Sudan & Darfur rebels show rare unity in welcoming new US policy

October 19, 2009 (PARIS) – The Sudanese government and several Darfur rebel groups cautiously welcomed the release of the new US policy on Sudan made today.

US officials said that the new policy aims to achieve three main objectives including a halt to human right abuses in Darfur, North-South peace deal and cooperation on counterterrorism.

The Sudanese presidential adviser Ghazi Salah Al-Deen told official news agency (SUNA) that the lack of any reference to military intervention “is important” and that it constitutes a “new spirit in Obama [administration]”.

However, he expressed disappointment for insistence of Washington to use the “genocide” labeling to describe the events in Darfur saying that the US is “isolated” in its position.

Al-Deen reiterated his country’s rejection of “policy of pressure” from any party.

The Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) also lauded the US announcement today.

“The policy is in line with the SPLM position,” Anne Itto, deputy secretary-general of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, told Bloomberg.

Among other things the policy urges the Government of South Sudan (GoSS) to “abide by its responsibilities under the terms of the CPA, and prioritize conflict mitigation and resolution, capacity-building, transparency and accountability, and service delivery”.

“The United States will work to improve security for the southern Sudanese people by supporting DDR and conflict prevention initiatives and strengthening the capacity of the security sector and criminal justice system. The United States will also work to improve economic conditions and outcomes. The United States will provide technical advisors to vital ministries and will work to strengthen entities such as the U.N. Development Program’s Local Government Reform Program (LGRP)”.

The Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Abdel-Wahid Al-Nur hailed the affirmation of genocide labeling of the Darfur conflict.

“What she [Hillary Clinton] called for is in line with our [SLM] position on conflict suspension and providing security to civilians” AL-Nur told Sudan Tribune.

He criticized the US special envoy to Sudan Scott Gration saying that he implemented these principles “upside down” saying that the US official “made genocide legitimate and looks for peace of creating positions [for rebel leaders] by creating new groups”.

Ahmed Hussein from Darfur Justice and Equality Movement said the group is still reviewing the new policy before issuing a formal opinion.

Hussein said that the outline of the policy “show a good direction to resolve the conflict”. He urged Washington to engage all parties and nit just Khartoum adding that the latter is known “for buying time” accusing it of lacking the will to achieve peace.

“The US must press Khartoum to respond positively to genuine international will looking to bring peace” he said.

The newly formed umbrella group of Sudan’s Liberation Revolutionary Forces (SLRF) which include six rebel factions echoed their peers’ reaction and cautioned against lifting sanction on Sudan “comprehensive peace in South and Darfur”.

(ST)