http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/site/index/ en U.S. Department of State 2010-03-16T16:12:38+00:00
I attest that general conditions on the ground in Darfur have improved to a great extent since your appointment and almost all the people I meet are hailing your pragmatic approach to the this multideminsional conflict that resulted the humanitarian misery for millions of Darfuris. When I came to South Darfur in October 2008, there were 6 active tribal conflicts amongst the tribes, i.e. Tarjem Vs Benihalba, Birgit Vs Zaghawa, Maalia Vs Zaghawa, Birgit Vs Misseria, Salamat Vs Habaniya and Fellata Vs Habaniya, etc.

Today 23 September 2009, none of these conflicts are active and the path of reconciliation is wide open before all the communities. When the humanitarian work was undermined by the expulsions you were here to negotiate for not only the reverse but a better and bigger deal in access and freedom to work, i.e. now humanitarian workers are having one year residence and multiple entry permits. The current atmosphere is allowing some people to return back to their villages to plant for the season...some 216 young men and women from Kalma IDP camp are attending classes at the Government run Nyala Technical College to acquire 13 different livelihood skills, ranging from carpentry to electrician and other badly needed skills, including building homes. After their graduation this October, State Government has committed to helping them access to loans for start up capital and they will be able to work wherever there is an opportunity for them to live and work. The social relations between the ordinary Darfuris is improving quite a lot despite sometimes dramatic political and media news. People are optimistic about the possibility of a peaceful resoultion of the conflict more than ever before and for sure.

In this background, the unification of the rebel positions and mainstreaming into the rest of Darfuri tribes outside the rebellion and firm GOS support to the process will definitely improve the chances of peaceful co-existence and bright future for all Darfuris. Keep up the good work and your efforts shall not go unrecognised. Thanks]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/sudan_crossroads/ Wed Sep 23, 2009
Interagency effectiveness seems to be the organizational center of gravity for whole of government approaches to U.S. Engagement. If the U.S. military is an instrument of national power, what means unique to the military can and should be used in support of a DoS led effort in an area where the history of colonialism and military abuse make it seem inappropriate at worst and difficult at best? E.g., Civil-military and military professionalism training support to UNAMID. What means unique to the military can and should be dedicated or improved to support unity of effort in the interagency process? No reply needed.]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/sudan_crossroads/ Sat Sep 19, 2009
I am interested in knowing if there is a U.S. government strategy developing to deal with the region's conflicts. How do those of us who have worked on peace issues in the region for many years participate in the framing of that strategy?]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/sudan_crossroads/ Sat Sep 19, 2009
Please if I can do anything to be of help.. Plan on being in Uganda in November or December -- I could be of great use to you -- In Africa... Let me know..

Thank you,

~Kim]]> http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/entires/sudan_crossroads/ Fri Sep 18, 2009