Chadian President and US envoy discuss Darfur peace with JEM leader
June 11, 2010 (KHARTOUM) — Chadian President Idris Deby met with the leader of the rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), Khalil Ibrahim Friday in the Libyan capital Tripoli to exhort the later to join the Doha peace process three weeks after barring his entry into Ndjamena.
JEM froze its participation in the Doha peace process on May 2, accusing the Sudanese army of attacking its positions in Darfur despite the signing of a cessation of hostilities agreement last February. It also said Qatar was not neutral and accused it of favoring Khartoum.
Ahmed Hussein Adam, JEM official spokesperson told Sudan Tribune that the meeting between Deby and Ibrahim discussed the participation of the rebel movement in the peace negotiations; adding that the rebel leader maintained his rejection to join the peace under the current conditions.
“Dr. Khalil reaffirmed that peace remains our strategic goal, however he explained that Khartoum wants to impose an empty peace deal and used to dishonor the signed agreement,” said Ahmed.
“He also said that Qatar is no longer a neutral venue and stressed on his need to return to Darfur to consult with the members of the leadership on the ground,” he added.
Last week, the Joint Chief Mediator met with JEM leader in Tripoli. Djibril Bassole told Ibrahim that the mediation can only transport him to Darfur if the Sudanese authorities give them the green light. Libyan officials also said they hope to persuade him rejoin Doha voluntarily but excluded any action against Khalil.
On the other hand Khartoum asked Tripoli to prevent Khalil’s return to Darfur through the Libyan border and not o allow his departure to another neighboring country.
President Deby who reconciled with the Sudanese government and paid to visits to Sudan recently will organize general elections next November and seek to involve the rebels harbored in Sudan in this process but refuses to negotiate a peace deal with them.
Khartoum failed to persuade the Chadian rebels to join Ndjamena. The later clashed several times in the recent weeks with the government army in eastern Chad.
However, Ndjamena seemingly intends to continue its good offices between the Sudanese government and JEM rebel in order to reach a lasting settlement of Darfur conflict.
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MEETING WITH US ENVOY
Khalil Ibrahim also discussed yesterday with the US President special envoy to Sudan Scott Gration the participation of the rebel group in the peace talks. The American official failed to convince the rebel leader to return to Doha.
Ahmed Hussein said during the three hour meeting the parties reviewed the peace process. He also said Ibrahim condemned the silence of the international community on the bombing of civilians by the Sudanese warplane.
“Khalil Ibrahim reiterated our position from the peace process telling Gration what is going on in Doha is not a peace process and would not lead to a genuine peace agreement,” he said.
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