MAY 2012 // standcanada.org
SUMMARY // CONTENTS // DEVELOPMENTS IN SOUTH SUDAN Clashes between Sudanese and South Sudanese armed forces in the disputed border regions intensified in April as the two nations teeter on the brink of a return to a full-blown conflict. There was intensifying pressure from the international community throughout the month for the two sides to resume talks. Finally, the African Union demanded a resumption of talks within two weeks, and imposed a deadline of three months for the two to strike deals on several outstanding issues, with the threat that it would issue its own binding ruling on the issues otherwise PEACE AND NEGOTIATION PROCESS
On 17 April, Sudanese President Omar Hassan Bashir declared that he intends to free South Sudan’s citizens from the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), led by Salva Kiir. This proclamation comes days after tensions escalated between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), following the SPLA invasion of the oil rich, National Congress Party (NCP) ruled region of Heglig. After ten days of occupation, South Sudan withdrew its forces from Heglig, on 20 April, in response to an international call to do so. Khartoum, however, claims that it forced the SPLA out of the area. South Sudan has called for national mobilization in support of the SPLA, and has enlisted the help of China.
SUDAN, SOUTH SUDAN, AND CANADIAN POLITICS
An update on Canada’s current, official stance
on the recent violence in Heglig and against minorities in Khartoum.
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POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS //
2. Provide up to three transport helicopters and five tactical helicopters: six transport, six tactical and three observation helicopters are still required for the UN mission.
1 Sudan
Violence continues to plague the border regions of Abyei, South Kordofan and the Blue Nile State. The conflict has escalated into a higher phase, as the rebels in the border regions (SPLM-N) have joined a national alliance opposed to the government called the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) which consists of Darfur rebel groups the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and the Sudanese Liberation Movement (SLM). Government troops continue to use heavy tactics such as aerial bombardments which disproportionally harm civilians and the government continues to deny access to many humanitarian agencies. In response, the Canadian government can take the following actions: 1. The Canadian Government should dispatch researchers or enlist the help of NGOs who have expertise in statistical research methods to the Sudan border regions and Ethiopia to investigate, document, and statistically verify the occurrence of mass atrocities from refugees who have escaped the violence. 2. Canada should demand that the North allow humanitarian organizations access to populations in need in the border regions where the fighting is taking place. 3. Canada should speak out at the UN against the escalating conflict and Canada’s Foreign Minister should create an ongoing multilateral dialogue with its international partners to apply pressure on both parties to stop attacks and begin a troop withdrawal.
3. Continue to support, and consider increasing funding to, the International Security and Stabilization Support Strategy (ISSSS), which is a UN multilateral peacebuilding fund that is integral to the stability and security of the volatile Eastern region.
4 Domestic Policies on Genocide Prevention
In order to effectively prevent, monitor and address grave human rights abuses and mass atrocities, the Parliament of Canada should create a Sub-Committee for the Prevention of Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity which should be attached to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development. This would allow Parliament to conduct: • MONITORING: keep MPs informed about the onset of genocide and crimes against humanity, including the identifiable stages of these crimes • PREVENTION: become proactive in its response to such crises, allowing MPs to act early and utilize a wider set of policy mechanisms • COORDINATION: centralize Canada’s institutional approach to the issue of mass atrocities by giving one central committee the mandate to comprehensively monitor, study and recommend courses of actions.4
2 South Sudan
In the wake of South Sudan’s secession, the new country is faced with many critical development issues that could threaten its progress and re-ignite conflict in the region. In order to help South Sudan from becoming a failed state, Canada can aid South Sudan in the following areas: 1. As requested by the Government of South Sudan, Canada should chose one of the following areas of development to better streamline and manage the development process: a) general security b) food security c) healthcare d) education e) democratization. 2. Canada should use its influence at the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the UN to broker an agreement between North and South Sudan to reduce the national debt of the two countries only if they both work out a reasonable debt sharing arrangement together. 3. Canada should consider providing direct bilateral assistance to the Government of South Sudan (GoSS), now that it has the opportunity to negotiate directly with the Southern government without interference from the North.
