JEM says not behind abduction of Chinese oil workers
October 26, 2008 (LONDON) — Darfur rebel movement said today it is not involved in the kidnapping of Chinese oil workers saying some of its members could undertook the move pushed by local motivations.
Three Chinese engineers and six other workers employed by the China National Petroleum Corporation in South Kordofan were kidnapped on October 19. The head of the kidnappers, Abu Humaid Ahmed Dannay, who is also a Misseriya, claimed to be the chief of JEM in Kordofan.
El-Tahir Adam El-Faki, Speaker of Legislative Council of the Justice and Equality Movement told Sudan Tribune today that (JEM) is not behind the kidnapping of the Chinese oil worker because the abduction of civilians is not part of its policy.
However, he said the Misseriya and other ethnic groups of Kordofan look with anger to the foreign oil firm because they destroyed the local ecosystem and do not involve them in the oil industry or provide help to create new activities in the region.
El-Faki further asserted that the local populations in southern Kordofan are angered by the action of the Chinese government which provides Khartoum money and weapons to carry out its war in Darfur.
He added that the Chinese oil firms are ignoring local communities and devastated the environment, grab land and other resources. “They meant by this abduction to send a clear message to the Chinese to change their policy in the region.” he said.
Last Saturday, the head of the kidnappers Dannay told the London based Asharq Al-Awsat that they are ready to release the 9 Chinese but they want the Chinese companies leave the area. “We don’t have any material demands. We want Chinese companies to leave the region immediately because they work with the government,” he said.
The Sudanese authorities dismissed yesterday reports about military action to free the abductees saying they didn’t want to put their live at risk. The government and the Chinese embassy in Khartoum negotiate indirectly with the kidnappers through local chiefs and tribesmen to secure their release.
The spokesperson of the foreign ministry Ali sadiq today said “The Chinese envoy has conveyed his thanks to the government of Sudan and the local authorities who are working to achieve the release of the abducted people.”
Sadiq was speaking following a meeting held between the Sudanese officials and the visiting Chinese envoy for Darfur, Liu Guijin in the foreign ministry on Sunday.
(ST)