CAIRO — The United Nations has reported renewed heavy fighting in
Sudan's Darfour province.
The UN Mission in Sudan has reported the reorganization of militias and
the renewal of strikes throughout Darfour. The mission said the violence has
prevented activities by humanitarian agencies.
"Throughout Darfour, villagers report continuous harassment by nomads
and militia through looting, banditry and the forced payment of protection
taxes," the UN said in a statement on Oct. 19.
In a briefing, UN officials reported heavy fighting in northern Dafour, Middle East Newsline reported.
They said three "separate and serious clashes" erupted within six days
between Sudanese Army troops and the rebel Sudanese Liberation Army.
Officials said the fighting has restricted humanitarian access
throughout the three states of Darfour. They said armed clashes and banditry
in western Darfour have resulted in government restrictions on major roads.
"In West Darfour alone, assistance to 170,000 people is temporarily
restricted," a UN official said.
Other areas of Sudan were also said to have come under attack. In
southern
Sudan, the Lords Resistance Army, said to have abducted more than 30,000
children, has attacked civilians and restricted humanitarian activities.
"Also in the south, humanitarian agencies are deeply troubled by the
continued extortion and even forced conscription of returnees by local
militias," an official said. "Negotiations to bring such practices to an
immediate end are ongoing."
The UN has warned that the violence in Sudan could threaten the success
of peace talks in Nigeria. A UN report also pointed to a growing division
within the SLA as well as the need for greater international assistance to
the African Union force deployed in Darfour.
