Sudanese Islamist Opposition Leader Denies Link with Darfur Rebels

By Wasil Ali

May 12, 2008 (WASHINGTON) — A leading Islamist opposition party leader arrested briefly by Sudanese authorities denied any links with a Darfur rebel group that launched an attack on the capital over the weekend.

Hassan al-Turabi “The Justice and Equality Movement [Darfur rebel group] have no relation with the Popular Congress Party (PCP). It is true that many of JEM members used to be part of us back in the days, but they broke with us to create their own party” Hassan al-Turabi told Sudan Tribune today by phone following his release from prison.

The powerful Islamic leader was arrested in the early morning hours of Monday, and four members of his party, by Sudanese security agents as he was returning from a PCP gathering in Sennar town on the banks of the Blue Nile in southeastern Sudan.

Al-Turabi said he expected his arrest by the government so he was not surprised.

“I was telling people who accompanied me on my way back to Khartoum that I have a feeling that I am going to be detained by Sudanese security” Al-Turabi said.

Sudanese authorities said that they have obtained documents and testimony from rebel captives that could implicate Al-Turabi in the failed attempt by JEM to take over Khartoum.

Darfurian rebels staged a bold attack and fought fierce battles with the Sudanese army on the outskirts of the capital. However the Sudanese government said it repulsed the attack and accused Chad of backing the assault.

Al-Bashir said in a televised statement that he holds Chad responsible of the foiled attack by the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) troops against the Sudanese capital. He also announced that diplomatic relations with Chad have been broken.

The Sudanese presidential adviser Mustafa Osman Ismail speaking to Al-Jazeera Arabic TV earlier today denied that Al-Turabi was arrested saying he was “summoned” for questioning.

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