Darfur rebels urge US envoy to desist from supporting Addis Ababa group
September 18, 2009 (PARIS) — A newly formed Darfur rebel group rejected ongoing efforts by the US envoy to reunite some groups in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa and urged him to support their movement.
The Libyan and American efforts affected particularly Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) – Unity and the group splinted into two factions. Abdelalla Yahiya, the head of the group, followed the US envoy while another faction led by Mahgoub Hussein preferred to join the Libya’s sponsored SLRF.
Speaking to Sudan Tribune, Mahgoub Hussein, a founding member of the new group and formerly spokesperson of the SLM-Unity rejected the Addis Ababa group and called on the US envoy to join ongoing initiatives to enhance the nescient SLRF.
He said that the US should not waste his time in Addis Ababa with people who have no real presence in the ground. He added that their groups represent the different factions of the SLM, besides the SLM of Abdel Wahid Al-Nur who rejects Gration’s initiative.
Hussein further added they intend to tackle the issue with the US envoy who is expected to visit Tripoli with two weeks.
Established in Tripoli on August 31, 2009, The SLRF includes: Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A)-Field Leadership, SLM/A-Unity Leadership, SLM/A-Juba of Mohamed Saleh Harba, SLM/A General Line, and SLM/A led by Khamis Abakar.
Hussein who was speaking from Tripoli further said thatt Ali Karbino, a breakaway commander from SLM-Unity who formed a group called Democratic Sudan Liberation Movement, has now joined the SLRF.
Addis Ababa group includes: United Resistance Front (URF) of Idriss Abu Garda, SLM/A-Juba of Ahmed Abdel Shafi, SLM/A Unity Leadership led by Abdalla Yahiya and a group of commanders led by Ismail Rifa Jara who splinted from of SLM Al-Nur.
They have been recently joined by United Revolutionary Forces Front (URFF), a coalition of Darfur Arabs who stood against government policy in the troubled province.
The former governor of Darfur province Al-Tigani Al-Sissi declined an offer to lead the SLRF. He said willing to chair the group if all the SLA factions accept to join the Libyan supported group.
The Joint Mediator for Darfur peace process announced an all rebels workshop to be held in Doha next month. Djibril Bassole said the meeting aims to help the rebels to overcome their differences and build confidence among them before a meeting with the government delegation at the end of October.
(ST)