Keep Us Strong WikiLeaks logo

Currently released so far... 97115 / 251,287

Articles

Browse latest releases

Browse by creation date

Browse by origin

A B C D F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Browse by tag

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
ETRD EAGR ETTC EAID ECON EFIN ECIN EINV ELAB EAIR ENRG EPET EWWT ECPS EIND EMIN ELTN EC ETMIN EUC EZ ET ELECTIONS ENVR EU EUN EG EINT ER ECONOMICS ES EMS ENIV EEB EN ECE ECOSOC EK ENVIRONMENT EFIS EI EWT ENGRD ECPSN EXIM EIAD ERIN ECPC EDEV ENGY ECTRD EPA ESTH ECCT EINVECON ENGR ERTD EUR EAP EWWC ELTD EL EXIMOPIC EXTERNAL ETRDEC ESCAP ECO EGAD ELNT ECONOMIC ENV ETRN EIAR EUMEM ENRGPARMOTRASENVKGHGPGOVECONTSPLEAID EREL ECOM ECONETRDEAGRJA ETCC ETRG ECONOMY EMED ETR ENERG EITC EFINOECD EURM EENG ERA EXPORT ENRD ECONEINVETRDEFINELABETRDKTDBPGOVOPIC EGEN EBRD EVIN ETRAD ECOWAS EFTA ECONETRDBESPAR EGOVSY EPIN EID ECONENRG EDRC ESENV ETT EB ENER ELTNSNAR ECHEVARRIA ETRC EPIT EDUC ESA EFI ENRGY ESCI EE EAIDXMXAXBXFFR EETC ECIP EIAID EIVN EBEXP ESTN EING EGOV ETRA EPETEIND ELAN ETRDGK EAIDRW ETRDEINVECINPGOVCS EPEC ENVI ELN EAG EPCS EPRT EPTED ETRB EUM EAIDS EFIC EFINECONEAIDUNGAGM EAIDAR ESF EIDN ELAM EDU EV EAIDAF ECN EDA EXBS EINTECPS ENRGTRGYETRDBEXPBTIOSZ EPREL EAC EINVEFIN ETA EAGER EINDIR ECA ECLAC ELAP EITI EUCOM ECONEFINETRDPGOVEAGRPTERKTFNKCRMEAID EARG ELDIN EINVKSCA ENNP EFINECONCS EFINTS ECCP ETC EAIRASECCASCID EINN ETRP EAIDNI EFQ ECOQKPKO EGPHUM EBUD ECONEINVEFINPGOVIZ ENERGY ELB EINDETRD EMI ECONEFIN EIB EURN ETRDEINVTINTCS EIN EFIM ETIO ELAINE EMN EATO EWTR EIPR EINVETC ETTD ETDR EIQ ECONCS EPPD ENRGIZ EISL ESPINOSA ELEC EAIG ESLCO EUREM ENTG ERD EINVECONSENVCSJA EEPET EUNCH ECINECONCS ETRO ETRDECONWTOCS ECUN EFND EPECO EAIRECONRP ERGR ETRDPGOV ECPN ENRGMO EPWR EET EAIS EAGRE EDUARDO EAGRRP EAIDPHUMPRELUG EICN ECONQH EVN EGHG ELBR EINF EAIDHO EENV ETEX ERNG ED
KMDR KPAO KPKO KJUS KCRM KGHG KFRD KWMN KDEM KTFN KHIV KGIC KIDE KSCA KNNP KHUM KIPR KSUM KISL KIRF KCOR KRCM KPAL KWBG KN KS KOMC KSEP KFLU KPWR KTIA KSEO KMPI KHLS KICC KSTH KMCA KVPR KPRM KE KU KZ KFLO KSAF KTIP KTEX KBCT KOCI KOLY KOR KAWC KACT KUNR KTDB KSTC KLIG KSKN KNN KCFE KCIP KGHA KHDP KPOW KUNC KDRL KV KPREL KCRS KPOL KRVC KRIM KGIT KWIR KT KIRC KOMO KRFD KUWAIT KG KFIN KSCI KTFIN KFTN KGOV KPRV KSAC KGIV KCRIM KPIR KSOC KBIO KW KGLB KMWN KPO KFSC KSEAO KSTCPL KSI KPRP KREC KFPC KUNH KCSA KMRS KNDP KR KICCPUR KPPAO KCSY KTBT KCIS KNEP KFRDCVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG KNNB KGCC KINR KPOP KMFO KENV KNAR KVIR KDRG KDMR KFCE KNAO KDEN KGCN KICA KIMMITT KMCC KLFU KMSG