Thursday, December 31, 2015
UN Won't Name Staffer Who Was Told of Central African Republic Rapes, Won't Answer on Costs of Ban Ki-moon's Travel
By Matthew Russell Lee
UNITED NATIONS, December 31 -- Ban Ki-moon's tenure as UN Secretary General became embroiled in one scandal after another in 2015 -- but at his “year-end” press conference he refused to answer a Press question directly on it. Video here and embedded below. Vine here.
Beyond the indictments of the former President of the UN General Assembly John Ashe, Ng Lap Seng, Sherri Yang and others, on December 31 Inner City Press asked four of Ban's spokespeople questions including:
"Regarding the report on the sexual abuse in CAR and how the UN handled it, please state the identity of the senior officer in the Executive Office of the Secretary General do which a section of the report is devoted, or explain why your Office will not provide the name, in terms of accountability.
"Please confirm or deny that Andrew Gilmour is seeking employment outside of the EOSG, and provide the SG's view of its senior official leaving or seeking to leave before he does."
Ban's Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, while leaving Inner City Press questions on Burundi and South Sudan entirely UNaddressed, sent this:
From: Farhan Haq [at] un.org
Date: Thu, Dec 31, 2015 at 12:11 PM
Subject: Press Qs in lieu of a UN noon briefing: Burundi, S. Sudan, Haiti, EOSG, still SG travel, UNOG, Ohio, Ethiopia / free press; still Jordan, UNHQ, UN scandals / reforms, Yemen; thanks in advance
To: Matthew Lee [at] InnerCityPress.com
Cc: Stephane Dujarric [at] un.org, FUNCA [at] funca.org
"Regarding accountability and the CAR report, the panel put out the information it chose to provide and we have made available the entire report, without any redactions. Follow-up action is being studied at present.
"We have no comment on staff movements. Staff are free to seek employment opportunities."
This last would appear to apply to yet another UN scandal in 2015: envoy to Libya Bernardino Leon negotiating a cushy job with the United Arab Emirates while purporting to represent the UN on Libya.
With Ban off on a "private" visit to Vienna, tweeted by the UN Office there, the UN has yet to answer Inner City Press' simple question about the cost(s):
"With regard to the Secretary General's current trip to Vienna, tweeted by the UN there, for purposes of transparency including in light of the indictment of ex-UNPGA John Ashe and the new PGA's disclosures, what are the costs to the UN budget, and what are the other costs and who is paying them?"
Hours later, on a UN work day, no answer.
The former President of the General Assembly John Ashe and four others have been indicted, Ashe for buying documents from Ban's UN Secretariat.
Ban's envoy to Libya Bernardino Leon was exposed by leaks as having taken instructions and then a job from the United Arab Emirates.
And Ban's head of UN Peacekeeping, Herve Ladsous, is listed in UN Dispute Tribunal documents as having tried to cover up child rapes in Central African Republic by peacekeepers from his native France.
Inner City Press, which Ban's spokesman Stephane Dujarric did not call on despite calling two separate times on the same UN Correspondents Association scribe, asked audibly, “Do you have any update on the John Ashe indictment? Bernardino Leon? These were major developments this year.” Vine here.
But Ban refused to answer the question. He walked out of the briefing room, shaking hands scribes. The press conference began with Dujarric setting aside the first question for the head of UNCA, who thanked Ban for attending an event on Wall Street for which UNCA charged $6,000 to sit with Ban. This is the UN Corruption Association.
A question on or to cover up the sexual abuse scandal was arranged, with Agence France Presse congratulating Ban for this response to the sexual abuse scandal. (Senegalese Babacar Gaye was urged to resign, Ladsous who on camera linked the rapes to “R&R," video here, remains in place.)
Ban read out a wan answer on Burundi; his deputy spokeperson refused an Inner City Press question on Burundi at the previous day's noon briefing. We'll have more on this.
Ban once promised monthly press conference but his last one was three months before, then nine months before that. On September 16 with the UN being less than successful in mediating in Yemen and Libya, Syria and South Sudan, accused of rapes in Central African Republic and killing 8,000 in Haiti with cholera (after 40,000 died in Sri Lanka with little response from the UN), Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was asked, What is your legacy?
That question, nor none of the other 11 Ban's spokesman Stephane Dujarric selected, did not refer to the rape scandal, much less deadly cholera or the Sri Lanka report released earlier in the day in Geneva, after months of delay and supposed concern by Ban.
Inner City Press asked, before the press conference ended and then again before Ban left the room, “Anything on Sri Lanka?” But there was nothing. Ban's spokesman Dujarric didn't even allow Inner City Press to put a question to UN Peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous, who covered up rapes in DR Congo, Darfur and now CAR.
Most recently, Ladsous linked rapes to a lack of “R&R,” rest and relaxation, video here.
Dujarric himself cut off Inner City Press questions on what Ladsous said, and declined to answer on Reddit in an “Ask Me Anything.” (He didn't say he's ANSWER everything, one wag pointed out.)
But even beyond the scandals, Ban did not in his opening statement mention Somalia, or CAR, or Darfur; none of the questions selected by Dujarric was about Africa. (One wire points out Africa was part of a UN-at-70 question; noted.)
Inner City Press also tried to ask about Burundi -- nothing - and South Sudan, on which we are preparing a story.
It was Voice of America with the “What is your legacy” question. Ban said he'd answer next year. Inner City Press might answer sooner. Watch this site.
On Burundi, US Presses for UN Security Council Visit, UN Spokesperson Ignores Nkurunziza's Threats to Peacekeepers Despite Repeated Press Questions
By Matthew Russell Lee
UNITED NATIONS, December 31 -- Amid criticism that Burundi's Pierre Nkurunziza seeks only to negotiate with himself and not the real opposition to his third term, and of the mediation process as a mere photo-op as the UN deploys abusers into its peacekeeping missions, Inner City Press on December 28, 29, 30 and now 31 has asked the UN questions. See below for (non) answers.
US Deputy Ambassador David Pressman, asked by the Press about Burundi in front of the UN Security Council on December 31, said on the record, “We think it's very important for the Security Council to travel to Burundi and are engaged to try to make that happen. The situation is in flux, it's dangerous and merits the full attention of the Council.”
Meanwhile here are Inner City Press' December 30 (unanswered) and December 31 questions to four separate spokespeople for Ban Ki-moon:
December 30: "Burundi's Pierre Nkurunziza in a press conference threatened attacks on peacekeepers. What is Ban Ki-moon's response to this?" No answer.
December 31: "On Burundi, beyond the still unresponded to questions, what is the comment of Ban Ki-moon and, separately, of UN Women tothis cartoon in pro-government media this week?
In response to that question, the UN Office of the Spokesperson sent a press release about another question (Haiti), but nothing at all on Burundi.
Watch this site.
On December 30 Nkurunziza threatened to have his forces attack peacekeepers proposed for the country. Inner City Press asked, if attacks on international peacekeepers are called violations of international law by the UN and its Security Council, what will the UNSC or Ban Ki-moon say about this threat?
Ban's spokespeople have declined Press questions on Burundi for two days, and now Ban is on leave in Vienna. Will the UNSC penholder, France, be proposing any Press Statement or meeting, as some said would happen this week?
As to next month, incoming UNSC President Uruguay has set its Program of Work press conference for January 4. We'll be there.
On the morning of December 29, Inner City Press asked three separate UN Spokespeople Burundi questions including these:
"On Burundi, what is the Secretary General's or its Special Adviser's view of the inclusiveness of the CNARED group “representing” the opposition for the talks? In light for example of (1) this civil society critique, here and (2) Alain Nyamitwe statement that 'what happened was that the opposition was given only one slot, and of course we were not happy about the group which was selected, we do not believe that it is a legitimate group'?
"On UN deployments by alleged human rights abusers, beyond Majors Niyonzima and Rusheshe, please state whether the following are or will be deploying: Major / Lt. Col Casimir Nihankura and Captain / Major Eliezer Ndihokubwayo."
This last is on a documented trend of the Nkurunziza mis-stating the rank of those it tries to deploy ("as rewards") - but the UN as since last week with Niyonzima and Rusheshe offered no answer.
Of the five questions Inner City Press submitted to three UN Spokespeople on the morning of December 29, a partial response was received only to this one: "On Puerto Rico, please confirm (or deny) receip of the Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla's letter to Ban Ki-moon and response to the position that the US is reversing a decades-old understanding that Puerto Rico, while a U.S. commonwealth, governs through its own constitution."
Near 4 pm on December 29, the UN spokesman answered:
"From: Stephane Dujarric [at] un.org
Date: Tues, Dec 29, 2015 at 3:53 PM
Subject: Press Qs in lieu of a Dec 29 UN noon briefing: Burundi, South Sudan, Puerto Rico/US, UNHQ, Jordan, still UN scandals / reforms, Yemen; thanks in advance
To: Matthew Lee [at] InnerCityPress.com
Cc: FUNCA [at] funca.org
"Matthew--on Puerto Rico, we can confirm that we have received the letter from Governor Garcia Padilla. On the rest, if we have updates, we will share them with you."
