|
The Eye on the Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa Vol. XXXIII No. 123 June 2005 DIPLOMATIC BRIEFINGS NEWS VIEWS & REVIEWS Sudan Signs Preliminary Peace Deal with Rebels The Sudanese government and Darfur rebels have settled on a preliminary agreement aimed at ending the civil war in the country's troubled western province. But important decisions on a comprehensive peace agreement have been left for later talks, and experts and human rights activists remain wary. Darfur's two main rebel groups, the Sudan Liberation Army and the Justice and Equality Movement, along with government officials representing Khartoum signed the declaration of principles. Agreement on the document, meant to serve as a basis for future talks, followed more than three weeks of African Union-mediated negotiations in the Nigerian capital Abuja. The declaration calls for the return of refugees, new security arrangements, and includes agreements on wealth distribution and minority rights. Though touted by all sides as a breakthrough in a lengthy peace process that has produced few concrete results, important decisions on how to actually end fighting in Darfur have been put off until talks are scheduled to resume August 24. A Nairobi-based analyst for the International Crisis Group, Jim Terrie says, though he is hopeful the deal will lead to peace in Darfur, he prefers to wait and see. "It is only a very tentative step at this stage. And there are many key issues that are going to need to be resolved in future talks. And acknowledging that the talks on Darfur have been ongoing for a considerable amount of time, the problem is, while the talking is going on, not much is happening on the ground," he said. The rebels have been fighting the Sudanese army and pro-government Arab militias since February 2003. A cease-fire signed in April 2004 is routinely broken by all sides. Around 3,000 African Union peacekeepers are in Darfur. But faced with covering a region the size of France and possessing only a limited mandate, they have had little ability to stop attacks on civilians, the main victims of the civil war. Speaking on behalf of the Associate Parliamentary Group on Sudan, a non-partisan grouping of 85 British parliament members, coordinator Sultana Begum says it is time for wealthier countries to do more. "The African Union is a very young organization, lacks the capacity and the knowledge. I think the solution would be, really, full backing for the African Union. I think there has not been enough support for the African Union in terms of finances, logistics, a capacity building support," she said. The African Union is planning to boost the number of its peacekeepers to 12,000 by September. And NATO has offered logistical support. But Deputy Secretary of State, Robert Zoellick, said Tuesday the Darfur situation remained fragile. He said, even an expanded AU peacekeeping force would struggle if attacked by the Sudanese army or pro-government militias. Ms. Begum says the only real solution is a peace deal respected by all sides. "At the moment, I think the Abuja process is the only hope. The people of Darfur. The two million displaced. The 300,000 plus who are dead. They have no other hope," she said. Human rights groups accuse the Sudanese government of backing Arab militias, known as Janjaweed, in their campaign of systematic torture, rape, and murder against Darfur's majority black African population. Somali march triggers war fears
The warlords in control of Mogadishu have threatened to attack Jowhar if the president establishes himself there. Observers say the president's announcement could trigger fighting. Since President Yusuf left his exiled home in Kenya last month he has been based in Bossaso in his home region of Puntland preparing to venture south to Jowhar. Mobilising
The Somali government, which was established in Kenya, has been divided since May, with the speaker of parliament operating from the capital, and the president refusing to move there while it is still under the control of his rivals. The Mogadishu warlords were named as ministers in Mr Yusuf's cabinet but soon fell out with him, siding with the speaker. Last month, President Yusuf met the speaker, Sharif Hasan Shaykh Adan, in Yemen's capital, but they failed to agree on where the government should be based. Mr. Yusuf is from the northeastern region of Puntland and has little support in Mogadishu. He has also been criticized for his links to Ethiopia, distrusted by many Somalis for meddling in the long civil war. BBC Africa analyst Martin Plaut says that unless foreign powers, or Somali elders, can intervene to prevent a conflict erupting, the stage is now set for a confrontation between the president and his former associates in Mogadishu. Annan reminds G8 of world's poor
"Already there have been very good developments. The European Union members have more or less doubled their development assistance for the poorer countries and 50% of that will go to Africa.
