Darfur rebel group doubts Khartoum committed to peace

ASMARA, Oct 2 (AFP) — One of the rebel movements fighting in Sudan’s western region on Saturday expressed doubt over Khartoum’s commitment to the restoration of peace and stability in the war-torn province of Darfur.

“I am not sure this (Sudanese) government will bring peace” in Darfur, Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) secretary general Minni Arkou Minnawi told AFP in an interview in the Eritean capital Asmara.

“If the government continues the same policy as today, we will fight even in Khartoum,” Minnawi said, apparently referring to Khartoum’s proxy Arab militia, the Janjaweed, which is fighting indigenous black African rebel groups and accused of waging an massive ethnic cleansing campaign.

SLM, alongside another rebel group, Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), launched the revolt against Khartoum demanding an equal share of national development, citing underdevelopment, insecurity and decades of underdevelopment.

The conflict, which broke out in February 2003, has seen the deaths of 50,000 people and the displacement of 1.4 million others.

If genuine peace is to prevail in Darfur, a province the size of France, “the government has to respect the ceasefire and disarm the Janjaweed,” Minnawi added.

The warring sides signed a ceasefire in April and agreed to allow an interrupted flow of humanitarian aid, but both have been disrespected.

Minnawi charged that “the international community is not putting enough pressure” on Khartoum.

He rejected the government claims that Asmara was supporting the rebellion.

“Eritrea does not give logistical support to the Darfur rebels,” Minnawi said.