Minawi laughs off assassination attempt, arrest claims

Sudan Liberation Movement commander and deputy chairman of the Sudan Revolutionary Front Minni Minawi has mocked the government’s announcement of his arrest this week, which followed another claim that he survived assassination masterminded in South Sudan. In an interview with Radio Dabanga Minawi said, ‘here I am with you, alive, not arrested nor killed,’ adding that he heard the arrest rumour through state media. He said that ‘Khartoum has to keep telling lies until they become legitimate,’ and said it would have been more credible to say they had killed him. Minawi revealed that the government failed to arrest him in Khartoum, so wondered how they would have captured him in the field. He also denied the presence of Darfuri rebel movements in South Sudan and said Khartoum’s allegations that they receive aid or from the South is designed to wage war against the country. The allegations also try to divert the attention of the international community and seek support for the Sudanese government. Minawi accused the government of using mercenaries to fight its battles but warned that the Front is now moving in ‘all areas from El Geneina in the west, to Port Sudan in the east, Halfa and Kadugli to save the people from the grip of the regime.’