So, nothing at all on the Burundi questions.
On the morning of December 28, Inner City Press asked the UN four questions, including: "On Burundi, any comment or update on the talks, or demonstrations including militia inside Burundi? And, as ICP asked before Christmas, what is the status of the deployment to MINUSCA for Burundian Majors Niyonzima and Rusheshe?"
At 2 pm on December 28 the UN Spokesman replies with only this:
"From: Stephane Dujarric [at] un.org
Date: Mon, Dec 28, 2015 at 2:11 PM
Subject: Re: Press Qs in lieu of a UN noon briefing: South Sudan, Burundi, UN scandals / reforms, Yemen; thanks in advance
To: Matthew Lee [at] InnerCityPress.com
Cc: FUNCA [at] funca.org
"Dear Matthew, On Burundi, Mr Benomar is currently in Entebbe for the ceremony, having been in Bujumbura, Kigali, and Kampala before. On the other issues, if we have an update to share with you, we will."
So even on the deployment, nothing on the two Majors involved in the hospital killings in Bujumbura in May -- even as the previous answer about (Lt) Col Baratuza is being questioned by some there. Nothing on the militia: just the photo op. And nothing on the other questions.
By contrast, on December 28 the US State Department said this:
"we think today’s reopening of this dialogue, regionally mediated dialogue between parties to the Burundi crisis, is an important yet preliminary step towards putting Burundi back on the road to peace. I think it’s imperative that all Burundians renounce violence and intimidation and support peaceful, productive engagement and dialogue as a key to reestablishing in Burundi an atmosphere of openness and trust. We certainly appreciate the efforts of the Government of Uganda as well as President Museveni in hosting today’s session in Entebbe."
So the US had 80+ words, while UN offered only the location(s) of its envoy. This as a time when Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, after rejecting Press questions in the run-up to the holiday, did a one on one interview with AP promoting himself for a possible Nobel Prize on climate change. On December 28, Ban issued a statement congratulating South Korea for its agreement with Japan on the comfort women issue. And on Burundi? We'll have more on this.
Burundi's Pierre Nkurunziza government with the agreement of UN Peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous has undertaken to deploy officers allegedly involved in human rights abuses into Ladsous' Central African Republic mission, MINUSCA, see below. Also below, civil society statement in advance of the talks in Kampala on December 28.
Nkurunziza's Imbonerakure militia was quoted by AP that "We would like to warn African Union troops that the majority of Burundians don't want them and they should not impose themselves on the people of Burundi." Here is a video of the ruling party demonstrations, on Facebook
- and now, a second video, on Twitter.
Also on Facebook (but not Twitter), Burundi's Permanent Representative to the UN Albert Shingiro -- who blocks Inner City Press from his Twitter feed -- tried to mock a protest by follow Burundians which Inner City Press covered on December 23, here. (Shingiro, like the presidential adviser and his alter-ego(s) liked to channel Bill Gates.) Some diplomacy: banning the Press from his statements, mocking rather than seeking to dialogue with his countrymen. To this has Burundi sunk.
And so, we publish today this Statement of the Campaign “Halte au troisième mandat” on the occasion of the official opening of negotiations between stakeholders in the Burundi conflict:
"On the occasion of the opening ceremonies of the negotiations between stakeholders in the Burundi conflict, in Kampala-Uganda on December 28, 2015, Civil society organizations members of the Campaign “Halte au troisième mandat” release the following statement:
1. They welcome the beginning of negotiations between Burundi stakeholders for their objective is to find a solution to the Burundian crisis since they will now take place outside Burundi; the same allowing stakeholders to negotiate in conditions that guarantee their safety;
2. However, they regret that the mediation has accused a huge delay in the fulfillment of its mission and that prior consultations as well as the official opening of negotiations are conducted under conditions that ignore the Campaign Halte au troisième mandat, yet widely known as leading group in defending the dignity of the people of Burundi through peaceful protests that started on April 26, 2015.
3. They take the opportunity to reaffirm their support to various groups defending the agenda of the restoration and respect for the Arusha Agreement for peace and reconciliation and the constitution; including CNARED;
4. They rejoice that the CNARED received and accepted the invitation to attend the opening ceremonies of the negotiations. Following due assessment of the achievements of the citizenry movement CNARED and bearing in mind the pressing responsibility to focus and limit mainly on the defense of democratic principles and the fight against impunity in the Supreme interest of the people of Burundi, the Campaign “Halte au troisième mandat” decides to withdraw from CNARED. They will from now on defend the positions and proposals of civil society contained in the document entitled " Burundi Crisis: Diagnosis and proposed solutions by civil society" that was made public;
6. They pledge to keep committed to the fight against the violation of the Arusha Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation and the Constitution and reaffirm their determination to continue the struggle until the restoration of citizens' constitutional legality;
7. They reiterated their willingness and readiness to fully participate in the negotiations and that civil society group should be represented on a same basis as the government of Nkurunziza and the political opposition;
8. Finally, they warn all the stakeholders against any attempt to a deal maintaining Nkurunziza in the position he has usurped and any arrangement likely to provide an opportunity for some to enjoy impunity for crimes committed. Done at Bujumbura, December 27, 2015"
This last has resonance in other mediations: we'll have more on this.
On December 24, Inner City Press asked for the second time, video here:
Inner City Press: whether you have any... first, any readout of Mr. Benomar's travels and attempts to speak with the Government in the region. I'm asking you... yesterday there was… you may have seen it; you may not have seen it… there was a protest outside the building by Burundians, and in speaking with them, they judge the performance of the Secretariat as weak.
And I wanted to know, just to get, I guess, your response to that, and if there's any update on the deployment of these two, Pierre Niyonzima and Jimmy Rusheshe, both of whom have been linked to the hospital killings in May…
Spokesman Stephane Dujarric: On your second part, no, I have no update than what was given. I know there are discussions going on. I don't have an update to share with you. On your first part, I think we can all agree on the frustration of the Burundian people as they see the violence increase in their country. The Secretary-General, through the work of his Special Envoy, is very much focused on finding ways to move the political dialogue forward and to obviously see an end to the current violence that we're seeing. He is currently in Kampala in Uganda meeting with local officials, and I believe there will be talks there early next week.
Inner City Press: Will your office be sending stuff out during this break?
Spokesman: Obviously, as I said, we'll be fully staffed. If there are updates to share, we will share them with you.
Back on December 17 Inner City Press was told, the third time it asked, that the Burundi's Army spokesman Gaspard Baratuza's deployment to the UN mission in CAR had been suspended, and Baratuza was being repatriated. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, who has shielded Secretary General Ban Ki-moon from such Press questions, said "it's an example of the [vetting] policy working."
But Inner City Press has obtained the Burundi government document for the deployment not only of Baratuza but other officers in Ladsous' MINUSCA. Today we focus and ask about Major Pierre Niyonzima.
According to Inner City Press' sources, Niyonzima not only defended extrajudicial executions, he participated in them. On May 14, they say, Major Niyonzima was the Senior army officer who led the attack on the hospital where those accused of involvement in the attempted coup were slaughtered. They say Niyonzima reports to Guillaume Bunyoni and has been involved in killings in Musaga, Nyakabiga and Mutakura. We'll have more on this, and on other deployees to Ladsous' MINUSCA, including Jimmy Rusheshe.
On December 21 Inner City Press asked the UN's Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq about these deployments, and the Burundian government's rejection of the African Union's proposed deployment, video here,transcript here:
Inner City Press: on Burundi, as you know, the African Union Peace and Security Council has made this proposal 5,000 peacekeepers and set a 96-hour deadline for the Government to respond. The assembly has met and rejected it and said it would be a violation of the sovereignty of the country. So, I wanted to know, what is the Secretariat… Mr. [Jamal] Benomar, what do they… you think of both the [African Union Peace and Security Council] taking a seemingly fairly aggressive protection of civilian stance and the Government rejecting it?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, first of all, regarding that, I believe that the discussions will continue with the African Union and the Government of Burundi. But, we certainly support the efforts by the African Union and its Peace and Security Council to deal with the protection of civilians in Burundi. We've made clear our alarm at recent developments and the need for there to be additional steps to bring the tensions on the ground to a halt. As you know, the Security Council itself has been apprised by the Secretary-General of various options for the way forward, and we await their guidance on that. Meanwhile, Mr. Benomar has started some of his travels. I believe he was in Washington, D.C., in the last few days, and he is expected to head to the region shortly.
Correspondent: And then… thanks a lot. I wanted… something a little more specific. It has to do with this vetting of troops from Burundi, but I guess you could say elsewhere. I know it was said last week that Gaspard Baratuza, a Deputy Spokesman of the army, was being repatriated.
Deputy Spokesman: Yes.
