Sudan confirms troops deployment in South Kordofan

KHARTOUM
December 6, 2008 (ST)

Sudanese government confirmed today the military build-up in South Kordofan state saying it had informed the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) about the aim of the move.

The official News agency SUNA said today that the government had sent strong assurances to the SPLA troops in Jawa area, South Kordofan State that the deployment of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) troops means to deter "feverish attempts" by the rebel Justice and Equality Movement to attack the region.

Yesterday a Sudan People’s Liberation spokesperson, Yein Matthew, told the reporters that SAF had deployed more than six battalions in the past three weeks in southern Kordofan adding that such a move constitutes a violation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

Matthew also underscored that such military operation could be carried by the Joint Integrated Units from the SAF and SPLA, which are supposed to be the nucleus of the future Sudanese national army if the result of the 2011 referendum is for the unity f the country.

However, The Sub-Commission on the enforcement of security arrangements in Jawa, south Kordofan reaffirmed d that these statements are destined to develop adversarial climate and cause a rift between the SAF and SPLA, the agency reported.

Under the 2005 peace deal, the Sudan Armed forces were to reduced to pre-war level in southern Kordofan which is one of the three transitional areas.

Sudanese president declared last month unilateral ceasefire in Darfur, but the army accused the rebel movements of trying to exploit the truce to undertake military operations. Khartoum says rebel JEM plans attack in Darfur and southern Kordofan to strengthen its position in possible peace negotiations.

The Nuba Mountains Homepage was made by Nanne op 't Ende.
You can contact me here.