Darfur rebels say Sudan army bombarded their positions

January 8, 2008 (KHARTOUM) – Rebel Justice and Equality Movement said the Sudanese army is bombing its positions in North Darfur since yesterday.

This bombing which was confirmed by aid workers and other rebel group follows statements by Sudanese officials about an expected attack by the rebel group on Khartoum or other parts of the country.

JEM’s deputy general commander, Suleiman Sandal, said today that Sudanese army Antonov planes and helicopters bombed the position of his movement in northern Darfur without further details. The rebel officials also added that the air strike started since Wednesday and continued today.

Sandal also confirmed in a statement to Reuters they intend to mark the expected announcement of arrest warrant for the Sudanese president by the International Criminal Court judges with some military action.

Reports published in Khartoum said that JEM plans to attack the capital after the issuance of the arrest warrant in a bid to arrest the Sudanese president. However he added that they do not know when the “ICC day” will take place.

Sudanese foreign ministry undersecretary Mutrif Siddiq, said earlier this week that JEM rebels were building up forces just over the border in neighbouring Chad, ready for an attack on Sudanese cities and oil fields in South Kordofan.

“We are preparing for such a step — we will never allow it to happen,” he added.

The Sudanese President Omer Al-Bashir is indicted by the ICC Prosecutor of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The Sudanese government said it expects that the judges will follow the findings of the prosecutor but called to suspend the ICC jurisdiction saying it will hinder peace implementation and encourage rebels to not negotiate with it.

(ST)