Sudan rejects US criticism over militia attacks in Darfur
March 15, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The general commander of a Sudanese government militia, Lt Gen. Abbas Abdelaziz, rejected criticism by an American diplomat saying they used to hear unfounded and unfair accusation against its forces.
“We condemn the most recent attacks in South Darfur by Rapid Support Forces supported by the Government of Sudan”, Power said adding that the clashes between the rebel Sudan Liberation Movement – Minni Minnawi (SLM-MM) and the Sudanese army contributed to the displacement of civilians in South and North Darfur states.
In press statements on Saturday, Abdelaziz rebuked Power’s remarks describing it as “usual and unfair behaviour” from the American administration against Sudan, adding that such accusations would not frustrate the resolve of the government forces to perform its duties.
He said that the Rapid Support Forces are a positive factor in favour of peace and stability in Darfur, adding they were able in a short time to deter attacks by SLM-MM rebels and protect civilians.
UNAMID last week reported the burning of several villages in the area of Um Gunya, 50 km southeast of Nyala, adding they had been denied access to the area by the Sudanese authorities.
“The Mission has received reports of looting, arson and civilian casualties, as well as the arrival of newly displaced populations into the Al Salam and Kalma camps for internally displaced persons”, the mission said.
The government and rebel SLM-MM trade accusations over the attacks on civilians during the recent wave of attacks and counterattacks between the two sides.
The Rapid Support Forces which depends from the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), are formed in August 2013 from militias in Darfur and Kordofan regions to fight the rebel alliance Sudanese Revolutionary Front after a series of attacks in the greater Kordofan.
(ST)