Sudan to integrate former Darfur rebels – official

July 31, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — Sudanese government plans to integrate around 1256 former Darfur rebels in the northern Sudan army in accordance with the Darfur Peace Agreement signed in May 2006 with Minni Minawi group and other small factions.

The former rebel groups concerned by the decision are: Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) of Minni Minawi, SLM – Peace Faction, SLM – Free Will, Justice and Equality Movement – Peace Faction and Movement of Popular Forces for Rights and Democracy.

Gen. Mohamed Ahmed Mustafa al-Dabi, the head of Security Arrangements Commission, told SUNA that the government decided to absorb 1256 former rebels. He added that these move concern 66 officers and 1190 non commissioned officers and soldiers.

He reiterated government commitment to disarm its militias in Darfur saying disarmament operations begun since June 2006 in Nyala, Kassi and Zalingi. He pointed out that his commission had to address some remarks made by the African Union, which is charged with the monitoring of disarmament operation according to the DPA.

The Senior Presidential Assistant who left his office since two months to protest against the ill implementation of the peace deal asked in a memorandum last week Khartoum to disarm its Jajaweed militias.

However, al-Dabi called on Minawi to listen to voice of reason and offer all its forces for merger, affirming that Darfuri would be the loser in any delay in implementing the terms of security arrangements.

(ST)