Group of Arab nomads in Darfur declare war on the government

A group of Arab nomads in Darfur yesterday called for armed action against the government and said that it will work with the armed opposition for the rights and demands of the people of Darfur. Ahmed Abdul-Jabbar, who identified himself as spokesman of the new movement, dubbed it the Nomads and Herders Movement. Abdul-Jabbar said they will officially join the armed movements in fighting against the government in Darfur.Ahmed Abdul-Jabbar told Radio Dabanga that they declare war on the government, saying that the National Congress Party used them in its war in Darfur as human shields since 2003 and yet was interested only in achieving its own objectives and its own agenda in the region.

He confirmed that the group has taken up arms to face the National Congress Party, which he said was working to divide and create strife among the people of Darfur. Speaking from the field, Abdul-Jabbar said that the group now has a strength of 1500 fighters.