Darfur rebels in disarray over Abuja talks

KHARTOUM, Sudan, Aug 15, 2004 (PANA) — Diplomatic sources growing differences
and a lack coordination within the ranks of the rebels in Darfur
could undermine the resumption of peace talks planned for 23
August in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.

Press reports in Khartoum quoted African Union (AU) sources as
recalling that it was equally a clash of views that led to the
collapse of previous talks in N’djamena (Chad) and Addis Ababa
(Ethiopia).

“I doubt they read from the same paper,” one account quoted a
western diplomat in Khartoum as saying.

Some analysts also said the rebel Justice and Equality Movement
(JEM) and Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) were less keen about
talks with Khartoum, what with the Sudanese government taking all
the heat from international pressure.

“It is easy to deal with the SLM, but things are a lot more
complicated with JEM because there are many groups claiming to
represent the movement,” an AU diplomat was quoted as observing.

Meanwhile, JEM leaders, who have been pushing for foreign
military intervention in Darfur, dismissed reports of a split
within their ranks as sheer Khartoum propaganda calculated to
undermine the moment’s credibility.

Last Thursday, JEM indicated it was willing to resume talks, but
said it could not be present in Nigeria before 5 September,
complaining that the date of 23 August was after all unilaterally
decided by the AU.

The SLM has also expressed doubts about sending representatives
to Abuja, even a Chadian mediator insisted that the date of the
Abuja talks was agreed following discussions with senior
officials of two rebel movements.

The first round of political talks last month between the
government and the rebels collapsed after the latter set six
conditions for dialogue with Khartoum.