JEM and SLM chairmen both pessimistic about Doha

Two prominent Darfuri rebel leaders, JEM Chairman Khalil Ibrahim and SLM Chairman Abdel Wahid Al Nur, both spoke pessimistically about the Doha peace negotiations during interviews with Radio Dabanga. A number of prominent rebel leaders excluding Abdel Wahid are in the Qatari capital at Doha expecting the peace negotiations to resume. In the wake of his election victory, Sudanese President Omer Al Bashir stated that he will work for peace in Darfur and for holding South Sudan’s referendum on schedule. But the rebel leader Khalil Ibrahim questioned the credibility of the ongoing Doha peace process while Abdel Wahid excluded entirely the possibility of a deal being struck with his faction before preconditions are met.

In an interview from Doha, Dr. Khalil Ibrahim accused the Sudanese president of not wanting to achieve peace in Darfur but instead mobilizing forces to launch large-scale war in the region. He said that Bashir is planning to send more soldiers and equipment to Darfur to attack JEM. Khalil stated that war is about to begin. His military spokesman yesterday blamed Sudanese warplanes for killing nine (9) civilians in Jebel Moon.

Khalil described the elections as fraudulent and the victory of Al Bashir as fixed. He said that now that Bashir has rigged the elections he will also rig the Doha peace negotiations. He alleged that some of the movements at Doha were collected by government intelligence and do not actually have soldiers in the field.  He added that some of the rebels negotiating at Doha are just seeking posts in the government. He accused Bashir of planning to separate Southern Sudan and to destroy Sudan by breaking it into many parts. He asked all the Sudanese to work together until they kick out NCP. 

Unlike Dr. Khalil, the founder of the Sudan Liberation Movement still refuses to negotiate with the government. Abdel Wahid Mohamed Al Nur said that he does not recognize the election results. Speaking to Radio Dabanga from Paris, he said that what’s going on in Doha is rubbish. The rebel leader said that the natural place for Omer Al Bashir is the dock in The Hague, where is he is wanted as a war criminal. He said that what is needed now is security for the people of Darfur and for all Sudan. Before negotiating, he insists that first there be security in Darfur, disarmament of the janjaweed, and return of refugees to their lands. He also proposes a transitional government formed by all parties.

Abdel Wahid called on the Sudanese people to stand together and to bring down the National Congress and President Al Bashir. His supporters demonstrated in the displaced camps around Zalingei on Tuesday. In audio of the protest obtained by Radio Dabanga, the protesters were heard chanting slogans like ‘victory for Ocampo’ and ‘Abdel Wahid’.

Photo – JEM Chairman Khalil Ibrahim (center)