Sudan army captain defects to Chad and claims to be financing rebels
April 09, 2008 (NDAJAMENA) — A Sudanese army captain has deserted to Chad and claimed to be the liaison in charge of providing funds to rebels trying to oust President Idriss Deby.
“I deal with all respect to the financing of rebel movements engaged in military activities against Chad. I am also responsible for funding the activities of the Janjaweed” Mohamed was quoted as saying on the website.
The Sudanese army spokesperson Osman Al-Agbash confirmed the defection of Mohamed but accused the latter of embezzling 2 million pounds in soldiers’ salaries.
Al-Agbash told the government sponsored Sudanese media Center (SMC) that Mohamad received 5 million pounds to disburse. He added that the officer disappeared on April 7th.
The incident highlights the growing tension between the two countries that reached its peak following the Chadian rebels assault on the capital Ndjamena last February. Chad accused Sudan of orchestrating the failed coup attempt.
Chad said today that Sudan is massing thousands of rebel troops on the joint border to attack its army, adding that Khartoum government intends to destabilize the whole region.
The defector was quoted by the Chadian presidency as saying that he “observed that the Sudan misusing the money of the people to massacre the people of Darfur and destabilize Chad, which is neighboring country”.
“The aim of the authorities in my country is to create disorder in the western Sudanese region and take advantage of its wealth” his statement read.
But the Sudanese army dismissed his testimony.
“These lies are simply a cover up to the crime he committed. This officer is a traitor in the eyes of the armed forces” Al-Agbash said.
The official said that the army filed a police complaint against him.
Mohamed said he joined the Sudanese army since 2001. The Chadian presidency showed pictures of him along with the money he was carrying.
(ST)