Kasha appointed governor of East Darfur state
March 31, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese president appointed Sunday the former governor of South Darfur Abdel Hamid Musa Kasha as a Wali of East Darfur state, a position he had refused last year.
Kasha, a member of the ruling National Congress Party, was accordingly removed from his position in South Darfur and appointed in East Darfur state on 10 January 2012. But he refused the new position arguing that the new state has no necessary infrastructures.
Many in Khartoum were surprised on Sunday by the presidential decision because they were expecting broader reshuffle among the governors of the region including the removal of South and North Darfur Walis.
North Darfur state witnessed this year a surge of tribal violence that led to largest displacement in Darfur since several years, over 100 thousands civilians fled tribal clashes this year. Also the state is known for the fighting between the army and rebel groups.
South Darfur governor Hamad Ismail, from his side, failed to curb uncontrolled armed elements which perpetrate criminal attacks on banks, prisons and courts. Recently armed gangs started to abduct rich businessmen and demand ransoms.
Normally, governors are elected and the president of the republic cannot remove them except when the state of emergency is declared.
Also, president Al-Bashir appointed a new governor in the Blue Nile state and removed Al-Hadi Bushra who had been appointed to replace the former governor Malik Agar. The leader of the rebel SPLM-N is in war against the Sudanese government since September 2011.
Bushra, a former Sudanese army general, had very bad relations with the ruling party in the troubled state. The NCP leadership in the Blue Nile demanded since January to remove him and to appoint someone from the region.
(ST)