Inner City Press: But, I've since seen a letter… it was his deployment letter, but it also involved two other majors in the army who are said to have been involved in the… the assault on a hospital in May, right after the coup attempt in which people were killed in their beds, and these involve Mr. Pierre Niyonzima and Jimmy Rusheshe. And both of them, according to a letter from the Burundian Army, are… were being deployed to the UN in the Central African Republic. So, I wanted… I guess I want to ask you, like, what does the vetting consist of? What was the vetting that Mr. Baratuza failed that these two individuals apparently don't fail, given their involvement in extrajudicial executions?
Deputy Spokesman: As we get information… if any information causes us to have concerns about deployment, it is reviewed in that light. In that light, Mr. Baratuza, his suspension was first delayed, and then he was repatriated. And so, depending upon the information, as we get it, we'll act upon it.
Inner City Press: So, does… I guess what I'm saying is does the… either the human rights presence of the UN in Burundi have information about those who commanded the assault on this hospital, it's called Bumerec Hospital, in May and the connection to the people that were being deployed?
Deputy Spokesman: Like I said, we… yes, we do have a human rights presence in Burundi. As we get information, we act upon, and that includes anyone being deployed.
Obtained by Inner City Press
Ladsous' lack of vetting was criticized in the recently released report into the cover up of peacekeepers' rapes in the Central African Republic. Earlier, Inner City Press exclusive reported on Ladsous in his October 1, 2015 meeting with Burundi's vice president saying that he is "pragmatic" on human rights.
On December 16 Inner City Press was banned from questions to Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, but learned from the mission MINUSCA that Baratuza was already in Entebbe. Inner City Press asked several Security Council members, then Ban's spokesman Stephane Dujarric on December17.
Dujarric told Inner City Press Baratuza's deployment is suspended and he is being repatriated: "based on the information we've received regarding the Lieutenant Colonel, his deployment has been suspended, and he will be repatriated back to Burundi." Video here. Dujarric told Inner City Press this shows the UN system working - on a day when a report on rapes was issued showing UN Peacekeeping under Herve Ladsous not sufficiently vetting for human rights. We'll have more on this.
Amid the escalating killings in Burundi, last weekend's summary executions in neighborhoods opposed to Pierre Nkurunziza's third term stand out. But Burundi Army spokesman Gaspard Baratuza was quoted on December 12 blaming all of the deaths on attempts to steal weapons to free prisoners.
Inner City Press had heard that Mr. Baratuza was already in the process of being deployed to the UN Peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) even when he was giving these quotes, issuing statements and speaking to state-owned radio, and so asked MINUSCA's acting spokesperson, “Is Gaspard Baratuza of Burundi's army getting a MINUSCA job?”
On December 16, hours before UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon held a rare press conference, MINUSCA's acting spokesperson sent this to Inner City Press:
"To: Matthew.Lee [at] InnerCityPress.com
From: Vladimir MONTEIRO [at] UN.org
Date: Wed, Dec 16, 2015
Subject: ICP question: Gaspard Baratuza of Burundi's army getting a MINUSCA-related post?
Cc: FUNCA [at] funca.info
"No decision related to Lt Col Baratuza's deployment can be taken before we finish looking into the matter. We can confirm that Lt Col Baratuza is in Entebbe but he has not yet deployed to MINUSCA. Regards. VNM"
There are some questions about Baratuza, a Colonel in Burundi's Army, being listed by the UN as “Lt. Col.”
Despite multiple follow-up questions by Inner City Press, Mr. Monteiro - previously a spokesperson for the UN electoral mission in Burundi - replied that “This is what we can say about this issue.”
But the UN should have to say more. Inner City Press has repeatedly asked the UN how its Department of Peacekeeping Operations under Herve Ladsous vets those who deploy to UN missions; Inner City Pressexclusively reported on an October 1, 2015 meeting in which Ladsous told Burundi's Vice President Joseph Butare that he is “pragmatic” on human rights.
Ban Ki-moon and his spokesman declined to take Inner City Press' questions on December 16, as they did on December 14. Vine here. But concerned members of the UN Security Council have now been asked about Baratuza by Inner City Press. Watch this site.
On South Sudan, UN Won't Answer Inner CIty Press on 28 States, UNMISS Says Stay Outta Salva's Way
By Matthew Russell Lee, Exclusive series
UNITED NATIONS, December 31 -- In the UN's continued withholding of news and answers about South Sudan, the UN declined to provide any update about Pibor on December 29 when Inner City Press asked, in writing, below, based on leaked internal UN reports it obtained. The UN, for 37 hours and counting, has said nothing.
Inner City Press on December 29 asked the UN, with no response as of December 31, "What is the UN's / UNMISS' / DPA's view of or response to the SPLA-IO position that the 28 state decree must be removed?"
Now on December 31, Inner City Press obtained this from inside UNMISS:
"On Thursday, 31 December 2015 (tomorrow), President Salva Kiir will hold a public rally at the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum. The President will explain to the people the objective and the basis of the creation of the 28 States.
The rally will commence at 09:00 hours.
In light of this there may be heavy HG security presence in town within the period. UN personnel are hereby advised to restrict all non-essential movement within Juba during the rally and particularly avoid the Dr. John Garang Square and Ministry areas, and use alternate routes.
UN/INGO personnel are further reminded of the following:
· VIP convoy: Upon sighting a convoy, slow down, indicate and when safe pull to the side of the road until all convoy vehicles have passed.
· Road closures: Upon approaching what appears to be a road closure do the following; reduce speed (slow down); if it is safe, calmly turn the vehicle around (being mindful of other vehicles, curbs and drainage ditches) then take a viable alternative route.
· Keep Tetra/VHF radios charged and monitored at all times."
After the UN Spokesperson's Office closed without answering any South Sudan (or Burundi or Tamir Rice) questions, Inner City Press here published an internal UN Situation Report, which of Pibor diplomatically says:
"On 29 December 2015 at about 06:50 hrs, in Pibor (GPAA) sporadic gunfire was heard at about 600 meters north of the UNMISS Pibor compound. At about 10:43 hrs, about 15-20 armed SPLA soldiers positioned themselves outside the UNMISS Pibor perimeter on the Northern side of the old PoC. No hostile actions have been reported at this time. INDBATT Protection Force is monitoring and on high alert. All staff members have been accounted for and are inside the UN compound."
(The Sit Rep also recounts the UN Mission's UNexplained confiscation of "homemade alcohol" including from "an SPLA.")
Also on December 30, Inner City Press obtained and asked the UN Spokesperson about this internal UN report:
"On 30 Dec (today), from 10:45hrs to 11:30hrs, an UNMISS team comprising of UN security, MLO, INBATT2, UNPOL and CAD conducted joint patrols in Pibor town and environs.
The team observed the following:
· 30 meter long trench have been dug by armed personnel from David Yau Yau’s Cobra Faction close to their HQ and former UNMISS water point in Pibor main town. 60mm mortar gun stands are position in the trenches facing Likuangole. (The mortar range is approximately 1.5kms). Ammunition boxes are also placed in the trenches.
· Huge presence of cobra faction militia in Pibor town and posted at every strategic location around Pibor.
· Shops are closed with less civilian population in town."
And still, nothing from the UN. This is called more cover-up.
Update of 10:34 am: Inner City Press hears from South Sudan -- still nothing from UN Headquarters despite two days of questions -- that David Yau Yau elements have killed the father of the newly appointed SPLM-IG governor...
"On South Sudan, Inner City Press has seen a document in which UNMISS states that 'the people of Pibor and the Cobra faction (loyal to DYY) also informed DYY that they will never allow Baba Koneyi (the supposed Governor elect with origins from Likuangole and whom they consider as a Bor politician supporting the Dinka and not the Murle) to come to Pibor.'
"Please state what UNMISS is doing about this, including but not limited to protection.
"Please respond to criticism that UNMISS in Malakal, aware that humanitarians are resistant to working in a military camp, will reportly not provide any medical services?
"What is the UN's / UNMISS' / DPA's view of or response to the SPLA-IO position that the 28 state decree must be removed?"
Of the five questions Inner City Press submitted to three UN Spokespeople on the morning of December 29, a partial response was received only to this one: "On Puerto Rico, please confirm (or deny) receip of the Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla's letter to Ban Ki-moon and response to the position that the US is reversing a decades-old understanding that Puerto Rico, while a U.S. commonwealth, governs through its own constitution."
Near 4 pm on December 29, the UN spokesman answered:
"From: Stephane Dujarric [at] un.org
Date: Tues, Dec 29, 2015 at 3:53 PM
Subject: Press Qs in lieu of a Dec 29 UN noon briefing: Burundi, South Sudan, Puerto Rico/US, UNHQ, Jordan, still UN scandals / reforms, Yemen; thanks in advance
To: Matthew Lee [at] InnerCityPress.com
Cc: FUNCA [at] funca.org
"Matthew--on Puerto Rico, we can confirm that we have received the letter from Governor Garcia Padilla. On the rest, if we have updates, we will share them with you."
So, nothing at all on the South Sudan questions.
