JEM ACKNOWLEDGES ATTACK ON UNAMID HELICOPTER BUT SHIFTS

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KHARTOUM 001230 DEPT FOR AF/SPG, A/S FRAZER, SE WILLIAMSON NSC FOR BPITTMAN AND CHUDSON ADDIS ABABA FOR USAU DEPT PLS PASS USAID FOR AFR/SUDAN SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC PGOV PREL KPKO SOCI AU UNSC SU SUBJECT: JEM ACKNOWLEDGES ATTACK ON UNAMID HELICOPTER BUT SHIFTS BLAME ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: On August 11, JEM fighters on Jebel Moon fired on a UNAMID helicopter which they thought was a GoS aircraft. JEM later released a press statement acknowledging its error, but both in this statement and in a contact with the field commander responsible for the unit, JEM attempted to shift blame. A UNAMID-JEM meeting to discuss the event is scheduled for March 16. END SUMMARY. JEM FIRES ON UNAMID HELICOPTER - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶2. (SBU) On August 11, at approximately 12:30 local time, a UNAMID MI8 helicopter carrying 5 people came under fire while traveling from EL Geneina to Kulbus. According to UN reports, the helicopter was flying at 6500 feet when the pilot heard shots "from a heavy weapon" directed at the aircraft. The helicopter returned to El Geneina and landed safely at 12:50. UN contacts contacted JEM commanders in the area who admitted that they fired on a white helicopter, believing it to be a GoS aircraft. PRESS STATEMENT - - - - - - - - - - ¶3. (SBU) Late on August 11, JEM released a press statement in Arabic from Ahmed Hussein, JEM's spokesman currently visiting the U.S. The statement reports that JEM seriously regrets shooting at the UNAMID helicopter labeling it as an "unintentional mistake that fortunately did not lead to any loss of life." The statement added that JEM fighters believed that the helicopter "belonged to the regime of Khartoum, as they always bring their aircraft and fire at peaceful villages and civilians." The statement argues that UNAMID did not inform JEM of its flight plans, nor receive permission from JEM for the travel. "Any plane that flys over JEM-controlled areas without permission or advance warning, will be vulnerable to attack," notes the statement. It adds that JEM has repeatedly told the UN-AU hybrid forces in writing and verbally the importance of having a channel of communication between the two parties, so that such mistakes can be avoided. According to the statement, JEM supports UNAMID and its desire to protect civilians. Finally, the statement condemns the regime in Khartoum, "which creates this tense atmosphere in Darfur, and uses hired mercenary crews." It also alleges that the GOS paints its planes the same color as the UN's aircraft, and puts the same symbols on them, as an intentional maneuver to confuse the rebels. The statement ends saying that there should be a military no-fly zone in Darfur. FIELD COMMANDER SHIFTS BLAME - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶4. (SBU) On August 14, JEM's Deputy Field Commander, Suliman Sandal (located in Jebel Moon) told poloff via satellite phone that his forces did accidentally fire on a UNAMID aircraft on August 11 with an anti-aircraft gun. (Sandal would not disclose what exact type of weapon was used in the attack.) Sandal blamed the mistake on poor coordination from UNAMID, an absence of JEM representatives at UNAMID, and SAF's continued use of similar models, colors, and markings of UNAMID aircraft. Sandal stated that on August 16, a group of senior UNAMID leaders will travel to an undisclosed location to discuss the incident with JEM. "SAF HAD BOMBED JEM POSITIONS THREE TIMES THIS WEEK" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶5. (SBU) Sandal said SAF had bombed and attacked rebel-held Jebel Moon three times in the last week using Antonovs and helicopters, and that they anticipated further attacks the day of the incident. Sandal stressed that although he welcomes UNAMID's presence, JEM is not a signatory to the DPA, and he added it is important for UNAMID to recognize there is an ongoing war with the GoS. He stated that UNAMID should "wake up" to this and carefully coordinate its travel with JEM field commanders. GoS INTERESTED IN WAR, NOT NEGOTIATIONS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶6. (SBU) According to Sandal, the GoS has intensified its military attacks on JEM rebel positions, and JEM "is preparing ourselves for war, as the government is preparing itself." He called President Bashir's Darfur initiative "just a maneuver following the ICC proceedings." Sandal stated that Bashir's focus should not be on outreach to Darfuri civil society, but to the rebel movements, as "Peace should be made between the warring parties, not the people sitting in the town." JEM AND GOS ARE THE ONLY PLAYERS, SAYS COMMANDER - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶7. (SBU) Sandal added that "JEM is the only movement that has taken the government on in a direct fight." Sandal called the KHARTOUM 00001230 002 OF 002 government's outreach "propaganda," saying "The government's desire is not peace but to continue war and completely destroy JEM." Sandal claimed that despite the rainy season, the GoS has been training and mobilizing its soldiers, janjaweed, and former rebel movements now aligned with the government. Sandal said that movements such as SLA/Free Will and the Peace Wing (movements who entered the DPA through signing a declaration of commitment (DOC)) have now been incorporated into the government's military apparatus (this is something that the GOS freely admits) and are attacking JEM positions. Sandal ended the conversation reiterating JEM's regret over the incident and its promise to work closely with UNAMID to resolve the matter. COMMENT - - - - ¶8. (SBU) Although JEM has accepted responsibility for the attack, it has attempted to shift the blame for this egregious violation. This and Sandal's attempt to portray the Darfur conflict as a matter best left between the GoS and JEM are both unacceptable but not surprising considering that the Khartoum regime and JEM have the same origin in Sudan's Islamist movement. Post will follow up with JEM and UNAMID following their June 14 meeting. END COMMMENT. FERNANDEZ