Arabic Media

September 14, 2023

Source: Al Rai (Government-friendly, Jordanian daily enjoys wide circulation)
Headline: France to Plan European Force Deployment Near Darfur Region

• French ministry of defense announced that it was tasked with planning deployment of European force in Chad and the Republic of Central Africa near Darfur region in Sudan.
• The European force, which will be about 4000 troops strong, needs United Nations Security Council authorization before it can be deployed in the two countries
• The European force will provide support for the United Nations police force in the region in addition to assisting Darfur refugees in returning to their homes and protecting humanitarian operations and aid workers
• Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Prodi announced that President Al Bashir’s visit to Italy will provide a good opportunity to emphasize what the European and international community expect regarding Darfur crisis
• Many European parliament members criticized Italy’s silence about violence in Darfur

Source: Al Khaleej (UAE daily, with over 80,000 in circulation)
Headline: Umma Party Urges Speedy Deployment of Darfur Hybrid Force

• Umma Party urged speedy deployment of Darfur hybrid force especially after increase of clashes between government and rebel forces in North Darfur, which caused added suffering by local people it said
• The party blamed recent armed clashes on elements within Darfur regional authorities and rebel groups, who are opposed to peaceful resolution because they benefit from continued chaos
• Meanwhile, justice minister commissioned an investigative unit comprised of representatives of police and security in addition to agency to prevent violence against women and local authorities to investigate rape charges brought up by United Nations report

Source: Al Jazeera (Leading Arabic News Channel, headquartered in Qatar)
Headline: Darfur Residents Call on Arab Countries to Take Active Role in Region’s Development

• During visit by Arab ambassadors to the region to prepare for conference on Arab support for humanitarian aid in Darfur, thousands of residents called on Arab governments to participate in Darfur economic development and convince Sudanese government and rebel groups to opt for peace
• United Arab Emirates’ ambassador Issa Abdullah Annaeemi said there is determination to support Darfur region and improving humanitarian condition
• Local officials called on Arab governments to enable Arab aid organizations to provide drinking water, health facilities, education, and food
• Up to now most of the humanitarian aid work has been provided by Western aid organizations

Source: Asharq Al Awsat (Saudi-owned Pan-Arab daily with wide circulation)
Headline: UN Envoy Ashraf Qadhi to Use Experience in Iraq in Resolving Darfur Conflict
By: Ismail Adam

• Sudan Liberation Movement leader Abdul Wahid Nour told Sudan People’s Liberation Movement envoy Dr. Rayak Mushar who traveled to Paris to convince him of attending preparatory meeting in Juba that will gather all Darfur rebel groups ahead of Libya talks
• Nour refused to participate in any talks before his movement’s three demands were met: hybrid force deployment, militia disarmament, and compensation and return of Darfur refugees

Source: Al Hayat (Saudi-owned Pan-Arab daily with wide circulation)
Headline: Ban Calls on Khartoum and Rebel Groups to Stop Fighting before Libya Negotiations
By: Annour Ahmed Annour

• To prevent the situation from escalating further, Ban Ki-Moon called on Sudanese government and Darfur rebel groups to stop fighting ahead peace negotiations in Libya
• Justice and Equality Movement threatened to boycott Libya peace talks because of continued government attacks on its positions in Haskanita region
• The UN Secretary General, who presented the results of his Sudan visit to UN Security Council, voiced deep concern regarding renewed fighting in Darfur
• Meanwhile, African Union announced the arrival of additional 1800 Nigerian and Rwandan troops in Darfur next month to be part of hybrid force.  The force will have a total of 11,000 troops on the ground when these new troops arrive.

Read the above in Arabic.