ONGOING MILITARY ACTIVITY IN NORTH DARFUR

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 002469

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/SPG, S/CRS
DEPT PLS PASS USAID FOR AFR/SUDAN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KPKO SOCI AU UN US SU

SUBJECT: ONGOING MILITARY ACTIVITY IN NORTH DARFUR



1. (SBU) In briefings to the humanitarian community in El Fasher and
in separate conversations with Active Response Corps (ARC) Officer,
the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) provided updates
regarding ongoing military confrontations between the Sudanese Armed
Forces (SAF) and the National Redemption Front (NRF) in North
Darfur.


2. (SBU) Most recently, on October 7, a significant clash occurred
between SAF and NRF north of Furawiya, in the vicinity of the Boba
internally displaced persons (IDP) concentration. (Note: AMIS
reported on October 8 that the attack took place "at Kariari, 45
kilometers north of Bamina. The report added that GOS troops have
been dislodged from the village to Kornoi. The attack was said to
have occurred around 1500 hrs." End Note.) UNDSS reported that the
rebels attacked SAF positions, taking 350 soldiers prisoner and
capturing 82 vehicles. The NRF reportedly contacted UN officials to
inform them of the clash and to request that they take charge of the
prisoners. (Comment: It appears that the SAF battalion attacked had
only recently moved into the area in support of GNU efforts to seal
the border from weapons and logistical support flowing from Chad to
Sudanese rebels. Unconfirmed reports also suggest the presence of
Chadian forces among the NRF elements that initiated the attack.
End Comment.)


3. (SBU) On October 3, both UNDSS and AMIS reported SAF aerial
bombardment of Malagat, which reportedly resulted in heavy NRF
casualties. Reports from field commanders and civilians in the area
further indicated SAF looting of animals and property. The October
4 AMIS situation report states: "At 031815C Oct 06 a GOS Antonov
Aircraft was observed circling Kutum area apparently in anticipation
of NRF forces. At 031830C Oct 06, two GOS Mi 24 gunships were
sighted in the air. One landed at Kutum Air Strip and several GOS
Toyota Land cruiser gun jeeps were sighted moving north, but stopped
at the Airstrip. They departed at about 031910C Oct 06. The MGS
gathered that there were alleged cases of aerial bombardment by the
GOS in the general area of Malagat, the MGS will further investigate
and report accordingly." UNDSS remarked October 8 that since the
October 3 engagement in the vicinity of Malagat, there have been no
further clashes, though both SAF and NRF are believed to have
reinforced and repositioned their troops.


4. (SBU) In briefing the humanitarian community, UNDSS also
mentioned that it intends to investigate reports of land mines (NFI)
north of Kutum. The UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) - in conjunction
with UNDSS - is likely to carry out its assessment on October 10.


5. (SBU) Comment: The NRF's re-capture of Um Sidir from SAF in
mid-September and its reported success against GNU forces north of
Furawiya on October 7 indicate that the NRF remains a viable, if not
widespread, fighting force. It is possible that the most recent NRF
attack was prompted by the rebels' objective to secure a clear
supply line from Chad, disrupting SAF's attempts to interdict
cross-border activity. Some contacts have also speculated that, in
anticipation of renewed attempts to facilitate dialogue between the
GNU and Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) non-signatories, the NRF is
seeking to seize as much territory as possible to use for political
and military leverage. Since late August, the SAF has been
augmenting its forces in North Darfur; though it is still too early
to tell, the most recent NRF attack may be the trigger that
unleashes a broader SAF offensive against rebels in North Darfur.
End Comment.

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