Former East Sudan rebel leader sworn in as presidential assistant
August 28, 2007 (KHARTOUM) – The leader of the former rebel East Front, Musa Mohamed Ahmed, was sworn in Tuesday noon before the President Omer Al-Bashir, as Assistant of the President of the Republic.
The leading figures of the East Front, Amna Dirar and Mubarak Mabrouk Saleem, also took oath as a Presidential Advisor and State Minister at the Ministry of Transport, Roads and Bridges, respectively, the Official SUNA reported.
At the oath-taking ceremony in the Republican Palace, the President of the Republic, Field Marshal Omer Al-Bashir, affirmed that he and the government of national unity are keen to boost implementation of East Sudan peace agreement and realization of stability and development in east Sudan.
In a press statement after taking oath, Musa Mohamed Ahmed assured their readiness to assume their patriotic role at the national and eastern Sudan levels by implementation of East Sudan Peace Agreement.
Amna Dirar also assured their pledge to serve the Sudanese nation and east Sudan people, take part in the government of national unity and to cooperate for removing all causes of poverty, disease and marginalization.
Mubarak Mabrouk Saleem said after the oath taking ceremony that they became part of the government of national unity, stressing that they are committed to the government programmes and protection of the Constitution.
East Sudan has the nation’s largest gold mine and the only port. Sudan’s oil pipeline also runs there carrying vital 500,000 barrels per day output.
On October 14, 2006, Sudanese government and East Front rebels, composed of the Beja Congress and Free Lions, signed a peace accord that was negotiated with Eritrean help and is aimed at ending a 12-year armed conflict.
The implementation of the peace had been delayed by divergences among the rebels. From one side the Beja and the Rashayidah of the Free Lions disagreed on the distribution of positions. On the other hand, a faction within the Beja Congress is very hostile to the peace deal because they consider that Asmara pushed the rebel leadership to sign an agreement that doesn’t respond much to their demands.
(ST)