An organization called "Legitimate Command" [SDN30074.E]

Based in Cairo, Egypt, the Legitimate Command is an organization created in 1990 by some Sudanese army officers who were opposed to National Islamic Front régime in Khartoum (ION 10 May 1997; Mondes rebelles 1996, 481; Political Handbook of World 1997 1997, 799; MENA 22 May 1993). The Legitimate Command is with many other factions, a member of the Sudanese opposition National Democratic Alliance (NDA) (IPS 6 Jan. 1997; Mondes rebelles 1996, 481; MENA 6 June 1997). General Fathi Ahmed Ali who acted as leader of the Legitimate Command died on 28 April 1997 (Voice of Sudan 29 Apr. 1997; ION 10 May 1997), but had been replaced by Lt-General Abd al-Rahman Sa'id (MENA 4 June 1997).

Specific information on the current treatment of the Legitimate Command members could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. For information on the relations between the Sudanese régime and political opponents, please refer to the 1998 Amnesty International Report available at all Regional Documentation Centres.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

References


Balancie, Jean-Marc et Arnaud de La Grange. 1996. Mondes rebelles : acteurs, conflits et violences politiques. Tome I. Paris : Éditions Michalon.

The Indian Ocean Newsletter (ION) [Paris]. 10 May 1997. "An Embarrassing Death." (NEXIS).

Inter Press Service (IPS). 6 January 1997. Moyoga Nduru. "Sudan-Politics: Rebels Alliance Launches Heavy Attacks in the East." (NEXIS)

Middle East News Agency (MENA) [Cairo in Arabic]. 4 June 1997. "Sudanese Opposition Appoints New Military Commander." (BBC Summary 6 June 1997/NEXIS).

_____. 22 May 1993. "Sudan; Cairo-Based Opposition Calls For Overthrow of Government: Egyptian Report (BBC Summary 25 May 1993/NEXIS).

Political Handbook of the World:1997. 1997. Edited by Arthur S. Banks. Binghamton, NY: CSA Publication