By Elizabeth Costner
Impunity Watch Senior Desk Officer, Africa
KHARTOUM, Sudan – South Africa is leading the voice of concern over the deteriorating situation in Sudan. Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Aziz Pahad commented on a UN report citing a “dramatic deterioration” in the security situation in Darfur and that the joint UN-AU peacekeeping force is seriously behind schedule.
Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Marie Guehenno has already appealed to the Security Council for help in speeding up the delivery of units and equipment and to promote the political process to ensure full deployment of the desperately needed peacekeepers.
Mr. Pahad expressed concern over Guehenno’s statements, and said that “it is clear the situation is deteriorating not just beyond the borders but also in the Darfur region.” He also voiced concern over the recent attack by the Sudanese Army on a UN-AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) convoy of more than 20 vehicles. The convoy had been carrying rations for UNAMID personnel when it came under fire. The convoy did not return fire.
The Sudanese government has confirmed its commitment to ensuring the security and safety of UNAMID personnel and to the full implementation of the UN resolution approving the force.
Recently, the rebel group Justice and Equality Movement (Jem), has accused the Sudanese government of bombing rebel positions in West Darfur. According to Jem, there have been several civilian casualties as people flee the villages. International sources confirmed with Reuters that government planes had been seen in action on Sunday, however there has been no confirmation from the government regarding the attacks.
Meanwhile, the situation is being further complicated by hostilities involving Chadian elements. There are numerous media reports that the Chadian government may have engaged Chadian rebels in Sudanese territory on a number of occasions. Further reports state that the Chadian Air Force may have bombed some locations south of Darfur.
Over 200,000 people have died during Sudan’s 5-year conflict and more than 2 million have been displaced from their homes.
For more information, please see:
AllAfrica.com – Rebel Positions Bombed in West Darfur – 16 January 2008
AllAfrica.com – SA Concerned Over Deteriorating Sudan Situation – 16 January 2008
VOA News – Darfur Rebels Say Sudan Military Bombed Two Villages – 15 January 2008
BBC News – Sudan ‘bombing rebels in Darfur’ – 15 January 2008
