Darfur commission condemns rebel attacks in Sudan

Sept 9, 2005 (N’DJAMENA) — A joint commission monitoring a cease-fire in Sudan’s Darfur region Friday condemned repeated attacks on civilians, aid workers and African Union peacekeepers, blaming rebel fighters and pro-government militias for offenses.

The commission pressed rebels to withdraw from the towns of Labado, Gueryda and Isma to enable peacekeepers to be deployed there.

In a statement released at the end of a two-day meeting, the commission demanded that rebels and pro-government militias immediately stop kidnapping civilians and attacking peacekeepers and aid workers – all violations of a cease-fire intended to allow relief workers to operate in the region.

The joint commission, which includes representatives of the rebels, Sudanese government and mediators from Chad, was meeting before Darfur peace talks resume in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja Sept. 15.

Darfur’s second main rebel group, however, didn’t attend the talks.

“We deplore the absence of the (Justice and Equality Movement) delegation. An invitation was sent to them and they are members of the joint commission,” said chairman of the joint commission who is also Chad’s Interior Minister Gen. Mahamat Ali Abdallah.

“But, I do hope that even though they did not take part at this session they will be present in Abuja on September 15 as they confirmed it to the African Union special envoy and chief mediator in this conflict…because it is only through dialogue that we can put an end to the suffering of the population,” he said.

Fighting in Darfur began when rebels from black African tribes took up arms, complaining of discrimination and oppression by Sudan’s Arab-dominated government.

The government is accused of unleashing Arab tribal militia known as the Janjaweed against civilians in a campaign of rape, arson and murder.

At least 180,000 people have died as a result of the conflict and ensuing chaos – many from hunger and disease.

(AP/ST)