On December 28, Inner City Press asked four UN spokespeople:
"In South Sudan, the UN's Dec 24 Situation Report said 'On 23 December 2015 at around 09:30 hrs, at Baggari Jadid check point in Wau an UNMISS Integrated patrol team heading to Ngisa for security assessment was denied passage by local security agents manning the check point. The local security team stated that they received orders from their superiors not to allow UNMISS vehicles to proceed along Wau - Bazia axis. Efforts to obtain permission from SPLA to proceed on the patrol were turned down, therefore, the mission was aborted.'
"What has been done since? And what has the UN done about the continuing detention of WES Governor Joseph Bakasoro?"
Dujarric replied at 2 pm on December 28 to another question, partially (on Burundi) then added: "On the other issues, if we have an update to share with you, we will."
So on South Sudan, as usual, there is no UN response. But here, the UN not protecting civilians in laid bare - with no response. We'll have more on this.
Back on December 9, the day after the UN belatedly confirmed ceasefire violations in South Sudan, only after Inner City Press published proof of the UN's knowledge and asked about it, then the UN Peacekeeping mission in the country shifted to either intentionally mis-reporting government actions in Yambio, or showing ineptitude in its response.
Again receiving leaked UNMISS Situation Reports, Inner City Press found this paragraph:
"On 7 December 2015 around 20:00 hrs, heavy exchange of gunshots occurred in the area of Hai Kuba, Ikpiro in Yambio in Western Equatoria State. The shooting lasted approximately twenty to thirty minutes. Reportedly, the shooting started when the local authorities attempted to arrest three (3) local youths suspects."
But Inner City Press' sources said the arrests were political, of former Yambio Commissioner Angelo Bakote and 3 young men. So on December 9 Inner City Press asked, of protection, transcript here:
Inner City Press: On South Sudan, and thanks for the additional report on Yambio. What I wanted to ask you and it's really because the reports have become somewhat troubling there. You'd said that the… they were triggered by arrests of people connected with… I guess you said youth gang; some people use the term "arrow boys". But I wanted to ask you is, I asked you about this former commissioner of Western Equatoria State, Angelo Bakote. And why I'm asking you is, since his arrest, there's been a broadcast by the caretaker governor of the state on Radio Yambio FM saying Mr. Bakote will be dealt with. And people there say this is something UNMISS has heard; even the troika people in Juba have heard. And I wanted to know, what steps is UNMISS taking to ensure at least fair treatment and not being physically taken care of of the former governor and viewed as an opponent of Salva Kiir, who was arrested yesterday?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, as I said, the details we have on this is that the Mission's belief is that the fighting was triggered by the arrest of individuals suspected to have connections with the armed youth. That's as much as we have on that for now.
Back on December 8 Inner City Press asked, video here,transcript here:
Inner City Press: On Yambio, I've seen the situation rep… report, and it says that they believe that this fighting was started by… when local authorities attempted to arrest three local youths. But I've also heard that it was former Yambio commissioner Angelo Bakote that was arrested. I'm wondering, is… I mean, in these reports that you give, is what triggered the violence and whether the violence is still ongoing… I've also heard there's still heavy gunfire, at least as of a half an hour ago, right outside of Yambio. So what is the UN's role? It's good that you report it, but was this violence triggered by an attempt to arrest on… some people believe on a political basis a former commissioner of Yambio by the Government?
Deputy Spokesman: First of all, I'd caution against reading too much into situation reports, many of which are compendiums of different types of reports from the ground, of different degrees of reliability. Some may be media accounts. Some may be from other local sources. What we report from here is what we can get as verified information from the UN Mission. So… but beyond that, of course, the Mission is functioning on the ground in terms of protecting people. As you know, they're… as I just mentioned, they're providing security for people who are trying to get into a nongovernmental organisation compound in Yambio, and the police there are also providing… are helping with the screening for people trying to gain access into that camp. This is part and parcel of the many functions that the UN Mission has done. As you know, for… since the start of this crisis, for about two years now, this is a Mission that has been providing protection to well over 100,000 people and oftentimes much more than that at its various bases while at the same time conducting the normal activities of a UN peacekeeping mission, whether it be patrolling or contact with parties to make sure that situations are resolved on the ground.
Inner City Press: As in other peacekeeping missions, does it co… you know, have a human rights reporting function? That's my… I guess my question is, it seems like in this instance, particular instance, just taking this one, that the trigger of the violence seems to be… [Cross talk]
Deputy Spokesman: The mission has reported on human rights, and it continues to do so.
We'll have more on this.
For weeks amid fighting in South Sudan, Inner City Press has asked the UN why it refuses to report even what it knows. Even as Inner City Press has obtained, asked about and published emails showing the UN's knowledge of fighting, the UN spokesperson has repeated, Ask UNMISS.
On December 7 Inner City Press obtained an UNMISS situation report stating
"On 05 December 2015 at 22:40 hrs, reportedly SPLA and SPLA-IO clashed at Bisilia, Bazia Farajalla, and Bringi in Western Bahr el Ghazal. No further information is available regarding the fighting. On 06 December, there is a mobile network blackout since early morning as all the three networks (MTN, Zain and Vivacell) in Wau are not available. As SPLA blocking the main Wau airport road and restricting movements around Wau airport, the ASC declared Grey Alert State at Wau town. All UN travel is restricted, except for travel movements explicitly authorized by the HoA/Units on a case-by-case basis linked to PC 1-2. All staff members are requested to monitor their radios for further announcements."
This was followed by a shorter announcement with different spelling:
"Ref: 084/SB/07/12/2015
This is to inform all UN staff members that due to insecurity, Grey Alert Status has been declared for the following locations in Western Bahr El Ghazal State;
1. Farajallah
2. Bussare
3. Bazia
4. Bissellia
GREY Alert Status: All UN travel is restricted, except for travel/movements explicitly authorized by the Heads of Agency or Units on a case-by-case basis linked to PC 1-2."
PC 1-2 means critical or essential. The UN never announced this, but when Inner City Press after the publication above asked about it, the UN confirmed it - and dodged on why it wasn't announced. From the UN transcript:
Inner City Press: I wanted to ask you about South Sudan. The UN seems to be aware of fighting in Western Bahr el Ghazal State and has declared a grey alert, saying its personnel should not travel to four towns there because of fighting between the SPLA [Sudan People’s Liberation Army] and SPLA in Opposition. So, what I'm wondering is, what is… what does the UN perceive of as its role of reporting when ceasefire violations and fighting take place? If they're aware of it to the degree of telling their own personnel not to go to places and naming the date and times of fighting, what is its role in saying the ceasefire is being violated and by whom?
Deputy Spokesman: On that, I have an update from the Mission. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has received reports that clashes took place between the Sudan People's Liberation Army and opposition forces in Bisselia, Bazia, Farajallah and Bringi in Wau County in Western Bahr el Ghazal on Saturday. Since 5 December, the SPLA has reportedly been conducting military operations in areas of Bazia, Bisselia and Wau. The Mission is concerned by these reports of violations of the ceasefire and continues to urge the full implementation of the peace agreement.
Inner City Press: I just wanted to ask you one thing, and thanks for confirming that. But my question would be, what's the role… in terms of the role of the UN, like, you've confirmed it. You had the statement. Would you have read the statement if it weren't asked? And, if not, why not? Why doesn't the UN Mission say, this fighting is taking place; this is a problem; people are being killed or whatever else?
Deputy Spokesman: I read it if asked, because this is something for which I had some details in case people ask. Regarding the reports, we have been trying to verify reports. For example, you'd asked some… more than a week ago about fighting in Western Equatoria State. There were reports and we took note of those reports, but those were some of the reports that we were not actually able to verify. It depends… it takes time to verify things, but we do patrolling. The Mission goes out to different areas to try to verify reports, and when it has these reports, it reports back to the Security Council and others about any particular violations, as it did in this case.
Amid reports of renewed fighting in the Equatoria states, Inner City Press on November 25 asked UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq about the fighting, and a peacekeeper killed on November 23. The (non) answers are below.
On December 2, Inner City Press obtained a UN email acknowledging knowledge of fighting between the Government and SLPA/IO in Busere, Western Bahr El Ghazal State, stating that “fighting is still ongoing as of 02 Dec 2015” and that “no UN interest is involved at this time.”
UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said he doesn't get these emails. Inner City Press asked why UN Peacekeeping, led by Herve Ladsous, does not report on fighting of which it is aware, and how “no UN interest is involved” is consistent with the UN's protection of civilians mandate or claims.
Dujarric wouldn't even attempt an answer to this policy question (which Ladsous refuses, like other Press questions, to answer). Dujarric repeated, as if it were an answer, that he has not seen the email.
