Darfur’s Gereida rejects Minawi’s panel to probe mass killing
June 29, 2007 (NYALA, South Darfur) — The residents of Gereida in South Darfur have called for the formation of a fair and impartial committee to probe mass killing in the area. They also rejected a panel set up by the Senior Presidential Aide, who is the leader of the ex-rebel SLM that control Gereida.
Representatives of Gereida residents said in a press conference held yesterday in Nyala they want a neutral committee to investigate the killing of 42 people, eight of whom were later discovered in a mass grave in Rahad al-Izam area.
Gereida incidents followed the assassination attempt against SLM Deputy Chairman Al-Rayah Mahmoud in November 2006.
The relatives of the victims warned Gereida people in Khartoum not to bargain with the issue, stressing that legal proceedings should take place through the Ministry of Interior.
They stated that if the Sudanese government failed to solve the case, it would be raised to higher judicial bodies.
They have affirmed their full rejection of the committee of good offices established in Khartoum, adding that they would not deal with any committee except through the judiciary.
Gereida is among the areas that are under the control of the former rebel SLM of Minni Minawi, in accordance with the Abuja agreement, and the AU forces. The government has no any military, security, or administrative presence there.
Last week the Interior Minister told the federal parliament that suspicion has been narrowed down to seven suspects and that police is waiting for immunity to be lifted from them as a prelude to initiating legal procedures against them. He stressed at the same time concern by police to complete the litigation procedures in collaboration with South Darfur Governorate and prosecution and judicial bodies.
(ST)