October 18, 2011 (KHARTOUM) — The leader of Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM) Tijani el-Sissi, will arrive in Khartoum this week to launch the implementation of a peace deal signed with the Sudanese government three months ago.

Sissi’s return to the Sudanese capital had been announced and cancelled several times by the rebel group, opening the door for speculations as to the reasons behind such delays.

Last week, the LJM said that its leader would be in Khartoum on 10 October and that a big reception would be organised for the occasion. However, it was later announced that his arrival had been cancelled, due to administrative arrangements, with no further details given.

In a statement to the pro-government SMC, LJM spokesperson Ahmed Fadel said on Tuesday that it had been planned that Sissi would arrive before the end of this week, pointing out that the agreement determined a specific timetable and any delay would adversely affect the implementation of the peace deal.

The former rebel leader was appointed as chairperson of the Darfur Regional Authority, a regional body designed to implement the Doha Darfur Peace Agreement, inked by the two parties on 14 July.

Last week, the group dismissed reports saying financial difficulties impeded the organisation of the event as the group wanted to demonstrate the popular support of an agreement the other rebel groups reject.

In North Darfur, three people were killed when unidentified gunmen ambushed a vehicle a carrying a group of gold traders on Tuesday.

The merchants were on their way to Abdel Shakoor, which lies 50 miles north of Kutum, North Darfur, to visit the gold exploration area.

The armed men looted around 130,000 Sudanese pounds (around $32,500) and all the property of the passengers.

(ST)