Sudanese security storm South Sudanese rebels in Khartoum

September 30, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese security raided on Sunday a house of South Sudanese rebel leader in the capital Khartoum where they arrested some members of his militia and seized weapons.

The security forces assaulted the house of James Gai, leader of South Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SSLM/A) in Al-Fitaihab suburb, where it arrested five officers and 70 individuals and seized 5 heavy guns, after an exchange of fire.

The raid comes after the signing of a series of agreements last Thursday between Sudan and South Sudan in the Ethiopian capitals. The two countries, in accordance with security arrangements deal, committed themselves to not harbour or support rebel groups.

Security sources in Khartoum say the rebel SSLM/A is opposed to the recent security deal and vowed to continue their fight against Juba. They further say the raid comes within a plan aiming to control all the South Sudanese groups in Sudan.

Gai, however, succeeded to escape to an unknown destination with some members of his group.

The attack which took place in the afternoon included also two adjacent houses where 24 militia members. were arrested

The security service said they seized a vehicle full of weapons without providing further details.

Khartoum and Juba traded accusations about support to rebel groups.

The security deal provide to establish a buffer zone with a joint mechanism to monitor the common border.

But observers say the two parties need to contain the activities of rebel groups they previously supported to ensure a successful implementation of the signed deals.

The Sudanese rebels in South Kordofan and Blue Nile proposed a ceasefire with Khartoum but they did not speak about political talks, as they demand a comprehensive process including rebel groups in Darfur.

(ST)