Arab media

March 4 , 2008

Source: Al Ahram (government-friendly, Egyptian daily with over 1 million in circulation)
Headline: EUFOR and International Competition in Africa
By: Dr. Amani Attaweel

• It is expected that EUFOR force deployment in Chad would affect Darfur crisis, security measures in West African, and American – French competition over influence in the region
• EUFOR force, which was proposed by France, is made up of 3,500 troops half of which are from France
• The force is expected to play an important role in reducing Sudan’s ability to interfere in Chad’s internal affairs and vice-versa
• It is also expected to limit Chadian and Darfur rebels’ movements and using the border area to stage attacks and to retreat
• The force will also provide security to humanitarian groups in Chad and to protect humanitarian aid supply routes
• It will also contribute to France’s influence in Chad given the Military Cooperation Agreement between Chad and France
• US reservations might have been behind the hurried and secret meeting Condoleezza Rice had with Sudanese Foreign Minister Deng Alor few days ago
• After Nigeria refused to host AFRICOM, US might be thinking of Chad as a host country given its central location in Africa.  Chad is also a good place from which to fight terrorism in Africa
• In additions, US might be worried that added French influence in Chad could affect its oil investments.  US invested heavily in Chadian oil industry, especially after France ended its oil investment in 2000.  Since then, US took over and built a pipeline that cost over $4 billion
• All these security issues and competing interests in Egypt’s backyard necessitates an active Egyptian role to limit any negative damage that might ensue

Source: Addustour (Government-friendly, Jordanian daily enjoys wide circulation)
Headline: UN Says 20,000 People to Be Trapped in Mountainous Area in West Darfur

• UN Special Envoy to Sudan Amira Haq said that up to 20,000 civilians were completely cut off in the volatile region of Jabal Moon in West Darfur
• The area saw fierce fighting between Justice and Equality Movement rebels and government forces making it dangerous for humanitarian groups to venture there
• She indicated that UN “wanted to evaluate the situation in the area but JEM fighters prevented us”
• She expressed concern over food supplies and safety of the “trapped” civilians
• Amira also voiced concern over recent government troops’ movement toward the mountainous area

Source: Al Jazeera (Leading Arabic News Channel, headquartered in Qatar)
Headline: Minor Summit in Dakar to Mediate between Chad and Sudan

• Senegalese President Abdulaye Wade announced that he would host a mini summit during Islamic Organization Conference to mediate between Chad and Sudan
• Wade said that he secured the support of Libya and Egypt and indicated that Gabonese President Omar Bango and AU Leader Jakaya Kikwete will also be present at the summit
• As for UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, he was not certain whether he would be able to attend
• Wade added he was asked by Chadian President Idriss Deby to mediate between the two countries