Humanitarian Groups in Rebel Areas of Darfur

In the press statement shown below, the SLM/A rebel faction in Darfur demands that the movement be notified of the entrance of any humanitarian or journalist endeavors into the region. While this may be a relatively benign request, especially seeing as concern for the safety of international workers is cited, it is also a very dangerous request. Khartoum will likely jump at the opportunity to continue to deny entrance into (and force the exit from) Darfur to international humanitarian workers: the notification of the SLM/A of humanitarian movements will grant Khartoum a reason, however benign this particular circumstance may be, to claim (once again) that the international community is aiding the rebels and is only interested in violating Sudan's sovereignty with food and medical care.

Sudan Liberation Movement/Army

Press Statement

Regarding entering in to Liberated Areas

May 3, 2007 — The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) is highly concerned about the safety and security of all the stakeholders, NGO’s and the individual members working in Darfur to provide humanitarian assistance and relief or those seeking to get information from reliable sources about the situation on the ground, accordingly, we would like to kindly bring into attention issue and regulations of interning our liberated areas as follows:-

1. Any organization or member individual seeking to enter our liberated areas must first notify the political leadership of the Movement about the nature of his/her mission, to enable the Movement to fully facilitate it, through its appropriate channels.

2. The Movement will not be responsible about the safety of the member individuals or organizations entering the liberated areas without it’s pre-knowledge.

The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army appreciates the co-operation of the organizations and member individuals in adhering to the above regulation for the common good of all.

The office the Chairman of the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army Contacts for any coordination: +8821655583149/+8821666601790

Email:kazansky95@gmail.com

Ahmed Ibrahim Yousif The Office Manager