"There are good indications that the G8 heads of state will confirm the debt-relief matters being recommended by their foreign ministers and I hope they will also be forward-looking and take some concrete steps on trade negotiations." Outside of the UN leader's flying visit, the Scottish capital was preparing for July 2, 2005, mass Make Poverty History March. A record 250,000 protesters were predicted to turn up and take part in the demonstration, which was the first of a series of events relating to the G8 summit. Edinburgh City Council and businesses have said they want the city to come across as tolerant and understanding. However, some shops plan to close while others have boarded up windows to guard against a potential outbreak of violence. Concrete bollards have also been placed around the city to block traffic and extensive parking restrictions will also be put in place. In addition, dozens of post boxes will be sealed and petrol stations will not be allowed to sell fuel in cans. Speaking on the eve of the mass demonstration, officials behind the campaign made a final rallying call for people to join the protest. The chair of Make Poverty History in Scotland, Mary Cullen, said: "Simply by joining in the march on the streets of Edinburgh, Scots have the chance to make the world of a difference to men, women and children throughout the world. "A few hours in Edinburgh can help save lives elsewhere." The Anti-war Coalition demonstration will take place in the city followed by the Carnival for Full Enjoyment on July 4, 2005. The local authority has set up a campsite at Niddrie to accommodate up to 15,000 visitors Features Thousands Flock to Poverty march
The marchers heard speeches from political and religious leaders as well as celebrities who back the cause. They called for the G8 leaders meeting at Gleneagles next week to take action. On July 2, 2005, march was one of a number of events planned in the run-up to July 6, 2005 G8 summit and was the largest single protest ever held in Scotland. It coincided with the series of Live 8 concerts in cities around the world, including London. About 200,000 people were in Hyde Park to see performers including U2, Pink Floyd, Madonna, REM and Coldplay. The concerts spanned nearly 24 hours, with the first starting in Tokyo at 0600 BST on July 2, 2005. Organised by Live Aid founder Bob Geldof, they called for more aid for Africa, debt cancellation and fairer trade. Organisers' reaction Referring to the Edinburgh turnout, a spokesman said: "Make Poverty History are absolutely delighted with this, to see so many people come to show that they really care." Lothian and Borders Police said they arrested just one person at the event in connection with drug-related offences. Assistant Chief Constable Ian Dickinson, who led the policing operation, said: "I want to pay tribute to the crowd of 225,000 who came and cooperated with the police to make this a successful and memorable occasion. "I also want to pay tribute to the organisers of the march who have achieved their objectives through meticulous planning and cooperation." Edinburgh City Council said the success of the march had exceeded their expectations. A spokesman described the crowd as "extremely good-natured". Marchers began leaving a rally in The Meadows at intervals from noon.
The head of the procession re-entered The Meadows shortly after 1320 BST. At 1500 BST, marchers - who had been asked to wear white - stopped and held hands in a minute's silence to make a human version of the white band which has been adopted as the Make Poverty History campaign's emblem. A small group of about 50 protesters walked ahead of the main procession, many in business suits and ties, apparently mocking multinational companies. There was applause as they passed a Starbucks and they bowed down towards McDonald's as one of their number chanted: "Two, four, six, eight, we really must accumulate." Pope's message A strong police presence was in place as the procession turned left off Princes Street and up along Lothian Road towards the city's financial district. Ranks of officers, some on horseback and seven police vans greeted the demonstrators as they were directed away about 100 yards from the Standard Life and Clydesdale Bank headquarters. There were some minor scuffles near The Mound, where the Bank of Scotland has its corporate headquarters. This was spotted from a helicopter and police acted quickly to curb the protesters involved. Earlier, a message from Pope Benedict XVI was read out in which he said people from the world's richest countries should be prepared to accept the burden of debt reduction for poor countries. Chancellor Gordon Brown, speaking at a Christian Aid and Church of Scotland rally following the march, said: "We are today seeing Britain at its best, united as one for a great cause. We have come a long way and have still a long way to go." He met some protesters and assured them that they would not be disappointed by the outcome of the G8 talks. Scotland's First Minister Jack McConnell watched the march as it passed onto Princes Street. He said: "This is fantastic, it is a great carnival atmosphere and it is a message of hope. "We are in a beautiful city with a beautiful message and I hope it is being listened to." Lord of the Rings star Billy Boyd addressed the rally and said: "With so many people here today, the leaders have to do something - thank you for coming." Actor Pete Postlethwaite said: "We have had enough political spin, promises and downright lies." Beryl Chatfield, from Worthing, Sussex, flew from Gatwick to take part and said: "I came to put pressure on the G8 to change things, for fair trade, aid and to drop the debt." Sam Hawkins, 24, from London, said: "I think we're united around a common goal and that is eradicating poverty and working for a fairer world." Police photographs
Elsewhere, campaigners who took trains from Euston said they were not allowed to make the journey until officers had taken their pictures. A group of about 60 demonstrators, some of them armed with sticks, were closed in following a stand-off with police. Some 200 officers erected barriers and formed lines in an area near Edinburgh University. Half were in full riot gear including helmets and shields. A police spokesperson said some of the black-clad protesters were wearing padded clothing and had been spotted as potential trouble makers. The situation was controlled without any arrests for disorder. The incident occurred well away from where the Make Poverty History march was taking place. 'Carnival' concern
"We have a long and successful tradition of overseeing marches, demonstrations and other high-profile events in a sensitive manner and enabling protest groups to make their point without having to resort to conflict. "We welcome people who wish to take part but will not tolerate anti-social behaviour or criminal disorder." Protest group, G8 Alternatives, is promising peaceful demonstrations. Spokesman Dave Shields said: "When peaceful protesters get together to protest against poverty and war, then things will be extremely peaceful and there is going to be no cause for violence whatsoever." What is the G8? Name :Group is eight major Industrialized state, inc Russia Member: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, UK, US Aims: Originally set up to discuss trade and economic issues Now leaders discuss global issues of the day S005 summit agenda Africa Climate Change Perspectives … Well, you see, that is why we have judges, that is why we have observers, that is why we have investigations. If the outcome of the elections were to be determined by opinions of the contestants, we could say exactly the same thing about the opposition. And that would not lead us anywhere. What would lead us somewhere is for all of us to wait for the impartial investigation to be observed by international observers. HT - Well, let's talk about that. Impartial investigation as you call it, it's basically being conducted by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia. Isn't it? … |
A few hours in Edinburgh
can help save lives elsewhere
