President insists Sudan doing its best for Darfur

KHARTOUM, Aug 11 (AFP) — Sudan’s President Omar al-Beshir insisted Wednesday his government was doing its utmost to end the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, rejecting criticism from the “evil powers” in the international community.

During a visit by Comoran President Azali Assoumani, Beshir lashed out at “the evil powers which do not want the Sudan and other African countries to enjoy welfare and stability because they benefit from conflicts in Africa”.

Such powers have “kindled sedition in Darfur”, he charged.

He did not name the countries, but his comments came a day after he accused Europe and the United States of seeking to plunder Sudan’s gold and oil behind the figleaf of humanitarian concern.

The latest outburst came after a series of indicting reports from aid agencies and rights groups on Khartoum’s alleged failure to rein in marauding militias and provide safety to civilians in the Darfur region of west Sudan.

The government has “remained committed to resolving the security and humanitarian crises, to chasing the armed bandits and securing the displaced camps and routes of access for delivery of humanitarian aid”, Beshir said.