Darfur rebel group says Government paints AU logos on its military helicopters

July 15, 2006 — The combined attack of Minni Minnawi, the GoS and Janjaweed on the anti-DPA forces in Bir Maza, 8th July 2006, signalled yet another addition to Khartoum’s war crimes in Darfur. In its desperate attempt to bail out its ill-fated DPA, the government backed Minnawi’s forces with military helicopters painted white and bearing AU logos. The incident, clearly in breach of International War Conventions, was reported by the forces of the National Redemption Front (NRF). Both Mr. Jan Egeland and Mr. Jan Pronk have now confirmed the accuracy of that report. The danger of such callous and coward act from the part of the GoS cannot be overstated.

AU’s claim to neutrality in Darfur has already been severely hampered by its active promotion of Minni Minnawi and his provision with accommodation, protection, transport and campaign facilities. The use of AU logos on government military operations however is much more sinister and the AU’s silence about it is simply disgraceful. The AU must act fast to ensure safety of international personnel and rescue its rapidly eroding credibility. It must condemn the GoS in no uncertain terms for its shameful act and adopt necessary measures to prevent its recurrence in the future.

Ahmed Husain Adam

Spokesperson for JEM