KSEC KUM KCUL KMNP KSMT KCOM KOMCSG KSPR KPMI KRAD KIND KCRP KAUST KWAWC KTER KCHG KRDP KPAS KITA KTSC KPAOPREL KWGB KIRP KJUST KMIG KLAB KTFR KSEI KSTT KAPO KSTS KLSO KWNN KPOA KHSA KNPP KPAONZ KBTS KWWW KY KJRE KPAOKMDRKE KCRCM KSCS KWMNCI KESO KWUN KPLS KIIP KEDEM KPAOY KRIF KGICKS KREF KTRD KFRDSOCIRO KTAO KJU KWMNPHUMPRELKPAOZW KEN KO KNEI KEMR KKIV KEAI KWAC KRCIM KWCI KFIU KWIC KCORR KOMS KNNO KPAI KBWG KTTB KTBD KTIALG KILS KFEM KTDM KESS KNUC KPA KOMCCO KCEM KRCS KWBGSY KNPPIS KNNPMNUC KWN KERG KLTN KALM KCCP KSUMPHUM KREL KGH KLIP KTLA KAWK KWMM KVRP KVRC KAID KSLG KDEMK KX KIF KNPR KCFC KFTFN KTFM KPDD KCERS KMOC KDEMAF KMEPI KEMS KDRM KEPREL KBTR KEDU KNP KIRL KNNR KMPT KISLPINR KTPN KA KJUSTH KPIN KDEV KTDD KAKA KFRP KWNM KTSD KINL KJUSKUNR KWWMN KECF KWBC KPRO KVBL KOM KFRDKIRFCVISCMGTKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG KEDM KFLD KLPM KRGY KNNF KICR KIFR KM KWMNCS KAWS KLAP KPAK KDDG KCGC KID KNSD KMPF KPFO KDP KCMR KRMS KNPT KNNNP KTIAPARM KDTB KNUP KPGOV KNAP KNNC KUK KSRE KREISLER KIVP KQ KTIAEUN KPALAOIS KRM KISLAO KWM KFLOA
PHUM PINR PTER PGOV PREL PREF PL PM PHSA PE PARM PINS PK PUNE PO PALESTINIAN PU PBTS PROP PTBS POL POLI PA PGOVZI POLMIL POLITICAL PARTIES POLM PD POLITICS POLICY PAS PMIL PINT PNAT PV PKO PPOL PERSONS PING PBIO PH PETR PARMS PRES PCON PETERS PRELBR PT PLAB PP PAK PDEM PKPA PSOCI PF PLO PTERM PJUS PSOE PELOSI PROPERTY PGOVPREL PARP PRL PNIR PHUMKPAL PG PREZ PGIC PBOV PAO PKK PROV PHSAK PHUMPREL PROTECTION PGOVBL PSI PRELPK PGOVENRG PUM PRELKPKO PATTY PSOC PRIVATIZATION PRELSP PGOVEAIDUKNOSWGMHUCANLLHFRSPITNZ PMIG PREC PAIGH PROG PSHA PARK PETER POG PHUS PPREL PS PTERPREL PRELPGOV POV PKPO PGOVECON POUS PGOVPRELPHUMPREFSMIGELABEAIDKCRMKWMN PWBG PMAR PREM PAR PNR PRELPGOVEAIDECONEINVBEXPSCULOIIPBTIO PARMIR PGOVGM PHUH PARTM PN PRE PTE PY POLUN PPEL PDOV PGOVSOCI PIRF PGOVPM PBST PRELEVU PGOR PBTSRU PRM PRELKPAOIZ PGVO PERL PGOC PAGR PMIN PHUMR PVIP PPD PGV PRAM PINL PKPAL PTERE PGOF PINO PHAS PODC PRHUM PHUMA PREO PPA PEPFAR PGO PRGOV PAC PRESL PORG PKFK PEPR PRELP PREFA PNG PGOVPHUMKPAO PRELECON PINOCHET PFOR PGOVLO PHUMBA PRELC PREK PHUME PHJM POLINT PGOVPZ PGOVKCRM PGOVE PHALANAGE PARTY PECON PEACE PROCESS PLN PRELSW PAHO PEDRO PRELA PASS PPAO PGPV PNUM PCUL PGGV PSA PGOVSMIGKCRMKWMNPHUMCVISKFRDCA PGIV PRFE POGOV PEL PBT PAMQ PINF PSEPC POSTS PHUMPGOV PVOV PHSAPREL PROLIFERATION PENA PRELTBIOBA PIN PRELL PGOVPTER PHAM PHYTRP PTEL PTERPGOV PHARM PROTESTS PRELAF PKBL PRELKPAO PKNP PARMP PHUML PFOV PERM PUOS PRELGOV PHUMPTER PARAGRAPH PERURENA PBTSEWWT PCI PETROL PINSO PINSCE PQL PEREZ PBS

