Bashir says army ready to destroy last pockets of rebellion in Darfur

April 3, 2016 (ZALINGEI) – Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir said the army is ready to destroy the last bastions of insurgency in Darfur.

Bashir, who addressed a large crowed in Central Darfur state capital, Zalingei Sunday, said that peace has become a reality in the region, pointing that the government would soon launch a program to collect arms from civilians and resettle the IDP’s.

He attacked the leader of the rebel Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM-AW) Abdel-Wahid al-Nur, saying he continued to reject peace calls for many years.

“He [al-Nur] lives in five-star hotels in the French capital, Paris, while Darfur people are bearing the brunt of war,” Bashir said.

Clashes are taking place in the massif of Jebel Marra, Central Darfur, since mid-January between the government troops and the SLA/AW.

Earlier this month the Sudanese army said in control of northern Jabel Marra.

But the rebels are still resisting in other sectors while Khartoum seems determined to clear the whole area from any rebel presence.

Bashir praised the Sudanese army and the other regular forces besides the people of Darfur who supported the army until peace has been achieved.

“We want to achieve full peace so that the residents could feel safe in their homes, farms, pastures, villages and towns,” he said.

The Sudanese President vowed to compensate the affected and provide them with reasons of livelihood if they want to return to their original villages.

He said that Central Darfur is a newly born state that needs various infrastructures, pledging to provide electricity in Zalingei around the clock.

Bashir also vowed to provide electricity, water and basic services across the state.

He pointed that the contract for the construction of the highway linking Zalingei to Kass and Nyala in South Darfur state has been signed, promising to complete the road in less than six months.

Bashir also said that a contract for building Diraisa water storage dam was signed, vowing to continue to build dams and dig water wells to end the thirst in Central Darfur.

He said that his government would build an international airport in Zalingei soon, vowing to offer his support for the University of Zalingei and to establish the faculty of medicine.

The Sudanese President saw that the upcoming referendum in Darfur would determine the future of the region, saying the government would support the choice of the Darfurians.

Darfur residents are called to vote from 11 to 13 April on whether or not the region will keep its five states or reunite as one entity with a semi-autonomous administration.

(ST)