Darfur’s Minnawi says ready to proceed with DPA security arrangements
April 18, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — The leader of the major Darfur ex-rebel faction that signed an agreement with Khartoum, said today that his movement is prepared to work on implementing security arrangements outlined in the peace accord.
Minnawi, who is also the senior presidential assistant, said that the SLM is looking for a political settlement of the Darfur conflict that entered its sixth year.
The former rebel leader stressed that the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) he signed in Abuja back in 2006 can incorporate the demands of all the other rebel groups.
He further said that the SLM recognizes all the movements on the ground “whether the signatories or non-signatories”.
“We are not saying that we are the only ones out there. We want all parties to be involved in establishing sustainable peace in Darfur” Minnawi said.
The presidential assistant was touring the town of El-Fasher and some institutions in the area including hospitals and religious schools.
Minnawi statements signal a radical shift in tone regarding the implementation of the DPA which he accused the NCP of ignoring.
Earlier this year he even accused the government of aiding the Darfur Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) attack on his troops at the town of Muhajriya which lead to the displacement of thousands of civilians.
The SLM leader was also unhappy about being excluded from consultation on the Doha talks that took place in February between NCP and JEM.
Minnawi’s SLM faction has been hit by defections and resignation from his commanders and his aides leading observers to believe that he is severely weakened from when he signed the DPA.
UN experts estimate some 300,000 people have died and 2.5 million driven from their homes. Sudan blames the Western media for exaggerating the conflict and puts the death toll at 10,000.
(ST)