Sudan president accuses West of seeking to plunder Darfur resources

KHARTOUM, Aug 10 (AFP) — Sudanese President Omar al-Beshir lashed out at western powers Tuesday, charging in a televised speech that the international community’s humanitarian concerns over war-torn Darfur were merely a figleaf for plans to plunder the region’s wealth.

“America and Europe harbour objectives that do not include the safety and prosperity of the people of Darfur … they are in search of gold and petroleum,” he said.

Beshir and his government have come under a barrage of criticism from western governments and human rights groups for unleashing marauding militias on indigenous ethnic minorities in Darfur since the launch of a rebellion there early last year.

The UN Security Council has threatened unspecified “measures” if Khartoum fails to disarm the militias by later this month.