Darfur rebel leader denounces “ceremonial” peace accord

February 24, 2010 (PARIS) — A Darfur rebel leader termed “ceremonial” a framework agreement signed Tuesday in Doha between the Sudanese government and rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), expressing his readiness for a genuine peace.

In May 2006, Abdel Wahid Al-Nur, the leader of a Sudan Liberation Movement group, rejected with Justice and Equality Movement a peace deal brokered by the African Union saying he wants the issue of land ownership to be clearly sorted out and individual compensations for the victims of the war in Darfur.

Several months after, Al-Nur published a position paper calling on Khartoum to disarm militias and facilitate the return of displaced population to their homeland. He also asked the government to remove new settlers from Arab tribes who reside in the land of IDPs. In what he called “conflict suspension” Al-Nur says Khartoum should resolve all the consequences of the war before to engage peace talks for a political solution.

Reacting to the framework agreement signed in Doha, Al-Nur said his movement wants a peace that would start with security on the ground in order to protect civilians. He added that “Khartoum government is very good in signing agreements but always very bad in its implementation”.

“What was signed today in Doha is a ceremonial peace agreement for positions, but we want a genuine peace realizing the demands of Darfur people who are suffering in camps since seven years after losing their relatives and homes” he said.

“We want Khartoum to fully satisfy their demand. That is the peace we want,” he added.

The displaced in Darfur camps have rejected Abuja peace deal and expressed their support for Al-Nur. Since, he is seen popular among the IDPs who demand government to pay them compensation, as it is a traditional rule in the region.

Asked about the Qatari role in Darfur peace process, Al-Nur said that Qatari officials have to exert efforts to stop violence against civilians before to seek his participation in the process.

“It seems as they (Qatari) have leverage on the Sudanese government. So if they are serious about peace in Darfur they have to persuade (President Omer) Al-Bashir to stop genocide and disarm Janjaweed militias. Then, we are ready to hold peace talks with the government;” he said.

Asked about the Chadian role on the deal, Al-Nur expressed his support to normalization process engaged between Sudan and Chad but warned that this rapprochement should not be at the expanse of Darfur people.

“We cannot reduce Darfur conflict to a quarrel between Khartoum and Ndjamena,” he said.

US envoy Scott Gration was among the attendance of the signing ceremony in Doha. He welcomed the framework deal saying it was “different” from previous agreements signed by the Sudanese government to end the seven year conflict.

Speaking about rebels who boycott the peace process Gration told Bloomberg “There will be a point where, if a rebel group or a movement decides not to be a part in this, they will isolate themselves.”

The rebel leader regretted Gration’s statements stressing he is not isolated among his people despite “Gration attempts to create his own rebel faction in Darfur” to replace him. Al-Nur was referring to splinter rebels who are reportedly in contact with the US envoy.

“As American citizens fought in the past for freedom and rights we also struggle for a state where human rights and democratic rule do exist,” said Al-Nur who refuses to meet Obama’s special envoy since longtime.

(ST)