Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM-TC) Accuses Army of Harboring Defectors

 March 22, 2024 (ELFASHER) – The Sudan Liberation Movement-Transitional Council (SLM-TC) alleges that a small military group affiliated with them has defected and sought refuge with the Sudanese army in El Fasher, North Darfur.

According to Ahmed Gedo, the SLM-TC’s military spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Abdeen Musa from the first battalion of the joint force led a group that fled with two combat vehicles and two administrative vehicles. The group is now reportedly under the protection of the Army Sixth Infantry Division in North Darfur.

Gedo claims there was an exchange of fire between the SLM-TC forces and the defectors led by Musa over the past two days. The incident occurred as the SLM-TC vehicles were travelling to an invitation for an Iftar (Ramadan breaking fast) gathering at the Zamzam camp.

“The defectors blocked the road,” Gedo stated, “resulting in clashes. Our forces pursued Lieutenant Colonel Abdeen until he entered the Sixth Infantry Division base.”

The SLM-TC spokesperson further said that the Army Command rejected the group’s presence inside the division headquarters and expressed fears that the incident would lead to problems with the joint force’s command.

Gedo revealed that the Joint Force Command sent an official letter to the Sixth Infantry Division demanding the return of the vehicles, which they maintain belong to the joint force and not the SLM-TC.

“The Sixth Infantry Division verbally responded,” Gedo explained, “denying any connection with the fleeing officer and the vehicles. They claim he was with a splinter group of the SLM-TC led by Major General Osman Abdel Jabbar, an army support force.”

Gedo concluded by accusing unnamed parties of targeting and plotting against the SLM-TC. He holds the joint force command responsible for retrieving the vehicles and the defectors. “If the joint force leadership fails to act,” Gedo warned, “the SLM-TC will be forced to take alternative measures.”

(ST)