Browse by classification

Community resources

courage is contagious

Viewing cable 08KHARTOUM1232, WHERE OIL AND DARFUR INTERSECT - FIGHTING REPORTED IN

If you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs

Understanding cables
Every cable message consists of three parts:
  • The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
  • The middle box contains the header information that is associated with the cable. It includes information about the receiver(s) as well as a general subject.
  • The bottom box presents the body of the cable. The opening can contain a more specific subject, references to other cables (browse by origin to find them) or additional comment. This is followed by the main contents of the cable: a summary, a collection of specific topics and a comment section.
To understand the justification used for the classification of each cable, please use this WikiSource article as reference.

Discussing cables
If you find meaningful or important information in a cable, please link directly to its unique reference number. Linking to a specific paragraph in the body of a cable is also possible by copying the appropriate link (to be found at theparagraph symbol). Please mark messages for social networking services like Twitter with the hash tags #cablegate and a hash containing the reference ID e.g. #08KHARTOUM1232.
Reference ID Created Released Classification Origin
08KHARTOUM1232 2008-08-14 14:11 2011-08-24 16:30 UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Embassy Khartoum
VZCZCXRO0588
OO RUEHGI RUEHMA RUEHROV
DE RUEHKH #1232/01 2271411
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 141411Z AUG 08
FM AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1609
INFO RUCNFUR/DARFUR COLLECTIVE
RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE
RHMFISS/CJTF HOA
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KHARTOUM 001232 
 
DEPT FOR AF/SPG, A/S FRAZER, SE WILLIAMSON 
NSC FOR BPITTMAN AND CHUDSON 
ADDIS ABABA FOR USAU 
DEPT PLS PASS USAID FOR AFR/SUDAN 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ASEC PGOV PREL KPKO SOCI AU UNSC SU
SUBJECT: WHERE OIL AND DARFUR INTERSECT - FIGHTING REPORTED IN 
EXPLORATION AREA OF NORTH DARFUR 
 
