Addis Ababa shows concern over presence of Ethiopian rebels in Sudan

Jan 15, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — Ethiopian authorities expressed worry to Sudan over presence of rebel elements who reached Sudan from Eritrea. But the outcome of the investigation has shown that the Ethiopian rebels had just passed through the Sudan.

A joint fact-finding commission, formed after a protest formulated by the Ethiopian government to Sudan over activities of Ethiopian rebels on the joint borders between the two countries, didn’t find any Ethiopian rebel presence in eastern Sudan.

According to the London based Asharq Alawsat newspaper, Ethiopia had alleged that elements from undetermined Ethiopian rebel group reached Bassinda, Bassalama and Wad Elhillo areas located between Gadaref and Kassala in eastern Sudan.

After receiving the Ethiopian complaint, Sudan formed secretly a joint Ad hoc commission with Ethiopia to probe on the issue. The commission visited the mentioned areas and investigated the accuracy of information provided by the Ethiopian government.

According to the finding of the commission, the Ethiopian rebels were effectively in the areas but they had withdrawn back to the Eritrean territory.

Addis Ababa is closely monitoring the rapprochement between Asmara and Khartoum and fears that it could lead the Ethiopian armed opposition to operate from eastern Sudan.

(ST)