JEM rebels warn of imminent attack on their positions in W. Darfur

April 22, 2010 (DOHA) — Sudan government troops have been massing in West Darfur preparing for an imminent attack on the position of rebel Justice and Equality Movement, a rebel official warned today.

“The Sudanese army and allied militias are gathering with heavy weapons at about 25 kilometers from our positions in Jebel Moon area,” said JEM official spokesperson who added that “preparations for an imminent attack are going on now”.

“Warplanes, Mig and Antonove, are undertaking reconnaissance flights to assess the presence and capabilities of our troops in the region,” he added.

Last Saturday 18 April, JEM said it had repelled an attack by the Sudanese troops in Wadi Salih, West Darfur. But Khartoum dismissed the accusations.

The rebel official said this probable attack is a direct result of the “new legitimacy” that Khartoum believes recover after the international supported elections in Sudan.

“It demonstrates Khartoum planes to liquidate the cause of Darfur people and destroy JEM,” he said, pointing out that these provocations are harmful to the ongoing efforts to end the conflict in Doha.

Ahmed said JEM forces “reserves right to take every necessary action to protect themselves”.

He also said they informed the Chief Joint Mediator Djbril Bassole, the host country Qatar, Chad, and other members of the international community of this violation of a deal they signed last February.

Sudanese government and JEM signed on February 23, a framework agreement, including a truce, where the parties pledged to sign a peace agreement in March.

(ST)