Sudan gives militia leader government post

Sudan gives militia leader government post

www.reuters.com

KHARTOUM (Reuters) - Sudan has appointed Musa Hilal, a man Washington accuses of coordinating Darfur's marauding militias, to a central government position, a move condemned by international human rights campaigners.

Minister of Federal Affairs Abdel Basit Sabderat confirmed Hilal had been picked as his new adviser. The presidency had earlier denied the appointment.

"Yes he is appointed ... adviser to the minister," Sabderat told Reuters, but gave no further details. Hilal is the leader of the Mahamied clan, part of the powerful Arab Rizeigat tribe in Darfur.

Hilal told Reuters he would be based in Khartoum, but said the post could require travel to outlying regions. The ministry coordinates regional administrations with central government.

Washington says Hilal is the coordinator of the Janjaweed militias accused of war crimes in Darfur. He denies atrocities and says he mobilised his tribesmen to defend their lands after a government call to "popular defense".

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This should get washington big-whigs panties in an uproar. Not good for relations with Sudan. Heh

www.reuters.com
(visit the link for the full news article)

reply to post by DimensionalDetective


It is too bad our military is bogged down in two foreign wars (that we know of).

Stopping a genocide seems much more important than occupying another nation.

But who I am to say anything, its not like I'm the "decider" or anything.

Another sad story of neglect in Africa.

Taking the hopeful approach...sometimes an appointment such as this one can prove beneficial. Giving the opposition an official voice in government can often appease a hostile situation. If a violent opposition suddenly finds itself with power, it can no longer blame the government for its failure, because it would be forced to admit its own mistakes and weaken its position within its own faction.

Growing up in the UK, the violence of the IRA promised to be never-ending. Only after Sein Fein, the political wing of the IRA, received official recognition and was allowed to participate in government talks, did the violence subside and an eventual truce become obtainable.

We only have to look to Kenya to realize the importance of opposition sides needing to have a voice in political affairs. Especially in Africa, where tribalism still holds great sway over the people, a government needs to be far-reaching and all-inclusive if it wants to achieve peace and stability.

Check out my blog: Esoterica in America

[edit on 20-1-2008 by AJ Lavender]