So Inner City Press publishes it, here:
"From: Enoch Penney Laryea @un.org
Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2015 9:15 AM
To: SANTUR Abdulahi; Simon Agnew [WFP]; Christoffel Du Toit; Safari Djumapili [OCHA]; Ruiz, Domingo (FAOSS); Carlyne Romulus [at UNMAS] Sorin GIFEI [WFP], Shane Yates [UNCHR]; Abdikadir Tulicha; Sylvain Denairies; UNMISS-FHQ-J2; John McCue (IOM); Gatluak Gatluak [and others at UNICEF], IMF
Subject: FW: Fighting in Busere - Western Bahr El Ghazal State
"Info received indicate that on 01 Dec 2015 at about 05:00 hours (LT) fighting erupted between SPLA and SPLA/IO at FIRKA and BUSERE (20 km South of Wau town). The fighting subsided around 10:00 hours. Military pickups and ambulances were observed transporting casualties along the airport road at high speed towards the military barracks. SPLA soldiers in the town were seen to be on high alert and on stand by mode.
"Comments: Reportedly the SPLA/IO group attacked SPLA at the affected area. When SPLA soldiers were sent to reinforce their colleagues they were also ambushed by the rebels leading to further casualties on the part of SPLA.
"Fighting is still ongoing as of 02 Dec 2015.
"No UN interest is involved at this time."
Again, why doesn't Ladsous' DPKO report this, and how is this “no UN interest is involved at this time” consistent with the UN's protection of civilians mandate or claims? We'll have more on this.
Inner City Press obtained the UN Security Situation Report for November 29, and finds in this internal report, exclusively published here:
"On 28 November 2015 at around 22:45 hrs, in Yambio town near Tourist Hotel along the main road, a UN Agency national staff member was reportedly involved in a traffic accident. UN Security responded to the scene of the incident and found another civilian vehicle turned over with the driver apparently dead inside the vehicle whilst the UN agency staff member sustained visible injuries in his head. The local police on the spot attempted to arrest the UN staff member involved in the accident, however,
after negotiation UN Security transported him to UN clinic for the medical treatment."
Can you say, impunity? On December 1, Inner City Press asked UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric, transcript here:
Inner City Press: on South Sudan, it was said on Friday that the Mission was going to go and check these deaths. And I’ve been looking at these [situation reports]. It seems to me that they’re not really reporting on things that even the media’s reporting of attacks in the country. So, one, do you have anything on that? And, I wanted to ask you about something that was in one of the [situation reports], yesterday’s, where it says that a UN staff member was driving a car. He had a crash. UNDSS [United Nations Department of Safety and Security] appeared and said that the sustained visible… somebody was dead in the other car. Basically, it’s a deadly car crash caused… or involving the UN staff member. The reason I’m asking you is, it says the local police on the spot attempted to arrest the UN staff; however, after negotiation, the UN staff member was taken for medical treatment. What is… are UN staff members exempt from traffic laws even in deadly crashes?
Spokesman: I don’t… this seems to me like an isolated incident. I would encourage you to reach out to the mission to see if you can get more detail. I’m not going to speculate on…
Inner City Press: But the policy is not isolated. The guy is dead.
Spokesman: I’m not going to speculate on this particular case, but if you reach out to the mission, I’m sure they…
Inner City Press: But can you find out what the UN policy is on negotiating the release of…?
Spokesman: I’m not going to speculate
Haq on November 25 said he had nothing on the fighting, but said that the peacekeeper who was shot was from Ethiopia and who fired the shot was unknown. On November 27, having received information from South Sudan on both issues, Inner City Press asked the UN in writing: "please state if the UN / UNMISS or its affiliated radio station is/are aware of airstrikes on Gariya Bongolo, Western Equatoria in South Sudan, and separately if they are aware of or belief that Ugandan aircraft were involved."
Later on November 27, the UN sent Inner City Press this:
"Regarding your question on Wednesday on fighting in South Sudan's Equatoria state, we can say the following: On 26 November, UNMISS received unconfirmed reports that 14 people had been killed and a number of people injured 30 km south of Mundri town. The Mission is seeking to verify these reports, and the number of casualties reported."
But how hard, really, was and is UNMISS trying to verify? No update was provided for three days; when Inner City Press asked UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric on November 30, he had no information.
It's worth noting that the UN-affiliated Radio Miraya reported on the killings. Inner City Press has heard, "UPDF helicopter gunships attacked and killed civilians while purporting to be hunting SPLA IO forces. When finished in Mundri the caretaker Governor of WES Patrick Zamoi has requested helicopter attacks on Ezo."
When the UN is criticized for how it treats internally displaced people (IDPs), does it seek to improve, or only grow defensive? On November 19, Inner City Press asked UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric, transcript here:
Inner City Press: In South Sudan, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has asked publicly for UNMISS [United Nations Mission in South Sudan] to increase the space available to IDPs [internally displaced people] in the Malakal protection site, saying basically they're crammed in and seems to violate even the sort of standards put out by UN and others. What is UNMISS doing about these? They have more space.
Spokesman Dujarric: What UNMISS is doing is sheltering over 100,000 people since the start of the Civil War in very difficult conditions, in places that were not designed to house people. They were not designed to be… to hold internally displaced people. These were, for most of them, logistics bases. The mission is constantly trying to improve the conditions, whether it's hygiene and living standards. Obviously, we're limited by space, by funds, and we're trying to do the best we can.
Inner City Press: Well, I guess… I mean, but are they saying MSF doesn't understand that? They work in the camp but they're saying the people…
Spokesman Dujarric: I'm not saying MSF… MSF says what it feels needs to be said, and I say what I feel I need to say.
But what will be done?
On October 26, based on NGO and AP reporting, Inner City Press asked UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric:
Inner City Press: I wanted to ask you about South Sudan, there's reports by something called the protection cluster there that 80 civilians have been killed mostly by Government attacks in Leer County in the month of October. So people there are asking, where is UNMISS [United Nations Mission in South Sudan]? And it seems that UNMISS has not sent any patrols. They're in Bentiu. And I wanted to know, can you find out if there's any plan…
Spokesman: Where is UNMISS? UNMISS has been, I think, providing protection for more than 100,000 civilians and has been doing a superhuman job, for lack of a more adequate diplomatic word, in terms of trying to protect as many civilians as possible. The Mission does send out patrols where it can and observes what it can. I will take a look at that specific report and get back to you.
Inner City Press: Yeah. It seems like in Bentiu, they have peacekeepers from Mongolia, Ethiopia, India and Ghana…
Spokesman: No, I am well aware of where peacekeepers are. You're also talking about a country that's currently in the middle of a civil conflict. I think the Mission is doing… is stretching itself and doing whatever it can to protect civilians. So as I said, I will look into that specific report.
Well, here's from the report by the Protection Cluster: "Over a three week period between 4 and 22 October, at least 80 civilians were reportedly killed in Leer County. Among these were at least 57 children, 29 of whom drowned while fleeing attacks.2 Widespread use of sexual violence was also reported, with contacts on the ground reporting over 50 cases of rape. IDPs further reported that Government forces shot into swamps at fleeing civilians, burned houses, and abducted women and children."
We'll have more on this.
From September 29, 2015: An internal UN document leaked to Inner City Press, which is exclusively publishing it today, shows the high degree of dysfunction in the country, and in the UN.
Here are some quotes, the full document we have put online here:
Within South Sudan the inextricable link with the Government’s political party SPLM with the SPLA military has exacerbated the crisis and this bond is also a potential stumbling block to finding a peaceful solution in the future. Currently the Government cannot adequately protect its population or institutions and therefore by extension is also unable to provide adequate protection to UN personnel or assets. The fragmentation of the military from the beginning of the crisis, the misuse of national security agencies and the economic status resulting from the collapse of state structure and drop in income, has led to further political instability.
This assessment defines that the UN is not a primary target for direct violence. However, this situation could change if the economic situation declines further, the military armed conflict continues and tensions rise within PoC sites.
Currently there is no mainstreaming of Security within the planning of UN activities/ programmes. Therefore, the policy that defines that security needs to be involved at all levels of management to ensure security is considered/ mainstreamed into all activities or programmes is not applied, specifically in UNMISS.
The high prevalence of alcohol and illicit drug use within the PoC sites has exacerbated violence and criminal behaviour directly impacting upon UN and AFP personnel working or living within or adjacent to the PoC sites. The smuggling of weapons into the PoCs poses a potential Direct Threat to UNMISS and AFP staff.
Continued accusations by government actors or affiliates that the PoC sites are sanctuary for supporters of the SPLA in Opposition also make the PoC sites a target; this point was actively demonstrated in the attack in the Bor in April 2014 resulting in the death of 55 IDPs within the UNMISS site.
Prior to December 2013, the UN was well regarded by the South Sudanese for its role in the drive towards independence from Sudan, for its humanitarian interventions and for efforts to protect civilians. But the ongoing crisis in South Sudan has also negatively impacted on sentiments and threats directed to UN personnel in the course of their work, for example IDPs insisting that national staff not from their preferred ethnic group are removed from programme activities in POC sites and some Ugandan UNPOL having to wear civilia clothes and be removed from POC duty due to active UPDF military support for the
Government of South Sudan.
