Darfur rebels welcome South Sudan independence, hope Khartoum understands the lesson

July 10, 2011 (JUBA) — The rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) welcomed the independence of South Sudan warning that Khartoum government should understand the lesson and work for peace in the country to avoid the repletion of such scenario.

A high level delegation from Darfur movement attended the celebration of South Sudan independence in Juba on 9 July. JEM officials met with the SPLM leadership members in Juba and handed over a written message from their leader Khalil Ibrahim congratulating the Republic of South Sudan on its independence.

“JEM is keen to share with our brothers in South Sudan their joy and celebration of their new state. The 9th of July was a historical day even if as a Sudanese I felt sad for the dismemberment of our country,” said Ahmed in statements to Sudan Tribune in Juba.

“However we share common value and the south still bears the name of Sudan,” he further said.

Ahmed said the Khartoum government bears the responsibility of failing to make Sudan’s unity attractive, emphasising that “They have to be aware of the lesson to avoid a repeat of the separation of another part of the Sudan”.

JEM foreign relations official also praised South Sudan President for his pledge to work for peace and stability in Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan. He stressed that JEM will cooperate with the South Sudan ruling party to achieve peace in the region.

President Salva Kiir said at the independence ceremony yesterday he will work with his Sudanese counterpart Omar Al-Bashir to end the ongoing conflict in Darfur and South Kordofan. “I pledge to you today that we will find a just peace for all,” he said after mentioning Abyei and Blue Nile in his speech also.

Talks for peace in Darfur between the Sudanese government and JEM are stalled in Doha but another rebel group Liberation and Justice Movement will ink a peace deal with Khartoum on 14 July.

The rebel delegation comprised Tahir El-Faki, speaker for JEM Legislative Assembly, Ahmed Hussein dam, JEM Secretary for international relations, Mansour Arbab JEM secretary for presidential affairs and Bukhari Adam, Secretary for Student affairs.

Khartoum and Juba trade accusations on support to rebel groups in South Sudan and Darfur. The future relations between two countries will depend on the management of internal crisis and cooperation between the two capitals to end it, observers agree.

Salva Kiir offered amnesty to South Sudan rebel groups opening the door for reconciliation and a negotiated settlement for their demands.

(ST)