AU condemns renewed fighting in northern Darfur

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, Nov 26, 2004 (PANA) — Renewed fighting between Sudanese government forces and the main rebel groups in the troubled Darfur region threatens the ongoing relief activities and places
civilian lives at risk, the African Union (AU) warned Friday.

In a statement condemning the escalating violence, particularly in the northern town of Tawilla, AU Commission Chairperson Alpha Oumar Konaré said the resumption of hostilities violated the recently signed protocols between the Government and the rebel movements.

The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) has reportedly
launched attacks on the town of Um-Asal, while forces of the
Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) have occupied Draida.

Konaré has called on the SLM/A, the JEM as well as the Government of Sudan to exercise maximum restraint.

He urged them to abandon any recourse to violence and recommit
themselves to the Ceasefire Agreement signed in N’Djamena in
April 2004.

In view of the ongoing Joint Commission meeting in N’Djamena,
Chad, Konaré urged the parties to discuss their differences
peacefully in line with the commitments they made during the
recent peace talks held in Abuja, Nigeria.