Head of Darfur ceasefire body urges restraint

February 8, 2008 (AL-FASHER) — The Chairman of Darfur Ceasefire commission, General Martin Luther Agwa, urged Sudanese government to stop attacks against rebel Justice and Equality Movement in West Darfur and to exercise restraint.

Sudanese troops backed by Janjaweed militia attacked three communities in the western region of Darfur on Friday, killing dozens of civilians. Also the rebel JEM said Sudan government had 200 civilian during aerial attack on three areas.

General Agwa, who is also the UNAMID Force Commander, expressed “great concern” over Sudanese army attack against villages to north of EL-Geneina, capital of West Darfur State. He further said that houses in Abu souruj have been burned and the army attacked also villages of Sirba and allegations of aerial bombing in Silea.

He urged Khartoum government to stop its military offensive saying it may provoke displacement of large numbers of villagers, a matter that can compound the critical humanitarian situation.

“It is important that all sides show full restraint at this time, and that space be allowed for immediate mediation.” He said.

At least 200,000 people have died in Darfur from the combined effects of war, famine and diseases and more than two million have fled their homes since the ethnic minority rebels took up arms against Sudan’s Arab-dominated regime in 2003.

(ST)