Sudan’s army denies recent shuffling politically motivated

February 21, 2011 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese army dismissed reports that recent shuffling made within its ranks have anything to do with politics stressing that the military institution “is a model of fairness and discipline”.

There have been reports that around 12 senior military commanders were sent to retirement over their growing criticism of president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir and defense minister Abdel-Rahim Mohamed Hussein.

Some of those allegedly affected by these changes were Brigade Commander Al-Tayeb Mosbah head of El-Fasher division, Brigadier General Ahmad Abdoon over Nyala division, Major General Al-Naeem Khidir chief of staff at the Minister of Defence’s office, Major-General Abbas Taj al-Din from the military intelligence

Discontent has reportedly been over the work of paramilitary units such as the popular defense forces and the Janjaweed militias operating in Darfur as well as the handling of war in Sudan’s western region.

Sudanese Media Center (SMC) website quoted army spokesperson Al-Sawarmi Khalid as saying that these reports are rumors meant to create disarray.

He added that retirement is normal within the army business rules and is done every year.

The Sudanese president last week met with top military officers and briefed them on the political situation with regard to the South Sudan breakaway and Darfur peace efforts underway in Qatar.

(ST)