Sudan’s foreign ministry criticizes South Darfur governor
February 19, 2011 (KHARTOUM) – The governor of South Darfur Abdel-Hameed Kasha has acted in a manner that created a risk for Sudan in conducting its relations with the international community, the foreign ministry said today.
This week Kasha ordered the expulsion of Médecins du Monde (MDM), a French aid group, from the region accusing it of supporting rebels from the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Abdel Wahid Al-Nur.
Last year Sudanese president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir authorized state governors to evict any aid group that oversteps its mandate or show disrespect to the country’s sovereignty.
Kasha said on Friday that he awaits no permission from the foreign ministry to act when the country’s security is endangered. He stressed that the decision would not be reversed and that they will not ask for indulgences from other countries.
But foreign ministry’s spokesperson Khalid Moussa suggested to reporters on Saturday in response to question about Kasha’s remarks that national security is a collective responsibility of different government agencies.
Moussa stressed that the foreign ministry according to its mandate handles critical issues that requires coordination and control as well as harmony and cohesion of visions and policies among different levels of government in the best interest of the country.
The spokesman criticized the decisions taken by some states with respect to foreign affairs without consulting and coordinating with the central government which causes “serious damage” to the interests of the country, and undermines long-term efforts of affirmative action in international relations.
Moussa stressed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the “first line of defense” for national security and will spare no effort to enlighten the various parties on the need to cooperate and coordinate in order to spare the country the negative effects of some of the decisions that are inconsistent with the state’s efforts to improve foreign relations.
Following an arrest warrant in March 2009 by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against the Sudanese President for crimes against humanity and war crimes, Sudan expelled 13 humanitarian groups working in Darfur amidst international condemnation.
The exchange of criticisms publicly between Kasha and the foreign ministry indicates the latter’s nervousness over the potential for slowing down the pace of normalization of relations between Sudan and the rest of the world after the conduct of South Sudan referendum which was praised by eh rest of the world.
Obama’s administration already began the process of delisting Sudan from the countries that sponsor terrorism.
(ST)
DASODIKO
Sudan’s foreign ministry criticizes South Darfur governor
Haaaaaaaa, haaa every governor in any of Darfur states became a president in his state, they decide what Bashir could not reverse it. Darfur is ruled by three bodies central government through its security apparatus, Darfur freedom fighters holding other parts and the three governors holding the big cities. No place for the foreign policy. Haaaaa things fallen apart???????????????
Sam.Eto
Sudan’s foreign ministry criticizes South Darfur governor
Yes there can be differences amongst government officials – its natural. But look at South Sudan – One man rules the SPLM/A – Pagan Amum. He tells Kiir what to do and orders all the governors of the South. They all wait for him to tell them what to say. What a joke !
Dansedit
Sudan’s foreign ministry criticizes South Darfur governor
I don’t think if this expulsion of only one organiztion from the region will have effect in sudan relationship with other countries of the world,compare to the thirteen NGOs Bashir expelled when he was indicted by ICC ,so this Foreign ministry spokesman is telling us lies,the governor was given orders by Bashir ,there is no alarm here ,the NCP know what they are doing !!!