Darfur SLA rebels elects Minawi as new leader – BBC

Nov 3, 2005 (KHARTOUM) — The biggest rebel movement in Sudan’s war-torn Darfur region has chosen Minni Minnawi as their new leader, the BBC reported.

Minawi’s choice seems certain to split the group, long beset by rivalries.

Any split would further complicate already difficult efforts to resolve Darfur’s crisis, which has driven more than 2m people from their homes.

By electing Mr Minnawi as its new president the rebels now seem destined to split such is the animosity between him and his predecessor, Abdelwahed al-Nur.

Abelwahed says he will not recognise the congress’ decisions, he considers it as an attempt by Minawi to unseat him.

The SLM congress was initially tipped as a reconciliation conference, but SLM founder Nur refused to attend the meeting.

(BBC/ST)