Sudanese MP proposes sending parliamentary platoon to fight South Sudan
April 10, 2012 (KHARTOUM) — A Sudanese legislator suggested Tuesday to form a military platoon from the Members of Parliament (MP) and to send it to the battle fields to fight against the south Sudanese army.
The proposition comes as the Sudanese army is recruiting young people and the Popular Defence Forces – the government’s main paramilitary group – launched mobilisation campaigns in the different states of the country to send more troops to South Kordofan and Blue Nile a practice that was common before the 2005 peace agreement ended the previous north-south conflict.
MP Ahmed Al-Tayeb Alphengulw, speaking at a the National Assembly on Tuesday, said lawmakers themselves should fight besides youth mobilised recently by the government after hearing reports about the control of Heglig by the South Sudanese army and rebel fighters.
Alphengulw who is a member of the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) accused the government of abandoning its principles adding “We have to remember the principles of our relationship with God, and call for jihad for the sake of God.”
Yesterday the Sudanese government remained silent all the day while reports were broadcast by the international media about the capture of Heglig by the South Sudanese army.
Suleiman Guidoum, another legislator, called on the government to give a green light to the Sudan Armed Forces and allow it to wage a comprehensive war against the South Sudan. “How long the army will remain in the defensive position?” he asked.
He further called for the citizens of South Kordofan to be involved in the negotiations that are taking place in Addis Ababa, stressing that the government has to recognise the crisis in the state like it did in Darfur.
Sudanese government and former South Sudanese rebels (SPLM) signed a peace agreement seven years ago that led to the independence of the South Sudan in July 2011. However, a number of issues remained unresolved with the SPLM members in the north Sudan have been fighting Khartoum since one month before the proclamation of a new state in the South.
The growing tensions have led to a low level of war between the two partners of 2005 peace deal despite the international calls and the efforts of a regional mediation to settle the disputes.
The two countries now appear to be heading to war despite reassuring statements from the two sides the military option is not a preferred solution.
(ST)