Rebels start detaining each other in Darfur obstructing unification efforts
Posted on | 15 October 2009 | No Comments
EL GENEINA (15 Oct) – A field commander of the Sudan Liberation Movement in Darfur with 30 of his aides reportedly have been detained by the rival Justice and Equality Movement. The commander was arrested after returning from Libya where he participated in the unification of rebel movements led by the UN and US. The arrested SLM soldiers are part of the movement of SLM-Abdel Wahid al Nur, who himself lives in Paris and is strongly opposing the unification process. Radio Dabanga received confirmation from several sources that the JEM arrested Yousif Ahmed Yousif, the SLM Chief of Staff and field commander in Selah Jok in Western Jebel Marra. He was detained together with about 30 soldiers with their cars while travelling back from Chad to Ain Sirro in North Darfur. The first reports came to Radio Dabanga five days ago and then were confirmed yesterday (Wednesday). Abdullah Abakir, another field commander of Sudan Liberation Movement, called on the JEM to release their leaders. The arrested group belongs to the SLM faction of Abdel Wahid. But in contrast to their leader they are supporting the unification of the movements and signed an agreement for collaboration. The detained field commander is in control of the area near Ain Sirro. The US and UN were supporting efforts to hold a convention in Darbat, near Ain Sirro. The political bureau of the Justice and Equality Movement said it could not comment on military affairs and referred to their military spokesmen. Despite efforts to receive their comments, they could not be reached.
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