Darfur rebels say Sudanese army painting tanks with UN colour

March 3, 2008 (LONDON) – Darfur rebel movement has accused the Sudanese army of painting tanks of UN Hybrid force saying it plans to attack its position in West Darfur.

Ali Wafi, the Military Spokesperson of the Rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) claimed that his movement is in receipt of eye witness’s accounts in Al-Fasher speaking of Sudanese armed forces actively engaged in painting nine (9) military tanks white.

Wafi described the move as “an apparent breach and violation of applicable norms of International Humanitarian law and agreements.”

He further spoke about huge military build-up of troops arriving from Northern State (Shimalyia), and deployment of forces from El-Geneina, the capital of West Darfur, in a bid to storm Jebel Moon.

Since February 8, 2008, Sudanese government troops and “Janjaweed” militia backed by Antonov bombers and helicopter gunships have carried out a series of attacks that have killed hundreds of civilians.

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by the ongoing bombardments, which are also preventing life-saving humanitarian assistance from reaching some of the worst-affected areas.

The February offensive was the largest in many months and aid agencies say it affected 50,000-60,000 people, less than initial rebel estimates of up to 200,000. Up to 12,000 refugees fled into neighbouring eastern Chad, the U.N. refugee agency said.

(ST)