Darfur envoys say alarmed by surge of violence in Darfur

May 9, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — Darfur peace envoys today expressed concerns over military escalation in Darfur between the Sudanese army and the Justice and equality Movement. They said this rise of violence can only cause more suffering to civilians.

The United Nations and African Union Special Envoys for Darfur, Jan Eliasson and Salim Ahmed Salim are “alarmed and deeply troubled” by the recent military escalation between Sudanese army and the rebel JEM.

In a statement issued on Friday, the two envoys said the surge of violence in the region bring further urgency to the need to start talks on security issues in order to lay the basis for a serious peace process in Darfur

The envoys reminded that parties in Darfur conflict have agreed that there is no military solution for the conflict.

They also said that the Sudanese government and the rebel have responsibility to protect the civilians in the five year war region.

“This escalation can only cause more suffering for the people and more damage and destruction for Darfur. It is necessary for the parties to exercise maximum restraint and to abstain from all further military action.”

The spasm of violence in Darfur – including the first killings of peacekeeping troops – has taken hundreds of additional lives and sent more thousands of Sudanese fleeing to refugee and IDPs camps.

Since the beginning of this month the Sudanese army carried out daily attacks against civilian positions in North Darfur. More than 14 people were killed in these aerial attacks.

(ST)