Former Darfur rebels complain to UNAMID of government attack

November 23, 2008 (NYALA) — The former rebel Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Minni Minwai asked the joint peacekeeping mission in Darfur to probe an attack on its position in South Darfur by government troops and militias, the UNAMID disclosed today.

A 14 member delegation form SLA – Minawi complained last Friday to the UNAMID company located at Shaeria in southern Darfur saying that Sudanese army and Janjaweed from Shaeria had attacked their location, Abu Dangel, about 125 kilometres North/East of Nyala.

The delegation which was led by Fadel Hussein Abdullah said the attack resulted in 2 persons missing and 50 camels stolen.

The Sudanese president Omer Al-Bashir announced unilateral ceasefire in Darfur on November 12. However, the Sudanese army clashed and bombed rebel groups in different positions in the troubled region since that day.

In an interview with Sudan Tribune today the US chargé d’affairs Alberto Fernandez said there is no real ceasefire in Darfur despite the presidential declaration. He further underlined the need to set a mechanism to monitor its implementation.

The American diplomat also deplored the non implementation of Darfur Peace Agreement and other deals including an understanding signed last September to facilitate the implementation of the DPA.

Minawi is the sole rebel chief to sign the PDA on May 5, 2006. The accord was rejected by the other rebel groups who were negotiating the Sudanese government with him in Abuja, since he is appointed as Senior Presidential Assistant.

(ST)