JEM says government troops prepare to attack its position in Darfur
August 25, 2009 (LONDON) — The rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) accused today that the Sudanese army of preparing to attack its positions in North Darfur state.
JEM spokesperson Ahmed Hussein Adam, speaking from the Libyan capital where he is part of a rebel delegation visiting the neighboring country said a joint force composed of the Sudan Armed Forces, SLA of Minni Minawi and Chadian opposition is moving towards their position in the restive North Darfur State.
The rebel official added that the mobile force has reached Utchey Dam. He further said that war planes have already bombed their positions in the region.
Regional and international efforts have been intensified to make a breakthrough in the deadlocked peace process between the Sudanese government and JEM rebels. The two parties signed a confidence building deal but they failed to resume the Doha peace process after their divergence over the release of rebels who took part in an attack on the Sudanese capital last year.
“While we are here in Tripoli discussing ways to end this impasse, with the joint mediator and the Libyan officials, the government prepares to attack our positions and intends to pursue the military solution.”
Ahmed further expressed the readiness of his movement to repel that attack adding “once again it proves that Khartoum is not serious to reach peace and settle the conflict through peaceful means.”
He said that JEM is committed to the Doha process but regretted the confusion and interference caused by the different and conflicting initiatives to reunite the rebel factions.
He stressed that Addis Ababa meeting sponsored by the US envoy to reunite Darfur rebels have created more divisions among the already united factions.
“Now there are unity meetings everywhere, Tripoli, Cairo and Addis Ababa and every country works to create a group allowing it to influence the process,” he said.
Earlier this week, the leader of the main rebel group of the SLM, Abdel Wahid Al-Nur criticized Gration’s efforts saying he becomes “an obstacle” to achieve peace in Darfur.
(ST)