Sudan opens new camps for Chadian rebels – minister

September 14, 2008 (LONDON) — Chad accused Sudan of renewing its support to rebel groups, raising fears about Khartoum seriousness to implement steps reached last week in Asmara aiming at restoration of bilateral relations between the two countries.

A contact group tasked with the implementation of Dakar Agreement held its fifth meeting in Asmara and agreed the two countries should resume diplomatic relations. It also approved the deployment of more that one thousand troops to monitor the joint border.

Mahamat Hissene, the Chadian minister of communication and government spokesperson said his government has reports about new training camps opened by the Sudanese government for rebels opposed to President Idriss Deby.

In a statement to the pan-Arab daily, Asharq Alawsat, Hissene said these camps raise serious concerns over Sudan’s commitment to implement the deal reached last week in Asmara.

However, the minister expressed hopes that Sudanese government “works with us in good faith and we are ready to normalize relations.”

Hissene Also disclosed that his government informed the member of the contact group, last week.

Chad is accused by Sudan of harbouring rebels from Justice and Equality Movement, but according to Dakar Agreement it should stop its support and force them to leave the border area inside the Chad.

Sudan broke off relations with Chad on May 11 one day after an attack on the Sudanese capital Khartoum by the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM). Al-Bashir accused Chad of providing the rebel group with the necessary logistics and weapons but Ndjamena denied any involvement.

Relations between Chad and Sudan have been difficult for more than five years with the two neighbours regularly accusing each other of supporting rebel factions fighting against their respective regimes.

(ST)