Sudan notifies UNAMID of military movements by Darfur rebels
December 15, 2008 (KHARTOUM) – The joint African Union-United Nations mission in Darfur (UNAMID) said that Sudanese authorities warned them of unusual military movements by Darfur rebel group near western borders.
The official said that security levels in the have been heightened in response to the threat.
“All parties must know that UNAMID is not part of the conflict but is here to accomplish stability and security in the region” the official added.
Sudanese foreign ministry spokesman Ali al-Sadiq told the newspaper that security bureaus intercepted Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) assembling on the borders.
Al-Sadiq said that his government is in constant contact with UNAMID and that recent warning was communicated “so that both sides can be ready for worst case scenario”.
The Sudanese army announced this week that it will conduct exercises using air force near the twin capital city of Omdurman.
Since last May bold raid by JEM, the Sudanese authorities boosted the defense of the capital and operated several joint military exercises.
More than 222 people were killed when rebels thrust more than 1,000 kilometres (600 miles) across the sandy expanse from western Sudan’s region of Darfur to Omdurman, just across the River Nile from the presidential palace.
Sudanese lawmakers issued a report that was not made public criticizing the army’s performance and recommended that Defense minister be removed.
International experts also say more than 300,000 were killed and 2 million have been driven from their homes by the conflict in Darfur, a region that is roughly the size of France.
(ST)