SLM-Abdel Wahid refutes claims of aligning Sudanese army to defend El-Fasher
November 26, 2023 (EL FASHER) – The official spokesperson for the Sudan Liberation Movement-Abdel Wahid Nur (SLM-AW), on Sunday, denied the participation of the Movement’s Army Chief of Staff, Youssif Karjakola, in the joint force to defend El Fasher. He firmly stated that the SLM does not align itself with the Sudanese army in its ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
On November 24, Karjakola arrived in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, leading a significant contingent of combatants. His arrival sparked controversy due to the SLM’s non-signatory status and its refusal to participate in peace negotiations since the 2006 Abuja talks.
The SLM-AW Spokesman Abdel Rahman Al-Nayer, clarified that Karjakola’s presence in El Fasher was not an endorsement of either party in the ongoing conflict.
The SLM “Maintains its independent stance and will not collaborate with any military or political party. It remains committed to ending the ongoing conflict not prolonging it by siding with any faction”.
He added that the group’s official positions, statements, and announcements are disseminated solely through its official website and social media platforms.
Meanwhile, a prominent military official within the joint force, who requested anonymity, reiterated to Sudan Tribune that Karjakola’s arrival was coordinated with the joint force. He added that extensive meetings had been held between Karjakola and the joint force’s military commanders, leading to an agreement for his participation in protecting civilians in El Fasher.
“Meetings are still ongoing in El Fasher between the military commanders of the armed movements that signed the Juba Agreement and the Chief of Staff of the Sudan Liberation Movement, Yusuf Karjikola, for further coordination,” the official added.
The presence of the SLA-AW senior commander and his troops in El Fasher, according to some local observers, is intended to safeguard displacement camps without engaging in combat alongside the army against the RSF attackers.
The paramilitary forces are accused of targeting civilians, sexual violence, and looting their homes and belongings after their attacks on the army garrisons in Darfur towns.
Over two weeks ago, the RSF deployed large numbers of troops towards El Fasher, the only city in Darfur not under their control. In response, the armed movements that signed the Juba Peace Agreement bolstered their military presence in El Fasher, which shelters a significant number of civilians displaced by the conflict in South and West Darfur.
(ST)