JEM denies receiving military supplies from joint Sudanese-Chadian forces
December 7, 2023 (PORT SUDAN) – The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), led by Gibril Ibrahim, denied reports that it had received military supplies confiscated by joint Sudanese-Chadian forces en route to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The Africa Analyst website, which specializes in African affairs, cited sources claiming that significant military equipment belonging to the RSF originating from N’Djamena, Chad, was intercepted by Chadian soldiers within the joint Chadian-Sudanese forces commanded by Osman Bahr.
According to the website, the Chadian soldiers reportedly transferred the intercepted military supplies to Ibrahim’s armed group, the JEM, a move that infuriated the RSF and prompted them to consider attacking Bahr’s Chadian forces.
The report further stated that Idriss Youssouf Boy, the director of the office of Chad’s Transitional President is attempting to de-escalate the situation by coordinating with relevant parties to prevent an escalation between the RSF and Chadian forces.
However, JEM spokesperson Hassan Ibrahim vehemently denied the allegations in a press statement, asserting that “the circulating claims about the movement receiving military supplies confiscated by the joint Sudanese-Chadian force are entirely false.”
Ibrahim attributed the rumours surrounding the Movement to a systematic targeting campaign orchestrated by individuals known to the organization.
He reiterated JEM’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding civilians from any form of targeting, emphasizing that the JEM, together with “honourable national figures and armed struggle forces,” will confront those who attack civilians.
The spokesman also clarified that the Movement does not require external support in acquiring military equipment, as it possesses the capacity to manage its own affairs effectively.
The shared ethnic background between General Bahr and JEM’s Ibrahim could potentially influence Bahr’s decision-making regarding the RSF and the UAE’s support for the group. This report was also based on the reported frustration among Zaghawa generals in the Chadian army over the UAE’s support for the RSF and their disagreement with the decision of the Chadian government in this respect.
Expressing dismay, the statement lamented the “shameful stances” of individuals who were once part of the struggle but now align themselves with those who plunder civilians’ property and homes and bury innocent individuals alive, referring to a breakaway faction of the Movement accused of siding with the RSF.
The JEM is one of the signatories to the Juba Peace Agreement and declared in November its intention to abandon neutrality in the ongoing conflict between the army and the RSF. The group announced its participation in military operations against the RSF.
(ST)