SLM-AW distances itself from SRF proposal for cessation of hostilities
June 21, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Abdel Wahid Al-Nur (SLM-AW) distanced itself from an offer by the coalition of rebel groups, Sudanese Revolutionary Front (SRF) to sign a humanitarian cessation of hostilities with Khartoum.
” (…) the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army would like to clarify to the Sudanese public that we are not part of this process if a group in SRF disseminate such process to the media”, said a press statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Friday.
The statement which is signed by the leader of the rebel group, Abdel Wahid Al Nur, reaffirmed the Movement’s commitment to the principles of the international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians and IDPs in the conflict areas.
“However; we are ready to open and secure corridors for all kinds of humanitarian assistances in all war affected areas in Sudan”, the statement further pointed out.
Al-Nur also underlined the repeated violations by the Sudanese government of the agreements signed in the past, citing the first humanitarian cease-fire agreement signed with the government in the Chadian capital Ndjamena in April 2004 and other two similar deals inked between 2005 and 2006.
“Therefore the humanitarian situation will not be resolved by signing a new agreement, but it’s for the Government of Sudan to implement the previous agreements first”, he stressed.
He also added that respect of human rights and peace could not be achieved in Sudan without a regime change in the country.
“The Sudanese people could not be able to breathe peace unless this Islamic fundamentalist regime is up rooted”.
SRF alliance include the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) two factions of Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) – one led by Abdel Wahid Al-Nur (SLM-AW) and the other by Minni Minawi (SLM-MM)- and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement –North (SPLM-N).
The rebels intensified recently their attacks in Kordofan region saying it comes in line with a plan aiming to topple the regime in Khartoum.
This is the second time a group member of the coalition distances itself from a statement released on the behalf of the SRF alliance.
On 5 June, Minni Minnawi in his capacity as SRF deputy chairman and acting chairman issued a statement dismissing that the alliance had released a statement denouncing Sudanese government attempts to bring the international community to condemn JEM rebels for the killing of a former rebel leader, after the signing of a peace agreement with Khartoum.
“I also would like to reassure the people of Sudan that SRF remain united than any time before and in pursuance of its struggle to effect change in Khartoum by all possible means”, Minnawi further said.
(ST)