Sudan says South Kordofan rebels prepare new attacks, accuses Juba of supporting them

March 19, 2012 (KHARTOUM) — Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) said the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) is preparing to launch a series of new attacks in the troubled South Kordofan and accused Juba of supporting them.

Sudan and South Sudan despite trading accusations of supporting rebel groups from the both sides, signed last month a non aggression pact followed last Tuesday by the initiation of an agreement on border demarcation, security issues and four freedoms for the citizens of the two countries.

Alswarami Khaled, SAF spokesperson, regretted Juba continued support to the rebel groups which, according to a statement he issued on Sudan, massed its troops and are expected to launch their attack during the next two days.

The armed forces, as condemning this action and this aggressive trend, want to express their disappointment with the conduct of South Sudan government and the reneging of the signed agreements, Alswarmi added.

“This reneging is a de facto abolition of what has been agreed upon,” he said.

The SPLM-N rebels and their allies in the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) carried out recently several attacks on SAF positions near the South Sudan borders.

The SPLM-N rebels reject to sign a ceasefire agreement with Khartoum in South Kordofan to allow international aid groups to bring humanitarian assistance to civilians in the rebel held areas in South Kordofan.

Also, Sudan foreign minister said earlier this week that a security agreement between Juba and Khartoum is required before to sign the four freedoms agreement. Khartoum is under huge pressure from far-right and radical Islamist groups to not sign the two agreements with Juba.

(ST)