South Darfur State To Expel More Aid Groups Says Minister

21 February 2011 – (South Darfur) – The minister of humanitarian affairs in South Darfur state says more aid groups will be expelled by the state’s authority if they attempt to interfere with the national politics of Sudan.

Last week the governor of South Darfur state expelled a French aid group, Medicins du Monde accusing it of spying on the government and supporting anti-government groups.
Suleiman Ahmed Omer spoke to SRS on Sunday from Natiga in South Darfur.

[Suleiman Ahmed]: “First of all this organization, will not be the last. If there is any organization that is playing with the Sudanese security and interferes in issues that don’t relate to it, it will be expelled immediately. There is no dispute at all; the diplomatic activity is coordinated between us and the ministry of foreign affairs. It has nothing to do with politics. We are responsible and coordinate in one country, and we are responsible for the Sudanese security in this part of the country.”

However, in a press conference by the federal minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Karti, such a decision should be in consultation with his Ministry adding that such unilateral decisions may have a negative impact on external relations and national interests.