"Despite clear and consistent evidence gathered between January and
March 2007 that members of government security forces were involved in the
attacks, the government did not take effective action to prevent the
attacks, control members of its security forces and use of its equipment,
pursue the attackers or intervene to protect civilians," the 10-page report
said.
The UN said Sudan's Border Intelligence Guard participated in eight
attacks on the Tarjum tribe in Darfour in 2007. The report said the strikes
were initiated by the rival Rizeigat Abbala tribe in a battle for control of
land near the Darfour capital of Nyala.
Both tribes have been deemed pro-government. Tarjum and Abbala members
have fought with the Sudanese military in Darfour and involved in attacks on
civilians.
"Moreover, after the attacks, insufficient action was taken to identify
and prosecute those responsible or provide reparation to the victims and the
government has still not taken measures to prevent the reoccurrence of the
attacks," the report said. "The ongoing impunity for these crimes is of
great concern and is a violation of Sudan's obligations under international
law."
Hundreds of Border Intelligence Guard attacked Tarjum villages between
Jan. 6 and March 31, the report said. The soldiers employed machine guns and
rocket-propelled grenades, and more than 60 Tarjum tribal members were
killed.
"This is not the first dispute between members of these groups, however
what is particularly striking is the intensity of the fighting, the high
number of casualties and, in particular, the involvement of Sudanese
security personnel, weapons and vehicles' in the attacks on villages," the
report said.
