Cablegate: Sudan/Darfur: Update On Security And

VZCZCXRO8566
PP RUEHMA RUEHROV
DE RUEHKH #1409 1651105
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 141105Z JUN 06
FM AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3227
INFO RUCNFUR/DARFUR COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 001409

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR D, AF/FO, AF/RSA, AND AF/SPG
DEPT PLS PASS USAID FOR AFR/EA AND DCHA SUDAN GROUP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV MOPS KPKO PREF UN AU SU
SUBJECT: SUDAN/DARFUR: Update on Security and
Humanitarian Access - June 14, 2006

1. Overview:

UNDSS reports that over the past two weeks there has been
a notable reduction in clashes between the parties to the
Darfur conflict. However, UNDSS observed that inter-SLA
conflicts have been on the rise, especially in areas to
the north of Kutum in North Darfur State.

Our assessment is that low-level violence is likely to
continue, particularly between SLA factions to gain
influence and territory and related to banditry. Larger-
scale attacks are also possible, in part due to jinjaweed
apprehension due to pending disarmament. In terms of
humanitarian programs, most attacks take place to rob
vehicles and communications equipment; there has been
relatively little theft of food or other relief
commodities.

2. Security incidents:

A. On June 14, 2006, early morning, INGOs and UN
agencies reported heavy fighting in and around Korma
town, located 70 km northwest of El Fasher. While only
the SLA is present in the area, no one could confirm the
SLA factions involved. UNDSS declared the area a "no go"
zone, and all INGOs have been requested to suspend their
activities in the area.

B. On June 14, UNDSS reports that five international
organization staff (one international and four national)
went missing on June 13 in the Kutum area. UNDSS will
not disclose the name of the specific agency involved,
although other sources indicate it is the IOM. UNDSS
officials flew to Kutum on June 14 to investigate.

C. On June 13, SLA/Minawi forces and the breakaway
SLA/Minawi faction known as the "Group 19" fought
intensely in villages around Kulkul.

D. On the night of June 12-13, four armed men wearing
military uniforms attacked the UNHCR office in Habillah,
West Darfur. In the brief raid, according to both UNHCR
and UNDSS, the assailants shot a guard in the leg and
stole a Thuraya phone and a laptop computer from the
office.

E. On June 12, mission DoD personnel received
preliminary reports of ongoing fighting between members
of the Mini Minawi and the Abdel Wahid SLM factions
northwest of Kutum, North Darfur State. No details are
yet available.

3. Humanitarian Access Update:

On June 8, an UNMIS human rights team visited Muzbat in
an effort to meet Sulayman Jamus and assess his detention
conditions. The SLA/Mini Minawi faction field commander
met the team and chaired a meeting with SLA leaders in
the area. SLA told the UNMIS human rights team that
Jamus had been moved to another location for security
reasons, and stated that the team would have to come back
to meet with him on another day.

HUME

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