SLM rebels say Sudanese army conducted reconnaissance flights in Darfur Jebel Mara

November 16, 2008 (PARIS) — The Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Abdel-Wahid Al-Nur accused the Sudanese army of areal reconnaissance flights over its positions in Jebe Mara saying it used planes painted with the names and colors of INGOs.

He also warned that humanitarian flights should be signalled to his movement to avoid any confusion because they will shoot unnotified flights.

The SLM chief told Sudan Tribune that Sudanese army using planes painted by the colors and the acronyms of International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) conducted dozens of law level reconnaissance flights over the positions of SLA troops in eastern and western Jebel Mara in western Darfur.

Al-Nur denounced the law level fights that have caused a state of panic among civilians in the vicinity. He further added that Khartoum government is “the regime of falsehood” and appealed to the international community to not trust Sudanese president pledges of ceasefire and peace in Darfur.

Despite the unilateral ceasefire announcement made by the President Omer Al-Bashir last Wednesday, Sudanese troops attacked positions held by the Justice and Equality Movement last Friday and Saturday in northern Darfur.

The Sudanese army said it clashed with bandits who had attacked aid convoy near Koriba in northern Darfur. However, the Sudanese army planes were also mentioned as taking part in the attack.

Al-Nur urged the IONGs to inform his movement about the flights of their planes warning the SLA troops will shoot starting from today any plane flying over SLM controlled areas. He said “it is clear that the government troops intend to attack our positions and we should be ready for that.”

Sudanese defense minister Abdel-Rahim Hussein told reporter in Khartoum today that army is committed to the announced ceasefire but to be successful Darfur peacekeeping force should fix the positions of the rebel troops.

(ST)