Justice and Equality Movement

Quick Facts: Who was Justice and Equality Movement?

Subject:

Justice and Equality Movement

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Sudanese opposition group founded by Khalil Ibrahim, advocating for reform against the government.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM; Arabic: حركة العدل والمساواة, Ḥarakat al-ʿAdl wal-musāwāh) is an opposition group in Sudan founded by Khalil Ibrahim. Gibril Ibrahim has led the group since January 2012 after the death of Khalil, his brother, in December 2011. The JEM supported the removal of President of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir and nation-wide government reform. The Justice and Equality Movement trace their origin to the writers of The Black Book: Imbalance of Power and Wealth in the Sudan, a manuscript published in 2000 that details what it views as the structural inequality in the country; the JEM's founder, Khalil Ibrahim, was one of the authors. The JEM claims to number around 35,000 with an ethnically diverse membership.

Career & Major Achievements

According to critics it is not the "rainbow of tribes" it claims to be, as most JEM members, including its leader, are from the Zaghawa tribe. The JEM is part of the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF), an alliance of groups opposed to the Government of Sudan. In the September and October 2007 raids on Haskanita JEM units attacked the African Union Mission in Sudan. Three JEM leaders, Bahr Idriss Abu Garda, Abdallah Banda Abakaer Nourain and Saleh Mohammed Jerbo Jamus, were charged by the International Criminal Court (ICC) of war crimes. The case against Garda was dropped due to lack of evidence and the case against Jerbo was dropped after his presumed death on 19 April 2013.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

As of June 2019, Banda was considered a fugitive by the ICC. In October 2007, the JEM attacked the Defra oilfield in the Kordofan region of Sudan. The Greater Nile Petroleum Operating Company, a Chinese-led consortium, controls the field. The next month, a group of 135 Chinese engineers arrived in Darfur to work on the Defra field. Ibrahim told reporters, "We oppose them coming because the Chinese are not interested in human rights.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2000: 2000 Milestone — The Justice and Equality Movement trace their origin to the writers of The Black Book: Imbalance of Power and Wealth in the Sudan, a manuscript published in 2000 that details what it views as the structural inequality in the country; the JEM's founder, Khalil Ibrahim, was one of the authors.
2. 2007: 2007 Milestone — In the September and October 2007 raids on Haskanita JEM units attacked the African Union Mission in Sudan.
3. 2012: 2012 Milestone — Gibril Ibrahim has led the group since January 2012 after the death of Khalil, his brother, in December 2011.
4. 2013: 2013 Milestone — The case against Garda was dropped due to lack of evidence and the case against Jerbo was dropped after his presumed death on 19 April 2013.
5. 2019: 2019 Milestone — As of June 2019, Banda was considered a fugitive by the ICC.

Notable Quotes by Justice and Equality Movement

“We oppose them coming because the Chinese are not interested in human rights. [They are] just interested in Sudan's resources.”

“This is just the start of a process and the end is the termination of this regime.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Justice and Equality Movement

True or False: “Did the JEM's initial focus during its early operations include challenging foreign corporate interests in Sudan's natural resources?”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): Yes, the group specifically attacked the Defra oilfield and voiced opposition to Chinese-led consortiums controlling Sudanese resources.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Justice and Equality Movement