Genocide Monitor: Oct. 21, 2009

• DARFUR: Fighting resumes in the Jebel Marra region and the conflict in Darfur draws renewed attention from President Obama as the United States releases its new Sudan policy.
• EASTERN BURMA: The U.S. releases its new Burma policy as tensions rise between Burma and China over the August fighting in northern Shan state.
• AFGHANISTAN: Another suicide bombing rocks Kabul as the UN declared that September the second deadliest month for civilians in Afghanistan.
• SOMALIA: While Al-Shabaab and Hisbul-Islam fight over control of the southern city of Kismayo, the numbers of Somali displaced continue to rise.

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Spotlighted Conflict: Darfur/Sudan

Situation on the Ground

Attacks between the Sudanese government and armed opposition groups have resumed in Darfur's Jebel Marra region. The Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) accused the Sudanese government of killing 28 civilians near the North Darfur town of Meilit.¹ The attacks were reportedly carried out by troops, some using helicopters and Antonov bombers, and by government-supported militia.

Recently published World Food Programme (WFP) Food Security Monitoring Reports indicate that food security in North and South Darfur increased since May, but the summer months also saw a decrease in food security in West Darfur. To read the full reports, visit the WFP website here.

Darfur Draws Presidential Attention

President Obama delivered his first speech to the United Nations General Assembly in which he addressed the issues in Sudan, stating:

"We will pursue a lasting peace in Sudan through support for the people of Darfur and the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, so that we secure the peace that the Sudanese people deserve.^"2

The White House also responded to comments made by U.S. Special Envoy Gration suggesting the possibility of the normalization of relations with Sudan, stating that normalization is off the table until significant changes are made in Sudan.  

It was reported that in an attempt to improve bilateral relations with the United States, Sudan hired former U.S. National Security Advisor Bud McFarlane.³ McFarlane reportedly met recently with current National Security Advisor Jones and Special Envoy Gration to discuss this topic.

For more information on Gration's comments and GI-NET's response, please click here.

New Sudan Strategy

The Obama Administration released its Sudan policy on October 19. The new policy focuses on ending the conflict and genocide in Darfur, implementing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between North and South Sudan and ensuring that Sudan does not become a safe haven for terrorists.⁴

To read more reaction to the administration's new Sudan policy, visit our press room or our blog.

Area of Concern: Burma

Update from Kokang

The Burmese regime ordered 10,000 Chinese nationals out of the Kokang region of Shan State.⁵  Chinese authorities also demanded $41 million in compensation from the Burmese regime for damages during August's conflict in the region.⁶

New Burmese Policy Released

The Obama Administration released its new Burma policy,⁷ which lays out a strategy of using diplomatic engagement and economic sanctions to pressure the Burmese regime while focusing on human rights, national reconciliation, and democracy in Burma.⁸

Area of Concern: Afghanistan

Situation on the Ground

On October 8, a suicide bombing outside of the Indian Embassy in Kabul killed at least 17 people and injured at least 63 others, most of whom were civilians.⁹ This is the fifth attack of that kind in Kabul over the last two months.

With 280 conflict-related civilian deaths, including 193 attributed to armed opposition groups, the United Nations stated that September was the second deadliest month in Afghanistan in 2009.¹⁰

General Stanley McChrystal, commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, stated that conditions in Afghanistan are deteriorating and reiterated his focus on limiting civilian casualties as a key to winning the Afghan war.¹¹  

Presidential Election Update

The Afghan Electoral Complaints Commission completed its audit of the August presidential election, declaring that no candidate won the majority of votes needed to avoid a run-off election.¹²

Area of Concern: Somalia

Fighting Across the Country

Hizbul Islam and Al-Shabaab, Somalia's two main insurgent groups, fought for control of thesouthern Somali port of Kismayo, which Al-Shabaab unilaterally declared under its control last week.¹³

Further north, Somali government troops retook the central town of Beladweyne.¹⁴

In Mogadishu, AMISOM peacekeeping mission headquarters were targeted by suicide bombers, resulting in the death of deputy force commander, General Juvenal Niyoyunguruza.¹⁵

At least 145 people, including dozens of civilians, were killed during fighting between insurgents and the government in Beledwenye, Kismayo and Mogadishu during September.¹⁶

Somali refugee numbers still rising

UNHCR reported on Friday that 50,000 Somalis have fled into Kenya so far in 2009, with an average of 6,400 refugees arriving Kenya's Dabaab camp each month.¹⁷

USAID is reportedly set to delay humanitarian aid to Somalia over fears that the aid provided through WFP is being appropriated by Al Shabaab.¹⁸