Sudan says 5,000 policemen deployed in Darfur states

KHARTOUM, Aug 02, 2004 (SUNA) — As part of the efforts being made to provide security and maintain the rule of law, 5,000 policemen have been deployed in Darfur States, announced Deputy Director General of the Police Forces Gen. (Police) Sayed Al-Hussain Osman.

Speaking to SUNA, Gen. Osman said that the number is expected to rise to 6,000 during the coming days.

He added that these police forces, backed by the Armed Forces, repulse and pursue the arms holders to restore security, a matter which he said encouraged the displaced people to voluntarily return to their areas and embark on their natural life, after the government and the organizations had provided them with food, seeds and agricultural tools.

New police stations were established and the ones destroyed during the aggressions of the rebels were rehabilitated, said Gen. Osman, affirming determination of the state to provide equipment and communication means for these forces to carry out their tasks efficiently.

He, further, praised cooperation of the citizens with the police forces in repulsing the rebels, pointing to the remarkable role of the native administration in preservation of security.

It is to be noted that Gen. Osman is currently touring Darfur States, at the directive of the Minister of Interior, to re-build the police forces there.