Defence

Chief Joint Operations

OP AZURE - ADF support to the United Nations Mission in Sudan

Squadron Leader Ruth Elsley spoke with Karlene Sargent about the ADF's contribution to OPERATION AZURE in Sudan.

While conducting a survey of a helicopter landing site at Julud, SQNLDR Ruth Elsley (COMASC) made friends with the local children. Photo provided by SQNLDR Ruth Elsley

CAPT Mark Levine (4th from L, front row), the only Australian member of the UNMO team located in Kassala, Eastern Sudan. Photo provided by SQNLDR Ruth Elsley

In late April this year, Minister for Defence, Senator Hill approved the deployment of ADF personnel to the United Nations peacekeeping operation in Sudan. What is the role of the nine ADF personnel currently deployed to the mission? When did you arrive 'in situ' and where are you located?

Stationed at multiple locations throughout Sudan - from Khartoum, El Obeid and Kadugli to Juba, Abyei and Kassala - the nine members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) deployed to OPERATION AZURE SUDAN are involved in a variety of roles within the United Nations. Deployment of members of the ADF contingent to Sudan occurred on a staggered basis, with Sergeant (SGT) Shaun Parren and myself the first to arrive on the scene in early May. Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Russell Crawford arrived on 19 May, after completing a ten-day United Nations Military Observer training course at United Nations Headquarters in Nairobi. Flight Lieutenant (FLTLT) Damian Hehir arrived into Khartoum on 21 May and the remaining members of the contingent arrived some time later on 12 June.

Three of the nine members - FLTLT Hehir, SGT Parren and myself - have taken up Staff Officer roles with the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS), in the Integrated Services Section. I am filling the Senior Staff Officer Aviation Safety (COMASC) role, while FLTLT Hehir and SGT Parren are working in the capacity of Air Operations Officer (RAAF) and Movements Control Officer (Army) respectively.

The remaining six ADF members - LCDR Crawford, Lieutenant (LEUT) Steven Woodman, Captain (CAPT) Brian Jung, CAPT Ashley Boddy, CAPT Mark Levine and CAPT Barry Kyrwood - are filling United Nations Military Observer (UNMO) positions, a role that primarily involves monitoring and verification of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

What sorts of activities are being undertaken by the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) and where are these taking place?

UNMIS is involved in a diverse range of activities across Sudan, as directed by The Comprehensive Peace Agreement and Security Council Resolution 1590. These activities include:

• Supporting the acceptance of the overall Peace Agreement;
• Establishing liaison with the Parties, Agencies and other actors;
• Monitoring and verifying lines of disengagement;
• Monitoring and verifying redeployment of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) from the South to the North, to designated assembly areas;
• Monitoring and verifying redeployment of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) forces from Eastern Sudan to the south and to Khartoum, to designated assembly areas;
• Extensive de-mining activities throughout the south;
• Assisting the Demobilisation/Disarmament/Reintegration (DDR) process within capabilities - of both Southern and Northern Sudanese forces;
• Logistical support involving extensive air operations, to not only the UNMIS mission but also to the African Union Mission in the Darfur region;
• 750 UNMOs and 750 Civilian Police conducting monitoring and verification activities of the implementation of all parts of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement;
• Monitoring and verifying the formation and training of Joint Integrated Units (military from both the Government of Sudan and SPLA);
• Providing force protection within boundaries;
• Opening land lines of communication;
• Supporting UN programmes in the region, within capabilities;
• Providing protection for civilian/internally displaced persons where they are in immediate danger and if no other protection is available; and
• Advising and assisting the African Union Mission (AMIS).

How have the Sudanese people reacted to the UN presence?

Overall, the Sudanese reaction to the presence of the United Nations has been extremely positive. Many have said that they cannot believe that they are finally at peace and that the war is over. They have said that they have noticed an incredible rate of progress within Sudan in the short period of time that the UN has been here.

However the presence of the United Nations and its role in the country has not been well publicised, especially in the South where many of the UNMOs have encountered Sudanese who have no understanding of the role that the UN has here. The immediate role of the UNMOs, throughout all sectors, has therefore been one of winning the hearts and minds of the Sudanese people. The unfortunate reality in a third world country the size of Western Australia, is the lack of media and communication capabilities available. Consequently, getting the message to the people is an extremely difficult assignment and there are many that still do not know of the Peace Agreement.

On an individual level, I have noticed that seeing a woman in uniform often inspires a very interesting response by the Sudanese people. In fact, I've become accustomed to being constantly stared at by the Sudanese. Many people have expressed their joy at seeing a woman in a position such as mine, and it provides a sense of hope to the Sudanese women that they too may have similar opportunities in the future.

Have you encountered any significant obstacles during your deployment? If so, how have you overcome them?

One of the many challenges that face the team in Sudan - the "haboob", a dust storm which descends on Khartoum on a regular basis. Photo provided by SQNLDR Ruth Elsley

There are always obstacles to any deployment - particularly a deployment that is in the beginning phase. All members of the deployment have experienced the frustrations involved with being in a United Nations Mission that is in the 'start-up' phase. Not all international commitments have been realised and resources are scarce. This is compounded ten fold by the incredibly difficult logistical environment in Sudan. Not only is there no infrastructure on the ground for the transport of materials and personnel within the mission area, but the rainy season within the southern part of the country has made building and movement near impossible. Add to that the further complication of restrictions to air operations caused by intense temperatures and the regular 'haboobs' - dust storms - that reduce visibility to a couple of hundred metres.

