Sudanese MP warns that South Darfur capital may soon fall into rebel hands

April 3, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The former Information Minister and current member of the national assembly Abdullah Massar lashed out at the Sudanese government, security apparatuses and the army saying that all these institutions are currently in their weakest state at the federal and the states level.

Massar also called on the Minister of Defence Abdel-Rahim Mohamed Hussein to appear before parliament to be probed on the his failures and setbacks of his ministry.

The MP claimed that Darfur rebels could soon take over South Darfur capital of Nyala saying that the town is besieged while security inside it is lacking.

He went on to say that the Sudanese army lost in its most recent battles more than 350 soldiers while of 70 others remain missing.

The Sudanese government is reportedly considering sacking South Darfur governor over a recent breakdown in security in the state. For that to happen the president will have to declare a state of emergency in South Darfur per the constitution.

Last week, a cargo train which was on its way from Nyala, capital of South Darfur state to the city of Daein in eastern Darfur has been attacked by unidentified armed robbers near Khor Taan area which is located 60 km east of Nyala.

Over the weekend, Sudanese paramilitary force attacked El-Geneina bus stop market in Nyala, on mid-day robbing merchants and bystanders, according to eyewitnesses.

Yesterday merchants in Nyala said that a commercial raft comprised of 800 vehicles is stuck in the city of Ed Daein due to lack of security threatening a shortage in basic commodities.

Massar also criticized President Omer Hassan al-Bashir’s speech in parliament this week saying it was out of touch with reality.

He said that the government and parliament are broken down into power groups that are running the country as such.

“The state is not going right. Either we review it or we lose it,” Massar said.

He also criticized his peers in parliament saying their job is not to “applause and praise”.

“If the situation continues like this, we will all go down. It is best that we speak transparently about these pressing issues. If we continue wiping out lint will the wound will not be treated” Massar said.

(ST)