20 Aug 2009 16:20 Africa/Lagos
Sudan / UNAMID holds first round table meeting with signatories to Darfur Peace Agreement
EL FASHER (DARFUR), August 20, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) yesterday convened a Round Table meeting of the Parties and Partners of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) on the implementation of the DPA chaired by UNAMID Joint Special representative (JSR), Mr. Rodolphe Adada
In his opening remarks, Mr. Adada stated that the meeting was convened primarily to provide the needed forum for the parties to the DPA including the signatories of the Declaration of commitment (DOC) to take stock and build a common understanding on issues related to DPA implementation, including challenges, and charged participants to seek to define responsibilities and roles, in so far as the implementation of the Agreement is concerned.
The JSR commended the signatories and participants for their commitment to dialogue, peace, reconciliation and development which he said led to the historic choice in Abuja, and subsequently paved the way and laid the foundation for the deployment of the Hybrid Operation in Darfur, adding that despite numerous challenges, UNAMID has, in accordance with its mandate, achieved significant success in the areas of protection of civilians, support to aid agencies in the delivery of humanitarian assistance, confidence and capacity building, as well as reconciliation and conflict prevention at local levels.
Mr. Adada underscored the role of the DPA Partners in the implementation of the Agreement and strongly called on them to re-activate the Darfur Joint Assessment Mission (D JAM) and finalize assessment particularly in areas where security could be guaranteed by UNAMID, adding “the Mission stands ready to provide whatever assistance is needed to move the D JAM process forward…those who embraced peace deserve to reap its dividends”, he concluded.
He urged all parties to support the ongoing peace process in order to succeed, “because that is the only way to go in order to give a new lease of life to the DPA and, by extension, to the people of Darfur”.
The participants welcomed the round table meeting and agreed that progress has been achieved in the implementation of the DPA. They however observed that a lot remains to be done to achieve full implementation, in particular as regards incorporation of the DPA into the interim National Constitution.
In expressing full commitment to the continuous implementation of the DPA, the participants called upon the international community to play a more active role in the implementation of the DPA. In particular, the parties requested the international community to re-activate the Darfur Joint Assessment Mission. Participants called upon UNAMID to play a stronger role in supporting effective implementation of the DPA as per its mandate. The meeting also agreed that the parties to the DPA have a crucial role to play in galvanizing the peace process.
The meeting further agreed that a mechanism be set up to monitor and assess the status of implementation of the DPA, including identification of remaining gaps and challenges that impede the implementation process and recommendation of appropriate measures.
Participants from the DPA parties included the Government team led by Dr. Omar Adam Rahamat from the Presidency, SLM (MM) led by Mr. Mini Minawi, and signatories of the Declaration of Commitment to the DPA, including (SLM Free Will), JEM (Peace Wing), SLM (Mother), and the popular Forces for Rights and Democracy (PFRD). The participating DPA Partners included representatives of the African Union, European Union, League of Arab States, Egypt, The Netherlands, Nigeria, United Kingdom and the United States of America. The Joint Mediation was represented by Deputy JCM Azouz Ennifar.
Showing posts with label Embassy of Sudan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Embassy of Sudan. Show all posts
Friday, August 21, 2009
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Embassy of Sudan: Ocampo's Political Pursuits Jeopardize Peace
12 Jul 2008 00:49 Africa/Lagos
Embassy of Sudan: Ocampo's Political Pursuits Jeopardize Peace
WASHINGTON, July 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
The International Criminal Court's prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo recently addressed the United Nations where he urged the Security Council to exert pressure on the Government of Sudan to extradite two individuals who the court has charged with crimes against humanity, accusing them of orchestrating violence in Darfur by arming and recruiting militias. In his statement, the prosecutor sought to implicate and sweepingly condemn the entire Government, alleging that high-ranked officials were involved in carrying out atrocities in Darfur and that he will shortly release names. His case rested on rather dubious speculation, claiming that the scale of the crisis suggested a co-ordination at the highest levels of the state apparatus.
While recognizing and appreciating the Court's proclaimed ideals and values towards human rights and its concern for the suffering citizens in Darfur, Sudan is disappointed and denounces very much the unwarranted and incendiary remarks made then by the Prosecutor and condemns strongly any motion the court may make to insist on these grossly offensive allegations.
