AU, UN denounce government attack on Darfur rebels in kulkal

Aug 1, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in the Sudan, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sudan, Jan Pronk, express utmost concern about the attack launched on 29 July by the Government Forces, supported by armed militia, on a rebel group non-signatory to the Darfur Peace Agreement, in the area of Kulkul in North Darfur State. Prior to the attack, fighting erupted on 26 July near Kulkul town between the same rebel group and the Sudan Liberation Army/Minni Minawi faction, and on 28 July between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the rebel group in the area of Kulkul (60 km from Al Fasher).

The Special Representatives express dismay and disappointment that despite their appeal to the parties in their joint statement on fighting in Jebel Moon on 28 July to abide by the existing Agreement on ceasefire and security and humanitarian arrangements, fighting has continued in total disregard of the need to guarantee the safety of civilians. The fighting led to the displacement of a yet unknown number of villagers from the area, including from villages not directly affected by the conflict, who fled to Al Fasher and the surrounding IDP camps.

The Special Representatives are particularly concerned about allegations that an SAF Antonov bombed Hassan village, south of Kulkul. These allegations have been referred to the Ceasefire Commission to investigate. If they are confirmed, they would constitute a violation of the United Security Council Resolution 1591 (2005).

They recall that all parties involved in the ongoing conflict in Darfur are bound by virtue of the Agreements they signed as well as the relevant provisions of the UN Security Council and the African Union Resolutions to fully cooperate with the African Union in order to ensure prompt and thorough investigations into any reported fighting.

The Special Representatives call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and reiterate that a military solution to the ongoing conflict is not an option to be pursued by any of the parties. They urge the parties to give utmost priority to the consolidation of ongoing efforts to stabilize the security situation in Darfur. They reiterate their call on the non-signatory groups to abide by the Agreements that were signed prior to the DPA and by which they are bound to observe the ceasefire. They therefore reiterate their call on all the parties to cease attacks and refrain from provoking attacks.