3 Democratic Republic of the Congo
According to the Secretary General, the United Nations Organization Stablization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) is lacking critical resources such as military observers, transport and tactical helicopters. Although Canada has been playing a role in the DRC since 1999, due to the end of the combat mission in Afghanistan, it now has the capacity to provide more resources that are desperately needed. STAND calls on the government to: 1. Increase the number of military observers: Canada’s mandate is to provide 12 observers and currently there are only nine stationed in the DRC. The UN mission in total is currently lacking another 29 observers.
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DEVELOPMENTS IN SOUTH SUDAN // JES-
SICA DUFFY
Clashes between Sudanese and South Sudanese armed forces in the disputed border regions intensified in April as the two nations teeter on the brink of a return to a full-blown conflict. The month began with traded accusations of attacks upon one another’s territory, which were quickly refuted by each side. Relations deteriorated further on 10 April, when South Sudan claimed it had repulsed an attack within its borders and pursued Sudanese troops into the disputed oil-rich region of Heglig. The next day South Sudan was said to have seized Heglig. The seizure was widely condemned by the international community, beginning with UN chief Ban Ki-Moon terming it an “illegal act.” The move also led to Khartoum referring to South Sudan as its “enemy.” On 14 April, South Sudan claimed that
its army had repelled an attempt by the Sudanese army to retake Heglig, and the next day accused it of bombing the area, allegedly reducing the oilfield “to rubble.” In the following days the rhetoric escalated, with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir vowing to teach his southern neighbour a “final lesson by force.” He added: “We will not give them an inch of our country, and whoever extends his hand on Sudan, we will cut it.” On 20 April, South Sudan bowed to international pressure and began to withdraw its troops. Juba said it had ordered the withdrawal to create an environment for re-opening negotiations between the neighbours, but the Sudanese army later claimed to have “liberated” the area by force. South Sudan stated that its troops were bombed as they withdrew. On 22 April, more accusations were traded and denied. Sudan claimed to have repelled a “major” rebel attack in South Kordofan state, accusing the south of backing the rebels. South Sudan alleged MAY 2012 // 3
that its northern neighbour had bombed several locations in Unity state in the days following South Sudan’s withdrawal from Heglig, resulting in several civilian deaths. Tensions seemed to have eased slightly on 25 April, when South Sudan freed fourteen prisoners of war, and clashes appeared to abate for the first time in a week. Several days earlier, Bashir had ruled out a return to the negotiating table, noting that Juba only understood “the language of guns,” but the next day Sudanese foreign minister, Ali Ahmed Karti, said that Khartoum was ready to resume talks on security issues. There was intensifying pressure from the international community throughout April for the two sides to resume talks. On 25 April, the African Union demanded a resumption of talks within two weeks, and imposed a deadline of three months for the two to strike deals on several outstanding issues, with the threat that it would issue its own binding ruling on the issues otherwise. Since Sudan divided into two separate nations last July, Sudan and the newly formed South Sudan have been unable to agree on a range of issues, including oil revenue and border demarcation. Oil production, the backbone of both countries’ economies, has almost entirely grinded to a halt in recent months, due to disagreements and fighting in oil-producing areas. There are also concerns that the border fighting may also be stoking ethnic tensions in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, where witnesses said hundreds of Muslims stormed a Christian church complex used by southerners on 21 April.
