UN’s Ki-Moon condemns Darfur bombing by Sudanese army
May 7, 2008 (UNITED NATIONS) – The U.N. Secretary General on Wednesday condemned Sudanese government air raids in Sudan’s western Darfur region which killed 14 civilians last week.
“In particular, the bombing of a school, water installations and a market in the villages of Um Sidir, Ein Bassar and Shegeg Karo are entirely unacceptable,” Ban said..
An Antonov of the Sudanese army killed 11 civilians in Shegeg Karo area in North Darfur state and wounded 4 child and 2 women, the attack occurred on the market day. The army bomber also killed three brothers in Ain Bassir area, east of Jebel Midoub.
The Humanitarian Coordinator, Ms Ameerah Haq said in a statement yesterday deeply concerned about the reported attacks on civilian installations in North Darfur. Haq, called for immediate access to the concerned areas so that seriously injured civilians can be medically evacuated.
The joint UN-African Union Mission in Darfur, known as UNAMID, has assisted in the evacuation of casualties following last week’s attacks, which left three dead and at least eight injured.
The UN AU peacekeeping mission said over the weekend that initial reports suggest that the area, which is controlled by the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA), “has witnessed repeated aerial attacks and possible fighting between government and rebel forces.”
A UNAMID fact-finding mission is currently conducting an investigation on the ground, while the peacekeeping forces continue to monitor the situation, the Mission added.
Mr. Ban also voiced concern at increasing acts of banditry “which complicate humanitarian operations and impede UNAMID’s ability to carry out its mandate.”
He once again called on all parties to the Darfur conflict – which have claimed more than 200,000 lives and displaced nearly 2.5 million others since 2003 – to urgently cease hostilities, ensure the protection of civilians and to work with UNAMID to promote security.
(ST)