The United Nations Security Council will go to five nations in Africa, including Sudan and Somalia, over the next week. The press was briefed today about the pending trip by Ambassador Michel Kafando of Burkina Faso; Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert of France; Ambassador Dumisani Kumalo of South Africa; and Ambassador John Sawers of the United Kingdom.

In Somalia, the Security Council will meet with the current government – including the President and Prime Minister, opposition parties, diplomatic community, and “civil society.” Ambassador Kumalo indicated that “all the major players will be there,” and that this is a “great opportunity for the Somalis.”

Regarding the Sudan leg of the trip, the panel indicated that the Security Council will visit Khartoum in the North, as well as Juba and President Salva Kiir in the South. The Sudan leg will focus heavily on Darfur, as well as the progress made by the United Nations African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). Mr. Sawyers stated that it is “clear that UNAMID is building up it’s capability,” but that “there is more to be done.”

Vice Admiral Robert Moeller, deputy to the commander for military operations for the United States African Command (AFRICOM,) says not only will AFRICOM analyze what it needs to do from a military standpoint to assist African partners, but it will also analyze what resources other US government agencies need to carry out their responsibilities to African states. (0:42)

 

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The status and future of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) was discussed at The Brookings Institution by Vice Admiral Robert Moeller, deputy to the commander for military operations. AFRICOM, currently a sub-unified command of the United States European Command (EUCOM), will assume control on Oct. 1, 2008. Tasks currently handled by other unified commands, such as presence in the Horn of Africa, will transfer to AFRICOM on this date. Moeller said that AFRICOM will provide a primary focus on Africa for the United States military, a focus that is currently split between three unified commands. Currently, 500 individuals work for AFRICOM with a goal of 1,300 by fiscal year 2009. (more…)

The United States African Development Program (USADF) held a Board of Directors meeting today, and discussed last months Board Trip to Africa. The board visited Kenya, Ethiopia, Niger, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mauritania and other countries where the USADF currently operates projects. (more…)

Ellen Ratner reports on the infrastructure of southern Sudan and aid operations there. (1:23)

 

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Reporting from the border of Darfur, Ellen Ratner speaks about the living conditions in southern Sudan. (1:42)

 

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Dan Patterson reports from southern Sudan on the poverty there and the contrast between Sudan and Europe. (1:30)

 

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Jack Rice interviews a security guard in Nairobi, Kenya, on the conditions there and his predictions for the future. (3:23)

 

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Secretary General Ban Ki Moon will address the African Union Summit tomorrow. The Secretary General’s agenda includes:
- Encouraging increased dialog between all parties in the Sudan, including tribal groups
- Increased discussion between North and South Sudan
- Talks with the government of Chad on potential assistance of the Sudanese humanitarian crisis
- Beginning a comprehensive peace agreement between all parties in Sudan
- The deterioration of the Kenyan government
- Continued deployment of the African Union

The government of Columbia ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, bringing the number of nations involved to 144. The United States ratified the treaty in 1996.

B. Lynn Pascoe, United Nations Under-Secretary for Political Affairs, issued a statement supporting Egypts attempts to work towards a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Gaza, as well as it’s efforts to provide humanitarian aide to Palestinians. As of Tuesday, border crossings with Israel remained closed. The UN reports that over 77 rockets and mortar have been fired into Israel by Gaza insurgents.

The Security Council will vote on Wednesday to extend the United Nations’ mission in to Ethiopia.

United Nations Special Envoy to Nepal, Ian Martin, condemned bomb attacks in Nepal. He stated that violence and intimidation has no place in a country making a democratic transition.

- Dan Patterson

Authorities in Kenya continue to wrestle with violence sparked by disputed election returns. One of Africa’s more stable government, Kenya continues to deal with violence that erupted more than five days ago. More than 100 people have been killed, and riots persist in Kisumu. Former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has been attempting to negotiate with various tribal factions.

Sunday, January 27 marked the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. This week the United Nations begins a series of events commemorating the holocaust and honoring it’s survivors. Events include a memorial ceremony and concert. US Congressman and Holocaust survivor Tom Lantos will deliver a key-note speech on Monday, January 28th. The United Nations has also issued a commemorative stamp. The United States version will be available for 41 cents.

The Conference for Peace, Security, and Development in North and South Kivo concluded late last week. United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement congratulating the people and government of the Democratic Republic of Congo for a successful conference. The SG believes that peaceful reconciliation between armed factions in the Congo can be reached through further negotiations. The Secretary General also encouraged regional players to support continued talks.

The Secretary General also issued a statement addressing the friends and families of civilians and UN aid workers killed in the recent bombing in Algiers. The SG affirmed the United Nations’ continued peacekeeping missions, but stated “the truth is, we can never really do justice to those we have lost. We can only iss them and mourn them. We can only unite in grieving for what is too hard to endure alone.” The SG went on to stress the lessons learned from the Algiers bombing. These lessons included more clearly articulating to the public and press – particularly in areas of UN presence – what the UN stands for and how it works to achieve it’s goals.

- Dan Patterson

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