1. (SBU) SUMMARY:  Following reports of fighting in North Darfur, 
SLA/AW Commander Suleiman Marajan told poloff via satellite phone on 
August 14 that there was significant fighting between his forces and 
the Sudanese Armed Forces on August 10 and 11 near Wadi Atrun, an 
area Marajan claimed oil exploration is now ongoing.  Marajan stated 
that a force of 270 SAF and militia vehicles killed nine of his 
fighters and 80 civilians in the combat.  Minni Minnawi confirmed 
both rapid SAF deployment to North Darfur and GoS oil interests in 
the region, but downplayed reports of fighting between SLA/AW and 
SAF.  This alleged clash  follows July reports announcing the start 
of oil exploration in North Darfur's block 12a.  If true, this 
incident could be one of the first reports of oil fueling the 
conflict within the borders of Darfur.  END SUMMARY 
 
PRESS REPORTS 
- - - - - - - 
2.  (SBU)  On August 13, international press (relying on exclusively 
rebel claims) reported that SAF started a "massive operation" to 
destroy rebel positions in North Darfur near the village of Wadi 
Atrun in oil block 12a.  On August 14, "Al-Sudani" reported that the 
SAF spokesman denied these claims, saying "Up to yesterday there 
were no battles and all that is being said are lies."  The same 
article quoted Ahmed Babikir from SLM-Unity saying that the GoS was 
"implementing a wide-ranging military plan in Darfur, attacking 
areas of Wadi Atrun, Al-Malha and Al-Sayyah." 
 
MARAJAN REPEATS REPORTS 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - 
3.  (SBU)  On August 14, SLA/AW commander of the region, Suleiman 
Marajan confirmed to poloff via satellite phone that approximately 
270 GoS vehicles attacked his positions near Wadi Atrun and Rahat. 
(Note:  Marajan has been active in the conflict since its inception. 
 Marajan was one of Minnawi's leading Meidob commanders, but was 
later imprisoned by Minnawi after he failed to attend the 2005 
Haskanita conference where Minnawi was elected the chairman of SLA 
in place of Abdul Wahid Nur.  End Note.)  Marajan said he lost 9 men 
in the fighting, and that GoS forces killed an additional 80 
civilians in the battle.  Marajan stated that the GoS force was a 
combined SAF and militia unit. 
 
ALLEGIANCE TO SLA/AW 
- - - - - - - - - - - 
4.  (SBU)  Despite a period of being an independent, Marajan 
repeatedly confirmed that he now belongs to the Sudan Liberation 
Army led by Abdul Wahid Al-Nur (SLA/AW).  He stated that he is in 
regular contact with Nur, and Nur's field commanders based in Jebel 
Marra.  He stated that despite his relative proximity to Minnawi, he 
has not had any communication with his former boss. 
 
"OIL IS THE REASON" 
- - - - - - - - - - 
5.  (SBU)  Marajan said the GoS is attempting to clear the area of 
rebels and people to protect its oil interests in the region.  He 
added there are three large camps of Asian oil workers between Wadi 
Atrun and Karab Atom.  According to Marajan, the camps have 
approximately 300 vehicles, heavy equipment, and hundreds of men. 
Marajan was not able to provide the name of the oil company in 
charge of the operation. 
 
"GOS SEEKS MILLITARY SOLUTION" 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
6.  (SBU)  Marajan said that this attack is also part of a greater 
military offensive by the GoS in Darfur.  According to Marajan the 
recent visit of the GoS Defense Minister to Darfur was part of the 
government's effort to devise a military strategy and coordinate 
SAF, intelligence, and the government militias in Darfur (GOS 
sources claimed that the visit was to improve security to provide 
better humanitarian access, and freely admit that it also meant 
targeting nests of bandits and carjackers).   "Bashir is now talking 
about peace, but he really is going to attack all of Darfur.  He 
feels like he is tricking the international community," stated 
Marajan. 
 
