Darfur rebel group requests consultation on peacekeeping troops’ nationality
August 12, 2007 (LONDON) — A rebel group has requested the international community to take account of rebel’s point of view with regard to the countries participating in Darfur peacekeeping mission.
The spokesperson of the rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), Ahmed Hussein Adam said that International community must consult rebel groups on the selection of countries taking part in the Hybrid Operation.
Ahmed told Sudan Tribune that international community considers only Khartoum’s point of view, without consideration of the opinion of the other party; adding “Sudan’s sovereignty has failed from the day that Khartoum committing genocide in Darfur.”
Since the Addis Ababa high-level consultation on the situation in Darfur of November 16 and as it is confirmed by Addis Ababa agreement of the hybrid operation on June 12, 2007; Sudan stipulated that Darfur peacekeeping mission should “have a predominantly African character and the troops should, as far as possible.”
Sudan also, exhorted friendly African countries to dispatch troops to Darfur. Egypt, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Cameroon have announced their intention to participate in the Hybrid Operation.
The rebel spokesperson reiterated that JEM welcomes Darfur peacekeeping troops because “We are concerned by the protection of the civilians” he said.
However, Ahmed warned that his group demands that troops should only be provided by neutral countries.
“We do not want troops from countries supportive of the Sudanese regime or states do not respect human rights in their own countries” Ahmed underscored. He also emphasized that the most important that states participants in the peacekeeping force should have the determination to help for the arrest of massacres in Darfur.”
Talks’ venue
On the venue of the peace talks, JEM spokesperson asserted that no deal has been yet reached with the mediators on the venue of the forthcoming peace negotiations with the Sudanese government.
“Sudanese government gives some signals as it was agreed on the venue of the talks, and this is not true”.
“Up to now no any accord has been reached on this regard; and we have our word to say;” he further said.
He also said that Khartoum tries to impose Abuja agreement as base for the expected peace talks. But he rejected Khartoum claims stating that Sudan’s government should not impose any prior conditions before the negotiations.
Ahmed said Khartoum still sending contradictory signals on the peace process. He urged Sudanese government to take measures indicating its good willingness for political solution of Darfur crisis like stopping the resettlement of Arab alien tribes in the displaced and refugees villages, to stop the bombardment of the civilians.
(ST)