Sudan SPLM expresses concern over Chad fighting
December 9, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — The Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) expressed concern over the recent fighting in eastern Chad and its spillover into Darfur.
The Rally of Forces for Change (RFC) and the Union of Forces for Democracy and Development (UFDD), the two main rebel groups, have said recently they are coordinating their battle against Deby’s regime.
The Chadian army fought heavy battles against RFC forces Tuesday in the east near the border with Sudan’s troubled Darfur region, prompting warnings from the UN of an impending refugee crisis.
Arman called for a “good understanding and a working relationship between the SPLM and the National Congress Party (NCP) to work for a peaceful resolution of the Darfur crisis.
The SPLM has recently stepped up its efforts to unite Darfur rebel groups in a common political platform for future negotiations with the Khartoum.
Darfur rebel movements announced their decision to unite into two movements last November in Juba after intense lobbying by SPLM.
The announcement came one month after all but one Darfur rebel group gathered in Juba for a meeting organized by the southern Sudan ruling party.
The SPLM official underscored the importance of getting Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) of Khalil Ibrahim along with Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Abdelwahid al-Nur to any peace talks with the government.
International experts estimate 200,000 people have died in the Darfur conflict, which Washington calls genocide, a term European governments are reluctant to use. The Sudan government says 9,000 people have been killed.
(ST)