SLM calls on Chadian president to not expel Darfur refugees
Sudan Liberation Movement/Army
Press Release
Appeal to his Excellency, General Idris Deby, President of the Republic of Chad from the SLM/A
April 17, 2006 (ABUJA) — The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army was troubled by the tragic events that have taken place in the Chadian capital, N’Djamaina a couple of days ago. The SLM/A is equally troubled by the decision made by the Chadian government asking the international community to resettle more than 200,000 Sudanese refugees in Chad, and find a new shelter for them (the refugees) in another country.
The SLM/A condemns the Sudanese government for its uncalled behavior in intruding into the internal affairs of other countries from the day it took power in Sudan. In case of Chad, the Sudanese government is again determined to use the Janjaweed militia and to replicate the same recipe used against the people of Darfur. The Chadian government reserves its right to take all necessary measures to preserve its sovereignty as a nation. Such policy has always been supported by the SLM/A.
Throughout history, it has been well known that, refugees usually cross borders of other sovereign nations due to war and political unrest in their (refugees) original country. In Darfur, the Sudanese government has used the Janjaweed to systematically kill, rape and abduct innocent civilians. Such deliberate campaign gave rise to having Sudanese refugees crossed the border into Chad.
The SLM/A commends the Chadian government for accommodating more than 200,000 Sudanese refugees for the past two years on its soil. There are v. strong ties between the Sudanese and the Chadian people, especially at the Darfur-Chad border. These ties are deeply rooted in the old history of our two nations, and long before the creation of what is known today, Sudan and Chad.
By virtue of the responsibility vested on us towards those refugees who are sheltering in Chad, the SLM/A appeals to President Deby to reverse his decision to repatriate the Sudanese refugees back to Sudan, and/or resettle them into another country. The SLM/A also sends an appeal to the international community to share our sentiment and call President Deby to reverse his decision.
Finally, we would like to remind everyone that, the only way to put an end to the pain and suffering as well as the precarious conditions those refugees are living under, is to reach a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace as quickly as possible in Abuja.
– Jaffer Monro, Spokesman of Sudan Liberation Movement/Army
– Email: [email protected]
– Abuja GSM phone: +234-806-591-4551