Abdul Wahid al Nur to Asharq Al-Awsat: Juba Agreement Deepens Crisis

Abdul Wahid al Nur and Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok in Paris. (French Foreign Ministry via Twitter)
Abdul Wahid al Nur and Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok in Paris. (French Foreign Ministry via Twitter)
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Abdul Wahid al Nur to Asharq Al-Awsat: Juba Agreement Deepens Crisis

Abdul Wahid al Nur and Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok in Paris. (French Foreign Ministry via Twitter)
Abdul Wahid al Nur and Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok in Paris. (French Foreign Ministry via Twitter)

Head of the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army Abdul Wahid al Nur said that the peace deal that was signed in Juba on Saturday between the power-sharing government and several armed groups will only deepen the country’s crisis, not solve it.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he stated that the deal “divided quotas” and does not address the root of the crisis.

The government, he revealed, tried hard to involve him in the peace negotiations, but his movement refused to take part in talks that were being carried in the same way that was adopted by the ousted regime.

Speaking from his residence in Paris, Abdul Wahid said his movement had an alternative initiative that is based on involving all segments of Sudanese society. He revealed that he will return to Sudan soon in order to launch it.

He explained that he wanted to return to his home country sooner, but the plan was delayed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu are the country’s largest armed groups. As opposed to other movements, they enjoy bases and forces on the ground.

Hilu’s movement had not participated in initial peace negotiations, but agreed last month to join new talks hosted by South Sudan. The movement signed a preliminary agreement with the government to launch negotiations in the future that would tackle separating religion from the state and allowing the residents of the Blue Nile and South Kordofan regions, where Hilu’s movement holds sway, to determine their fate.

Abdul Wahid’s movement has yet to agree to hold any negotiations with the government.

“I do not want a position or to become an ambassador or minister. We only want sustainable peace that addresses the core of the problem,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“The military and civilian leaderships kidnapped the revolution and imposed a status quo, which we oppose, on us,” he added.

“We want to hold dialogue with all segments of Sudanese society to identify the roots of the decades-long crisis,” he continued.

“Negotiations between the government and opposition always end with the division of power. This is at the heart of Sudan’s crisis and not a solution to it,” Abdul Wahid stressed.

He accused the regime of ousted leader Omar al-Bashir of arming militias in Darfur and other disputed regions. These militias, known as Janjaweed, have only brought death and corruption. Moreover, he said his movement believes that Sudan was controlled by the army for five decades. This military killed the Sudanese people in the South after they chose independence. It also committed genocide in Darfur and the Blue Nile region.

In order for lasting peace to prevail, security must be imposed throughout the country and all militias and tribes that were armed by the former regime must lay down their weapons, demanded Abdul Wahid.

Furthermore, tribes in Darfur that were victims of genocide and racial cleansing by the former regime and that have been expelled from their territories must be allowed back, he continued. People who have settled in lands that were vacated by force must leave. These tribes must be compensated and the war criminals must be brought to justice.

“These are not conditions, but rights,” declared Abdul Wahid.

Bashir and members of his regime are wanted by the International Criminal Court over their crimes in Darfur.

“We must address the reasons that prompted people to take up arms,” continued Abdul Wahid. “We must ask ourselves why our country, which has vast agricultural lands and water resources, is now suffering from famine?”

“It is important for the Sudanese people to determine the problems in our economy and come up with solutions,” he urged. “We must also come up with a way to manage the diversity of religions and cultures so that we can build a united country where all people are equal. We must recognize that we have failed in this regard.”

In contrast to Hilu’s movement, Abdul Wahid’ movement is committed to a united Sudan and does not want independence in disputed regions.

“Darfur makes up more than half of Sudan. We have no better alternative to it, so how can it be allowed to determine its fate?” he asked. “We want to eliminate the reasons that prompt people to think about breaking away from the country.”



UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.