Sudan says Darfur rebels attack relief convoys, denounces ceasefire violation

KHARTOUM, April 29, 2004 (SUNA) — The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs Thursday issued a statement in which it announced that relief convoys were attacked two days ago by Darfur rebels, while they were en route from Al-Fasher, capital of North Darfur, to Ambaro area.

Darfur rebels have abducted Al-Malik Abdul-Rahman Mohamadian and two omdas at the area who were leading the relief convoy, the statement said.

The statement explained that the rebels looted three trucks which were loaded with relief materials, assaulted the citizens accompanying the convoy and fettered Al-Malik Abdul-Rahman Mohamadian and confiscated his private car.

In its statement, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs said that such attacks posed violations and disregard of Darfur rebels to the humanitarian agreement which they signed recently with the government in Ndjamena.

The statement affirmed the state’s keenness to keep the security and stability of its citizens as well as its commitment to the delivery of humanitarian aid to affected citizens by all means.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Engineer Ibrahim Mahmoud Hamid, denounced Darfur rebels’ violation of the humanitarian agreement, indicating that the rebels’ act came while the government is exerting serious efforts to solve Darfur issue and to maintain security and stability in Darfur states.

He said that his ministry has intensified its programmes for delivering humanitarian aid to the affected citizens in Darfur.

Engineer Hamid said that work has begun in Darfur states for restoration of the social fabric, voluntary repatriation of the displaced citizens and refugees to their home areas as well as rehabilitation of villages and implementing basic services’ programmes in Darfur.