Daily Darfur: Thanks...But, No Thanks.

by Michelle

categories: Daily Darfur, Peace & Justice

Published July 20, 2009 @ 03:21AM PT

Perhaps feeling slightly less bold than his massive rallies and international travel schedule would have us believe, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir decided to decline an invitation to attend a conference in Uganda.

Ugandan government officials, for their part, are likely breathing a huge sigh of relief, as Bashir's decision allows them to wiggle out of a diplomatic tight spot over a recent debacle over whether or not they would comply with the International Criminal Court arrest warrant hanging over his head.

The issue sparked a vibrant debate in Ugandan newspapers last week, which continued over the weekend, with the general consensus among the editorial boards in favor of an arrest.

Following the Uganda debacle and criticism from civil society in other countries, including Botswana and South Africa, the African Union issued a statement essentially dismissing the rising discontent. The statement claims that the recent AU resolution on non-cooperation with the ICC warrants for Bashir was arrived at by consensus, while Botswana, Chad, and others accuse it of being forced.

Tensions between Chad and Sudan are on the rise again:

The Chadian government denied accusations that it conducted cross-border air raids on rebels based in Sudan last week, saying that it bombed rebel positions in its own territory. The Sudanese government, meanwhile, warned that it was ready to defend its territory against Chadian aggression if needed.

In a statement on Friday, African Union-United Nations Joint Special Representative in Darfur Rodolphe Adada said that UNAMID is investigating the claims, and urged the two governments to (essentially) cool it:

"The ongoing tension continues to be one of the major obstacles to the peace and security of Darfur. I would like to remind the Governments of Chad and Sudan that dialogue is the only solution to the situation. In that regard, I encourage you to desist from conflict even as diplomatic efforts are being undertaken to bring an end to the ongoing tensions which could exacerbate conditions for Darfur's civilians."

Quickies

The Justice and Equality Movement handed over 60 prisoners to the ICRC in a "gesture of goodwill."

In a welcome bit of news, a UN report notes positive results from improved government cooperation with the UNAMID peacekeeping force in Darfur.

Joshua Kurlantzick of the Council on Foreign Relations has a thought-provoking piece in the Boston Globe on why some trouble spots get more attention than others --- still mulling this over, and planning to post more well-thought-out reactions at some time that isn't five o'clock in the morning, but initially: I agree with much of the assessment, but think he gives too much credit to celebrities.

An interview with Rep. Donald Payne covers a range of human rights issues, including Sudan and Zimbabwe.

[Photo from Reuters: Sudan's President Omar Hassan al-Bashir waves to supporters at an event organized by the Sudanese embassy in Cairo July 17, 2009.]