Government of Sudan Launches Military

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 002710 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT FOR AF/SPG, AF/RSA, AF/SE, AND S/CRS DEPT PLS PASS USAID FOR AFR/SUDAN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV MOPS KPKO SOCI AU UN US SU SUBJECT: Government of Sudan Launches Military Operations Against Rebels Outside DPA ¶1. (SBU) Summary: Sudanese armed forces, reinforced by air power and allied Arab janjaweed militia, have launched major attacks against rebels in the area of Birmaza in North Darfur from late October to the present. UN, AU, NGO, and press accounts report that scores of livestock were looted and several villages torched. The incident is the latest in a three- week long offensive across much of Darfur aimed at destroying the support infrastructure of remaining rebel holdouts to the Darfur Peace Agreement. The African Union characterized the attacks as a flagrant violation of the DPA, and has called on all parties to cease and desist. The action also complicates international community efforts to convene a conference of non-signatories in the area of Birmaza. End summary. ¶2. (SBU) Government of Sudan Armed Forces (SAF),allied with Arab janjaweed militia, have initiated offensive operations in an attempt to wipe out rebels from the National Redemption Front (NRF) and their safe-havens located north and west of a line stretching from El Geneina to Kutum. The October 29 attacks on villages located in Jebel Moon appear to have kicked off the offensive. These attacks were followed by an attack on Sirba village on November 11. Most recently, the SAF launched operations against NRF strongholds in Birmaza. These attacks were preceded by softening bombing raids by Government aircraft. SAF have also positioned forces in Jebel Marra, likely a deployment presaging future operations. South Darfur has also seen fighting around El Muturwad between Arab and non-Arab tribes. This action, while far removed from the fighting in West and North Darfur, nonetheless contributes to overall instability in the region. ¶3. (SBU) The first two attacks, characterized by the burning of villages and attacks on civilians, appear to have targeted rebel supporters. The latest attack in Birmaza, however, was aimed more at NRF rebels themselves, including leadership. A common thread throughout all the attacks is the looting of livestock. This serves to both deny supplies to rebels and their supporters, as well as replenish the stores of the Arab militia. ¶4. (SBU) Comment: The recent military offensive underscores the Government of Sudan's intention to pursue a military solution to the conflict in Darfur. However, the Embassy is continuing its efforts to energize the AU to pressure the Government to halt its offensive and allow a conference of non-signatory commanders to go forward. End Comment. HUME