NCP threatens to expel UNAMID

Armed groups dimiss threats, say it will have to face the international community

The ruling National Congress Party (NCP) threatened on Thursday to use all availabe options to stand against the UNSC’s resolution to expand and renew the UN African Mission in Darfur (UNAMID).The NCP hinted that they would call off the agreement from their side, in case the UNSC insists on extending its mandate.

Haj Majid Swar, secretary of the political mobilization of the NCP said in a press conference in Khartoum, “The resolution is part of a series of decisions meant to divide Sudan and weaken the government.”

Armed groups dismiss threat

On the other hand, the armed groups in Darfur have dismissed the threats of the government to expel the UNAMID.

They called the government move to be invalid and said that the UNAMID must exercise its required role in protection of civilians without paying heed to the propaganda of the government.

“The NCP’s threats to cancel the UNAMID in Darfur are an attempt by the government to bargain for cancellation of President Omar al-Bashir’s trial in front of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague,” Minni Arko Minnawi, leader of the Sudan Liberation Army-Minni Minnawi (SLA-MM) told Radio Dabanga in an interview.

President Bashir is wanted in The Hague for committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur.

“But that will not happen. The reasons for UNAMID to enter Darfur – killings, violations, displacement, and humanitarian situation — haven’t yet been solved,” Minni Minnawi told Radio Dabanga.

‘Threats are funny’

Jibril Adam Bilal, spokesperson for the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) said in an interview with Radio Dabanga, “The threats issued by the NCP are funny because the UNAMID entered Darfur under the resolution of the UNSC, but with the agreement of the govt.”

He added that any attempt to abolish the role of the UNAMID might mean facing the international community.