US hails release of Darfur rebel figure
September 17, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — The US embassy in Khartoum praised the decision of the Sudanese government to allow the departure of Darfur senior rebel figure Suleiman Jamous for medical treatement abroad.
“The United States government welcomes the Government of Sudan’s decision to allow Suleiman Jamous to leave the country for medical treatment under an agreement which the United Nations helped negotiate.” Said a statement issued by US embassy yesterday.
The statement described Jamous as “an important leader” in Darfur Adding he has a “potentially important role to play in the peace process.”
“Jamous has made public assurances that he will facilitate the peace process and not take up arms in the civil war in Darfur. This decision represents a constructive step by the Government of Sudan to help further the peace process in Darfur.”
The rebel figure told Sudan Tribune following his arrival to Chad that he would look for international help to get treatment in one of the western countries.
Jamous was opposed to Darfur Peace Agreement DPA signed in May 2006 between Sudan government and Sudan Liberation Movement of Minni Minawi. He considered that the DPA didn’t resolve the root causes of Darfur crisis.
At that time Jamous had stated that Abuja agreement dealt with the consequences of the crisis without treating the root causes of the conflict. He also said that the disarmament of the janjaweed militias was not clear while Khartoum had transformed these militias to paramilitary units attached to the regular army.
(ST)