In March 2014, a labelling error was discovered whilst transporting containers loaded with duty equipment for the UN Ghanaian peacekeepers in Unity State which brought strained relations to even a lower point. The error was exploited to galvanise hostility towards the UN in favour of the government by falsely presenting the UN as supplying weaponry to the opposition. It took elaborate interventions, investigations
and communications to clear the false impression that this created.
[ICP note: the same type of "labeling" or "clerical" error occure this months with weapons headed to MONUSCO. This is what UN Peacekeeping has become under Herve Ladous, who linked peacekeepers' rapes to "R&R, here.]
On 26 August 2014 under suspicious circumstances a UN contracted helicopter crashed near Bentiu in Unity State, killing three (3) aircrew and injuring one (1) other, underlining the threats involved in working within South Sudan. Investigations into the cause of the crash were inconclusive.
There have been increasing reports of criminal acts occurring within the Protection Of Civilian (POC) sites; also there have been a number of serious assaults against the UN and other humanitarian workers, sometimes involving weapons which
has resulted a few times of hospitalisation of personnel. These incidents have, and continue to affect not only the civilians seeking refuge at UN sites, but also the ‘safety and security’ of individual UNMISS and Agencies Funds and Programmes (AFP)
personnel.
"In February 2015 there was an alleged sexual assault of a Canadian INGO by a subcontractor for a UN Agency in UNMISS Bentiu team site."
[ICP note: the UN and UNICEF have not addressed this; the head of UN Peacekeeping, Herve Ladsous, has linked rapes to R&R.]
As the fighting also continues at a pace within Sudan on two fronts – Darfur and Nuba Mountains (South Kordofan in particular) the impact for the whole border region cannot be ignored. Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) are also carrying out
aerial bombing campaigns in the Nuba Mountains but also extending into South Sudan in November 2014 to hit alleged JEM targets in Raja, Western Bahr el Ghazal which killed 24 people including women and children.
South Sudan lacks an adequate air traffic control system, countrywide. The government took control of the country’s airspace from Sudan in 2011, but to date has not issued any “Notice to Airmen” (NOTAMs.). There are areas, however, that the government has declared a “no fly zone” (i.e. over the Presidential Palace in Juba), suggesting that the government reserve the right to fire upon an aircraft that violates this airspace.
The SPLA-io has reportedly mined the roads to the north of
Bentiu resulting in several incidents of vehicles being destroyed and civilian casualties. This is of particular concern to the UN as these routes are a vital corridor in delivering humanitarian aid.
The existing EU sanctions delivered in July 2014 had little impact on the deescalating of the crisis."
We'll have more on this.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
From South Sudan's Pibor, Inner City Press Publishes Internal UN Report on Gunfire, UNexplained
By Matthew Russell Lee, Exclusive series
UNITED NATIONS, December 30 -- In the UN's continued withholding of news and answers about South Sudan, the UN declined to provide any update about Pibor on December 29 when Inner City Press asked, in writing, below, based on leaked internal UN reports it obtained. The UN, for 29 hours and counting, has said nothing.
Now after the UN Spokesperson's Office has closed without answering any South Sudan (or Burundi or Tamir Rice) questions, Inner City Press is here publishing an internal UN Situation Report, which of Pibor diplomatically says:
"On 29 December 2015 at about 06:50 hrs, in Pibor (GPAA) sporadic gunfire was heard at about 600 meters north of the UNMISS Pibor compound. At about 10:43 hrs, about 15-20 armed SPLA soldiers positioned themselves outside the UNMISS Pibor perimeter on the Northern side of the old PoC. No hostile actions have been reported at this time. INDBATT Protection Force is monitoring and on high alert. All staff members have been accounted for and are inside the UN compound."
(The Sit Rep also recounts the UN Mission's UNexplained confiscation of "homemade alcohol" including from "an SPLA.")
Also on December 30, Inner City Press obtained and asked the UN Spokesperson about this internal UN report:
"On 30 Dec (today), from 10:45hrs to 11:30hrs, an UNMISS team comprising of UN security, MLO, INBATT2, UNPOL and CAD conducted joint patrols in Pibor town and environs.
The team observed the following:
· 30 meter long trench have been dug by armed personnel from David Yau Yau’s Cobra Faction close to their HQ and former UNMISS water point in Pibor main town. 60mm mortar gun stands are position in the trenches facing Likuangole. (The mortar range is approximately 1.5kms). Ammunition boxes are also placed in the trenches.
· Huge presence of cobra faction militia in Pibor town and posted at every strategic location around Pibor.
· Shops are closed with less civilian population in town."
And still, nothing from the UN. This is called more cover-up.
Update of 10:34 am: Inner City Press hears from South Sudan -- still nothing from UN Headquarters despite two days of questions -- that David Yau Yau elements have killed the father of the newly appointed SPLM-IG governor...
"On South Sudan, Inner City Press has seen a document in which UNMISS states that 'the people of Pibor and the Cobra faction (loyal to DYY) also informed DYY that they will never allow Baba Koneyi (the supposed Governor elect with origins from Likuangole and whom they consider as a Bor politician supporting the Dinka and not the Murle) to come to Pibor.'
"Please state what UNMISS is doing about this, including but not limited to protection.
"Please respond to criticism that UNMISS in Malakal, aware that humanitarians are resistant to working in a military camp, will reportly not provide any medical services?
"What is the UN's / UNMISS' / DPA's view of or response to the SPLA-IO position that the 28 state decree must be removed?"
Of the five questions Inner City Press submitted to three UN Spokespeople on the morning of December 29, a partial response was received only to this one: "On Puerto Rico, please confirm (or deny) receip of the Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla's letter to Ban Ki-moon and response to the position that the US is reversing a decades-old understanding that Puerto Rico, while a U.S. commonwealth, governs through its own constitution."
Near 4 pm on December 29, the UN spokesman answered:
"From: Stephane Dujarric [at] un.org
Date: Tues, Dec 29, 2015 at 3:53 PM
Subject: Press Qs in lieu of a Dec 29 UN noon briefing: Burundi, South Sudan, Puerto Rico/US, UNHQ, Jordan, still UN scandals / reforms, Yemen; thanks in advance
To: Matthew Lee [at] InnerCityPress.com
Cc: FUNCA [at] funca.org
"Matthew--on Puerto Rico, we can confirm that we have received the letter from Governor Garcia Padilla. On the rest, if we have updates, we will share them with you."
So, nothing at all on the South Sudan questions.
On December 28, Inner City Press asked four UN spokespeople:
"In South Sudan, the UN's Dec 24 Situation Report said 'On 23 December 2015 at around 09:30 hrs, at Baggari Jadid check point in Wau an UNMISS Integrated patrol team heading to Ngisa for security assessment was denied passage by local security agents manning the check point. The local security team stated that they received orders from their superiors not to allow UNMISS vehicles to proceed along Wau - Bazia axis. Efforts to obtain permission from SPLA to proceed on the patrol were turned down, therefore, the mission was aborted.'
"What has been done since? And what has the UN done about the continuing detention of WES Governor Joseph Bakasoro?"
Dujarric replied at 2 pm on December 28 to another question, partially (on Burundi) then added: "On the other issues, if we have an update to share with you, we will."
So on South Sudan, as usual, there is no UN response. But here, the UN not protecting civilians in laid bare - with no response. We'll have more on this.
Back on December 9, the day after the UN belatedly confirmed ceasefire violations in South Sudan, only after Inner City Press published proof of the UN's knowledge and asked about it, then the UN Peacekeeping mission in the country shifted to either intentionally mis-reporting government actions in Yambio, or showing ineptitude in its response.
Again receiving leaked UNMISS Situation Reports, Inner City Press found this paragraph:
"On 7 December 2015 around 20:00 hrs, heavy exchange of gunshots occurred in the area of Hai Kuba, Ikpiro in Yambio in Western Equatoria State. The shooting lasted approximately twenty to thirty minutes. Reportedly, the shooting started when the local authorities attempted to arrest three (3) local youths suspects."
But Inner City Press' sources said the arrests were political, of former Yambio Commissioner Angelo Bakote and 3 young men. So on December 9 Inner City Press asked, of protection, transcript here:
Inner City Press: On South Sudan, and thanks for the additional report on Yambio. What I wanted to ask you and it's really because the reports have become somewhat troubling there. You'd said that the… they were triggered by arrests of people connected with… I guess you said youth gang; some people use the term "arrow boys". But I wanted to ask you is, I asked you about this former commissioner of Western Equatoria State, Angelo Bakote. And why I'm asking you is, since his arrest, there's been a broadcast by the caretaker governor of the state on Radio Yambio FM saying Mr. Bakote will be dealt with. And people there say this is something UNMISS has heard; even the troika people in Juba have heard. And I wanted to know, what steps is UNMISS taking to ensure at least fair treatment and not being physically taken care of of the former governor and viewed as an opponent of Salva Kiir, who was arrested yesterday?
