SPLM condemns Sudanese envoy statements over Darfur rebels
By Wasil Ali
June1, 2007 (WASHINGTON) — The SPLM office in Washington has distanced it self from a statement made by the Sudanese envoy to the USA describing the Darfur rebels as “terrorists”. The SPLM said such remark represents his personal view.
Ambassador John Ukec Lueth Ukec, who is designated by the SPLM in the framework of a power sharing deal, criticized the international community for not treating the Darfur rebels who rejected the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) as “terrorists” as was agreed in Abuja, he said.
This portion of the envoy’s press conference has touched off an unprecedented outcry among Sudanese communities, especially those from Darfur who felt betrayed by the SPLM of whom Ukec is a member. The video of the press conference was widely circulated throughout web spreading outrage even among non-Sudanese who saw it.
The Sudanese ambassador to Washington held a press conference on Wednesday May 30, to protest the new sanctions imposed by the US against Sudan. The press conference was marked by the ambassador’s sharp rhetoric and his vigorous gestures as he blasted the US administration, calling the sanctions an outcome of “bi-partisan politics”.
The Sudanese envoy also expressed frustration for the lack of interest by US officials and the media in hearing Khartoum’s side of the story on the Darfur crisis. He accused the US government and NGOs of exaggerating the Darfur crisis and denied that genocide took place in the war ravaged region of Sudan.
A senior member of a non-signatory Darfur rebel group speaking to Sudan Tribune on condition of anonymity described Ukec’s statements as “feeble” and an attempt to “dehumanize the people of Darfur and undermine their sufferings”.
The SPLM sought desperately to contain the damage done by Ukec’s statements fearing its impact on their image as a revolutionary movement fighting for the rights of the marginalized population of Sudan. Some observers suggested to Sudan Tribune that Ukec’s remarks may imperil the SPLM’s efforts to play a role in resolving the Darfur crisis.
The Sudanese first vice president and head of the SPLM, Silva Kiir had planned a meeting in July to bring together Darfur rebel factions. The purpose of the meeting is to find a common political ground for the Darfur rebels in preparation for peace talks with the Sudanese government dominated by the National Congress Party (NCP).
At least 200,000 people have died in the western region of Sudan and more than two million more fled their homes since ethnic minority rebels rose up three years ago drawing a scorched earth response from the military and allied militias.
(ST)