SLA,S MINNAWI MAY BE EXPLORING HIS OPTIONS

C O N F I D E N T I A L KHARTOUM 002895

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/21/2016
TAGS: PGOV EAID PREL ASEC PREF PHUM US UN SU
SUBJECT: SLA,S MINNAWI MAY BE EXPLORING HIS OPTIONS

REF: A. KHARTOUM 02876


B. KHARTOUM 02891

Classified By: CDA Cameron Hume, Reason: Section 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) This week,s attack on OXFAM and ACF NGO operations in
Gereida was carried out by Minni Minawi,s SLA forces,
according to a UN investigation (reftels). UN Deputy SRSG
Manuel Da Silva told CDA Hume that signs of cooperation
between National Redemption Front (NRF) forces and forces
loyal to Minnawi have been increasing over the past month.
Da Silva emphasized that the NRF forces that attacked the Abu
Jabra oil facility in southeast Darfur had traveled to the
point of attack through territory controlled by Minawi,
apparently with Minawi,s knowledge. OXFAM and ACF staff
members identified several SLA members as among their
attackers. Within a half-hour of the attack the SLA returned
to the ICRC a vehicle that had been taken "by accident."


2. (C) On December 21, CDA Hume met with Minawi,s political
lieutenant Ali Traio. Hume explained that the SLA was
blotting its copy book with the USG by its involvement in
incidents like the attack at Gereida, especially the violent
assault against a female staff member. The USG funded
two-thirds of the humanitarian assistance in Darfur, so the
theft of eleven vehicles was in effect theft of USG property.
President Bush had explained to Minawi in their White House
meeting that the U.S. main interest was in the humanitarian
situation, and the SLA should respect humanitarian
operations. Traio did not respond.


3. (C) Late on December 21, Minawi called CDA Hume to provide
information that he had asked for "a full investigation."
Minawi also said that he was planning a trip to Asmara
starting on December 23 to meet with other Darfur leaders as
part of his efforts to broaden support for the Darfur Peace
Agreement (DPA). Hume asked if he would meet with Abdel
Wahid or Abdul Shaafi; Minawi said neither would be there,
but he has spoken with both on the phone. However, he would
meet with several G-19 leaders and probably with JEM leader
Khalil Ibrahim. (Note: In other words he was going to meet
with the leaders of the violent opposition to the DAP. End
note.)


4. (C) Comment: Minawi appears to be exploring his options.
Over the past several weeks commanders and units previously
under his control have cooperated with G-19 units, such as
those commanded by Adam Bakheit, especially in South Darfur.
The meetings in Asmara are far more likely to concern more
joint action on the ground in Darfur than to move JEM,s
political position toward support for the DPA. Minawi,
Ibrahim, and most of their forces are from the Zaghawa tribe,
and that shared background will be important as the level of
fighting escalates in Darfur. End comment.
HUME