There is no question that war criminals must face justice, and Sudan has its national Supreme Court supported by a strong constitutionally-backed judicial system that upholds the highest principles of justice. It has in the past prosecuted those identified to have committed crimes against humanity in Darfur and shall continue to do so wherever in Sudan similar crimes may occur. It can exercise justice within its territory far better than the ICC ever could. The Court's jurisdiction is confined to its 106 member states that have ratified the Rome statute. Sudan is not one of its constituencies. It has full confidence in its own institutions and is not looking to outsource its responsibility, especially not to a double standard entity whose integrity has seriously suffered.
Many, including the U.S., India, and China are non-signatories, which means any of their citizens found guilty of crimes that may fall within the scope of the Court's mandate will face justice domestically. Some of these countries have gone as far as to adopt measures that would allow the use of force to retrieve nationals detained by the Court. Ocampo would not dare pursue anyone in those territories.
This fact is worrisome and unfortunate for it renders the ICC as a body that can only pursue cases selectively. Its credibility as an objective and impartial body is instantly shattered. Its case against Sudan is only an exercise of flexing muscles by picking on those it perceives as easy prey, those whose sovereignty, integrity and authority it can violate and override without international fuss. And indeed, this is highlighted by the fact that its pursuits to date are all located in Africa when the world knows very well that equally egregious if not worse crimes are being committed outside the black continent. This is a reality that exposes the court as a tool of the more powerful countries and also typifies and perpetuates the appalling and misguided notion that Africans are incapable of solving their own problems.
This same condescending and paternalistic attitude was also the root of the plot revealed boastfully by their very own spokesperson to kidnap Sudan's state minister for Humanitarian Affairs. Though it failed, the plan was to commence during the minister's flight to Saudi Arabia on his way to perform the annual haj pilgrimage in Mecca, where the Court would hijack the plane and redirect its course to where their suspect can be detained. The same Court whose sole existence is to render justice where it's not observed has now so easily resorted to terroristic means. The stunt, so characteristic of a thug, of a criminal, circumvents all moral principles and raises the question as to the justice the court is ululating and advocating for.
The announcement, should it take place as expected, cannot be perceived as anything else but an attempt to undermine progress made in Sudan. With the recent appointment of a new envoy to lead the mediation process between the Government and the dozens of rebels in Darfur, the resolution of the Abyei deadlock, and the passing of the elections bill that would ensure the country's transition to democracy, how else can such a gesture be construed but as a strike against these milestones?
It would simply be an encouragement to the rebels who on Wednesday carried out a devastating attack that killed 7 and wounded 22 AU-UN peacekeeping forces, an incident that must be fully condemned and for which strong punitive measures towards the perpetrators must be adopted. This passive policy that the international community has long espoused has enabled rampant banditry in the region as rebels are increasingly emboldened by the world's reluctance to join Sudan in holding them accountable for their crimes. This was not their first attack on the international force. In October last year the rebels assaulted the UNAMID base in Haskanita, killing 7 peacekeepers and wounding several others. This incident passed without scrutiny from the same people who're now claiming to be in pursuit of justice.
Sudan is calling and reaching out to all peace-loving nations to support efforts currently underway to bring about peace and stability in its troubled region. Security for our citizens is a chief concern and Ocampo's conduct is counter to this agenda. In his bid to build a profile for the nascent Court under the pretext of pursuit of justice, he should be cautious that his actions do not contribute to the suffering of our people.
CONTACT: Embassy of the Republic of Sudan, Information office, +1-202-338-8565, +1-202-667-2406
Source: Embassy of Sudan
CONTACT: Embassy of Republic of Sudan, Information office,
+1-202-338-8565, +1-202-667-2406
Embassy of Sudan: Ocampo's Political Pursuits Jeopardize Peace
WASHINGTON, July 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
The International Criminal Court's prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo recently addressed the United Nations where he urged the Security Council to exert pressure on the Government of Sudan to extradite two individuals who the court has charged with crimes against humanity, accusing them of orchestrating violence in Darfur by arming and recruiting militias. In his statement, the prosecutor sought to implicate and sweepingly condemn the entire Government, alleging that high-ranked officials were involved in carrying out atrocities in Darfur and that he will shortly release names. His case rested on rather dubious speculation, claiming that the scale of the crisis suggested a co-ordination at the highest levels of the state apparatus.
While recognizing and appreciating the Court's proclaimed ideals and values towards human rights and its concern for the suffering citizens in Darfur, Sudan is disappointed and denounces very much the unwarranted and incendiary remarks made then by the Prosecutor and condemns strongly any motion the court may make to insist on these grossly offensive allegations.
