CAIRO — Sudan has reshuffled its military and intelligence
leadership.
President Omar Bashir has completed what officials termed a major
shakeup of the military command and intelligence agencies. The changes were
reported as the government prepared its response to international intervention in the warring Darfour province.
Sudanese Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Mohammed Hussein said Bashir has
approved the establishment of a joint military command that included the
chief of staff, his deputy, inspector general and the commanders of the
army, navy and air force, Middle East Newsline reported. Hussein said the intelligence chiefs would also
participate in the new command.
Lt. Gen. Haj Ahmed Al Jili has been appointed head of the new joint
military command. Officials said Gen. Mohammed Ismail would be Al Jili's
deputy.
Western diplomats said the restructuring of the military appeared part
of Bashir's effort to avoid United Nations Security Council sanctions on
Sudan. They said the council has received a report that identified leading
military commanders as facilitators of the continuing violence in Darfour.
Officials said Gen. Mohammed Mahmoud Jama was appointed commander of the
Sudanese Army. Air Marshal Hassan Abdul Qader was named air force commander.
Vice Adm. Al Zein Bala was appointed commander of the navy. Gen. Ismat
Abdul Rahman was named head of military operations and Gen. Mohammed Abdul
Qader Nasser Eddin was appointed the military's inspector general.
Officials said Maj. Gen. Awd Mohammed Ahmed Abnouf was selected to
become head of military intelligence. Abnouf was said to have replaced Maj.
Gen. Salah Abdullah Gosh.
Bashir also approved the merger of military units. Officials said this
included the integration of the air defense command into the air force.
