Chadian president discusses peace with Darfur rebels
October 26, 2012 (KHARTOUM) — Chadian President Idris Deby discussed peace Thursday with the leadership of the rebel Justice and Equality Movement – military council (JEM-MC) which signed a cessation of hostilities and good will agreement with the Sudanese government earlier this week.
Deby facilitated the contacts between the Sudanese government and the rebel faction following its dissidence from the mainstream section of JEM led by Gibril Ibrahim in August 2012.
Tijani Taher Karshoum, a member of the JEM-MC said following the meeting that they had briefed the Chadian president about the talks held in Doha with Khartoum and the signed deal.
JEM-MC leader Mohamed Bashar told Deby that peace is their strategic choice and pointed out the need to have a comprehensive and inclusive agreement, Karshoum said.
He further said the JEM splinter faction have no objection to unite their group with other Darfur rebelswilling to join the peace process before the talks which are expected to start in November.
Karshoum disclosed they are in dialogue with other members of the movement in order to persuade to join them, stressing that they expect that JEM’s sections based outside Sudan will join them soon.
The commanders who split from mainstream JEM accused Gibril Ibrahim of administrating the group in a authoritarian manner since the death of JEM founder, Gibril’s brother, Khalil Ibrahim.
The rebels said they intend to hold a general conference in November before starting negotiations with the Sudanese government in Doha. Khartoum has expressed hope that a peace deal can be signed before a donors conference scheduled for December of this year.
Gibreel Adam Bilal, JEM spokesperson, issued a statement on Wednesday distancing the the rebel group from the move of their former comrades.
He further stressed that whatever money the Sudanese government gives them, it would not be a solution for the problem and will not realise an equal wealth sharing.
(ST)