SITREP 19 18 FEB 05
SITREP 19 & 20
GENERAL SITUATION:
Nothing new to report here. The dithering at top levels is never ending. The UN Security Council Resolution, originally intended
for signing within fifteen days of the signing of the CPA, is now over a month behind schedule with no signature date in the
foreseeable future. This is no doubt due in part to the rush to get the CPA signed so as to keep the money coming, despite the fact
that many thorny items were just left unresolved and are now stalling the process in New York. Nothing can go forward by way of
handover of JMC to the UN (or putting an end to the bloodshed in Darfur, unfortunately) until this happens.
SECTOR 3 OPERATIONS:
We have been busy here in Sector 3. Saturday we were responsible for organizing the Chairman’s Group Meeting plus briefing by
the Powers That Be for all the omdas, sheiks and military authorities in Mandi, a large village and trading center quite some distance
to the east of our location. Sunday I had my monthly CFPC, this month in Andulo. Monday we had another high level gathering here
at the Sector HQ for all the serious local powers regarding the CPA, handover timings (to the extent we know them; see General Situation)
and the new Rules of Interaction (ROI). The meetings in Mandi and Um Serdiba both involved multiple helicopter flights due to the time
and distance considerations.
The CFPC might have gone better. Unfortunately, the message left for the SPLM Police Chief apparently was misunderstood, and he
had to leave in a rush without his case notes on several cases he wished to discuss. There will be a special meeting sometime prior to
the next regularly scheduled monthly gathering to deal with these and other matters.
Both sides are collaborating on the investigation of the murder on 01 FEB 05 in Agab. This is in addition to the efforts of the Provincial investigation team working out of Kadugli.
We went from the meeting to the Karkaria GOS Police Station to investigate a complaint from a returning SPLA soldier that the
property currently being used as the local Cop Shop in fact really belongs to him. The property was “inherited” by the local GOS Police
from the Special Police (paramilitary), who in turn had taken it over from the Army when they pulled out. The Army had found it
essentially abandoned, as the owner had left. We explained that the property ownership issues would only be resolved after the
new government is in place, and proper adjudicative bodies established and operative. All we can do in these cases is urge patience,
but they are becoming more frequent as more IDPs and ex soldiers return.
After a day to catch our breaths on Tuesday, the complaints from Um Serdiba started coming in. The area has a number of thugs
and hooligans who have connections to one degree or another to the SPLM/A. Long term SITREP `readers may recall the mention
of Serir Double, a local troublemaker and extortion artist, from the SITREPs dealing with the booby trap and AP mine placed in
Um Serdiba by Infamous Achmed (SITREP 8 AND Follow up). When Serir was not locked up for shaking down a driver at the
Salaam Souq (market) for 3,700 Sudanese Dinars (SD), he became emboldened, and increased his activities in the area. Further, he
fell in with a major from SPLA HQ in Lwere who, while on long term leave to build a new compound just outside Um Serdiba,
caused numerous problems himself. His connections with this officer, and the officer’s family enabled him to threaten locals with
unofficial retribution from SPLA elements controlled by the major if they pressed charges for his activities.
Due to the hubbub surrounding the internal high level conflicts within the SPLM, the CPA signing, and the imminent reorganization
of the SPLA for its place in the soon to be stood up Joint Integrated Force, local problems were not adequately addressed.
Enough was finally enough, however, and we ended up spending a day talking to all the local police forces and civil authorities from
both factions. It was determined, and promulgated, that no uniforms could be worn nor weapons carried in what were the pre-CPA
GOS and DMZ areas. This morning we paid a visit to the new SPLA Brigade Commander in the area. He assured us that it was his
desire as well that this behavior come to an immediate halt, full restitution be made where required, and that those who needed punishment
receive it. At supper tonight I received word that Serir Double and two of his cronies had requested a meeting tomorrow morning to
explain why this was all just a big misunderstanding. Progress.
This story would not be complete without mention of the fine work carried out by our National Monitors. 1LT Awad GOS dealt with
the local GOS police and citizen complaints. SPLA CPTs Kodi and Timo (a former Nuba wrestler and who looks as though he could fill a linebacker’s slot in the NFL) looked up the local thugs and explained the benefits of immediate cessation of all illegal activities. They went
on to point out that there had better be no more use of the SPLM/A to threaten victims. It is a continual pleasure to work with these
fine officers. · MICHAEL’S WORLD:
I have decided to take almost two weeks leave at the end of May. Projected dates are 31 MAY-12 JUN 05. I took this decision
when the prospects of my contract running its full length became more likely. I am looking forward to seeing many of you then. Take care.
