Sudanese president says determined to disarm tribal militias in Darfur
February 3, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir said his government is determined to continue the disarmament process across Darfur in order to enhance security and stability in the region.
The then minister of interior Ismat Abdel Rahman, told the Sudanese parliament that the proliferation of armaments in Darfur remains “a security worry”. He further pointed that millions of small arms are in the hands of Darfur citizens.
He pointed that the first stage aimed at collecting heavy weapons (four- drive vehicles and heavy guns) and the listing and registering of light weapons in the region, saying the collection of light weapons will be implemented at a later stage in exchange for financial or other compensations to be determined in the future.
The head of the Darfur Regional Authority (DRA) Tijani al-Sissi said in press statements following his meeting with President Bashir Wednesday he briefed the latter on the security situation in the region particularly in West Darfur state, pointing the DRA stressed the need to impose state authority especially with regard to disarmament.
It is worth mentioning that the disarmament process includes former rebel groups signatory of a peace agreement and tribal militias which now constitute the main source of insecurity in the region.
Al-Sissi pointed the meeting also discussed the challenges facing the DRA and in particular the funding of the development projects besides the financial needs to complete the rest of the DRA programmes.
He added that he conveyed to President Bashir the DRA consistent position to hold the Darfur administrative referendum on time, saying it is part of the requirements of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD).
The DDPD provides that the permanent administrative status of Darfur be determined through a referendum. The voters have to vote for the creation of a Darfur Region composed of the States of Darfur; or the retention of the status quo of States system.
The Darfur Referendum Commission (DRC) announced that the referendum will be held between 11 to 13 April. However, the national dialogue conference said it has recommended the delay of the referendum.
(ST)