Deputy Spokesman: Well, as I said, the details we have on this is that the Mission's belief is that the fighting was triggered by the arrest of individuals suspected to have connections with the armed youth. That's as much as we have on that for now.
Back on December 8 Inner City Press asked, video here,transcript here:
Inner City Press: On Yambio, I've seen the situation rep… report, and it says that they believe that this fighting was started by… when local authorities attempted to arrest three local youths. But I've also heard that it was former Yambio commissioner Angelo Bakote that was arrested. I'm wondering, is… I mean, in these reports that you give, is what triggered the violence and whether the violence is still ongoing… I've also heard there's still heavy gunfire, at least as of a half an hour ago, right outside of Yambio. So what is the UN's role? It's good that you report it, but was this violence triggered by an attempt to arrest on… some people believe on a political basis a former commissioner of Yambio by the Government?
Deputy Spokesman: First of all, I'd caution against reading too much into situation reports, many of which are compendiums of different types of reports from the ground, of different degrees of reliability. Some may be media accounts. Some may be from other local sources. What we report from here is what we can get as verified information from the UN Mission. So… but beyond that, of course, the Mission is functioning on the ground in terms of protecting people. As you know, they're… as I just mentioned, they're providing security for people who are trying to get into a nongovernmental organisation compound in Yambio, and the police there are also providing… are helping with the screening for people trying to gain access into that camp. This is part and parcel of the many functions that the UN Mission has done. As you know, for… since the start of this crisis, for about two years now, this is a Mission that has been providing protection to well over 100,000 people and oftentimes much more than that at its various bases while at the same time conducting the normal activities of a UN peacekeeping mission, whether it be patrolling or contact with parties to make sure that situations are resolved on the ground.
Inner City Press: As in other peacekeeping missions, does it co… you know, have a human rights reporting function? That's my… I guess my question is, it seems like in this instance, particular instance, just taking this one, that the trigger of the violence seems to be… [Cross talk]
Deputy Spokesman: The mission has reported on human rights, and it continues to do so.
We'll have more on this.
For weeks amid fighting in South Sudan, Inner City Press has asked the UN why it refuses to report even what it knows. Even as Inner City Press has obtained, asked about and published emails showing the UN's knowledge of fighting, the UN spokesperson has repeated, Ask UNMISS.
On December 7 Inner City Press obtained an UNMISS situation report stating
"On 05 December 2015 at 22:40 hrs, reportedly SPLA and SPLA-IO clashed at Bisilia, Bazia Farajalla, and Bringi in Western Bahr el Ghazal. No further information is available regarding the fighting. On 06 December, there is a mobile network blackout since early morning as all the three networks (MTN, Zain and Vivacell) in Wau are not available. As SPLA blocking the main Wau airport road and restricting movements around Wau airport, the ASC declared Grey Alert State at Wau town. All UN travel is restricted, except for travel movements explicitly authorized by the HoA/Units on a case-by-case basis linked to PC 1-2. All staff members are requested to monitor their radios for further announcements."
This was followed by a shorter announcement with different spelling:
"Ref: 084/SB/07/12/2015
This is to inform all UN staff members that due to insecurity, Grey Alert Status has been declared for the following locations in Western Bahr El Ghazal State;
1. Farajallah
2. Bussare
3. Bazia
4. Bissellia
GREY Alert Status: All UN travel is restricted, except for travel/movements explicitly authorized by the Heads of Agency or Units on a case-by-case basis linked to PC 1-2."
PC 1-2 means critical or essential. The UN never announced this, but when Inner City Press after the publication above asked about it, the UN confirmed it - and dodged on why it wasn't announced. From the UN transcript:
Inner City Press: I wanted to ask you about South Sudan. The UN seems to be aware of fighting in Western Bahr el Ghazal State and has declared a grey alert, saying its personnel should not travel to four towns there because of fighting between the SPLA [Sudan People’s Liberation Army] and SPLA in Opposition. So, what I'm wondering is, what is… what does the UN perceive of as its role of reporting when ceasefire violations and fighting take place? If they're aware of it to the degree of telling their own personnel not to go to places and naming the date and times of fighting, what is its role in saying the ceasefire is being violated and by whom?
Deputy Spokesman: On that, I have an update from the Mission. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has received reports that clashes took place between the Sudan People's Liberation Army and opposition forces in Bisselia, Bazia, Farajallah and Bringi in Wau County in Western Bahr el Ghazal on Saturday. Since 5 December, the SPLA has reportedly been conducting military operations in areas of Bazia, Bisselia and Wau. The Mission is concerned by these reports of violations of the ceasefire and continues to urge the full implementation of the peace agreement.
Inner City Press: I just wanted to ask you one thing, and thanks for confirming that. But my question would be, what's the role… in terms of the role of the UN, like, you've confirmed it. You had the statement. Would you have read the statement if it weren't asked? And, if not, why not? Why doesn't the UN Mission say, this fighting is taking place; this is a problem; people are being killed or whatever else?
Deputy Spokesman: I read it if asked, because this is something for which I had some details in case people ask. Regarding the reports, we have been trying to verify reports. For example, you'd asked some… more than a week ago about fighting in Western Equatoria State. There were reports and we took note of those reports, but those were some of the reports that we were not actually able to verify. It depends… it takes time to verify things, but we do patrolling. The Mission goes out to different areas to try to verify reports, and when it has these reports, it reports back to the Security Council and others about any particular violations, as it did in this case.
Amid reports of renewed fighting in the Equatoria states, Inner City Press on November 25 asked UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq about the fighting, and a peacekeeper killed on November 23. The (non) answers are below.
On December 2, Inner City Press obtained a UN email acknowledging knowledge of fighting between the Government and SLPA/IO in Busere, Western Bahr El Ghazal State, stating that “fighting is still ongoing as of 02 Dec 2015” and that “no UN interest is involved at this time.”
UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said he doesn't get these emails. Inner City Press asked why UN Peacekeeping, led by Herve Ladsous, does not report on fighting of which it is aware, and how “no UN interest is involved” is consistent with the UN's protection of civilians mandate or claims.
Dujarric wouldn't even attempt an answer to this policy question (which Ladsous refuses, like other Press questions, to answer). Dujarric repeated, as if it were an answer, that he has not seen the email.
So Inner City Press publishes it, here:
"From: Enoch Penney Laryea @un.org
Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2015 9:15 AM
To: SANTUR Abdulahi; Simon Agnew [WFP]; Christoffel Du Toit; Safari Djumapili [OCHA]; Ruiz, Domingo (FAOSS); Carlyne Romulus [at UNMAS] Sorin GIFEI [WFP], Shane Yates [UNCHR]; Abdikadir Tulicha; Sylvain Denairies; UNMISS-FHQ-J2; John McCue (IOM); Gatluak Gatluak [and others at UNICEF], IMF
Subject: FW: Fighting in Busere - Western Bahr El Ghazal State
"Info received indicate that on 01 Dec 2015 at about 05:00 hours (LT) fighting erupted between SPLA and SPLA/IO at FIRKA and BUSERE (20 km South of Wau town). The fighting subsided around 10:00 hours. Military pickups and ambulances were observed transporting casualties along the airport road at high speed towards the military barracks. SPLA soldiers in the town were seen to be on high alert and on stand by mode.
"Comments: Reportedly the SPLA/IO group attacked SPLA at the affected area. When SPLA soldiers were sent to reinforce their colleagues they were also ambushed by the rebels leading to further casualties on the part of SPLA.
"Fighting is still ongoing as of 02 Dec 2015.
"No UN interest is involved at this time."
Again, why doesn't Ladsous' DPKO report this, and how is this “no UN interest is involved at this time” consistent with the UN's protection of civilians mandate or claims? We'll have more on this.
Inner City Press obtained the UN Security Situation Report for November 29, and finds in this internal report, exclusively published here:
"On 28 November 2015 at around 22:45 hrs, in Yambio town near Tourist Hotel along the main road, a UN Agency national staff member was reportedly involved in a traffic accident. UN Security responded to the scene of the incident and found another civilian vehicle turned over with the driver apparently dead inside the vehicle whilst the UN agency staff member sustained visible injuries in his head. The local police on the spot attempted to arrest the UN staff member involved in the accident, however,
after negotiation UN Security transported him to UN clinic for the medical treatment."
Can you say, impunity? On December 1, Inner City Press asked UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric, transcript here:
Inner City Press: on South Sudan, it was said on Friday that the Mission was going to go and check these deaths. And I’ve been looking at these [situation reports]. It seems to me that they’re not really reporting on things that even the media’s reporting of attacks in the country. So, one, do you have anything on that? And, I wanted to ask you about something that was in one of the [situation reports], yesterday’s, where it says that a UN staff member was driving a car. He had a crash. UNDSS [United Nations Department of Safety and Security] appeared and said that the sustained visible… somebody was dead in the other car. Basically, it’s a deadly car crash caused… or involving the UN staff member. The reason I’m asking you is, it says the local police on the spot attempted to arrest the UN staff; however, after negotiation, the UN staff member was taken for medical treatment. What is… are UN staff members exempt from traffic laws even in deadly crashes?