There is no question that war criminals must face justice, and Sudan has its national Supreme Court supported by a strong constitutionally-backed judicial system that upholds the highest principles of justice. It has in the past prosecuted those identified to have committed crimes against humanity in Darfur and shall continue to do so wherever in Sudan similar crimes may occur. It can exercise justice within its territory far better than the ICC ever could. The Court's jurisdiction is confined to its 106 member states that have ratified the Rome statute. Sudan is not one of its constituencies. It has full confidence in its own institutions and is not looking to outsource its responsibility, especially not to a double standard entity whose integrity has seriously suffered.
Many, including the U.S., India, and China are non-signatories, which means any of their citizens found guilty of crimes that may fall within the scope of the Court's mandate will face justice domestically. Some of these countries have gone as far as to adopt measures that would allow the use of force to retrieve nationals detained by the Court. Ocampo would not dare pursue anyone in those territories.
This fact is worrisome and unfortunate for it renders the ICC as a body that can only pursue cases selectively. Its credibility as an objective and impartial body is instantly shattered. Its case against Sudan is only an exercise of flexing muscles by picking on those it perceives as easy prey, those whose sovereignty, integrity and authority it can violate and override without international fuss. And indeed, this is highlighted by the fact that its pursuits to date are all located in Africa when the world knows very well that equally egregious if not worse crimes are being committed outside the black continent. This is a reality that exposes the court as a tool of the more powerful countries and also typifies and perpetuates the appalling and misguided notion that Africans are incapable of solving their own problems.
This same condescending and paternalistic attitude was also the root of the plot revealed boastfully by their very own spokesperson to kidnap Sudan's state minister for Humanitarian Affairs. Though it failed, the plan was to commence during the minister's flight to Saudi Arabia on his way to perform the annual haj pilgrimage in Mecca, where the Court would hijack the plane and redirect its course to where their suspect can be detained. The same Court whose sole existence is to render justice where it's not observed has now so easily resorted to terroristic means. The stunt, so characteristic of a thug, of a criminal, circumvents all moral principles and raises the question as to the justice the court is ululating and advocating for.
The announcement, should it take place as expected, cannot be perceived as anything else but an attempt to undermine progress made in Sudan. With the recent appointment of a new envoy to lead the mediation process between the Government and the dozens of rebels in Darfur, the resolution of the Abyei deadlock, and the passing of the elections bill that would ensure the country's transition to democracy, how else can such a gesture be construed but as a strike against these milestones?
It would simply be an encouragement to the rebels who on Wednesday carried out a devastating attack that killed 7 and wounded 22 AU-UN peacekeeping forces, an incident that must be fully condemned and for which strong punitive measures towards the perpetrators must be adopted. This passive policy that the international community has long espoused has enabled rampant banditry in the region as rebels are increasingly emboldened by the world's reluctance to join Sudan in holding them accountable for their crimes. This was not their first attack on the international force. In October last year the rebels assaulted the UNAMID base in Haskanita, killing 7 peacekeepers and wounding several others. This incident passed without scrutiny from the same people who're now claiming to be in pursuit of justice.
Sudan is calling and reaching out to all peace-loving nations to support efforts currently underway to bring about peace and stability in its troubled region. Security for our citizens is a chief concern and Ocampo's conduct is counter to this agenda. In his bid to build a profile for the nascent Court under the pretext of pursuit of justice, he should be cautious that his actions do not contribute to the suffering of our people.
CONTACT: Embassy of the Republic of Sudan, Information office, +1-202-338-8565, +1-202-667-2406
Source: Embassy of Sudan
CONTACT: Embassy of Republic of Sudan, Information office,
+1-202-338-8565, +1-202-667-2406
Friday, May 30, 2008
Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan Responds To Save Darfur Coalition's Joint Statement
30 May 2008 01:43 Africa/Lagos
Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan responds to Save Darfur Coalition's joint statement
WASHINGTON, May 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The historic race for the President of the United States is without a doubt an occasion that many are watching closely and whose results are awaited with baited breath as the outcome is one that will determine the course of the country and in many ways, history itself.
The candidates are advocates of change, a notion ornately captured in compelling slogans like Senator McCain's "straight talk", Hillary's "a change we need", Obama's "a change we can believe in". This message is accompanied by policies that seemingly offer a striking contrast to their predecessors. Their words are not only resonating with fellow citizens here in the U.S., but in fact have reverberated across the entire globe, where one finds a number of societies, countries and cultures fervently seeking for a change in the way they relate to the United States.
