Sudan army, JEM rebels clash in North Darfur

November 6, 2010 (KHARTOUM) — Darfur rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) clashed Saturday in North Darfur state with the Sudanese army, after fighting in South Darfur and North Kordofan during the last two days.

JEM and the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) confirmed the last two days battles but every side gives a different version about the outcome of these clashes. Al-Sawarmi Khaled, SAF’s official spokesperson said government troops in North Kordofan repelled JEM attack and destroyed nine rebel vehicles, contradicting what the rebel said yesterday.

JEM rebels fought today the government forces at Um Faniya, 25k North-East of Kornoi, in North Darfur state, said JEM spokesperson Ali Wafi on Saturday.

Wafi said the assailant three SAF mobile units, mounted on 210 vehicles, meant to capture the sources of water in North Darfur, and to impose its control over the entire area.

He further said the attack was launched after intensive aerial bombardment lasted three days. He added they captured 20 vehicles and 10 trucks loaded with ammunitions.

The three clashes in different states in western Sudan occur as the government and the rebel Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM) concluded direct talks for a political settlement to the conflict. They are expected to sign a peace agreement next December.

JEM rebels met in London last month with the chief mediator Djibril Bassole and is expected to send a delegation to Doha to discuss with the mediation the resumption of negotiations with the government.

The rebel group suspended its participation in the peace process since last May.

(ST)