November
14, 2006: The UN intends to help pay for the African Union (AU) peacekeeping
force in Sudan. The UN will give the AU $77 million dollars to maintain the AU
force in Darfur. Of this, $55 million will go for new equipment and paying for
a logistics and support unit, while $22 million will pay troops. The
Sudanese government has agreed to support the UN funding of the AU. More money
could follow. The nations that support a UN-led peacekeeping force in Darfur
regard this as an interim solution?and not quite the "hybrid" force proposed on
November 8.. The money will allow the AU to upgrade its force. However, it will
take several months before the money produces any effects on the ground. Meantime,
the war will continue.
November
12, 2006: A Janjaweed militia group, mounted on camels and horses, struck a
half-dozen villages in near the West Darfur town of Sirba, then raided Sirba
itself. Some 300 Janjaweed fighters took part in the raid on Sirba, and
32 people were killed in the raid. It appears that members of the
Sudanese Army participated in the attack. The attackers burned houses and stole
cattle. Stealing the cattle serves two purposes. Taking cattle leaves the
villagers destitute (and force them to flee to refugee camps). The meat-on-the
hoof also provides the Janjaweed raiders with a "mobile" food source.
November
9, 2006: The government of Sudan said that it was willing to begin
"unconditional talks" with the NRF. The NRF is composed of rebel factions who
rejected the May 5 peace agreement. The Sudan government, however, insists the
May 5 peace agreement (the Abuja accord) must be the basis for any future
ceasefire agreement.
November
8, 2006: Several members of the UN acknowledged that the Security Council is
considering deploying a "hybrid" African Union peacekeeping force. One proposal
involves UN control of logistical support and communications equipment.
