Minnawi has long record of human rights violations – JEM

September 21, 2009 (LONDON) — The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) slammed statements made by the Senior Presidential Assistant Minni Arcua Minnawi against the rebel group, saying Minnawi has long record of human rights abuses.

The former rebel leader, who joined the Sudanese government after Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) rejected by the other rebels, said that JEM would exterminate people if they were to come to power. “We also see that the ideology of JEM became Nazi and Fascist.” he added.

Ahmed Hussein Adam, JEM official spokesperson condemned Minnawi statements saying that his movement is a popular one respecting the human rights and humanitarian laws in its daily actions and observing international conventions in this regard.

He further added Minnawi is not in a position to address such criticisms because of his “long record in the areas of human rights violations on the civilians, the rebels and the African peacekeeping mission.”

Ahmed said that Minnawi since the signing of Abuja agreement turned his movement to a government militia killing civilians and rebels in Darfur. “the release of Suleiman Jamous by the former UN envoy remind us the treatment given by Minni to rebels who were opposed to his deal with Khartoum.”

Also, the attacks on Korma, in July 2006 where 72 civilians were killed, followed by a series of similar actions on civilians in Tawila, Muhageria among others, he ssaid.

He also said people should not forget altercations and attacks by Minnawi troops on the African peacekeepers deployed in Darfur particularly the killing of two Nigerian AMIS soldiers in Graida, Darfur, on 5 March 2007.

The rebel spokesperson further regretted that Minnawi has become nowadays a victim of his ambition to maintain his position in the government and acting as militia leader taking part in all the government attacks on rebel position as it was the case in last week attack on Korma, he pointed out.

(ST)