Darfur rebels offended by Chad President’s statement of blame

The Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) leaders from Darfur are offended by remarks by Chad’s President Idris Deby accusing the people of Darfur for being the cause of the ten-year long crisis. “This is totally unacceptable to make the people of Darfur responsible for the current crisis and to make Al Bashir innocent for what is happening. Al Bashir killed hundred thousands of Darfuri people and displaced millions of civilians. It is very offensive to make him innocent and the Darfurian people criminals”, says Jibril Ibrahim of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM). “If this is the opinion of Deby of the Darfur people, that means he cannot remain part of the mediation”. Several times previously, Deby brokered a deal between various groups in Darfur. Omar Al Bashir proposed to Deby to mediate between the various rebel movements. An assignment Deby accepted on Tuesday during the meeting in Khartoum of the High Committee of the Um Jaras forum on Peace and Security in Darfur. Deby said during a press conference in Khartoum about the people in Darfur: “The major responsibility of destruction is yours. Do not say that Bashir did this or the army. But you Darfuris have started the war and you are accountable for the displacement of civilians and refugees.” Jibril Ibrahim said that the request of Deby is less than a peace proposal, but rather a request to surrender. “But we will not surrender”. He added that according to him, Darfur is not a regional or tribal problem, but a national problem of Sudan. “It should be solved according to a comprehensive peace agreement. If any one feels comfortable with that idea, he will be welcome to negotiate”. Abdel Wahid El Nur, the leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement-AW also rejected the accusations of Deby. “Witnesses can tell you who is responsible for what has happened. The ruling National Congress Party was targeting all Darfuris and all Sudanese trying to divide them. If Deby wants to help the people of Darfur, he should not support Al Bashir.”News photo: Chad’s President Idris Deby during his visit to Khartoum (SUNA)Darfuri writer publically arrested for criticising Al Bashir and Deby (25 December 2013) Chad President concludes two-day visit to Sudan (24 December 2013)Sudanese Justice Minister defends Um Jaras Forum (27 November 2013)Chad President ‘interfering in Sudanese affairs’: Rebels (4 November 2013)