Rebels say Sudanese army bombing their positions in Darfur

April 30, 2010 (LONDON) – The rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), renewed today its accusations to the Sudanese army of attacking their positions in the restive region of Darfur despite a truce signed last February in Doha.

JEM forces are fighting the Sudanese army in Jebel Jalik located 25klm south of Jebel Marra in Western Darfur state, said Ahmed Hussein Adam the spokesperson of the rebel group on Friday. He further said that helicopters gunships took part in the attack and shelled their positions.

The rebel spokesperson said this attack represents a violation of the Doha framework agreement signed with Khartoum government in Doha on February 23. He further said the government troops bombed water wells and killed livestock.

Last week the official spokesperson of the Sudanese army Al-Soarmi Khaled said that they agreed to allow JEM fighters to establish their bases in four positions, Jebel Moon; Rafidah, Bir Silpa, and Gergi Gurgi. He warned that the army would deal with them if they move from these areas.

Ahmed Hussein condemned the silence of the hybrid peacekeeping mission (UNAMID) which is deployed in different positions in the restive Sudanese province.

Peace talks between JEM and Khartoum are also expected to resume next May, nonetheless the two parties failed to achieve any progress since last February in the remaining file.

The spokesperson of the government delegation to the peace negotiations, Omer Adam Rahama shoowed no interest to delay further the peace talks adding they are waiting the presidential permission to join the talks within two weeks.

He also said they are not willing to open a third session for talks with a JEM breakaway faction led by Idris Abdalla Azraq who refused to reunite with JEM or the Liberation and Justice Movement.

(ST)