Formation of New Rebel Alliance an Opportunity for Cooperation

July 6, 2006

A new alliance was formed last Friday, June 30, in Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, between three Darfurian rebel groups. The holdout Sudanese Liberation Army (SLA), Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), and the Federal Party joined to form the new National Redemption Front (NRF).

The new group has asked for changes in the deal signed on May 5, 2006 between the Sudanese government and one rebel group, the National Islamic Front (NIF). The NRF claims the May 5 deal did not address the major demands of the people of Darfur, particularly security issues such as disarmament of the Arab militia known as Janjaweed. In addition, the group has demanded that UN troops come to Darfur in order to guarantee that displaced refugees can return to their villages. The rebels have also asked for more compensation and representation in the government.

Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy hopes the new rebel alliance will learn from past mistakes and take advantage of their unity to address the rights and needs of the innocent victims in Darfur. Damanga Coalition believes the rebel alliance must make a commitment to transparency and honesty that will help bring a real peace to their people.

Moreover, Damanga urges the new alliance to work with the international community and with the people and organizations that have worked to save lives in Darfur. In cooperation with these other parties, the NRF must hold accountable those who committed genocide in Darfur and must help bring them to justice.