Ideally then, foreign policy should be one that reaches out to these citizens of the world. It should be one that strives for inclusion, for understanding through dialogue. It should value diplomacy over aggression in solving perceived differences. And it has to be consistent and holistic in approach. Yet the joint statement released yesterday by the "Save Darfur Coalition", bearing the signatures of the candidates, deviated from this grandiose notion of 'change' that they have so championed.
"There can be no doubt that the Sudanese government is chiefly responsible for the violence and is able to end it" the statement read on the Coalition's website. To make this claim is hardly "Straight talk". And if in fact change is our genuine concern, then it seems we should begin by providing an objective account of reality. Nowhere in the joint statement was the voter given the chance to discern it for him/herself. The "Save Darfur Coalition", after concocting an idyllic picture of events, went as far as drafting an editable "thank you" letter to the candidates for voters to submit. A ready made "thank you" letter, as if voters were short for words to use.
Nevertheless, the joint statement was concerned with two issues, Darfur and the CPA. It is troubling that the statement failed to mention anything concerning the two-dozen rebels in Darfur, as if to suggest that their presence amongst civilians were benign. Those that are privy to the realities on the ground however, have contradict the allegation that the Government is the principal source of instability in the region. Impartial observers have identified the rebels as the cause of violence and the major variable fueling the Humanitarian crisis. Their assault and robberies against aid workers, attacks on international peace keeping forces in addition to using civilians as shields are some of the heinous crimes condoned by the "Save Darfur Coalition" as they refrain from speaking about them.
Bewildering still, the statement did not contain a single word regarding the May 10th rebel attack on Omdurmon that killed nearly 200 people. This was an incident that appalled even the people of Darfur who immediately denounced the attack and made it clear that the Rebels did not represent their interests. It was a revealing moment that the Save Darfur Coalition chose to simply ignore as it threatened their agenda of trying to portray the government as having the monopoly on violence. What no one can deny however is that the government has been the only stakeholder that has consistently called for a political solution, the only viable solution to the conflict. If the reasons for picking up arms were political in the first place, why are they now refusing to come to the negotiating table to craft a political settlement?
Regarding the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, it is true that there are times when both partners express dissatisfaction, whether its in the provisions of the document or frustrations arising from the pace of implementation. This is to be expected in any landmark agreement. The parties are diligently working to remove any obstacles that could potentially delay the election in 2009. The nationwide census has finally commenced. This is the first milestone towards conducting the upcoming elections in order for the country to make its way into a democratic transition. Border demarcation is also underway. The government of south Sudan officials publicly declared that over three quarters of the document has been implemented. And the partners are steadfastly working to resolve the remaining issues; Abyei, being the most prominent. Indeed this is an area that has proven to be very sensitive. It's been the center of recent skirmishes between the parties. But despite its sensitivity, the partners are together and have vowed that there will be "no return to war" as resolved in the meeting convened by the Ceasefire Political Commission yesterday.
The incumbent, which ever of the candidates the American people choose, should heed the calls for peace coming from the people of Darfur. The government of Sudan has made over 30 attempts to negotiate with the rebels but it has been unsuccessful. The reasons are well known by any unbiased observer. Solving the problem begins with sincere intentions to change the situation, as such, Sudan calls on the peace loving international community to push the rebels to end this catastrophe once and for all by getting them to the table of negotiations to help map out a peaceful future for their country. The incoming President's push for "change" will only have an impact on the people of Darfur when that change he/she advocates for has taken stock of all their realities.
Press and Information Office.
202 338 8565
Source: Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan
CONTACT: Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan Press and Information
Office, +1-202-338-8565
Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan responds to Save Darfur Coalition's joint statement
WASHINGTON, May 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The historic race for the President of the United States is without a doubt an occasion that many are watching closely and whose results are awaited with baited breath as the outcome is one that will determine the course of the country and in many ways, history itself.
The candidates are advocates of change, a notion ornately captured in compelling slogans like Senator McCain's "straight talk", Hillary's "a change we need", Obama's "a change we can believe in". This message is accompanied by policies that seemingly offer a striking contrast to their predecessors. Their words are not only resonating with fellow citizens here in the U.S., but in fact have reverberated across the entire globe, where one finds a number of societies, countries and cultures fervently seeking for a change in the way they relate to the United States.
