AU condemnes renewed raids against relief convoy

Sept 4, 2005 (Khartoum) — The African Union (AU) has condemned renewed raids against relief convoy, workers and nomads in Sudan’s war-ravished region allegedly carried out by Darfur’s main rebel group.

AU special envoy to Khartoum said in a statement issued here Saturday that he “condemns not only the provocative banditry” of the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA), but also its refusal to cooperate with the AU’s mediation.

According to the AU’s office here, SLA forces attacked Arab nomads in Malam, about 100 km north of Nyala, capital of South Darfur, killing several people, kidnapping seven and stealing hundreds of camels.

The AU warned that the Malam attack coming so close to the resumption of the Abuja peace talks 15 September “not only destabilizes the quiescent security situation on the ground, but also impacts negatively on the talks.”

It said the non-cooperation of the rebel SLA “casts doubts on the commitment” of the group to supporting the Abuja talks, which are aimed at ending the two-year conflict in Darfur.

PANA/ST.