Secretary-General condemns recent bombings, attacks in Darfur,

 

Calls for immediate, unconditional cessation of hostilities

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

Within the last few days, the Secretary‑General has received several reports of aerial bombings in different locations in South Darfur.  Yesterday, the Government of Sudan confirmed that Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) aircraft bombed rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) positions in Southern Darfur’s Muhajeria area on 13 January.  Such actions are in violation of both Security Council resolutions and relevant agreements.  The Secretary‑General has also received reports of clashes between the JEM and Sudan Liberation Army/ Minni Minawi (SLA/MM) in the Muhajeria area on 15 January.

The Secretary‑General condemns these attacks and calls on all parties to halt the violence, as well as any preparations for further military action.  He calls on all concerned to commit to an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities.  Military action is not a viable solution to ending the conflict in Darfur and can only result in the unwarranted death and suffering of the civilian population of Sudan.  The Secretary-General calls on all parties to intensify efforts to agree to a comprehensive political solution with the assistance of the African Union-United Nations Joint Chief Mediator.

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For information media • not an official record