Sudan appoints former rebel leader Minni Minnawi as President's Senior Assistant

Sudan's President Bashir has issued a Republican Decree appointing the leader of a former Darfur rebel faction Minni Minnawi as the Senior Assistant of the President of the Republic and Chairman of the Regional Interim Authority of Darfur.

Minnawi was expected to arrive Aug 5 in Khartoum, but refused to go there before being named as senior presidential assistant. More at Sudan Tribune.

MINNAWI HAS BEGUN HIS ROLE AS SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO PRESIDENT

Aug 7 2006 BBC report - Darfur rebel takes government job: Minnawi takes responsibility for government policy in Darfur.

Aug 7 2006 AP report via ST - Darfur rebel leader sworn in as Sudan presidential aide

Aug 7 2006 IRIN report - Former Darfur rebel leader named presidential assistant : A key bone of contention is Minnawi's support for a United Nations military role in Darfur, despite al-Bashir's repeated refusal to accept a possible transition from the AU peacekeepers to a more robust UN operation.

Aug 8 2006 AFP report via IOL - Rebel leader sworn in as president's aide: "My arrival in Khartoum for the first time and my oath-taking ceremony today (Tuesday) are the first step in the implementation of the Darfur peace agreement," rebel leader Minni Minnawi told reporters.



Photo: Former Darfur rebel leader Minni Arcua Minnawi (L) is sworn-in as special assistant to Sudan's President Omar Hassan al-Bashir (2nd R) in the capital Khartoum, August 7, 2006, which some hope will mark the real start of implementation of a May peace deal. Picture taken August 7, 2006. Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah (Sudan)



Photo: Former Darfur rebel leader Minni Arcua Minnawi leaves the Republican Palace in Sudan's capital Khartoum, August 7, 2006, after he was sworn in as special assistant to Sudan's President Omar el-Bashir. Picture taken August 7, 2006. Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah (Sudan)



Photo: Former Darfur rebel leader Minni Arcua Minnawi addresses a news conference in Sudan's capital Khartoum, August 7, 2006, after he was sworn in. Picture taken August 7, 2006. Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah (Sudan)