AMIS accuses former rebels of hindering Darfur peacekeeping mission
July 19, 2007 (EL FASHER) — The African Union mission in Darfur has condemned Thursday hindrance of its efforts to boost mutual confidence and mutual coexistence between its peacekeepers and the former rebels now aligned with the Sudanese government and demanded the ex-rebels return 13 vehicles they have captured.
AMIS said in a press statement that Juma Hagar, a former rebel commander of the SLA- Minni Minawi in south Darfur, has postponed a visit, previously agreed, of a high level delegation led by the Head of Darfur Integrated Task Force (DITF), to resume a second tour of confidence-building in the region.
The delegation, headed by Ambassador Mahmoud Kane, planned to visit Muhajeria to discuss the SLA’s abduction of 13 vehicles, following a road accident involving African peacekeepers and SLA soldiers.
On May 31, one of AMIS patrols had a “road accident” with a convoy of former rebels from the Sudan Liberation Movement near Labado in South Darfur. The road accident led to the death of one former rebel and the wounding of nine, four of whom were in critical condition, the A.U. said.
The delegation which is sent by the African Union Commission visited Um Barro on 15 July 2007, Graida and Nyala on, 18 July 2007.
Amis reiterated its demand “for the immediate and unconditional return of all its 13 vehicles abducted by SLA under Eastern Commander Juma Hagar.” It further warned that the rebel commander will be held responsible and accountable for the prejudice caused to AMIS and for the undue hindrance to its peace keeping operations in that part of Darfur under SLA control.
Minni Minawi is the only rebel leader who signed the Darfur Peace Agreement in May 2005 with the Sudanese government. Now a high ranking official in Khartoum, Minawi has lost much of his following in Darfur and his troops have begun heavy infighting with other rebel factions holding out against the government.
(ST)