Fourteen killed when Sudan militia attacks Darfur tribal group: report

KHARTOUM, July 20 (AFP) — Fourteen men die when militia attacked a nomadic tribal group in western Sudan’s South Darfur State, a media service reported.

The Sudanese Media Centre reported from the state capital, Nyala, that Bashmurqa militiamen in four Landcruisers attacked a camp of Arab Rizaiqat nomads to the north of Ed-Diein town on Monday and killed four persons, including the son of the tribe’s chief.

In the ensuing battle, 10 militiamen were killed before the remaining Bashmurqas fled with 3,000 head of cattle, the SMC added.

Ironically, an African Union team monitoring implementation of a ceasefire in Darfur was reported to have begun its mission on Monday in South Darfur.

The independent Al-Sahafa daily said the team toured several districts of the state to ensure that no violations were perpetrated by either the government or rebels.

International humanitarian organizations estimate that at least 10,000 people have died in the conflict in Darfur, which erupted in February 2003.

The conflict has been exacerbated by a reign of terror unleashed by government-backed militia groups such as the Janjaweed, a notorious group the international community has repeatedly urged Khartoum to disarm and disband.

Human Rights Watch claimed in New York on Monday that Sudanese government officials are directly involved in recruiting, arming and providing other support to the Janjaweed.