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From: Bridget Moix < bridget@... >
Date: Sep 29, 2005 3:11 PM
Subject: Darfur Legislative Update - Zoellick Hearing
To: Darfur Legislative Updates <anon@...>
Darfur Legislative Update
September 29, 2005
Yesterday, September 28, Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the situation in Darfur and U.S. efforts to support the African Union mission and advance the stalled peace process. General James Jones, Jr. , NATO Supreme Allied Commander for Europe, also testified on NATO's role in supporting the AU mission.
A few highlights (or rather lowlights) from the hearing include:
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Zoellick called for increased resources to support the AU (but did not give specific numbers) and noted the need to fund both the general peacekeeping account and non-traditional accounts that will give more flexibility—such as S/CRS which he said needs more $ to do its job.
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Zoellick noted the Administration is working with rebel groups to help them iron out differences so peace process can move forward (did not say how and was not pressed on the issue).
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Confirmed that the US is and will continue to support ICC investigations in Darfur (no details on what type of support or cooperation).
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Jones noted that NATO may have a role in providing more training and logistics for troops (again, little details)
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Zoellick publicly recognized the importance of pushing the GoS to deal with/oust the LRA and linked in US relationship with Uganda.
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Zoellick mentioned the simmering problems in the east and meddling neighbors—Chad and Eritrea particularly- but not clear solutions provided.
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No mention of the Darfur Peace & Accountability Act.
More details follow and a copy of the full transcript will be circulated when it is available. (Thanks to those who shared their notes. I've incorporated notes from various sources below.)
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing
International Response to Darfur Crisis
September 28, 2005
In his opening statement, Zoellick identified 5 overarching goals for U.S. policy in Sudan:
1) a unified, peaceful Sudan, which would mean regional stability, cooperation on combating terrorism, economic development, and participation in international affairs
2) full implementation of the CPA
3) end to the violence in Darfur, security for people to return home, and accountability for the perpetrators; right now the focus is on NGOs and humanitarian efforts
4) strengthening the AU capacity to provide security
5) demonstrate strong U.S. support for economic development and security in all of Africa
He then gave a brief history of the North-South conflict and the conflict in Darfur. He said the context for the CPA was "politics by exhaustion" and "worn out ideologies," and acknowledged that the agreement is very sensitive and must be fully implemented for the peace to last. He also acknowledged that the eastern provinces are becoming a problem, and that Sudan's neighbors are getting worried. He spoke about the impact of Garang's death and the importance of continuing to move forward. The SPLM/A is working through how to maintain their representation in Khartoum. Garang's successor, Salva Kirr, is dedicated, but his experience is mostly military, and he does not have the same connections with the people of Southern Sudan, so he needs outside support. This is a critical time that will result in either an upward or downward spiral. Upward: the SPLM/A has a role in the full implementation of the CPA. Downward: peace and stability in Darfur are not maintained, which will make it all the more difficult to maintain peace in all of Sudan.
He outlined what he thought were the key issues of the CPA implementation: withdrawal of the Sudanese army in the south; make sure key mechanisms of CPA are functioning, especially the Assessment and Evaluation Commission and the National Petroleum Commission; active SPLM/A participation in the Government of National Unity, especially without Garang; continuing efforts against the presence of the LRA in the south; and determining the boundaries for the region. Zoellick maintained that the humanitarian assistance in Darfur must be complimented by the peace talks in Abuja, while also addressing the economic and social factors that contributed to the conflict. An important part of the AU mission must be the civilian police presence, not just soldiers, in the camps. He also said that we must follow through on a UN resolution for economic sanctions and dealings with the ICC.
Chairman Lugar's questions focused primarily on what more could be done to resolve the crisis in Darfur, such as diplomatic efforts with the Government of Sudan and the governments of neighboring countries, strengthening of the UNSC mandate, or support for the African Union.
Senator Biden expressed concern that the American public is losing interest in Darfur and will be prioritizing Iraq and hurricane reconstruction, limiting the USG's ability to act on this issue. He also worried that the African Union presence is losing its deterrent effect as Sudanese realize how poorly equipped the AU troops are. Biden supported the need to promote economic development in Chad in order to avoid conflicts between refugees and host communities.
Senator Hagel's comments were directed to the role that China is playing in Sudan as it attempts to secure oil from the region, and he questioned whether the USG is engaging China on this issue.
Senator Dodd was highly critical of USG's opposition to prosecution of Sudanese genocidaires by the ICC given the United States' strong leadership in this area post-World War II and Congress's finding that genocide had occurred in Darfur.
Senator Feingold highlighted that significant levels of violence are still occurring in IDP camps, including rapes, despite reports that the overall situation has improved in Darfur. He questioned the African Union's ability to effectively protect civilians in Darfur.
Senator Obama highlighted the need to use the lessons learned in Sudan in other regions in Africa and to be more proactive about responding to potential conflicts before they erupt. He asked General Jones whether reaching 12,000 was plausible for the AU. Jones said that while the AU was straining at its current standing of 6000 12000 is possible if sufficient financial resources donated and if there is a commitment to training. Claimed there are soldiers available, but need to be trained and that it would take dedication over time to have all the pieces fall in line. Obama also asked about blue-helmeting the AU and Jones stressed that "the AU is the way to go."
Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick's responses focused on the need to support the African Union and to create the conditions for people to return through implementation of the CPA and economic development. Pressed by Senator Dodd, he said that the US will cooperate with the ICC in its prosecutions.
General James L. Jones, Jr., NATO Supreme Allied Commander for Europe, highlighted in his comments that NATO's role at this time is to provide support for the African Union; NATO has responded to all requests for assistance that the AU has made. As for what more NATO could do, General Jones suggested that NATO could provide further logistics support and training for African Union troops.
Bridget Moix
Legislative Secretary
Friends Committee on National Legislation
245 Second Street, NE
Washington, DC 20009
T: (202) 547-6000, x2524
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Sara Weisman
"Never again" – please join me in helping stop the genocide in Darfur
Visit http://www.ushmm.org/conscience/ to learn more.
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