Darfur rebels call for greater US involvement after Natsios resignation
By Wasil Ali
December 22, 2007 (WASHINGTON) — Two major Darfur rebel group called on the US administration to reenergize its role in the Darfur crisis after the Bush’s special envoy resigned post on Friday.
Hussein said that US policy should focus more closely on political and security tracks of the Darfur conflict.
The US special envoy to Sudan, Andrew Natsios, has resigned from his post so he can spend more time teaching at Georgetown University, a senior U.S. official said on Friday.
However multiple reports suggested there has been mounting differences between Natsios and other US officials on dealing with Sudan.
Professor Eric reeves an expert in Sudan told Sudan Tribune that Natsios had a “poisonous relationship with Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer”.
Natsios will be succeeded by Richard S. Williamson, a prominent Illinois Republican and former U.S. ambassador who has held senior posts in three GOP administrations.
Abdel-Wahid Al-Nur, leader of Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) said that despite his disagreements with Natsios he “appreciates the effort undertaken by him throughout his tenure in trying to put an end to the misery of our people in Darfur”.
Al-Nur blasted Natsios last week after the latter accused the rebel leader of allying with Jinjaweed militia.
Reeves said that “Natsios’ inability to establish a constructive relationship with the mercurial and difficult Abdel Wahid el-Nur, a key rebel leader, was a measure of his diplomatic limitations”
Al-Nur said he is looking forward to working with Williamson.
“We hope that Williamson would place more emphasis on the issue of security on the ground as a prerequisite to any future peace talks with Khartoum” he added.
The SLM leader said that the issue of security is more pressing now than any other time and that the US along with the international community should pressure the Sudanese government to facilitate the deployment of the peacekeeping force.
“It is now clear that Khartoum is the party to the conflict that does not want to bring peace to Darfur by putting obstacles to prevent the force from being deployed. The world must act now on this matter. We cannot afford any delays and the UN Security Council must show resolve” he said.
Hussein said that new US envoy should try and learn from the shortcomings of Natsios work in Darfur.
“There needs to be an understanding of the root causes of the conflict if there is to be any progress on the political and security track” the Jem spokesman said.
“The US should also be open to all parties of the conflict” he added.
Last May the U.S. Treasury has blocked the assets of three Sudanese individuals, including JEM leader Khalil Ibrahim.
The Treasury Department blamed JEM for violence and suffering in Darfur and said Ibrahim is personally responsible for rebel activity aimed at further destabilizing the region.
A US official told Sudan Tribune last April that “it is clear to the US administration that Ibrahim is focused on Khartoum and not on the crisis of his people in Darfur”.
International experts estimate 200,000 people have died in the conflict, which Washington calls genocide, a term European governments are reluctant to use. The Sudan government says 9,000 people have been killed.
(ST)