CAIRO — Sudan's
Janjaweed militia has returned to the western province of Darfour and are operating with "impunity" the African Union has reported.
The AU said Janjaweed has resumed attacks on civilians in Darfour as
part of Khartoum's campaign against rebels. The pan-African organization
said the Janjaweed threat has been augmented by Khartoum's preparation of
the military for renewed operations, Middle East Newsline reported.
"The security situation in Darfour is fast deteriorating mainly because
of the re-emergence of Janjaweed militias," the AU said in a six-page
report. "[They] seem to have been supplied and rearmed and have been
carrying out nefarious activities with impunity in parts of Darfour,
particularly in areas controlled by the government of Sudan."
On Dec. 16, the AU, which monitors the ceasefire in Darfour, met to
discuss the situation in the province. The AU has maintained a force of
about 7,500 personnel, who have come under attack by both rebels and
Janjaweed.
In the report, the AU also warned of Sudanese military preparations
against the rebels. The AU said Khartoum, which promised to disband
Janjaweed, was resolved to end the rebellion through military means.
"We understand from the report that was presented by the AMIS [AU
Mission in Sudan] commander, that the Sudanese government continues to arm
the Janjawid," AU Mission in Sudan deputy head Monique Mukaruliza said. "The
disarmament depends on the political will of the Sudanese government. The
government of Sudan has the means to disarm them, it has weapons, but it is
up to them to disarm them."
Janjaweed has been cited as the leading regime-aligned militia in
Darfour. Aided by support from Sudan's air force, the Arab militia, with a
strength of more than 10,000, has killed and raped tens of thousands of
civilians and pillaged hundreds of villages.
The AU also cited attacks by rebels in Darfour. Most of the strikes were
attributed to the National Redemption Front, which rejected a peace accord
signed in May 2006.
"The meeting expressed deep concern on the prevailing situation in El
Fasher, El Geneina, Kutum and Merllit characterized by harassment, attacks
and killings of innocent civilians including IDPs [internally displace
people]," the AU said.