PEACE AND NEGOTIATIONS PROCESS // CHELSEA SAUVÉ On 17 April, Sudanese President Omar Hassan
Bashir declared that he intends to free South Sudan’s citizens from the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) as led by Salva Kiir. Bashir’s announcement is a direct response to a series of ongoing border clashes that have occurred between the neighbouring countries – namely South Sudan’s seizure of what Sudan has deemed the most important oil rich region, Heglig. Bashir’s National Congress Party (NCP) once had jurisdiction over Sudan proper, but relinquished its rule over South Sudan when, following a referendum, South Sudan officially seceded from North Sudan, gaining independence in July 2011. While much of the tension between North Sudan and South Sudan (following the secession) is related to border disputes – namely those oil rich regions whose borders were not finalized prior to the secession of the South – the oil rich region of Heglig has been internationally recognized as legally belonging to Sudan, not South Sudan. The oilfield is vital to Sudan’s economy, producing about half of the 115,000 barrel-per-day output that remained in its control after South Sudan’s secession. The ongoing military fighting between the Bashir’s Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Kiir’s Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) along the poorly defined borders, has drawn the attention of the international community. The SAF invasion of Heglig, and the violence that has resulted from this act, has increased the UN’s fear of a full-blown war between the two states. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) considered the imposition of sanctions on the governments of Khartoum (Sudan) and Juba (South Sudan) an attempt to inhibit the spread of violence throughout all of North and South Sudan. They reiterated their demand for an immediate and complete end to all fighting, as well as the withdrawal of the SPLA from Heglig, and an end to SAF aerial bombardments. Such demands were followed up with further asks, including an end to repeated incidents of cross-border violence and a return to the negotiating table. After ten days of occupation, South Sudan withdrew its forces from Heglig on 20 April, in response // 4
to the international call to do so. Khartoum, however, claims that it forced the SPLA out of the area. While Juba claims that it was in pursuit of SAF after it launched aerial and ground attacks inside South Sudan, Khartoum has accused Juba of making the first move in invading the NCP ruled Heglig. The African Union mediation team, led by former South African president Theo Mbeki, debriefed the UNSC on the complexities of the situation, and suggested that the UNSC approach both governments, the NCP and SPLM, and make clear, precise demands. Mbeki’s panel has been working for almost two years to help Khartoum and Juba reach an agreement on several post-referendum issues, including oil, borders, Abyei, citizenship, and national debt. A summit arranged by Mbeki’s mediation team was planned for 3 April with both Bashir and Kiir. Unfortunately, the meeting was called off following the first military confrontation in Heglig. Meanwhile, fighting between the SAF and SPLA continue in the al-Meram region of the South Kordofan state. It has been rumoured that clashes such as this are being initiated by the SPLA in order to distract the SAF from the Heglig region. Since its departure from Heglig, South Sudan has enlisted the mobilization of all South Sudanese states, specifically the five states which border Sudan, and has developed the infrastructure required to form a country-wide mobilization structure in support of the SPLA. This structure has involved the collaboration of the SPLM, as well as representatives of all South Sudanese political parties, national unions, business leaders, local NGOs and civil society organizations. The mobilization effort has begun in an effort to coordinate human and material resources to support the national army in the face of a potential all-out war with Sudan. This will include the recruitment of youth volunteers and ex-combatants into the army, as well as a brief educational component, explaining the history and causes of the border conflict with Sudan. The governor of the South Sudanese State of Warrap, Nyandeng Malek, called for the establishment of
three committees to assist in mobilizing people against insecurity, food and economic crisis. This mobilization was initiated as a method of supporting the SPLA. Thus far, the Warrap state has responded in a positive manner. On 24 April, SPLM President Kiir pleaded the case of his country while visiting Beijing, China. During his meeting with China’s president Hu Jintao, Kiir explained that Khartoum had declared war on Juba when it chose to air raid a Southern Sudanese region on Monday, 23 April; days after, South Sudan relinquished its hold on Heglig. China has been the largest single importer of oil from Sudan prior to the secession of South Sudan, and has since been a strong supporter of the South Sudanese state. In other news, South Sudan recently joined the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). IMF chief, Christine Lagarde, welcomed South Sudan, saying the Fund “will do its best to assist the country in setting up the foundations for economic stability and growth in the period ahead.”
SUDAN, SOUTH SUDAN, AND CANADIAN POLITICS// STEPHANIE BROWNSTEIN On 11 and 12 April, the G8 Foreign Ministers met in Washington D.C., to share perspectives and plans of action as to how to work towards reaching global peace and security. In order to attain these goals, in addition to sustaining greater democracy and promoting economic prosperity, one of the main issues on the agenda was the escalating military violence in the region bordering Sudan and South Sudan. The G8 Foreign Ministers urged the governments of Sudan and South Sudan to proactively protect civilians by calling for a ceasefire in civilian areas. The Ministers further emphasized the need for the government of South Sudan to improve its security capabilities, as well as foster the implementation of the Doha Document of MAY 2012 // 5
Peace in Darfur – an attempt to expedite the peace process between the government of Sudan and the remaining signatories. Canada’s influence in Darfur has been channelled through Operation SATURN: Canada’s contribution to the AU/UN hybrid operation in Darfur (UNAMID), which aims to reinstate security, offer humanitarian assistance, and promote peace. During that same week, on 15 April, Canadian Foreign Affairs Min-
ister, John Baird, urged the leaders of both Sudan and South Sudan to put an end to their conflicts by putting the wellbeing of their people first. This entails immediately stopping bombings, avoiding all provocative acts, and respecting peace agreements. On 22 April, after the attack on a South Sudanese church in Khartoum, John Baird called urged that a culture respect should be maintained with regard to minorities in Sudan.
