US special envoy says Sudanese army targeted Darfur peace partner
September 12, 2008 (WASHINGTON) – U.S. President Special Envoy for Sudan, Richard Williamson, condemned today Sudanese army attacks against rebel positions in Darfur. He further said one of these attacks appeared directed against a former rebel leader.
Williamson, who denounced the attacks against rebel positions, said Saturday’s attack in North Darfur state was especially worrying if Minni Minawi, now a Senior Presidential Assistant was targeted, given the key role he plays in the Darfur peace process.
“This is very disturbing,” Williamson told Reuters, adding that he had spoken with Minawi earlier on Saturday. “The government should honor the ceasefire. This descent into violence causes grave concern about the humanitarian situation.”
Minni Minawi left his office in the presidential palace in Khartoum and lives with his troops in Darfur since three months to protest against the ill-implementation of a peace deal he signed with Khartoum in May 2006.
He also said the recent attacks appeared to be part of a “pattern of violence under the guise of a law-and-order campaign” by Khartoum.
“The U.S. government condemns this. It has to stop,” said Williamson. He further added that the attacks had been going on for nearly a month.
The Sudanese army spokesperson Osman Al-Aghbash, said today that the army will continue to carry its military actions across the three states of Darfur.
According to the United Nations, up to 300,000 people have died and more than 2.2 million fled their homes since ethnic minority rebels rose up against the Arab-dominated government in Khartoum in February 2003. Sudan says 10,000 people have been killed.
(ST)