VZCZCXRO9582
OO RUEHROV RUEHTRO
DE RUEHKH #1205 2990455
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 260455Z OCT 09
FM AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4631
INFO RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE
RUEHGG/UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
RHMFISS/CJTF HOA
UNCLAS KHARTOUM 001205
NSC FOR MGAVIN, LETIM
DEPT PLS PASS USAID FOR AFR/SUDAN
ADDIS ABABA ALSO FOR USAU
GENEVA FOR NKYLOH
UN ROME FOR HSPANOS
NEW YORK FOR DMERCADO
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID PREF PGOV PHUM SOCI SMIG UN SU
SUBJECT: Tripartite Joint Technical Committee conducts workshop on
partnership in humanitarian work
1. (U) Summary: The Tripartite Joint Technical Committee (TJTC)
facilitated a workshop from October 10 to 12 to encourage
cooperation between national and international non-governmental
organizations (INGOs). Workshop results encouraged increased
information sharing and openness in NGO partnerships and in the NGO
operating environment in Sudan more generally. The workshop
anticipates the advent in January 2010 of a policy of "Sudanization"
whereby INGOs will be required to work through local partners. End
summary.
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NGOs, UN, DONORS, GNU DISCUSS NGO PARTNERSHIPS
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2. (U) From October 10 to 12, the TJTC held a workshop entitled
"Developing a More Effective Partnership between Sudanese and
International NGOs." The TJTC includes representatives from the
Government of National Unity (GNU) Humanitarian Aid Commission
(HAC), international NGOs and U.N. agencies. USAID's Office of U.S.
Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) staff attended the opening
session, which focused on brainstorming on ways to enhance future
cooperation among participants to provide effective and well-
targeted humanitarian aid. A representative of the NGO Steering
Committee (SC), speaking for the 72 international NGO members, noted
the workshop's timeliness in light of ongoing efforts to create new
partnerships between national and international NGOs in Sudan. The
SC representative emphasized the important role of Sudanese NGOs in
humanitarian assistance in Sudan and welcomed additional donor
participation.
3. (U) During the opening session, the HAC Commissioner and GNU
representative highlighted the fact that 3,200 national NGOs and
voluntary agencies currently operate in Sudan, and the HAC would
like to see national organizations play an increased role in
humanitarian work and long term development in Sudan.
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WORKSHOP RECOMMENDATIONS
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4. (U) USAID/OFDA staff also participated in the closing session,
which reported on the workshop's progress and conclusions. Workshop
recommendations included building trust between national and
international NGOs, establishing contractual agreements between NGO
partners to encourage transparency and accountability, promoting
capacity building, simplifying government procedures or visas and
permits for expatriates to facilitate a cooperative operating
environment, and establishing a website for information sharing.
Workshop participants also emphasized that international NGOs should
be able to choose national NGO partners.
5. (SBU) Comment: USAID/OFDA staff view the workshop as important
at a sensitive time for humanitarian aid. Following the expulsion of
13 international NGOs in March 2009, President al Beshir announced a
policy of "Sudanization" scheduled to take effect in January 2010.
The new policy will require all international NGOs to work through
local NGO partners, raising many questions about existing
partnerships with ministries and churches, as well as the capacity
of local NGOs to take on large humanitarian operations. In this
context, the workshop might be seen as preparation for the roll-out
of the new policy. The workshop was well-attended, and the
facilitator encouraged participants to take control of the workshop
agenda and recommendations. The workshop's recommendations will
likely form the basis for future partnerships between national and
international NGOs. End comment.
WHITEHEAD