Red Cross dismisses reports on handover of Sudanese soldiers

February 22, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has dismissed media reports about the handover of Sudanese soldiers by the Justice and Equality Movement to the humanitarian organization.

Miraya FM reported yesterday that JEM Political Secretary Ahmed Tugud said they had handed over 38 prisoners to the Red Cross in implementation of a commitment their leader had made in Doha following the signing of goodwill agreement with the Sudanese government last Tuesday.

Khalil Ibrahim, JEM leader offered on Tuesday February 17 to free 21 prisoners from the Sudanese army in a gesture of goodwill in Doha, following the signing of an agreement on the confidence building measures before the peace talks.

“The ICRC wishes to clarify that although it has offered its services to the parties, it has not been approached to receive any prisoners and therefore did not play a role in a handover of prisoners that might have taken place during the last few days, as reported in the media.”

“However, the ICRC remains ready to carry out its humanitarian mandate and act as a neutral intermediary in any handover of detainees should the involved parties wish it,” worded a statement released by the Red Cross today.

Ahmed Hussein Adam, JEM spokesperson told Sudan Tribune that the ICRC contacted their movement and offered its services. He also disclosed contacts with the hybrid peacekeeping mission in this regard.

However he added that the delay is due to logistical reasons and they would very soon release the 21 prisoners of the Sudanese army as it was announced by Ibrahim.

He also said they are verifying the list of the 24 prisoners that Sudanese government has announced today. He further said they hope that their released members to be handed to the movement through the Red Cross or the any other neutral channel after informing the Qatari government and the joint mediator about the issue.

The official SUNA said today that the 24 rebels had been released from Kober Prison in Khartoum as it was decided by the Sudanese president yesterday following a meeting with the Emir of Qatar who was in Khartoum to discuss the implementation of Doha goodwill and confidence building agreement.

The list of the freed rebels does not include any commander or rebel figure.

(ST)