JEM's Relationship with the Government

The Darfur conflict has many causes and tensions worsened in the last two decades of the twentieth century by a combination of environmental calamity, fast population growth, desertification, political opportunism and regional politics. Confusion has been the characterization of the conflict as one between 'Arab' and 'African' populations.

In early 2003 two rebel groups were established in Darfur, Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM). Since then the insurgents have splintered into a confusing array of competing factions.

The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), was founded by Darfuri Muslims loyal to Islamist leader Hassan al-Turabi. JEM is led by a lawyer, Khalil Ibrahim Muhammad, who wrote "The Black Book: Imbalance of Power and Wealth in the Sudan" about the disproportionate numbers of Arabs in powerful positions.

The (SLM) is larger than (JEM) and generally associated with the Fur and Masalit, as well as the Wagi clan of the Zaghawa, while the JEM is associated with the Kobe clan of Zaghawa.

On May 10, 2008 Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) attacked Omdurman city, just outside the capital, Khartoum, where many of the attackers were killed along with Armed Forces personnel and civilians. Many rebels were caught in the foiled attack. Later the government courts sentenced 50 rebels to death.

Recently, Sudan government declared that the Sudan People's Initiative launched by President Al-Bashir on resolving Darfur crisis is acceptable by concerned parties including armed movements. 

President's advisor, Dr. Sadiq Al-Hadi said that Justice and Equality movement (JEM) has agreed with the initiative as well.