October 22, 2006 — The NRF strongly denounces the callous decision of the Government of Sudan to expel UN Envoy Jan Pronk from Sudan. It is not a simple coincidence that this decision has been made at the very moment when the new offensive of the Khartoum regime in Darfur has been launched. Following successive defeats of its forces at the hands of NRF, the Regime in Khartoum is now resorting to the use of chemical warfare to reverse its luck. Few days ago, a Janjaweed led battalion moved out of Alfahir heading towards Tina. The force consists of over 60 vehicles armed with chemical weapons. In line with his cruel habit of sending poorly trained troops to their early graves, Albashir’s new militias are to use chemical weapons that they have never seen before. This is what explained the rush to drive Mr. Pronk out of Sudan. Having neutralized the AU, the Government is now determined to render the people of Darfur totally voiceless. Mr. Pronk’s departure will enable the Regime in Khartoum to carry out its genocidal acts behind a thick curtain.

It is true that Darfur Movements have had their differences with Mr. Pronk. Nonetheless, these are differences over vision and over how to bring lasting peace to Darfur. The Regime may disagree with Mr. Pronk but his professional integrity and commitment to peace in both South Sudan and Darfur are beyond dispute. He is simply not the man who falls for Khartoum’s cash diplomacy and money-bag politics.

The NRF appeals to the UN to take a tough stand and not to allow Albashir to proceed with his cruel decision. We equally call on the EU, the USA and all international NGOs to defend international law against Khartoum genocides.

NRF Secretariat