JEM leader sakes veteran rebel over contacts with Sudanese government

September 28, 2007 (EL-FASHIR) — The leader of Darfur rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), Khalil Ibrahim, has named a new secretary for Western sector to replace a veteran rebel who was sacked from his position on September 26.

In a decree issued today the JEM president appointed, Ahmed Adam Bakheit, as Secretary for Western Sector of the rebel movement. Bakheit replaces Bahar Idriss Abu Garda who had unauthorized meetings with government officials, reliable sources said.

“Abu Garda is bitter since the removal of the former JEM chief commander, Abdalla Banda, on July 1.” The source said.

He started making some contacts with the Sudanese government and also approached the AU for a separate audience in connection with Banda who attacked JEM forces but had to retreat, Sudan Tribune has learnt.

Last week, Bahr appeared at Khor Mareesa near el-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur, and he was collected to el-Fashir for a meeting with the governor Osman Kibir, security forces and representatives of Minni Minnawi, the senior aide of the Sudanese president.

After his relieve, Abdalla Banda created a new splinter faction called “JEM – Eastern Command”. He announced on July 30 the removal of Khail Ibrahim from JEM leadership, and demanded to participate in Arusha meeting.

Darfur rebels accuse Khartoum of trying to divide their ranks, and mediators have described government attempts to negotiate deals with individual commanders as “unhelpful” as rebels worked to reach a common platform ahead of peace talks.

(ST)