Eastern Sudan rebels leader to return to Khartoum – report

Jan 2, 2005 (KHARTOUM) — The return of the leader of the Rashaida Free Lions rebel movement, Salim al-Mabrouk, to Sudan is imminent following the signing of a political agreement with the ruling National Congress party, the al-Watan newspaper said.

The chief of the Rashaida tribe in eastern Sudan, Hamid Hamid al-Nuqayshi, revealed that the mediation committee led by Rashaida dignitaries to seek the return of their people to Sudan had succeeded after a series of continuous lengthy meetings and an accord reached on the return of the leader of the armed organization.

Al-Nuqayshi did not wish to comment on whether the return of Mabruk was conditional or not, the source said.

The Sudanese government and Rashaida Free Lions rebel group signed an agreement to end hostilities following negotiations held under the auspices of the Libyan leader in Tripoli on 24-25 December.

The rebel Beja Congress questioned Libya’s involvement in the agreement which appeared to undermine the unity of the Eastern Front, which was formed in February after the merger of Rashaida Free Lions and the main rebel group, the Beja Congress.

But the Rashaida Free Lions said in a press statement after the signing of Tripoli accord that they are committed to the Eastern Front charter, and would not seek to reach an independent deal without the Beja Congress.

(ST)