IDPs decry attempts to sideline their leader in Darfur peace process
January 8, 2009 (EL-FASHER) — Delegates of Darfur displaced slammed moves by some civil society figures who allegedly met the chief mediator to discuss with him the representation of the Internally Displaced People and refugees in the peace process.
The committee of the displaced and refugee of Darfur accused in a statement to Sudan Tribune two of Darfuri activists, Saleh Mahmoud and Idris Yousif, of meeting Dijbril Bassolé to propose him to form a committee to represent the IDPs and refugees in any future peace talks.
Hussein Abu Sharati, the spokesperson of the IDPs and refugees said they did not recognize or mandate anybody to represent them in the peace negotiations because they have already entrusted Abdel Wahid Al-Nur to defend their rights in the peace process.
“Abdel Wahid, has always did the best to represent us and defend our rights and interest, so why we should change him?”
Abu Sharati added that the rejection of peace talks unless Khartoum stops attacks on civilians and disarms militia is their demand.
The SLM founder, who refused Abuja peace agreement in 2006, says he would not take part in the peace talks before Khartoum provides security to the civilians on the ground. He asks to observe a ceasefire, to disarm the government backed militias, to return the IDPs and refugees to their homes before any peace negotiation.
The IDPs spokesperson further accused the government of pursuing the distribution of weapons to the Arab tribes and recruitment of militias.
He also said that six year since the beginning of the conflict civilians remain the principle target of these militias and even the hybrid peacekeepers showed their failure to curb violence in Darfur.
(ST)