Sudan & JEM trade accusation on imminent offensive

June 22, 2009 (PARIS) – The Sudanese government and the Darfur Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) traded accusation over the intention of each side to launch a military offensive following a failed round of talks in the Arab Gulf state of Qatar.

The Sudanese army in statement said it is prepared to repel any attack by JEM on the Chadian borders. The military spokesperson Brigadier General Osman Al-Agbash accused Israel and Chad of providing support rebel groups adding that they are monitoring their activities.

Al-Agbash said that JEM wants to “disillusion” the general public into believing that “they have power on the ground to make political gains” and added that external support will not enable the rebel group to capture new grounds.

However JEM issued a counter statement claiming that the Sudanese army is assembling army units, Chadian opposition and Janjaweed militias coming from El-Geneina in West Darfur.

Furthermore the rebel movement dismissed government reports that JEM chairman Khalil Ibrahim secretly visited Israel and received military help saying its part of “false propaganda”.

“The regime fears what it is awaiting its offensive from a certain and humiliating defeat” JEM said.

Last week Doha peace talks between the JEM and Khartoum has been adjourned for two months. Both sides blamed each other for the breakdown in the peace round.

(ST)