MINNI CONFIRMS GOVERNMENT ACTIVITY AND OIL INTERESTS.. 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
7.  (SBU)  On August 14, Senior Presidential Assistant and chairman 
of the Sudan Liberation Movement, Minni Minnawi, told poloff by 
satellite phone that the GoS continues significant military 
deployment in North Darfur, specifically mentioning the cities of 
Tine, Kornoi, Um Baro, and Wadi Atrun.  (Note:  Since June, Minnawi 
has been in the field in North Darfur.  As of August 11, he was only 
several hundred kilometers from Wadi Atrun with many fighters 
throughout the entire region. End Note.)  Minnawi said that he has 
received reports from Darfuri traders and herders leaving the area 
 
KHARTOUM 00001232  002 OF 002 
 
 
of Wadi Atrun due to a significant GoS build-up in the region. 
Minnawi said that the GoS has long been interested in oil 
exploration in Darfur, something he urged the GoS to forgo until 
Darfur is peaceful and stable. 
 
. . . BUT DOWNPLAYS THE LEVEL OF FIGHTING 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
8.  (SBU)  Despite his acknowledgement of the military buildup and 
displacement of people from Wadi Atrun, Minnawi downplayed reports 
of fighting.  Minnawi stated that SAF recently moved into Wadi Atrun 
and took the city without "any fighting."  According to Minnawi, 
Marajan does not have any fighters, but "just a group of guys who 
steal vehicles and  money from the trucks."  (COMMENT:  Minnawi's 
dismissive approach to Marajan is not surprising given their 
troubled history.  END COMMENT.)  In addition to moving into 
potential oil areas, Minnawi said that the most likely reason for 
the SAF deployment was an impending attack on his own position and 
troops.  "After Williamson's visit, my sources are telling me that 
the GoS wants to discover my coordinates and surround me," said 
Minnawi.  Minnawi also stated that "The GoS is scared of my 
relationship with the U.S., and they want to target me." 
 
OIL EXPLORATION ONGOING IN NORTH DARFUR 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
9.  (SBU)  On July 9, the Sudan Tribune reported that seismic work 
would begin shortly in Block 12a in North Darfur, calling this "the 
first exploration deep into Darfur since conflict erupted in 2003." 
The article quotes a representative of one company involved in the 
exploration, who reports that SAF forces would soon be deployed to 
the region to ensure a secure environment for the oil exploration. 
The article also specifically mentions the border station of Karab 
Atom, one area of conflict specifically mentioned by Marajan above. 
 
 
10.  (SBU)  Norwegian Petroleum Envoy Anders Hannevik told poloff on 
August 14 that Block 12a is a "black hole that we have very little 
information about."  Although he said he knew little about ongoing 
exploratory efforts, he did note that conducting seismic studies 
would require a very large presence similar to the one Marajan 
described.  "You cannot do seismic in the dark," said Hannevik, 
adding that Marajan's claim of 300 vehicles "would be about right" 
for the manpower needed for this important step in exploration. 
Hannevik cautioned, however, that he cannot imagine the GoS 
conducting exploration in Darfur during this very tense period. 
 
COMMENT 
- - - - - 
10.  (SBU)  Like many reports coming from the most remote and 
isolated regions in Darfur, it is difficult to get independent and 
trustworthy information regarding this reported fighting (the areas 
in question are closer to Libya than to North Darfur's state capital 
at El Fasher).  Some form of fighting likely took place, but we 
suspect that Marajan's report is exaggerated.  (Note:  Sudan 
veteran, OCHA head Mike McDonough describes Suleiman Marajan as "a 
notable brigand" and many other observers have also questioned 
Marajan's character and notable silence in the last year.  End 
Note.)  What is more significant about this event is that it could 
be one of the first reports of oil fueling the conflict in Darfur. 
While there have been JEM attacks on oil facilities in neighboring 
Kordofan, this appears to be a first within the borders of Darfur. 
Darfuris, from rebel leaders such as Khalil Ibrahim to average 
citizens on the street, often claim that Darfur has a wealth of 
natural resources controlled by the government.  Until now, these 
leaders have had little proof of these claims.  With the possibility 
of ongoing exploration in North Darfur, all of this could change, 
further irritating an already explosive region. END COMMENT. 
 
FERNANDEZ