Ideally then, foreign policy should be one that reaches out to these citizens of the world. It should be one that strives for inclusion, for understanding through dialogue. It should value diplomacy over aggression in solving perceived differences. And it has to be consistent and holistic in approach. Yet the joint statement released yesterday by the "Save Darfur Coalition", bearing the signatures of the candidates, deviated from this grandiose notion of 'change' that they have so championed.
"There can be no doubt that the Sudanese government is chiefly responsible for the violence and is able to end it" the statement read on the Coalition's website. To make this claim is hardly "Straight talk". And if in fact change is our genuine concern, then it seems we should begin by providing an objective account of reality. Nowhere in the joint statement was the voter given the chance to discern it for him/herself. The "Save Darfur Coalition", after concocting an idyllic picture of events, went as far as drafting an editable "thank you" letter to the candidates for voters to submit. A ready made "thank you" letter, as if voters were short for words to use.
Nevertheless, the joint statement was concerned with two issues, Darfur and the CPA. It is troubling that the statement failed to mention anything concerning the two-dozen rebels in Darfur, as if to suggest that their presence amongst civilians were benign. Those that are privy to the realities on the ground however, have contradict the allegation that the Government is the principal source of instability in the region. Impartial observers have identified the rebels as the cause of violence and the major variable fueling the Humanitarian crisis. Their assault and robberies against aid workers, attacks on international peace keeping forces in addition to using civilians as shields are some of the heinous crimes condoned by the "Save Darfur Coalition" as they refrain from speaking about them.
Bewildering still, the statement did not contain a single word regarding the May 10th rebel attack on Omdurmon that killed nearly 200 people. This was an incident that appalled even the people of Darfur who immediately denounced the attack and made it clear that the Rebels did not represent their interests. It was a revealing moment that the Save Darfur Coalition chose to simply ignore as it threatened their agenda of trying to portray the government as having the monopoly on violence. What no one can deny however is that the government has been the only stakeholder that has consistently called for a political solution, the only viable solution to the conflict. If the reasons for picking up arms were political in the first place, why are they now refusing to come to the negotiating table to craft a political settlement?
Regarding the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, it is true that there are times when both partners express dissatisfaction, whether its in the provisions of the document or frustrations arising from the pace of implementation. This is to be expected in any landmark agreement. The parties are diligently working to remove any obstacles that could potentially delay the election in 2009. The nationwide census has finally commenced. This is the first milestone towards conducting the upcoming elections in order for the country to make its way into a democratic transition. Border demarcation is also underway. The government of south Sudan officials publicly declared that over three quarters of the document has been implemented. And the partners are steadfastly working to resolve the remaining issues; Abyei, being the most prominent. Indeed this is an area that has proven to be very sensitive. It's been the center of recent skirmishes between the parties. But despite its sensitivity, the partners are together and have vowed that there will be "no return to war" as resolved in the meeting convened by the Ceasefire Political Commission yesterday.
The incumbent, which ever of the candidates the American people choose, should heed the calls for peace coming from the people of Darfur. The government of Sudan has made over 30 attempts to negotiate with the rebels but it has been unsuccessful. The reasons are well known by any unbiased observer. Solving the problem begins with sincere intentions to change the situation, as such, Sudan calls on the peace loving international community to push the rebels to end this catastrophe once and for all by getting them to the table of negotiations to help map out a peaceful future for their country. The incoming President's push for "change" will only have an impact on the people of Darfur when that change he/she advocates for has taken stock of all their realities.
Press and Information Office.
202 338 8565
Source: Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan
CONTACT: Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan Press and Information
Office, +1-202-338-8565
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Embassy of Sudan Responds to Attack on City of Omdurman
11 May 2008 06:55 Africa/Lagos
Embassy of Sudan Responds to Attack on City of Omdurman
WASHINGTON, May 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
Heavy gunfire and artillery rang through Omdurman as an anticipated attack by a rebel group came to pass on Saturday. The Chadian JEM who've long been under the surveillance of the Armed forces managed to reach the outskirts of the capital where they were engaged in a decisive battle by the security forces who maintained full control of the city. A nationwide alert, warning of the group's intention to carry out a massive assault on the capital was issued, and the necessary security measures were immediately taken once this threat was confirmed. The chief of the operation and his deputy were among those the forces killed.
