Former rebel Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) of Minni Minawi, which is signatory of Abuja agreement, expressed willingness to cooperate with the hybrid peacekeeping mission in Darfur.
Gen Martin Luther Agwai Minawi troops had very bad relations with the African troops who are replaced since the beginning of this year by the Hybrid Mission. Minawi forces clashed with AMIS in different positions in Darfur and killed several AU peacekeepers. In a meeting with UANMID Force Commander, Gen. Martin Luther Agwai, the Director of the General Command Office of SLA/M- Minawi, Majid Wadi, said, "We understand UNAMID is here to establish peace in Darfur. We want to open a new chapter of cooperation that focuses on the protection of civilians and access to humanitarians."
Minawi field Commanders,told the UNAMID that they want to improve the security situation and offer a safer environment for humanitarians to do their work in the war-torn region.
The meeting comes in the context of UNAMID's continued efforts to engage parties to the conflict in Darfur in an ongoing dialogue around peace, security and the protection of the civilian population.
Past months witnessed an unprecedented number of attacks against humanitarian workers in Darfur. Ameerah Haq, the UN humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, said that the attacks are putting Darfur humanitarian operation in jeopardy. Since the start of the year, three aid workers and one truck driver have been killed, while nearly 90 people working on behalf of aid groups or U.N. agencies have been abducted. Following the meeting, General Agwai said, "The deteriorating security conditions have made our efforts to engage the Movements increasingly difficult. Today's meeting represents a significant step towards re-establishing cooperation with commanders of Movements on the ground. We hope this helps us create safer conditions for humanitarians and peacekeepers to do their work." Leaders of the SLA/M assured UNAMID that the Movement denounces all acts of violence and banditry against humanitarians, emphasizing that the civilian population needs the help of relief agencies to alleviate the consequences of the war in Darfur. They agreed that if humanitarian agencies were to end their operations due to the attacks, it is civilians who will bear the cost. The Movement also called upon UNAMID to increase the number of its troops in the town of Muhajeria in North Darfur, where tensions between warring parties are on the rise.
Last October The Sudanese army backed janjaweed militia attacked the twon, killing dozens, including ethnic African tribal leaders who were pulled out of a mosque and executed. The assailants went on to burn down half the town.
The attack came after the nearby town of Haskanita was burned to the ground after coming under government control last week in the wake of a rebel raid on the nearby AU base that killed 10 peacekeepers.
General Agwai assured that the peacekeeping force plans to expand its operations, once the additional forces pledged to UNAMID deploy. The Egyptian battalion, whose advance party has started arriving, is planned to complete deployment within the next weeks, to be followed by the Ethiopian battalion.
3/11/08
Darfur rebel says Sudanese army painting tanks with UN colour
Darfur rebel movement has accused the Sudanese army of painting tanks of UN Hybrid force saying it plans to attack its position in West Darfur. Ali Wafi, the Military Spokesperson of the Rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) claimed that his movement is in receipt of eye witness's accounts in Al-Fasher speaking of Sudanese armed forces actively engaged in painting nine (9) military tanks white. Wafi described the move as "an apparent breach and violation of applicable norms of International Humanitarian law and agreements."
He further spoke about huge military build-up of troops arriving from Northern State (Shimalyia), and deployment of forces from El-Geneina, the capital of West Darfur, in a bid to storm Jebel Moon.
Since February 8, 2008, Sudanese government troops and "Janjaweed" militia backed by Antonov bombers and helicopter gunships have carried out a series of attacks that have killed hundreds of civilians.
Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by the ongoing bombardments, which are also preventing life-saving humanitarian assistance from reaching some of the worst-affected areas.
The February offensive was the largest in many months and aid agencies say it affected 50,000-60,000 people, less than initial rebel estimates of up to 200,000. Up to 12,000 refugees fled into neighbouring eastern Chad, the U.N. refugee agency said.
He further spoke about huge military build-up of troops arriving from Northern State (Shimalyia), and deployment of forces from El-Geneina, the capital of West Darfur, in a bid to storm Jebel Moon.
Since February 8, 2008, Sudanese government troops and "Janjaweed" militia backed by Antonov bombers and helicopter gunships have carried out a series of attacks that have killed hundreds of civilians.
Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by the ongoing bombardments, which are also preventing life-saving humanitarian assistance from reaching some of the worst-affected areas.
The February offensive was the largest in many months and aid agencies say it affected 50,000-60,000 people, less than initial rebel estimates of up to 200,000. Up to 12,000 refugees fled into neighbouring eastern Chad, the U.N. refugee agency said.
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