Secretary-General Deeply Concerned as Clashes between Sudan Government Forces,

 

Darfur Rebel Faction Spark Renewed Displacement

 

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

The Secretary-General notes with deep concern clashes between the Sudan Liberation Army-Minni Minawi and Government of Sudan forces in areas of South and North Darfur.  These clashes included attacks on civilians and destruction of property, and have resulted in renewed displacement and the withdrawal of humanitarian agencies from some areas.  The Secretary-General is particularly disturbed about reports of violence at an internally displaced persons camp in Shaeria.

The Secretary-General calls on the Government of Sudan and the Sudan Liberation Army-Minni Minawi to desist from renewed conflict, the excessive use of force, including the offensive use of aircraft, and to allow access by the humanitarian community and the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) to areas in need.

The Secretary-General expresses his support for the work of UNAMID, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organization personnel stationed in these areas, working tirelessly under difficult conditions to protect civilians in need.

The Secretary-General calls on the Sudan Liberation Army-Minni Minawi to rejoin the peace process and on the Government of Sudan to exercise restraint and ensure the protection of civilians caught in the conflict areas.

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For information media • not an official record