African Union denounces new government air strike in Darfur
Jan 8, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — The African Union denounced air bombardment by government warplane of two localities in North Darfur, saying Sudan ceasefire violations will hinder its effort for durable ceasefire.
“The Ceasefire Commission (CFC) observes with disappointment reports of air bombardment in Bamina and Gadir on 5 January 2007 by Government of Sudan.” Said a statement issued by the AU today.
The AU CFC condemned the aerial assault emphasizing that “continued violation of ceasefire is a stumbling block to the on going efforts at seeking a durable ceasefire and an all inclusive CFC.”
“Such counter accusations and acts of ceasefire violations will obliterate all the successes achieved so far.” CFC said.
The communiqué didn’t mention any causalities but the rebel NRF said the strike targeted civilian locations and water sources. It further said that «at least 550 animals were killed in the assault”.
According to the AU, Sudanese government said that the rebel NRF was amassing weapons and troops in Bamina area, near the Sudan Chad border. It also indicated that the rebels “preparing to attack Tina, Kornoi, Umbaru and El Geneina”.
The AU repeatedly accused the Sudanese government of violating the ceasefire in the troubled Darfur. According to the African force in Drfur, the security situation in Darfur is fast deteriorating because of the intensification of air strikes and attacks by Khartoum backed militia.
Earlier in December 2006, Sudanese army bombed a village in northern Darfur killing eight civilians, mostly children.
At the end of December, Sudanese government bombed Darfur rebel position in North Darfur, a day after African Union officials visited the insurgents and secured their commitment to a ceasefire.
(ST)