damanga Repulsed by jEM

March 19, 2008

        The Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy is repulsed by the rebel group, Justice and Equality Movement, as it claims that it is the only rebel faction present in Darfur. As a result of this perspective, JEM is setting conditions for peace talks with the Sudanese government which aims to exclude all other parties. Additionally, JEM leader Khalil Ibrahim, has specifically mentioned that the negotiation should take place in Tripoli, Libya with the mediator being former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. Damanga finds this request for Kofi Annan to broker the peace talks as preposterous because it disregards the current UN administration and their involvement in Darfur. Additionally, requests of this specific nature will only prolong the peace talks between Darfur and Khartoum.

The Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy is appalled by JEM’s lack of consideration for other organizations and groups including various rebel factions, Darfur Diaspora, and NGO’s, all of which have been active in the Darfur cause. Damanga believes that any negotiations that exclude these groups will be ineffective from the start as they will not fully represent the voices of all Darfuris. However, Damanga is pleased that JEM wishes to discuss all marginalized regions of Sudan, not only the conflict in Darfur. At this time, The Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy supports negotiations between Darfur and Khartoum but rejects JEM’s approach. Damanga calls for peace talks that include all parties working to secure stability in the Darfur region in order to establish a lasting peace that reflects their needs.