Khalil Ibrahim conducts partial reshuffle in JEM military leadership

September 16, 2009 (PARIS) — The Chairman of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) issued last week two decisions reshuffling partially the military leadership of the rebel group.

In a decision announced on September 9, Khalil Ibrahim discharged the Commander General of JEM Forces, Abdel Karim Chilloy Gonti from his responsibilities and replaced him by Suleiman Sandal Haggar who was formerly JEM Secretary for Security and Intelligence Affairs.

The rebel leader also appointed Gonti as head of JEM security and intelligence service instead of Haggar.

Commenting the partial reshuffle, Ahmed Hussein Adam, JEM official spokesperson, told Sudan Tribune that Suleiman Sandal has played a significant role in the reorganization of the rebel troops following the recent merger of several factions.

He also stressed that Gonti, who was the head of JEM eastern Sudan based troops, administrates a large network of contacts across the country and well placed to lead JEM intelligence apparatus.

Following the signing of goodwill agreement with the Sudanese government last February, JEM refuses to resume peace process and asks Khartoum to implement two clauses in the confidence building deal related to the release of its fighters arrested after an unprecedented attack on the Sudanese capital in May 2008 and to improve the humanitarian situation in Darfur.

However, the mediation announced last week the resumption of the peace talks at the end of next October saying it works actively to convince all the parties to join the negotiating table.

(ST)