Rebels persist SLM commander killed for his defection

March 26, 2007 (KHARTOUM) – While Darfur former rebels in Khartoum say ignoring who killed a senior commander, holdout rebels persist that he was murdered by the Sudanese army because of his defection.

Esam al-Haj, one of the former members of the SLM led by Minni Minawi, reiterated that Abdelshafi Juma Arabi was ambushed by the Sudanese services because he was in rout to join rebel factions opposed to the peace deal.

Al-Haj disclosed that Abdelshafi was in secret contact with their group and it was decided that he would defect that day. The former spokesperson of Minawi movement explained that the Sudanese security service learnt his plan and killed him.

“We are not sure who killed him. But he died in an area controlled by Janjaweed (militias),” said SLM spokesperson al-Tayeb Khamis.

Abdelshafi Juma Arabi and three escorts were killed on Saturday March 24 near Nyala, capital of South Darfur. The Sudanese authorities said he was attacked by unknown group.

“We blame the government. These types of attacks happened in that area before. This only endangers the peace.” al-Tayeb Khamis told Reuters.

(ST)