SPLM and JEM agree to strengthen relations
By Daniel Van Oudenaren
October 30, 2008 (WASHINGTON) – In a two day meeting held inside Sudanese territory not far from the Chad border, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) agreed to strengthen their political relations.
SPLM Secretary General Pagan Amum, his deputy Yasir Arman and the head of southern Sudan government office in Washington, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, held a two day meeting with JEM Chairman Khalil Ibrahim where the parties discussed the political situation in the country and the Darfur peace process in particular.
“These meetings focused on ending the war in Darfur and the Movement’s participation in the upcoming peace talks facilitated by Qatar,” said Gatkuoth.
JEM spokesperson Ahmed Hussein Adam described the meeting as “historical, constructive and successful.” He also said the parties held direct, honest and very transparent discussions. They agreed that the relations between the two parties should be developed and strengthened in the interest of the “New Sudan.”
He also said the two delegations agreed that the SPLM, as partner in the government of national unity and a political force, should play an active role to achieve peace in Darfur.
Nonetheless, the rebel movement stressed that justice should be part of a fair and just peace in Darfur. Also JEM underlined that the ongoing efforts to achieve peace in Darfur should not be linked with the cases of the International Criminal Court against certain Sudanese officials, including President Omer Al-Bashir.
They also agreed that JEM should send a delegation to Juba to discuss the peace process and set a joint vision for the Sudan.
The SPLM delegation also went to visit Goz-Beida refugee camp in eastern Chad to see the situation and listen to the Sudanese refugees on how to end the conflict in Darfur.
EVOLVING RELATIONS
Though both JEM and SPLM share a common rhetoric for advancing the “marginalized” peoples of Sudan, they have different ideologies and are not natural partners.
On May 10, 2008, the JEM rebel movement raided the Sudanese capital, and the SPLA was involved in repelling the assailants, who meant to topple the national unity government. Also, the SPLM, as partner of the National Congress Party, supported efforts to suspend the International Criminal Court indictment of the Sudanese president.
The SPLM deputy secretary general Yasir Arman said in press statements that they felt that JEM is serious about its commitment to peace.
The meeting stressed the need to unite the different efforts for peace in Darfur. They also agreed on the importance of the chief mediator Djibril Bassolé.
With regard to the Qatari initiative, JEM indicted they have to meet the Qatari officials first before to taking a decision on the move. But Arman said that Qatar has to involve the rebel movements in the preparatory arrangements.
JEM last year rejected the Libyan mediation because they were not involved in preparation for the talks.
Further, JEM leadership told the visiting delegation that peace in Darfur remains its strategic objective.
CHAD TO SUPPORT SPLM INITIATIVE
The SPLM visit to Chad from Oct. 26-30 resulted in President Deby inviting First Vice President Kiir Mayardit to visit Chad. The discussions tried to address the Darfur war.
During talks with Chad’s ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement in the capital, N’Djamena, SPLM focused on ways of improving relations between the two parties and their respective countries.
“President Debi expressed his brotherly thanks and support to Gen. Salva for his role and efforts to end the war in Darfur and for his concerns about regional security,” said an SPLM press release.
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Samuel Lwal
SPLM and JEM agree to strengthen relations
Bravo,Bravo SG Pagan Amum Akic for the progressive move you made.Good move.You are really selling the VISION OF NEW SUDAN,today u make me feel like our LATE HERO DR JOHN GARANG DE MABIOR is alive.You are doing ur work,compare to MONEY LOOTERS who just sit in JUBA thinking on how to steal.
Election is at the door,we need not to sleep.We are gonna change the Sudan histry by OVERTHROWING the ruling party(NCP) THROUGH LANDSLIDE majority in the FORTHCOMING ELECTION(2009).
LONG LIVE SG AMUM,LONG LIVE SPLM,LONG LIVE THE VISION OF DR JOHN GARANG DE MABIOR.
I LOVE SPLM FOR IT VISION(NEW SUDAN).This vision is bring all the Marginalise SUDANESE people from DARKNESS to the World of light(FREEDOM).
FREEDOM OYEE.NEW SUDAN OYEE.
Nhial Reath Thoan
SPLM and JEM agree to strengthen relations
Even if people don`t apprecaite the good deeds of others , Almighty God is there Who know the inside of people .
Brother Amum , was doing is best in nature not adopting them from any one esle !! God had been screening out those whom for years became Obstacle to the Sudanese and Southern Sudanese as well . Even if there may be more who are now prouding for them and their name, God did His part to help people !!