Darfur LJM suspends participation in government, delivers 24-hour ultimatum

April 25, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM) headed by al-Tijani al-Sissi today suspended its participation in government and warned of further measures should it not respond to their grievances within 24 hours.

A source familiar with the matter told Sudan Tribune on Thursday that LJM feels that Khartoum is dragging its feet about implementing the security portion of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD) signed in mid-2011.

The government also did not fulfill its obligation of integrating LJM members into the civil service, the source said.

Furthermore, the LJM is furious over Khartoum’s move to close the International Republican Institute (IRI) and expelling its staff without consulting the Darfur Regional Authority (DRA).

The IRI website says it is working in Sudan to support the implementation of the DDPD and is working with DRA-appointed LJM members to provide training on the skills essential to their duties as legislators. It is also helping LJM transition into an organized, effective political party and is conducting trainings to build the political capacity and knowledge of party members.

The LJM believes Khartoum’s action is in violation of VP Taha’s promise at the Darfur donors conference in Doha earlier this month to facilitate the work of NGO’s and will discourage others from working in Sudan.

The source refused to detail what LJM might do at the end of the 24-hour deadline if the Sudanese government does not respond positively to their demands.

(ST)