Khartoum accuses SPLM of sabotaging IGAD peace talks

Following the official postponement of the IGAD peace talks, scheduled to take place in the Kenyan capital Nairobi from 17-23 May, the Sudanese government issued a statement on Thursday accusing the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) of sabotaging the peace process. The postponement of the talks followed Monday’s announcement by the SPLM that it was suspending its participation because of what it called “reckless bombing” of civilian targets in SPLM-controlled areas of southern Sudan, the Nuba mountains and eastern Sudan.

The government statement denied that its forces were engaged in aerial attacks on civilian areas. It said areas of engagement between government forces and rebels were taking place only where no civilians were residing. In such areas it said “legitimate weapons” were being used since “there are no civilians at risk”. The statement accused the SPLM of attempting to shroud its real intentions, which were to fight. “The SPLM/SPLA opted for thwarting and sabotaging this unique peace opportunity, an option which was evidently not adopted with a view to serving the interests of the civilian population,” the statement said.