Darfur rebel group denies holding conference in Ethiopia

Nov 12, 2006 (LONDON) — A Darfur rebel group denied holding its second general conference in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. The group further accused the Sudanese government of fomenting a plot to divide a rebel alliance.

The rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) denied organizing its second general conference in the Ethiopian capital from 20 to 25 November. It accused the Sudanese security service of organizing this alleged conference.

A rebel source said Khartoum by holding this conference in Addis Ababa want to create misunderstanding and division within the National Redemption Front (NRF), an alliance of rebel groups that rejected as inadequate a May peace accord signed in the Nigerian capital Abuja.

Most of the NRF leaders are currently in Asmara for talks with the Eritrean officials who prepare a mediation to end Darfur crisis.

The Independent daily al-Sudani Sunday reported that JEM would hold its second general conference in Addis Ababa. The newspaper considered this event as a major shift in the Ethiopian policy towards the Sudanese government.

But rebel sources asked how they can organize a meeting in Ethiopia which is a close ally to the ruling National congress Party. He further said that JEM has no any link Addis Ababa.

“Ethiopia cannot authorise such a meeting without consent of the Sudanese government and with which it has a security pact” JEM source said.

Analysts say by this move, Khartoum maybe wants to trouble the good relations between Eritrean authorities and NRF members. JEM is one of NRF groups.

Eritrea is expected to call soon for talks on Darfur crisis all the concerned parties .

The rebel group said in a press statement that the organizer of the meeting, Idris Ibrahim Azraq who was the spokesperson of the JEM, is dismissed from the group since April 2006.

JEM will organize its conference inside Sudan in a rebel controlled area soon, said the press release.

(ST)