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.

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Minawi: Jamoush Discourages G-19 from Joining SLM/A
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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.

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UNDSS: Jamoush Misinforms, Discredits SLM/Minawi
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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.

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Comment
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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