100.000 people flee from aerial bombardments in Darfur

While the world is shouting shame about the use of warplanes against Libyan civilians, the use of air power against civilians in Darfur is off the radar of the world’s attention.

While the world is shouting shame about the use of warplanes against Libyan civilians, the use of air power against civilians in Darfur is off the radar of the world’s attention. Since mid-December 100.000 people have fled for safety.

An estimated 120 people have been reported killed in the renewed fighting between Darfurian rebel groups (JEM, JLM and SLA-MM) and government forces (SAF) and factions loyal to the government. In the fighting, Antonov aircrafts, MiGs and helicopters were used in bombing, in support of vehicle-mounted troops and horse and camel riders. Civilians were also targeted.

The aerial bombardments, killings and rapes have caused a reported 100.000 people to flee for safety since mid-December. The fighting in December already caused 40.000 people to flee from their homes. Since January, an additional 45.000 newly arrived IDPs have been reported at Zamzam camp, and another 15.000 in camps near Nyala, Tawila and Khor Abeche.

The renewed fighting began after the Sudanese government severed ties with the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) rebel faction loyal to Minni Minawi.