On January 20 , 2006 , the group merged with the Sudan Liberation Movement , along with other rebel groups , to form the Alliance of Revolutionary Forces of West Sudan . However , the JEM and SLM negotiated as separate groups with peace talks with the government in May 2006 . On January 20 , 2006 , the Justice and Equality Movement declared a merger with the Sudan Liberation Movement , along with other rebel groups , to form the Alliance of Revolutionary Forces of West Sudan ; however , the JEM and SLM negotiated as separate groups with peace talks with the government in May 2006 .