UN chief condemns Sudanese rebels’ alliance

November 14, 2011 (KHARTOUM) — UN chief, Ban Ki-moon, today condemned a new alliance between four Sudanese rebel groups active in Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan.

While alarming reports emerge from the region about the growing tension and fears of new war between Sudan and South Sudan, the SLPM-N, which fights the central government in Blue Nile and South Kordofan and three rebel groups active particularly in Darfur, JEM, SLM-AW and SLM-MM announced last Friday an alliance to overthrow Khartoum’s government.

In a statement released on Monday, Ban Ki-Moon, expressed deep concern over the war of words between the two capitals and condemned the bombing of the Yida area in Unity State last Thursday by the Sudanese army.

Ban Ki-moon further said he “also condemns the reported establishment of a new military alliance of Darfur rebel movements and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, calling for the use of force against the Government.”

The statement indicates fears that attacks against the north by the rebel groups might push the Sudanese army to attack Juba and ignite a new war in South Sudan. The alliance could also lead to a proxy war between the two countries due to the historical links between Sudan People’s Liberation Movement members in the two countries.

Khartoum accuses the South Sudan ruling party of using the northern rebels to establish a security belt to protect its oil fields and prevent potential support to rebel groups in the South.

The Secretary-General urged the parties from the two sides to refrain from the use of force saying political talks only can resolve conflicts but not war.

He further called on “the governments of Sudan and South Sudan to exercise restraint in managing border tensions and to recommit to a negotiated settlement of outstanding post-CPA issues.”

(ST)