SLM leader says Darfur mediators need clear vision
July 11, 2007 (LONDON) — The Sudan Liberation Movement leader has called on Darfur mediators to carefully examine the ongoing preparations for the forthcoming peace talks to end the four year conflict in western Sudan.
Abdelwahid al-Nur underscored that the undertaken steps by the AU-UN mediation team encompass some contradictions and this could hinder the realization of peace in Darfur. He further said mediators should determine whether they want to pursue Abuja talks or to start a new process regardless of what achieved in Abuja.
If they want to resume negotiations from Abuja deal and upgrade it, they have to negotiate with the same parties involved in this process, he said. Adding “but if they want us to restart from zero at least there would be some coherence when they speak about the need to the so called rebels reunification”.
Al-Nur said our proposition in this regard is to resume the peace talks with the two parties that have rejected Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA). The mediators can invite the newly created factions to join one of the two rebel forces in order to enable them to bring their contribution to the negotiations.
“Also they – these factions– can wait after the conclusion of the peace talks and then participate in the Darfur-Darfur dialogue process, if they do not agree to rejoin the SLM or the other rebel group.” He said.
During the Abuja peace talks (1) the Sudanese government negotiated with two rebel groups: the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) and Justice and Equality Movement (JEM). At that time, the African mediators had rejected systematically any demand from other small groups to join the talks.
Nonetheless, al-Nur insisted that world should understand that no talks without a conductive environment measures and the most important is to provide security to Darfur civilians. He said that last UN reports say 160000 people have been displaced by the ongoing violence this year. “How we can negotiate under such conditions”.
“We hold arms since four years to defend the rights of these people and realize their demands. International community should know that our legitimate demand for the protection of Darfur civilians is coming from the IDPs camps. It is a popular demand and I can not fail in my duty and go beyond.”
Asked by Sudan Tribune to explain his intransigence, al-Nur said “we are a political movement before being rebels and more than any time I have to observe the will of our movement.”
HAILING SPLM SECRETARY GENERAL POSITION ON DARFUR GENOCIDE
Also, al-Nur hailed the position of Pagan Amum and his solidarity with the plight of Darfur people. “We have been awaiting such stance since long time but better late than ever”. He said.
He also expressed hopes that the SPLM pressurize its peace partner the National Congress Party to refrain from violence against the civilians in Darfur. “Providing protection and security for Darfur people should be the first objective of the democratic forces in Darfur and the SPLM particularly.” Al-Nur said
Last week, the SPLM Secretary General, Pagan Amum, denounced the ongoing violence in Darfur saying Khartoum is committing ethnic cleansing and genocide in Darfur.
(ST)