Sudanese army denies abduction of Egyptian oil workers

May 5, 2008 (KHARTOUM ) — The Sudanese army today denied a report on the abduction of nine Egyptian workers in oil fields in South Kordofan, terming the report as “false.”

The local press in Khartoum published reports saying that a rebel group called “Kordofan Liberation Movement” headed by Musa Rahouma, managed to kidnap nine Egyptians working in oil production areas, 5 in Hejlij and 4 in Abu Gabra.

In a statement on Monday, the Sudan Armed Forces said “such false claims were intended to undermine peace, security and stability in Sudan and to scare the employees and oil companies with the aim to halt the development process which was overwhelming the country.”

The army also reiterated its commitment to all the peace agreements and to its duty to defend the homeland and the national interests, calling on media and newspapers to abide by the ethics of the profession, verify the credibility of news and get the accurate information from official sources.

It was reported that the rebel movement had already signed an agreement with the government, but a dissident group declared rebellion. The group demanded their absorption in the regular army and to develop their marginalised area in west Darfur.

(ST)