JEM denies declaration of war against RSF, reasserts neutrality
November 14, 2023 (PORT SUDAN) – The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) on Tuesday disavowed a statement made by its economic affairs advisor, Beshara Suleiman Nur, in which he declared war against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Earlier today, Nur issued a statement declaring war against the RSF, which he referred to as the “Janjaweed.” He claimed that the JEM was forced to take up arms against the paramilitary group due to its alleged ethnic cleansing, murder, and systematic rape in Khartoum and Darfur.
JEM spokesman Hassan Ibrahim Fadul, however, told Sudan Tribune that Nur’s statement “does not express JEM’s neutral position toward the war.”
Fadul reiterated the JEM’s commitment to its neutral stance, emphasizing that the group would only intervene to protect civilians. He stated that any decision to participate in the fighting would be made in collaboration with other signatories of the Juba peace agreement and would be announced to the public.
The JEM’s disavowal of Nur’s statement underscores the delicate balance the group is trying to maintain amidst the ongoing conflict in Sudan. While the JEM is committed to protecting civilians, it also recognizes the need to avoid becoming entangled in the wider conflict.
The RSF has recently declared its intention to seize the capital of North Darfur as part of its plan to control the Darfur region. In response, the joint force of Darfur armed groups has deployed significant security reinforcements to strategic locations inside El-Fasher to protect civilians.
The JEM presidential advisor further criticized the demand of a dissident leading member, Suleiman Sandal, for the Governor of Darfur Minni Minawi to hand over El Fasher to the RSF without resistance. He questioned Sandal’s motives, accusing him of supporting the RSF’s looting and plunder of citizens’ homes and public markets. He also criticized the RSF for stealing vehicles and hospital equipment in Umm Kadada of North Darfur recently captured by the RSF.
Nur further criticized the Governor of North Darfur, Nimr Abdel Rahman, for calling on residents of El Fasher to evacuate their houses near military sites. He stated that the governor’s statement created panic among the city’s residents and caused them to flee.
Social media is abuzz with heated debates among Darfuris about the position of the armed groups regarding the RSF’s seizure of three states and their failure to protect civilians.
In a separate statement released on Tuesday evening, Fadul condemned the grave human rights violations and assassinations carried out in West Darfur by “the Janjaweed militias” against community leaders and civilians. He also expressed shock at a video showing the burial of civilians alive.
(ST)