SLM-MM, JEM decline to join SRF’s condemnation by peace signatories
October 30, 2023 (PORT SUDAN) – The Sudan Liberation Movement led by Minni Minnawi (SLM-MM) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) headed by Gibril Ibrahim have distanced themselves from a recent statement issued by certain signatories of the Juba peace agreement. The rejected text described the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as a “rebel militia” and called for accountability for alleged crimes committed against civilians by the paramilitary forces.
Between October 22 and 25, groups that were part of the peace agreement held a series of meetings in Juba, hosted by the South Sudan government, with the aim of coordinating their positions regarding the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
At the meeting, Malik Agar, the leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), raised concerns about the armed groups’ neutrality in the ongoing conflict and urged them to support the Sudanese army in its struggle against paramilitary forces.
On Monday, a statement condemning the RSF was issued, bearing the signatures of all peace groups except the Sudan Liberation Movement – Transitional Command of Hadi Idris and the Gathering of Sudan Liberation Forces of Tahir Hajer.
However, both SLM-MM and JEM Ibrahim promptly disavowed the joint statement, noting that it had not been discussed or approved by all the groups mentioned therein.
The two groups emphasized that the statement’s timing was inappropriate and did not contribute to resolving the national crisis or putting an end to the violence. Consequently, they declared that the statement did not represent their stance. They took the opportunity to call for a commitment to institutional collaboration to bolster alliances and advance political practices during these critical times in Sudan’s history.
The rejected joint statement condemned “the Rapid Support Militia for all the crimes it committed against civilians, especially murder, rape, and the sale of girls in slave markets, and calls for those involved to be held accountable.”
The signatories of the joint statement also reiterated their commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty, territorial unity, and the legitimacy of the army in safeguarding the nation.
The groups endorsing the RSF condemnation statement included the SPLM-N led by Malik Agar, the Sudanese Alliance, the Northern Entity, the Democratic Unionist Party-Front, the Third Front Tamazuj, the Sudan Liberation Movement – Leadership Council, and the Sudan Liberation Movement Mustafa Tambour.
It is worth noting that a faction from the Third Front is fighting alongside the Rapid Support Forces against the army.
The joint statement also held the RSF responsible for “the assassination (on June 14) of the governor of West Darfur, Khamis Abdallah Abkar, and the desecration of his remains.”
(ST)