SLA’s Minawi detains high ranking rebel commander in Sudan’s Darfur

Nov 9, 2005 (LONDON) — A prominent Darfur rebel commander has been detained by forces loyal to Sudan Liberation Movement Senior leader Minni Arko Minawi, Amnesty International said in a press release distributed today.

Suleiman Marajan is reported to have been taken to Muzbat, 150km North of Kutum, in North Darfur State. Despite calls for his release by other members of the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA), he remains detained. Reports from last night confirm that he is still alive.

The detention takes place against the backdrop of tensions developing within the SLA following a controversial leadership conference held in Haskanita, Eastern Darfur.

The conference elected Minni Arko Minawi President of the SLM, but also generated much opposition from some within the SLA.

This tension is being heightened by the detention of Suleiman Marajan and forces loyal to him near Meidup are mobilising against Minni Arko Minawi.

Suleiman Marajan, a high-ranking Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) field commander in North Darfur, attended peace negotiations with the government in Abuja, Nigeria, in mid-September, against the wishes of Minni Arko Minawi.

Minni Arko Minawi despatched forces to prevent Suleiman Marajan from attending the peace negotiations. Upon failing to capture Suleiman Marajan, these forces fought with his bodyguards, killing five, and subsequently abducted three members of his Meidup tribe.