Former rebel chief says committed to Darfur peace
July 29, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — A Darfur former rebel chief has reassured the Sudanese president of his commitment to the signed peace deal adding he will be back to Khartoum soon.
Minni Arcu Minawi sent a letter to the President Omer al-Bashir affirming his commitment to the full implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA). The letter was handed to al-Bashir by a delegation from Darfur Transitional Authority headed by Mohamed al-Tigani al-Tayeb.
In a memorandum dated on July 21, Minawi requested to consider the DPA as part of the constitution. He also showed his opposition to the organisation of the general elections next year saying peace should be achieved first in Darfur. In addition he rejected the fifth census conducted last April.
Last Sunday, Minawi said that the army had attacked one of SLM police posts in North Darfur, killing four troops. But the Sudanese army denied the attack saying they the four were killed because they repelled an attack on a convoy by his troops.
During the meeting, Bashir who had called on Minawi to return to his palace office during his tour in western Sudan, renewed commitment of the Government of National Unity to strengthen the march of peace, stability and development and services in Darfur.
Tayeb told the reporters following the meeting that Minawi had stressed his commitment to Darfur peace deal “heart and mind”. He also said the senior presidential assistant would return to Khartoum during the coming stage without elaborating.
However Minawi who had to remove the commander in chief of his troops earlier this month, is facing criticism by his political aides in Khartoum who say that his decision to remain in Darfur is a personal one.
The Vice-Chairman of the SLM-Minawi, al-Rayah Mahmoud Saleh, criticised on Sunday the absence of the former rebel leader saying “If he didn’t return the movement would continue its work, and the Abuja peace agreement will not suffer of his presence or absence.”
(ST)