Arab media

February 21, 2023

Source: Al Rai (Government-friendly, Jordanian daily enjoys wide circulation)
Headline: Sudanese Army Takes Control of Mountain Area in West Darfur and UN and France Call for Ceasefire

• Othman Mohamed Al Aghbash, army spokesperson, said the army took control of Moon Mountain in West Darfur from rebel forces
• He added this area became a legitimate military target because the JEM rebels, who were assisted by Chadian forces, cut all communications between Al Jeneina and Kilbis towns making necessary delivery of supplies impossible
• Al Aghbash accused JEM of receiving Chadian air defense missiles making even civilian flights very dangerous. He added the army inflicted heavy losses on the rebels, but they said the attack killed 15 civilians
• UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and France called on all sides to exercise maximum restraint and end all violence and allow the return of aid workers who were evacuated for safety at the start of hostilities

Source: Al Jazeera (Leading Arabic News Channel, headquartered in Qatar)
Headline: SPLM’s Call for Adjustment of Nifasha Agreement Was Greeted with Praise and Skepticism
By: Emad Abdul Hadi

• Sudan People’s Liberation Movement announced that in order to resolve Darfur crisis, it was ready to forgo some of its rights under the current Nifasha Agreement to accommodate Darfur rebels’ demands for power and wealth sharing
• President’s Party National Congress agreed with reservations to SPLM’s - its ruling partner – suggestion
• But National Democratic Alliance welcomed the call whereas Popular Congress Party doubted the president’s party’s willingness to forgo some of the privileges it enjoys through the current Nifasha Agreement 
• As for the Darfurian Lawyers Group, it said the President’s party is the one that is responsible for Darfurians’ share because it favored itself when drafting the current Nifasha Agreement
• Meanwhile, the Communist Party said SPLM’s call was in response to political parties’ demands to expand national reconciliation beyond the two ruling partners and allow for more inclusion