Michael · LATE BREAKING NEWS:
This morning we had a very satisfactory meeting with W.O.1 Babakir, the local police chief, two local ladies of Arabic descent who had
been harassed by Serir Double and some of his cronies (with the approval, if not at the instigation of, the above mentioned major), the
Dreaded Serir himself and some of his cronies. Some stolen property was returned, but more importantly, some rules governing behavior
were laid out quite clearly:
1. The GOS Police, working in conjunction with the SPLM Police, have jurisdiction in the area of Um Serdiba and the Salaam Souq
until the new government is in place and operative.
2. Harassment and intimidation of local citizens for any reason will no longer be tolerated by the police forces of either faction, the GOS,
the SPLM or the JMC. Criminals will be well advised to no longer use real or perceived SPLM connections to aid them in their illegal
activities.
3. Free movement and the right to do business of traders are guaranteed. Unless there are circumstances involving the absence of one
or more partners in a joint venture when a transaction is concluded, the traders do not need to report to any local authorities nor get their permission to transact business.
4. Land issues will only be resolved when the new government sets up the appropriate bodies to adjudicate them. Until then, everyone
will have to accept the status quo. Attempts to drive owners off their land will absolutely not be tolerated.
As I said above: progress. · Hi Karen and Ellen,
You two are the first to view the exclusive photos of Michael Wilson, Intrepid Adventurer and World Traveler,
and the Notorious and Infamous Highwayman, Road Agent, Desperado and Threat to the Public Safety,
the Infamous SERIR DOUBLE!!!! Michael · SITREP 20 25 FEB 05
GENERAL SITUATION:
There is nothing much new of any consequence to report on this front. The UN is “hopeful” (but not certain)
of getting the Security Council resolution signed by the end of February. Some time in early March is probably
a more reasonable expectation.
I can recommend to all of you who would like a news source dealing with events here the Sudan Tribune.
This is an on-line publication which covers the Darfur situation, as well as the rest of the country. Try Yahoo or Google.
SECTOR 3 OPERATIONS:
This was a good week for Sector 3. A crossline meeting between the District Commissioners and Senior Military
Commanders of the GOS and SPLM/A was convened on Monday, 21 FEB 05 at Sector 3 HQ here in Um Serdiba
to address the reopening of the Al Reika-Frandalla-Talodi Road. Everyone who was supposed to come came this time.
The meeting, although strained at times, resulted in a draft agreement. The final agreement was signed on
Thursday, 24 FEB 05, at JMC HQ in Tillo after some final adjustments were made. The road will be officially
opened next week.
The unflagging efforts of our Sector Commander, Rainer Baudendistel, combined with his experience in organizing
and facilitating this sort of meeting, deserve the credit for its success. I’m sure after the disappointment of the collapse
of the first meeting (see SITREP 14), it would have been very easy to write the whole issue off. As soon as there were
some personnel changes in the civilian and military power structures of both factions, however, Rainer went back to
work on the problem. This time the authorities got it right. Rainer got it right on both occasions.
The problems here in Um Serdiba on which I was working last week (SITREP 19) seem to be well under control.
I’m not sure that the Dreaded Serir Double is in jail just yet, but at last, and at least, he is causing no trouble.
Due in large part to misunderstanding of the CPA and the usual crises of expectations that frequently accompany
long awaited good news, complaints seem to be on the rise. The predictable increase in crime as the militaries wind up their missions, which included keeping the peace in many areas; the slow speed at which the police are being organized into
joint units to take over this function, and the return of soldiers and IDPs with the inevitable land disputes all combine to
ensure that we should have enough to keep us busy for the foreseeable future. This, of course, is in addition to our normal
Military Inspections, Village Visits, CFPCs, special gatherings to explain the provisions of the CPA, and the reports and paperwork that always accompany this sort of endeavor.
Although our good friend and valued colleague Lorenzo Guani finally left to assume his duties in Sector 5, his replacement
seems to be settling in quite nicely. He is Andrew “Badger” Bell, a former company commander in the Scots Guards.
Andrew also brings considerable experience in peace keeping missions around the troubled spots of the world garnered
since leaving the British Army. · MICHAEL’S WORLD:
Due to the fluid situation in JMC, I am planning to move my leave forward to 20 MAY-04 JUNE 05. And that’s
it for another week. Take care. · Michael