Rebels kill eight in first foray outside Darfur: Sudan interior ministry
KHARTOUM, Sept 23 (AFP) — Rebels from Sudan’s western Darfur region have attacked a town in the center of the country, killing eight civilians, in what was apparently their first foray outside their own territory, the interior ministry announced Thursday.
Meanwhile, a senior official said the government continues expanding safe areas under its control in Darfur under an agreement with the United Nations aimed at protecting civilians in the troubled region.
The interior ministry said the rebels raided the town of Ghibaish in West Kordofan state, attacking a police station, security offices, a market and, looting property in the process.
It said local residents joined forces with government soldiers and fought off the attack in a battle that left eight fighters from the combined force dead.
The statement did not say if the dead were civilians or government forces nor did it give rebel casualties.
It also did not say which of the two rebel groups operating in the Darfur region was allegedly responsible for the attack, which could not be immediately verified.
If confirmed, this would be the first time rebels have taken their war with the government outside of Darfur since the conflict broke out in February 2003.
The United Nations estimates that between 30,000 and 50,000 people have died in the conflict that pits government forces against two main rebel groups — the Sudan Liberation Movement and the Justice and Equality Movement.
The reports came as the government claimed it was continuing to secure more areas for civilians in Darfur and accused the rebels of refusing to comply with African Union demands on the cantonment of their forces.
“Any accusation by the rebels that the government is violating the ceasefire agreement is false as long as the rebel-controlled areas remain unlocated,” said General Mohammed Ahmed al-Dabi, quoted by the official Al-Anbaa daily.
Dabi, appointed in August as assistant presidential representative for Darfur, was referring to a ceasefire signed in April.
He said the AU Ceasefire Commission set up to monitor the implementation of the deal was playing a “big” role, but blamed rebels for making their job difficult by refusing to identify areas under their control.
He also said there was coordination between the army and police in Darfur, saying they were prepared to stand up against any attempt by the rebels to violate the ceasefire.
“These joint forces are fully disciplined and resort to arms only in defense of themselves and the civilians,” said Dabi, who also commended the police for securing villages and camps for displaced persons.
The general also vowed to increase the number of police in the region “so that the people of Darfur can enjoy security and stability.”