JEM spokesperson minimises statements about imminent attacks

December 22, 2008 (LONDON) – The Spokesperson of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) played down the importance of statements by one of his movement’s officials about imminent attacks on the Sudanese government.

Two statements received by email and published on the official website of the rebel movement warned about imminent attacks on the positions of the Sudanese government in the country and called on the members of the army and regular forces to defect and join JEM.

The two statements are signed by JEM’s deputy general commander, Suleiman Sandal, and the secretary of political affairs, Ahmed Tugud.

However, Ahmed Hussein Adam minimised the magnitude of the statements, saying they were an exercise aiming to raise the awareness of the Sudanese and to advise them to avoid the zones of conflict.

He underscored that Sandal’s statement “does not mean that there is an imminent attack in any case.” He further said that such statements had been issued several months ago.

The official spokesperson condemned attempts by the Sudanese government to tarnish the image of the movement by attributing attacks against civilians to the JEM. He further reiterated the adherence of his movement to the principles of international humanitarian law.

With regard to the statement issued on behalf of Ahmed Tugod, Adam said that the goal of the statement was to invite members of the Sudanese army to stay away from the unnecessary war in Darfur and also to remind them that President Bashir wants to use them as shield in a battle that does not concern them.

Since its raid on the position of the Sudanese army and security forces in the capital last May, the rebel movement has pledged to repeat the assault on Khartoum.

JEM rebels have been subjected to international pressures to take part in the peace talks that are planned to take place in Qatar. But they only committed to consider the offer and then requested that Khartoum release members of the group condemned to death. Also, JEM asks that Khartoum negotiate only with them.

The rebel spokesperson reaffirmed that his movement “is aware of its responsibilities in this critical and historic juncture.” He said, “We will cooperate with the international and regional communities and responsible political forces for the completion of a comprehensive peace in Sudan that resolves the Darfur conflict and lays the ground for the democratization of the country.”

He also stressed JEM’s constant contact with the joint UN-African Union mediator Djibril Bassolé to help him in his efforts to achieve a “just peace” in Darfur.

(ST)