Red Cross facilitates release of five Sudanese soldiers by LJM-Karbino

Five Sudanese soldiers held in Darfur were released on 6 November by the rebel group Sudan Liberation and Justice Movement-Ali Karbino (SLJM-K). Their release was facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in its capacity as a neutral intermediary.  Speaking to Radio Dabanga, Mubarak Bakhit Ibrahim, Secretary of the SLJM Management section, reported that the release of the prisoners came in accordance with SLJM’s commitment to international laws. The soldiers were captured during battles in Um Sa’ouna in East Darfur, Amarjadeed in South Darfur, and Nimra, East Jebel Marra. In a press statement, Jean-Christophe Sandoz, head of the ICRC delegation in Sudan, explained that the Sudanese authorities and the SLJM-K “asked us to facilitate the transfer and provide logistical support for this operation. The regular dialogue the ICRC maintains with the government authorities and various armed opposition groups allows it to play this unique role as a neutral intermediary.” This year, similar operations involving the ICRC have resulted in the transfer of five South Sudanese prisoners of war released by the Sudanese government and of 32 Sudanese armed forces personnel and 36 civilians released by armed opposition groups.  The ICRC has been working in Sudan since 1978. In 2003 it extended its operations to Darfur, where it helps people suffering the effects of armed conflict and other violence.  File photo Related:Rebels claim attack on SAF and militia in Darfur’s East Jebel Marra (3 November 2013)’Three SAF troops captured in Amarjadeed, South Darfur’: Rebels (28 October 2013) SLMJ-Karbino claims control of East Darfur military garrison (13 October 2013)