“Bashir: Sudan will not “give an inch” of country”, Reuters Africa, 19 April 2012, http://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL6E8FJ3I020120419 “S. Sudan says Heglig oilfield reduced “to rubble”, Sudan denies, Reuters Africa, 15 April 2012, http://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL6E8FF0FR20120415 “S. Sudan says repulses Sudan attack on Heglig”, Reuters Africa, 14 April 2012, http://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL6E8FE05Q20120414 “Sudan mobilises army as South claims key oilfield”, Reuters Africa, 11 April 2012, http://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL6E8FB2PR20120411 “Sudan accuses South of assaulting oil area”, Reuters Africa, 11 April 2012, http://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL6E8FB1EX20120411
PEACE PROCESS AND NEGOTIATIONS
“UNSC discussing the possibility of sanctions to pressure north & south Sudan. April 17, 2012. Sudan Tribune. http://www.sudantribune. com/UNSC-discussing-the-possibility-of,42297
STAND DIGEST STAFF //
Timberlake, Ian. “Bashir threatens overthrow of S.Sudan govt.” American Foreign Policy.http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g6V0QBeLvkA3mC_pDIuCVwj7m3Hw?docId=CNG.d0cb167a6861d704eba39f80497b125d.581Bashir.
MANAGING EDITOR // TYLER FOX
Sudan army in fresh clashes with SPLA and rebels in Darfur and South Kordofan. April 17, 2012. Sudan Tribune. http://www.sudantribune. com/Sudan-army-in-fresh-clashes-with,42298.
WRITERS // JESSICA DUFFY, CHELSEA SAUVÉ, STEPHANIE BROWNSTEIN
South Sudan an ‘enemy state’, Sudanese parliament decides. April 16, 2012. http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-an-enemystate,42287. Warrap state: Over 300 youth mobilize in support of SPLA forces. April 17, 2012. Sudan Tribune. http://www.sudantribune.com/Warrap-stateOver-300-youth,42299.
REFERENCES //
South Sudan forms national mobilization committee on conflict with Sudan. April 25, 2012. Sudan Tribune. http://www.sudantribune.com/ South-Sudan-forms-national,42390.
DEVELOPMENTS IN SOUTH SUDAN
South Sudan president in China seeking diplomatic support in conflict with Khartoum. April 24, 2012. http://www.sudantribune.com/SouthSudan-president-in-China,42386.
“South Sudan frees prisoners; clashes abate”, Reuters Africa, 26 April 2012, http://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL6E8FPGP120120425 “AU gives Sudan, South Sudan three months to sign deal”, Reuters Africa, 25 April 2012, http://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL6E8FP3UH20120425
SUDAN, SOUTH SUDAN, AND CANADIAN POLITICS
“Canada: Active in Sudan and South Sudan,” 24 April, Government of Canada, http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/sudan-soudan/index. aspx?view=d
“UN Council to consider next steps on Sudan, S. Sudan”, Reuters Africa, 25 April 2012, http://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL2E8FP00320120425 “South Sudan accuses Khartoum of declaring war”, Reuters Africa, 24 April 2012, http://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL5E8FOFOX20120424 “Sudan, S. Sudan swap accusations of attacks, church raided”, Reuters Africa, 22 April 2012, http://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL5E8FM3DI20120422 “Sudan oil infrastructure hit in border fight - monitor”, Reuters Africa, 22 April 2012, http://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL5E8FM01Q20120422 “S. Sudan withdraws from oil area, easing border crisis”, Reuters Africa, 20 April 2012, http://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL6E8FK5VA20120420 “UN chief says S. Sudan infringing on Sudan sovereignty”, Reuters Africa, 19 April 2012, http://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL2E8FJ8YH20120419 “Bashir says Sudan to teach South “final lesson by force”, Reuters Africa, 19 April 2012, http://af.reuters.com/article/sudanNews/idAFL6E8FJ3JC20120419
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