Spokesman: I don’t… this seems to me like an isolated incident. I would encourage you to reach out to the mission to see if you can get more detail. I’m not going to speculate on…
Inner City Press: But the policy is not isolated. The guy is dead.
Spokesman: I’m not going to speculate on this particular case, but if you reach out to the mission, I’m sure they…
Inner City Press: But can you find out what the UN policy is on negotiating the release of…?
Spokesman: I’m not going to speculate
Haq on November 25 said he had nothing on the fighting, but said that the peacekeeper who was shot was from Ethiopia and who fired the shot was unknown. On November 27, having received information from South Sudan on both issues, Inner City Press asked the UN in writing: "please state if the UN / UNMISS or its affiliated radio station is/are aware of airstrikes on Gariya Bongolo, Western Equatoria in South Sudan, and separately if they are aware of or belief that Ugandan aircraft were involved."
Later on November 27, the UN sent Inner City Press this:
"Regarding your question on Wednesday on fighting in South Sudan's Equatoria state, we can say the following: On 26 November, UNMISS received unconfirmed reports that 14 people had been killed and a number of people injured 30 km south of Mundri town. The Mission is seeking to verify these reports, and the number of casualties reported."
But how hard, really, was and is UNMISS trying to verify? No update was provided for three days; when Inner City Press asked UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric on November 30, he had no information.
It's worth noting that the UN-affiliated Radio Miraya reported on the killings. Inner City Press has heard, "UPDF helicopter gunships attacked and killed civilians while purporting to be hunting SPLA IO forces. When finished in Mundri the caretaker Governor of WES Patrick Zamoi has requested helicopter attacks on Ezo."
When the UN is criticized for how it treats internally displaced people (IDPs), does it seek to improve, or only grow defensive? On November 19, Inner City Press asked UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric, transcript here:
Inner City Press: In South Sudan, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has asked publicly for UNMISS [United Nations Mission in South Sudan] to increase the space available to IDPs [internally displaced people] in the Malakal protection site, saying basically they're crammed in and seems to violate even the sort of standards put out by UN and others. What is UNMISS doing about these? They have more space.
Spokesman Dujarric: What UNMISS is doing is sheltering over 100,000 people since the start of the Civil War in very difficult conditions, in places that were not designed to house people. They were not designed to be… to hold internally displaced people. These were, for most of them, logistics bases. The mission is constantly trying to improve the conditions, whether it's hygiene and living standards. Obviously, we're limited by space, by funds, and we're trying to do the best we can.
Inner City Press: Well, I guess… I mean, but are they saying MSF doesn't understand that? They work in the camp but they're saying the people…
Spokesman Dujarric: I'm not saying MSF… MSF says what it feels needs to be said, and I say what I feel I need to say.
But what will be done?
On October 26, based on NGO and AP reporting, Inner City Press asked UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric:
Inner City Press: I wanted to ask you about South Sudan, there's reports by something called the protection cluster there that 80 civilians have been killed mostly by Government attacks in Leer County in the month of October. So people there are asking, where is UNMISS [United Nations Mission in South Sudan]? And it seems that UNMISS has not sent any patrols. They're in Bentiu. And I wanted to know, can you find out if there's any plan…
Spokesman: Where is UNMISS? UNMISS has been, I think, providing protection for more than 100,000 civilians and has been doing a superhuman job, for lack of a more adequate diplomatic word, in terms of trying to protect as many civilians as possible. The Mission does send out patrols where it can and observes what it can. I will take a look at that specific report and get back to you.
Inner City Press: Yeah. It seems like in Bentiu, they have peacekeepers from Mongolia, Ethiopia, India and Ghana…
Spokesman: No, I am well aware of where peacekeepers are. You're also talking about a country that's currently in the middle of a civil conflict. I think the Mission is doing… is stretching itself and doing whatever it can to protect civilians. So as I said, I will look into that specific report.
Well, here's from the report by the Protection Cluster: "Over a three week period between 4 and 22 October, at least 80 civilians were reportedly killed in Leer County. Among these were at least 57 children, 29 of whom drowned while fleeing attacks.2 Widespread use of sexual violence was also reported, with contacts on the ground reporting over 50 cases of rape. IDPs further reported that Government forces shot into swamps at fleeing civilians, burned houses, and abducted women and children."
We'll have more on this.
From September 29, 2015: An internal UN document leaked to Inner City Press, which is exclusively publishing it today, shows the high degree of dysfunction in the country, and in the UN.
Here are some quotes, the full document we have put online here:
Within South Sudan the inextricable link with the Government’s political party SPLM with the SPLA military has exacerbated the crisis and this bond is also a potential stumbling block to finding a peaceful solution in the future. Currently the Government cannot adequately protect its population or institutions and therefore by extension is also unable to provide adequate protection to UN personnel or assets. The fragmentation of the military from the beginning of the crisis, the misuse of national security agencies and the economic status resulting from the collapse of state structure and drop in income, has led to further political instability.
This assessment defines that the UN is not a primary target for direct violence. However, this situation could change if the economic situation declines further, the military armed conflict continues and tensions rise within PoC sites.
Currently there is no mainstreaming of Security within the planning of UN activities/ programmes. Therefore, the policy that defines that security needs to be involved at all levels of management to ensure security is considered/ mainstreamed into all activities or programmes is not applied, specifically in UNMISS.
The high prevalence of alcohol and illicit drug use within the PoC sites has exacerbated violence and criminal behaviour directly impacting upon UN and AFP personnel working or living within or adjacent to the PoC sites. The smuggling of weapons into the PoCs poses a potential Direct Threat to UNMISS and AFP staff.
Continued accusations by government actors or affiliates that the PoC sites are sanctuary for supporters of the SPLA in Opposition also make the PoC sites a target; this point was actively demonstrated in the attack in the Bor in April 2014 resulting in the death of 55 IDPs within the UNMISS site.
Prior to December 2013, the UN was well regarded by the South Sudanese for its role in the drive towards independence from Sudan, for its humanitarian interventions and for efforts to protect civilians. But the ongoing crisis in South Sudan has also negatively impacted on sentiments and threats directed to UN personnel in the course of their work, for example IDPs insisting that national staff not from their preferred ethnic group are removed from programme activities in POC sites and some Ugandan UNPOL having to wear civilia clothes and be removed from POC duty due to active UPDF military support for the
Government of South Sudan.
In March 2014, a labelling error was discovered whilst transporting containers loaded with duty equipment for the UN Ghanaian peacekeepers in Unity State which brought strained relations to even a lower point. The error was exploited to galvanise hostility towards the UN in favour of the government by falsely presenting the UN as supplying weaponry to the opposition. It took elaborate interventions, investigations
and communications to clear the false impression that this created.
[ICP note: the same type of "labeling" or "clerical" error occure this months with weapons headed to MONUSCO. This is what UN Peacekeeping has become under Herve Ladous, who linked peacekeepers' rapes to "R&R, here.]
On 26 August 2014 under suspicious circumstances a UN contracted helicopter crashed near Bentiu in Unity State, killing three (3) aircrew and injuring one (1) other, underlining the threats involved in working within South Sudan. Investigations into the cause of the crash were inconclusive.
There have been increasing reports of criminal acts occurring within the Protection Of Civilian (POC) sites; also there have been a number of serious assaults against the UN and other humanitarian workers, sometimes involving weapons which
has resulted a few times of hospitalisation of personnel. These incidents have, and continue to affect not only the civilians seeking refuge at UN sites, but also the ‘safety and security’ of individual UNMISS and Agencies Funds and Programmes (AFP)
personnel.
"In February 2015 there was an alleged sexual assault of a Canadian INGO by a subcontractor for a UN Agency in UNMISS Bentiu team site."
[ICP note: the UN and UNICEF have not addressed this; the head of UN Peacekeeping, Herve Ladsous, has linked rapes to R&R.]
As the fighting also continues at a pace within Sudan on two fronts – Darfur and Nuba Mountains (South Kordofan in particular) the impact for the whole border region cannot be ignored. Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) are also carrying out
aerial bombing campaigns in the Nuba Mountains but also extending into South Sudan in November 2014 to hit alleged JEM targets in Raja, Western Bahr el Ghazal which killed 24 people including women and children.
South Sudan lacks an adequate air traffic control system, countrywide. The government took control of the country’s airspace from Sudan in 2011, but to date has not issued any “Notice to Airmen” (NOTAMs.). There are areas, however, that the government has declared a “no fly zone” (i.e. over the Presidential Palace in Juba), suggesting that the government reserve the right to fire upon an aircraft that violates this airspace.
The SPLA-io has reportedly mined the roads to the north of
Bentiu resulting in several incidents of vehicles being destroyed and civilian casualties. This is of particular concern to the UN as these routes are a vital corridor in delivering humanitarian aid.
The existing EU sanctions delivered in July 2014 had little impact on the deescalating of the crisis."
We'll have more on this.