Rebel JEM appeals on Security Council to debate over Darfur IDPs

August 23, 2007 (LONDON) — A Darfur rebel group has condemned the attack of Sudanese forces on Kalma camp in South Darfur. It also appealed the UN Security Council to convene a special session to discuss the situation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Darfur camps.

Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) requested the international community to draw more attention to the situation of the IDPs in Darfur camps. “The Security Council should hold a special session on Darfur IDPs because the attack against Kalma camps transgresses international human rights law and international humanitarian law.”

JEM spokesperson Ahmed Hussein Adam told Sudan Tribune that Kalma attack represents a clear violation of UN Guiding Principles of Internal Displacement.

Ahmed said the purpose of the attack was the destruction of the IDPs camp — because it serves as symbol of the plight of Darfur people — in order to close the dossier of Darfur.
“Sudanese president al-Bashir, during his visit to Darfur last month, had directed and announced it publicly that IDPs camps should be cleared before the deployment of the hybrid troops.” Ahmed said.

Sudanese forces surrounded and attacked Darfur’s largest camp of Kalma on Tuesday 21 August to flush out rebels they say are behind recent attacks on police posts last week.

JEM spokesperson also invited all the Darfur rebel groups to coordinate action together in order to adopt a joint position on such sensitive issue.

“We in JEM consider that the IDPs issue is too sensitive to remain divided vis-à-vis of Khartoum plans to dismantle the social fabric in Darfur.” Ahmed added that Sudanese government plans to clear the IDPs camps come after the destruction of Darfur villages.

Different rebel reports say that the assault against Sudanese police was organized to manage a pretext to attack Kalma camp in south Darfur.

African Union and United Nation three days after remain silent on the attack. “Their reports on the attack are needed to sort out who is really behind the assault against the police and to understand the real motivation of Kalma.” Western diplomat said.

(ST)