Sudan, JEM rebels release conflicting statements over fresh clashes in S. Kordofan
July 23, 2012 (KHARTOUM) — The rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) said its troops captured three different positions in the war-torn state of South Kordofan but the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) on the other hand stated it repelled the assailants. An armoured column of JEM fighting vehicles drive in Darfur region in April 2008 (file/ Reuters) Sudan two days ago said it bombed a column of 105 JEM fighting vehicles after their entry in the Sudanese territory coming from South Sudan. The spokesperson of the negotiating delegation in Addis Ababa said they headed to South Darfur and South Kordofan. Juba quickly denied the accusation as it could be considered as breach of a UN resolution demanding the two parties to stop supporting rebel groups and to conclude a comprehensive agreement before 2 August. JEM also denied they were bombarded by SAF of being in the South Sudan. The rebel group said it did not intend to hamper international community efforts to settle the conflict between the two countries. However, the rebel group announced on Monday, the seizure of three positions in South Kordofan including a location not far from Abu Jabrah oil field, in the west of the troubled state where the Sudanese army fight Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N). "JEM and SLM Unity (of Abdallah Yahyia) succeeded today, July 23rd 2012 to liberate the Towns of Tabun, Karkade and Tabaldi Oil Field, South Kordofan", said JEM military spokesperson Badawi Moussa Alsakin. "SAF and their allied militias have been driven out of these bases altogether", the rebel official added.. JEM spokesperson Gibreel Adam Bilal, told Sudan Tribune they attacked Karkade first, followed by Tabaldi and finally stormed the government troops in Tabun where the fight ended at 05:00pm local time and the army troops fled the area. JEM said they captured 26 armoured vehicles, 10 transport trucks in addition to their entire military and logistical supplies. Late during the night, SAF spokesperson issued a statement saying that the rebels attacked Karkade and Um Showaikah of South Darfur . He further added that the fleeing rebels attacked Tabun and shelled it but the army repelled them. Al-Swarmi Khalid added that the army destroyed 25 vehicles and killed over 50 rebels pointing out that many other injured fighters were transported in big trucks to the South Sudan for medical treatment. Mutrif Siddiq, a member of the Sudanese negotiating team in Addis Ababa reiterated Khartoum accusations against Juba wondering why South Sudanese government allowed the rebels who were based at 80 kilometres from the Sudanese border to attack the Sudanese army at this time. Asked about the Sudanese accusations, JEM spokesperson Gibreel Adam Bilal emphasised they did not come from South Sudan as alleged but they crossed from North Darfur where their troops are based. The escalation of violence between the Sudanese government and JEM rebels in South Kordofan comes as the African Union announced the start of talks over humanitarian access in South Kordofan and Blue Nile between Khartoum and SPLM-N. JEM and the other Darfur rebel groups are not involved in any process since the end of Doha talks in July 2011. The rebel group however can resume discussions to join the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD). The SPLM-N and the other rebel groups speak about an inclusive process to negotiate the situation in South Kordofan, Darfur and Blue Nile. However Khartoum rejects such process and the international community pushes SPLM-N to hold separate talks as provided in the resolution 2046. African mediators believe that resolution of humanitarian access issue in South Kordofan and Blue Nile should pave the way for political talks. Efforts are exerted in a parallel manner to find a common ground to reconcile the position of the two sides over the framework agreement of 28 June 2011 that Khartoum rejected. JEM rebels believe they should not be leaved aside in the step-by step diplomacy to resolve the overlapping conflicts. (ST) -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "South Sudan Info - The Kob" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
