Expiry of UN mandate limits security information from war ravaged S. Kordofan

July 19, 2011 (JUBA) – Efforts to get timely and accurate information on the security situation outside Kadugli, the South Kordofan state capital has suffered a major setback with the July 9 expiry of the UN mandate in Sudan, humanitarian partners said in their latest report.

The report, which was produced by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in collaboration with humanitarian partners reportedly covered the period from July 12-17.

On July 12 and 13, says the report, there were unconfirmed reports of fighting in Salara (south west of Dilling) and Al Tays (south of Kadugli), with a series of aerial bombardments reportedly occurring three days later.

It says, “On July 16, there was reportedly aerial bombardment 10km west of Heiban town, and NGOs [Non-Governmental Organizations] have been reported continuous fighting in Delami over the last ten days.”

According to the report, an attack carried out by Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) on Delami reportedly resulted in many casualties, with hundreds of civilians either fleeing or trying to flee the area.

In early June SAF attempted to disarm northern Sudanese members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army, who on July 9 became the national army of an independent South Sudan.

Many indigenous groups join the SPLA in fighting Khartoum but after a 2005 peace deal granted South Sudan the right to secede leaving northern Sudanese in South Kordofan and Blue Nile still being governed by Khartoum.

The mandate for the United Nations Mission in Sudan, established to monitor and help Khartoum and the SPLA implement, expired on July 9 with South Sudan’s separation. A new mission has been established based in Juba but in North Sudan the mission is winding down, despite the turmoil in South Kordofan.

The report further highlights the need for mine clearance after reports that a vehicle was reportedly hit on the road from Talodi to Kadugli, resulting in 11 civilian casualties.

“Landmine casualties underscore the need for mine clearance and removal of unexploded ordnance on roads and in towns, and for mine risk education activities throughout South Kordofan state,” it says.

A preliminary report of an assessment inside Kadugli town reportedly indicates that either landmines or unexploded ordnance contaminate more than one third of the town.

An estimated 73,000 people were initially said to have been displaced from the intense fighting in the region, but humanitarian partners now say the numbers may be higher in recent days.

Meanwhile, authorities in South Kordofan have openly appealed for more relief supplies in the region, expected to be channeled through national NGOs or line ministries. Already, approximately 102,500 people affected by the conflict have reportedly been assisted by World Food Programme (WFP), working through local agencies in South Kordofan.

A leaked UN report seen by Sudan Tribune says that although both sides have been responsible for civilian deaths Khartoum’s Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) have been to more blame:

“Although both parties to the conflict have engaged in acts against civilians throughout the course of the recent conflict in Southern Kordofan that breach relevant national and international laws, including violation of their obligations under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) of 2005, it is the conduct of the SAF has been especially egregious. Instead of distinguishing between civilians and combatants and accordingly directing their military operations only against military targets, the SAF and allied paramilitary forces have targeted members and supporters of the SPLM/A, most of whom are Nubans and other dark skinned people,” says the confidential report.

The mission recommends the conduct of the war in South Kordofan is referred to the International Criminal Court, which already has arrest warrants pending for the governor of South Kordofan and the Sudanese President for alleged atrocities in Darfur.

(ST)