December 30, 2007:
There are now 9,000
African Union peacekeepers in Darfur. On December 31 the African Union Mission
in Sudan (AMIS) will officially integrate with the UN and formed UNAMID (United
Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur).
December 28, 2007: Fulfilling a prior political commitment, the
Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM, the political organization which
includes the SPLA) rejoined the national Sudan government. South Sudan's
president Salva Kiir also serves as the "national first vice president." South
Sudan said that its return to the government is an indication that it intends
to peacefully resolve border and economic issues with the north.
December 24, 2007: Militia and tribal
forces loyal to the Sudan government fought a battle with an South Sudan
security unit. South Sudan claimed that a Popular Defense Forces militia unit
attacked a Sudan Peoples Liberation Army battalion on December 22. The South
Sudan spokesman claimed that the Sudanese Army helped support the militia
attack. A series of small-scale clashes continued for two days. The Sudanese government denied that the Sudanese
Army was involved. The Sudanese government claimed that members of the
Misseriya tribe fought with the SPLA. The Misseriya are a primarily nomadic
tribe whose members are armed and like to go where they want without
interference.