDERS FALTER Classified By: P/E Chief E. Whitaker, Reason: Section 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary: Minni Minawi continues to complain that Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) leaders and Suleiman Jamoush are actively engaged in an effort to prevent the breakup of the National Redemption Front (NRF) and G-19 commanders from rejoining the SLM/A. Meanwhile, Minawi,s military delegation remains on hold in El Fasher pending an end to NRF internal bickering. The UN continues to seek a solution to an embarrassing episode, which began with the spiriting of Jamoush to Kadugli, where his activity is counter to the international community,s efforts to bring non-signatories into the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA). End summary. -------------- -------------- Minawi: Jamoush Discourages G-19 from Joining SLM/A -------------- -------------- ¶2. (C) Minawi complained to Embassy Security Advisor that JEM was working actively with enticements and threats to keep the G-19 commanders from abandoning the NRF. Several commanders, including Adam Bakhit, have told Minawi that if they joined the SLM/A, they would need assistance fending off expected JEM attacks into their areas of control. In addition, Minawi reported that Suleiman Jamoush was continuing his efforts to discourage the G-19 commanders from joining the SLM/A. Jamoush has apparently convinced Osman Bushara to press the other G-19 commanders to remain with the NRF. -------------- -------------- UNDSS: Jamoush Misinforms, Discredits SLM/Minawi -------------- -------------- ¶3. (C) North Darfur UNDSS Official Willie Harrison and Khartoum-based UNMIS Security Officer Steve Glunning (strictly protect both) privately have complained about the predicament that the UNMIS leadership has created with the movement of Jamoush to Kadugli, South Kordofan, and his continued UN housing. Both confirmed that Jamoush is abusing UN hospitality, and is engaged actively with JEM and NRF leaders. They have also confirmed that Jamoush provides members of the international humanitarian assistance community with details of fighting that come directly from the NRF field commanders. Both believe Jamoush routinely has provided the community with misinformation about who started the fighting, which forces were involved in the fighting, as well as embellished accounts of reported atrocities. Harrison believes Jamoush is the key individual responsible for leading an effort to discredit SLM/A-Minawi as the lone signatory of the DPA. Embassy Netherlands Political Advisor Marianna Nolte (protect) independently has confirmed from G-19 commanders that Jamoush is in routine communications with them and has advised them against joining the DPA. ¶4. (C) UNMIS believes returning Jamoush to Darfur would lead to his death. They reportedly have offered to move Jamoush out of Sudan, but he has refused. Minawi claims that he has offered to the UN a guarantee for Jamoush,s safety if he comes to Khartoum, which Jamoush similarly refuses. Minawi does not believe he can adequately protect Jamoush in Darfur. UNMIS has taken away a UN-supplied phone from Jamoush, but he still has access to privately owned phones, which, against the recommendation of UNMIS security officers, the UN allows for personal correspondence with his family. -------------- Comment -------------- ¶5. (SBU) JEM and Jamoush efforts to delay DPA implementation and potential benefits are frustrating to Minawi and his commanders, especially given they have little to offer to G-19 commanders other than future peace. The inability of the international community to support SLM/A-Minawi faction as the sole movement signatory places them at a distinct disadvantage in relation to the JEM and Sudanese Government, both of whom are vying for potential allies. Embassy Security Advisor has counseled Minawi and other SLM/A members that the best way to counter disinformation is to press for an effective ceasefire commission that can quickly and accurately investigate allegations. However, until AMIS is ready to build an effective Ceasefire Commission (CFC), Minawi has few counters to a well developed disinformation campaign. ¶6. (SBU) Comment continued: Embassy Khartoum will raise this issue with UN Sp Rep Pronk at the heads of mission-level Darfur Partners meeting on September 28 and request a UN explanation of its support for Jamoush. Embassy will also review credible evidence provided by UNMIS and other international partners on known actors who are actively KHARTOUM 00002381 002 OF 002 attempting to perpetrate continued fighting in Darfur, and provide visa lookout recommendations septel. End comment. HUME