Despite the obstacles, ADF personnel have managed to overcome the frustrations and problems with the usual Australian spirit of 'adapt and overcome'. ADF personnel are highly regarded within the mission area. We are thought to be a very valuable asset because of the high calibre of our training, our ability to resolve problems, our ability to communicate in English and our professional attitude towards our work.

As Commander Australian Contingent (COMASC), I have had many compliments paid to me on the very high standard of the ADF personnel deployed to the mission, particularly in terms of their unwavering efforts to get the job done.

The health risks in Sudan are far greater than any other deployment the ADF has probably had to face. Sudan bears the unenviable burden of being described as probably the most diseased country in the world. Even the air that you breathe can make you ill. However, the greatest threat to ADF personnel is, of course, malaria and stomach ailments. Touch wood, the ADF contingent has so far escaped serious illness, but there have been over 2000 cases of malaria diagnosed in the south and a great many international staff hospitalised with various ailments. Each time a large dust storm blows in, it leaves a trail of staff members suffering from either respiratory ailments or stomach problems.

The government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) signed a 'comprehensive' peace agreement in Nairobi on 9 January, which, if it holds, will bring to an end 21 years of civil war in the country. What changes (if any) have you noticed taking place during your short time in Sudan? Do tensions between the Sudanese Government and the SPLM seem to be easing at all?

Changes in Sudan are slow to take hold, to say the least. There's a term we use when we're talking about the Sudanese - IBM. "Inshala, Bukara, Malesh", which basically means, "God willing, it will happen tomorrow, but if it doesn't never mind".

The most significant change to occur so far in Sudan was the signing of the new interim constitution and the implementation of the new joint Government on 9 July 2005. Whilst President Omer el-Bashir remained the leader of the Government, Dr John Garang, leader of the SPLM, became the first Vice President.

In what was a great tragedy for the Sudanese people, Dr Garang was recently killed in a helicopter accident, just three weeks after his inauguration. Whilst his death led to rioting and violence - resulting in an estimated 130 dead and over 300 injured - commitment to the peace process remains. The Sudanese Government remains steadfast in its determination to proceed along the peace path that Dr Garang began and has been quick to appoint a new SPLM Vice President, Mr Salva Kiir.

Sudanese President Hassan Omer el-Bashir has referred to the peace accord as 'a new beginning for the people of Sudan'. Do you think the people of Sudan share their President's aspiration?

At this early stage of the mission it is difficult to determine whether this is the 'new beginning for the people of Sudan'. While there is widespread hope that it is, there are also those who either benefit from the conflict or will see their personal power diminished by the peace process and so do not want to see it work.

Road conditions in Sudan make for long and tedious journeys - especially when the 150km of road you are driving along looks like this, takes some 9 hours to traverse and leaves your vehicle up to its axles in mud. Photo provided by SQNLDR Ruth Elsley

In Southern Sudan, for example, there are a number of militia groups who were not party to the Peace Agreement and do not believe it represents their views or interests. These groups currently believe they have an interest in making it fail. This is among the biggest threats and challenges to the interim peace period of 6 years. The other challenge for Sudan is the referendum at the end of the 6-year interim period. The Referendum will see a decision made as to whether the country will unify, or whether the South will secede and become an independent nation.

In the South of the country, opinion in the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) is already divided over whether to try to make the agreement for a united Sudan work, or to go all out for secession.

The situation in Sudan is far more complicated than being just about the tension between the Government of Sudan and the SPLM. Tensions also exist between the tribes that make up the SPLM and of course the militias, who are aligned to the interests of either side. Other areas of conflict within Sudan and on the borders of Sudan continue in concert with these identified tensions. The Darfur conflict, which is attracting the most media interest, unrest on the eastern border with Eritrea, the outcomes of the Abyei Boundaries Commission report and ongoing activities of the Lord's Resistance Army in the south, form the basis of the widespread unrest in the country.

It takes a great deal of understanding on the part of those ADF members working with the UN to realise that this is an extremely complicated country, with a vast array of competing issues.

How long it is anticipated that the UN will remain in Sudan? To your knowledge, will the ADF contingent remain in place until that time?

The United Nations will remain in Sudan for the entire 6-year interim period. The tenure of the United Nations beyond that date will very much be determined by the results of the referendum, to be held at the end of the 6 years. Regardless of whether the South secedes or becomes part of a unified nation, it is anticipated that the results of the referendum may very well result in further conflict.

As far as I'm aware, the ADF will probably maintain its commitment to this mission in the short term. The government announced an initial deployment of twelve months, with a review to be conducted after six months. That review is due in late 2005. Whether we will maintain a presence for the full six years is a matter for our Government.

What factors will determine the success or otherwise of the ADF's deployment to Sudan?

It is difficult to say - we are here to support the overall acceptance of the Peace Agreement. We are here to maintain Australia's ongoing commitment to the United Nations, to maintain the standing of Australia within the United Nations and of course to play our role in making life safer for those innocents in the Sudan.

I already feel that the ADF effort in the mission has been successful and that ADF members are pulling more than their weight. I'm consistently receiving praise that recognises the talent and capabilities of the ADF and the Sudanese people are endlessly asking me how they can come to Australia.

As Commander of the first Australian Contingent into Sudan since 1885, I feel privileged to have such a talented group of Australians to lead. Being a female has raised its own challenges, but not as many as I had thought. In fact, it seems that some view the presence of a female military member in such a mission as a breath of fresh air. It certainly has been encouraging and heartening for me, to hear such a view expressed.

It was fabulous to have been recently able to host the Land Commander, Major General Mark Kelly, on his first visit to Sudan. His visit confirms to us that our leadership is vitally interested in what we are doing and that our senior decision makers are keen to have a first hand knowledge of the challenges we face.

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