Sudan threatens to expel more aid groups

March 13, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — The minister of interior has threatened to expel any non- governmental organization that does not observe the Sudanese regulations.

The minister Ibrahim Mahmoud Hamid warned Sudan would expel foreign groups who deviate from the goals they came to achieve in the country, reported Friday the pro-government SMC.

Following the announcement of an arrest warrant against the Sudanese President by the International Criminal Court last week, Sudan expelled over 13 aid groups accusing them of collaborating with the ICC. But the aid workers dismissed the charge.

Most African countries are fully convinced that these groups have become tools of new colonization and use them to realize its political, colonial and intelligence purposes, the minister stressed.

Hamid pointed out that aid groups deviating from the humanitarian work would be expelled in accordance with the law as it is a legitimate right of the government.

According to the United Nations estimations there are some 2.7 million people displaced in the war torn region of Darfur since 2003 when rebels took up arms against the central government in Khartoum.

More than one hundred aid groups are working in Darfur. However the evicted aid groups are among the most important charity groups in the region.

“These organizations provide a lifeline to 4.7 million people in Darfur alone, and millions more in other areas of Northern Sudan. While some 85 international NGOs operate in Darfur, without these organizations much of the aid operation literally comes to a halt” said the UN agencies in Sudan last week.

Also observers say the Sudanese decision was taken in retaliation against countries supportive of the ICC. They underline that this measure allows Khartoum to put pressure on them to accept the suspension of the ICC jurisdiction.

(ST)