Darfur JEM scoffs at Bashir’s labeling of Khalil’s death as ‘divine retribution’
December 27, 2011 (KHARTOUM) – The Darfur Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) dismissed as “moral bankruptcy” the remarks made today by Sudanese president Omer Hassan al-Bashir in which he described the killing of JEM chief Khalil Ibrahim as “divine retribution”.
Several rebel sources privately accuse two neighboring countries and an Arab Gulf state of coordinating the killing of Ibrahim using a drone aircraft.
Addressing the graduation ceremony of Staff & Command 38th class, Bashir said that Ibrahim’s death was a result of his choice to pursue the path of war, terrorizing the innocents and working to break up the unity of the country.
The Sudanese president added that Ibrahim’s demise is a message to “domestic parties” that have failed to differentiate between opposing government and opposing the nation. He added that these parties could not comprehend the regional changes including normalization of ties with Chad, the downfall of Gaddafi’s regime in Libya and the Doha peace accord signed last July.
Bashir concluded by stressing that it was “divine retribution” which put an end to Ibrahim’s life as a payback for his crimes committed against civilians. He went on to say that this ends a chapter of hatred and discord among the people.
But a senior JEM official quickly rebuffed Bashir’s statements.
“His [Bashir] statements represent moral bankruptcy and total detachment from reality. This is a new low in political practice,” Ahmed Hussein Adam the external relations adviser at JEM told Sudan Tribune.
“If it is about divine justice then Bashir would be its first target on account of the crimes he committed against the Sudanese people throughout his rule. The assassination of Khalil does not in any way change the fact that Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court for genocide in Darfur” Hussein said.
The JEM official warned that the assassination of their leader sets a “dangerous” precedent in Sudan.
“This has been condemned by all parties in Sudan and there is clearly public anger over this legitimizing of political assassinations,” he said.
“The regime now belatedly realizes that by killing Khalil they made him a symbol that united all of Sudan. They are now very scared. If they weren’t why did they forcibly displace the condolence ceremony for Khalil’s family in Khartoum?”
“It is bizarre that Bashir talks about Gaddafi’s removal being a positive thing. Wasn’t it Gaddafi that ferociously defended him against the ICC warrant and received him frequently? It is Bashir not JEM who should be concerned about the disappearance of Gaddafi from the stage” Hussein said.
The JEM official underscored that the rebel movement remains “united and determined” to achieve its goals of “unity, democracy and justice” for the people of Sudan.
(ST)
