Pictures of Malian fighters in Darfur but Sudan army refutes
(Update 22/02) Pictures have appeared of Mali fighters staying in Sudan’s North Darfur. The presence of Mali fighters has come as a surprise for observers although the Sudan Armed Forces fiercely deny. Footage are showing fighters from Mali wearing the traditional shawl carrying a G3 rifle assembled in Sudan under the name of ‘Dinar’ rifle.The men are posing in front of a brandnew fourwheel drive vehicle of the Sudan government. Radio Dabanga has received information from several eyewitnesses that people dressed like the Mali fighters are roaming around in Kutum and nearby localities like in Jebel Marie and Sijenna (10 from Kutum) in North Darfur.The Sudanese army spokesman refuted once more allegations by the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) affirming the presence of Malian insurgents in Darfur. Meanwhile, the rebels argue to have pictures to prove their claims. El-Sawarmi Khaled Saad maintains the rebel movement’s intention is to “mislead the international community” and portray Khartoum as a safe harbor and supporter of terrorism and extremist elements. Jibril Adam Bilal, the rebels spokesman, insists that Malian fighters are present in several areas of North Darfur, adding their pictures have been taken in areas south of Kutum, in Umm Layona and in Korma. Bilal says the government is trying to hide the Malians by dissolving them into the Central Reserve Forces (known as Abu Tira). He noted the Abu Tira had been used in Darfur, in the Libyan war and in Mali.Radio Dabanga firstly reported on 4 February multiple eyewitnesses’ accounts alleging to have spotted Mali insurgents in different parts of North Darfur, mainly near Kutum.Photo: Mali-fighter in front of car Sudan government in Kutum (Radio Dabanga file/Al Rakoba)Related: Army denies, JEM and witnesses confirm Malians’ presence in Darfur (14 February 2013)
(Update 22/02) Pictures have appeared of Mali fighters staying in Sudan’s North Darfur. The presence of Mali fighters has come as a surprise for observers although the Sudan Armed Forces fiercely deny. Footage are showing fighters from Mali wearing the traditional shawl carrying a G3 rifle assembled in Sudan under the name of ‘Dinar’ rifle.
The men are posing in front of a brandnew fourwheel drive vehicle of the Sudan government. Radio Dabanga has received information from several eyewitnesses that people dressed like the Mali fighters are roaming around in Kutum and nearby localities like in Jebel Marie and Sijenna (10 from Kutum) in North Darfur.
The Sudanese army spokesman refuted once more allegations by the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) affirming the presence of Malian insurgents in Darfur. Meanwhile, the rebels argue to have pictures to prove their claims.
El-Sawarmi Khaled Saad maintains the rebel movement’s intention is to “mislead the international community” and portray Khartoum as a safe harbor and supporter of terrorism and extremist elements.
Jibril Adam Bilal, the rebels spokesman, insists that Malian fighters are present in several areas of North Darfur, adding their pictures have been taken in areas south of Kutum, in Umm Layona and in Korma.
Bilal says the government is trying to hide the Malians by dissolving them into the Central Reserve Forces (known as Abu Tira). He noted the Abu Tira had been used in Darfur, in the Libyan war and in Mali.
Radio Dabanga firstly reported on 4 February multiple eyewitnesses’ accounts alleging to have spotted Mali insurgents in different parts of North Darfur, mainly near Kutum.
Photo: Mali-fighter in front of car Sudan government in Kutum (Radio Dabanga file/Al Rakoba)
Related: Army denies, JEM and witnesses confirm Malians’ presence in Darfur (14 February 2013)
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