Khartoum… Fraud Cells
By Abdelmalik Al-Naeim Ahmed
The security cell in Khartoum has arrested a group wearing military uniforms and insignia — from brigadier down to captain — and, naturally, each rank was accompanied by a number of non-commissioned officers and soldiers, which indicates the large size of this fraudulent group.
This is a significant and commendable effort by the security cell implementing the directives of the Supreme Committee headed by Lieutenant General Ibrahim Jaber, which is responsible for rebuilding Khartoum and preparing it for its residents — starting with security so they can return. The action also enforces the decision of the Chairman of the Sovereignty Council, Lieutenant General (Ret.) Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, to clear Khartoum State of all military displays, including uniforms and weapons, and to transfer anyone belonging to the military establishment and joint forces out of the state to camps outside it.
The security cell uncovered 19 locations and premises where officers in high-rank military uniforms were present, claiming affiliation with the Joint Forces and engaging in extortion and intimidation of citizens. The ongoing security lapses and house robberies even after Khartoum’s liberation are clear evidence that these fraudsters are exploiting the name of the Joint Forces and some armed movements that are currently operating alongside the armed forces to carry out criminal acts targeting citizens’ safety.
A leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement confirmed in a video of the arrests that these impostors do not belong to his movement and that he did not recognize any of them, despite their claims of belonging to his movement and their use of high ranks — from brigadier, colonel and lieutenant colonel down to captain. The impostors did not claim affiliation with the National Army; instead they asserted ties to one of the branches of the Joint Forces, believing this would make them harder to apprehend. This sends a clear message to the armed movements to review their performance, vet their membership carefully, and investigate anyone claiming affiliation in order to close such loopholes. The Khartoum security committee must also identify how military uniforms and rank insignia are being obtained — who is funding and supplying the items that facilitate these deceptions.
One point that must be emphasized is the necessity and urgency of enforcing the law swiftly against these fraudsters and against all supporters of rebellion and thieves found in possession of items stolen from citizens’ homes. In my view, the arrest of criminals and impostors who threaten public security is not enough; applying the law and punishing them is essential so their fate serves as a deterrent to others.
The security the government seeks — and that citizens need — cannot be achieved to the required degree without punishing all criminals and collaborators with rebel militias under the law, and without strict enforcement. Rule of law and the provision of essential services after security are primary elements that will encourage citizens to return and gradually normalize life, better than before. Does the arrest of these impostors and the closure of nineteen fraudulent headquarters represent a turning point in the work of the state security apparatus and a sealing of the loopholes exploited by such fraudsters?