From their point of departure in Apache, Chad, mounted in heavily armed vehicles, the rebels and the mercenaries approached Khartoum through the desert going northward where they encountered the national air force that left them scattered after sustaining an intense aerial assault. This occurred where no civilians were in sight, yet again the rebels were quick to resort to their usual cry, claiming that innocent people have been targeted by the government when in fact they were the ones who made the declaration that all the cities were, in the words of their spokesmen, "legitimate targets", a clear signal that there would be little regard for innocent civilians. In a strategy reminiscent of the usual recourse in their terror campaigns in Darfur, the group targeted humanitarian convoys as well as public facilities in an attempt to leave a lasting impact.
It should be made clear that this act of aggression had the full support of Chad's President who also happens to be tribally related to the leader of the group, Khalil Ibrahim. The mercenaries were trained and prepared by the Chadian Government; and this is an operation which Sudan holds that Government fully responsible for. Effective immediately, Sudan has decided to sever all diplomatic relations with the regime that has constantly supported the campaign of terror against the innocent civilians. This is also the same group that was implicated in the attack of the AU peacekeeping base in Haskanita that killed seven Nigerian soldiers serving in the African Mission in Darfur, an incident that barely gained international attention as tradition has allowed the rebels to act with impunity.
This incident comes at the heels of the Oslo talks where the Government of Sudan met with several donor countries that pledged their full support to a peace building process in the country including the swift resolution of the conflict in Darfur. And its timing cannot be seen as anything else but the blatant attempt to undermine the resolutions made at the consortium. Sudan welcomes the U.S. and UN's condemnation and further calls on the international community to hold Chad and the rebels accountable for this reprehensible incident.
Embassy of Sudan in Washington D.C.
Information Office
Phone: 202-338-8565
Fax: 202-667-2406
Source: Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan
CONTACT: Embassy of Sudan in Washington D.C. Information Office,
+1-202-338-8565 or Fax: +1-202-667-2406
Embassy of Sudan Responds to Attack on City of Omdurman
WASHINGTON, May 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
Heavy gunfire and artillery rang through Omdurman as an anticipated attack by a rebel group came to pass on Saturday. The Chadian JEM who've long been under the surveillance of the Armed forces managed to reach the outskirts of the capital where they were engaged in a decisive battle by the security forces who maintained full control of the city. A nationwide alert, warning of the group's intention to carry out a massive assault on the capital was issued, and the necessary security measures were immediately taken once this threat was confirmed. The chief of the operation and his deputy were among those the forces killed.
From their point of departure in Apache, Chad, mounted in heavily armed vehicles, the rebels and the mercenaries approached Khartoum through the desert going northward where they encountered the national air force that left them scattered after sustaining an intense aerial assault. This occurred where no civilians were in sight, yet again the rebels were quick to resort to their usual cry, claiming that innocent people have been targeted by the government when in fact they were the ones who made the declaration that all the cities were, in the words of their spokesmen, "legitimate targets", a clear signal that there would be little regard for innocent civilians. In a strategy reminiscent of the usual recourse in their terror campaigns in Darfur, the group targeted humanitarian convoys as well as public facilities in an attempt to leave a lasting impact.
It should be made clear that this act of aggression had the full support of Chad's President who also happens to be tribally related to the leader of the group, Khalil Ibrahim. The mercenaries were trained and prepared by the Chadian Government; and this is an operation which Sudan holds that Government fully responsible for. Effective immediately, Sudan has decided to sever all diplomatic relations with the regime that has constantly supported the campaign of terror against the innocent civilians. This is also the same group that was implicated in the attack of the AU peacekeeping base in Haskanita that killed seven Nigerian soldiers serving in the African Mission in Darfur, an incident that barely gained international attention as tradition has allowed the rebels to act with impunity.
This incident comes at the heels of the Oslo talks where the Government of Sudan met with several donor countries that pledged their full support to a peace building process in the country including the swift resolution of the conflict in Darfur. And its timing cannot be seen as anything else but the blatant attempt to undermine the resolutions made at the consortium. Sudan welcomes the U.S. and UN's condemnation and further calls on the international community to hold Chad and the rebels accountable for this reprehensible incident.
Embassy of Sudan in Washington D.C.
Information Office
Phone: 202-338-8565
Fax: 202-667-2406
Source: Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan
CONTACT: Embassy of Sudan in Washington D.C. Information Office,
+1-202-338-8565 or Fax: +1-202-667-2406
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