From: Berhane Habtemariam (Berhane.Habtemariam@gmx.de)
Date: Sun Oct 25 2009 - 17:57:22 EST
SLM's Mahjoub Hussein Talks to Asharq Al-Awsat
25/10/2009
By Sawsan Abu-Husain
Cairo, Asharq Al-Awsat- In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Leader of the
Sudan Liberation Army --Revolutionary Forces Mahjoub Hussein said that a
comprehensive international conference on Darfur will be held in the Libyan
City of Al-Kafrah, which is adjacent to Darfur, in two weeks' time.
He referred to a US-Libyan initiative, sponsored by US Envoy to Sudan Scott
Gretion, to unify all rebel factions in Darfur to secure the people's
support before signing a peace agreement in the Qatari capital, Doha.
In the interview, Mahjoub Hussein emphasized that unity and a new Sudan with
diverse groups are the objectives of his movement. He added that achievement
of these objectives will resolve all the crises and problems from which
Sudan currently suffers. At the same time, he called on the Sudanese
Government not to cause any more crises to ensure that the separation of
Darfur will not be considered as an option.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Which are the movements that merged with the Sudan
Liberation Army?
[Hussein] Five movements merged with us, so we became six groups under the
title "The Sudan Liberation Army -- Revolutionary Forces", and I am the
commander. This situation will remain until a comprehensive conference has
been held to unify all political and military bodies.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] What were the most prominent results of your meeting with
US Peace Envoy Scott Gretion?
[Hussein] We met with the US envoy in the presence of Libyan leaders. Other
groups from Darfur were also present. A US-Libyan initiative, sponsored by
the US envoy, was proposed to us. Under this initiative, the Darfur groups
will unite to agree on a negotiating view.
An international conference will be held in the Libyan City of Al-Kafrah,
which is adjacent to Darfur. All field military commanders as well as
political leaders will take part in it. Also, it will be attended by
representatives of the Darfur factions. About 80 percent of the groups will
attend. In other words, eight groups will attend while only two groups will
remain away. These are the Sudan Liberation Movement, led by Abdul-Wahid Nur
(he resides in France), and the Justice and Equality Movement, led by
Ibrahim Khalil.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] What are the eight groups to which you referred?
[Hussein] They are: The Sudan Liberation Movement -- the Unity leadership,
the Sudan Liberation Movement -- the Juba leadership, the Sudan Liberation
Movement --the Southern Leadership, the Sudan Liberation Movement -- the
General Line, and the Democratic Movement for the Liberation of Sudan.
These six movements signed a declaration and an official political pact to
unify their negotiating stands. Thus, we represent one single
political-military body.
Also, there are three more movements. They are: The Sudan Liberation
Movement, led by Ahmad Abdul-Shafi, and the Resistance Front, led by Bahar
Abu-Qardah. Abdul-Wahid Nur [leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement]
refused to join the group, but Ahmad Abdul-Shafi and Bahar Abu-Qardah
agreed. We can say that these groups, especially the Sudan Liberation
Movement, became close to unity. As regards the Justice and Equality
Movement, however, Khalil alone remains outside the political game.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] When will the Al-Kafrah conference be held?
[Hussein] We are now in the preparation phase, together with the United
Nations, Libya, and African Union. The conference will be held in two weeks'
time. International observers representing the EU and states, such as
Britain, the United States, and France will attend the conference.
In addition, representatives of states neighboring Sudan, the Arab League,
and the Organization of Islamic Conference will attend. The aim of this
conference is to save Darfur.
Not only designated forces, but rather all political and military forces of
Darfur will be represented at the conference. These include the displaced
people and refugees, in addition to representatives of women, youth,
students, the civil administration, and civil society. The aim of the
conference is to set up a single political-military leadership that will
negotiate with the government on Darfur.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] And where does the position of the Abdul-Wahid Nur
movement lie?
[Hussein] It is a dissonant movement that does not represent the entire
population of Darfur. It has been impaired and weakened. We are talking
about a conference that will bring together all sections of the Darfur
society and population.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] What are the most important political features of the
Libyan-US initiative?
[Hussein] The initiative is based on the representation of the armed
movements and civil society forces of Darfur as a political-military
grouping under a unified leadership.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Will you join the Doha negotiations after completing this
step?
[Hussein] After the conference ends, we hope to go to Doha as a negotiating
delegation of one single political-military group that represents the entire
society of Darfur.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Will the Sudanese Government comply with what you agree
upon?
[Hussein] We think so, because we will present a comprehensive peace plan.
We hope that the Sudanese Government will be serious in closing this dossier
and that it will not create other crises. We also hope that it will deal
with all historical and cultural aspects of the Darfur crisis.
The authority has to devise a new equation that will include all aspects of
life in Darfur. We want a new state based on fair foundations, because the
current regime in Sudan does not represent the entire Sudanese people. We
want a change to the constitution and the law that will respect the identity
of all groups of the Sudanese people.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Is the ongoing conflict in the south over a political
settlement in Darfur?
[Hussein] I believe that the beginning of the crisis in the south is similar
to the beginning of the Darfur crisis. We want a united Sudan in which all
ethnic and religious groups will be respected under constitutional
legitimacy.
The south achieved numerous benefits. Regrettably, however, it exerts all
pressures to gain more. It is best to deal with all problems through a new
Sudan that will accommodate everyone.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Will the Darfur population vote in the presidential
elections?
[Hussein]President Al-Bashir announced his win in the elections even before
they began. The best evidence of this fact is the census that was conducted
for the elections, a census that we consider humiliating. I believe that the
Darfur population will not vote in these elections, and we call on them not
to elect anyone, including President Al-Bashir.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] What will happen if the negotiations for peace in Darfur
fail? In this case, will you put forward the option of separation?
[Hussein] We are the advocates of national unity and a unified Sudan based
on pluralism and recognition of one another, a Sudan based on a state
constitution and equal citizenship. However, if the regime insists on
maintaining the current situation, we will have the right to
self-determination, like the south.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Do you not believe that the Abuja agreement can impose
peace in Darfur?
[Hussein] The Abuja agreement lost its credibility and legitimacy. It was
imposed without giving consideration to the Darfur population's view.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Will you present new papers for negotiations?
[Hussein] The main points in our issue are authority and wealth in
accordance with our real situation, not sheer papers presented here and
there. We want to reach an equation that will not sideline us.
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