US concern over escalation of violence in South Darfur

The US government on Saturday expressed its concerns about the recent escalation of violence in South Darfur and called on the Sudanese government to prevent further attacks on civilians. “We are deeply concerned by the recent escalation of violence by the Sudanese government-supported Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Darfur,” the US government said in a press release issued on Saturday. “The United States strongly condemns attacks on civilians, and calls upon the Government of Sudan to prevent further violence and to cease its own campaign of aerial bombardments.” “On 27 February, the RSF, with media reports of support from the Sudanese Air Force, burned homes and attacked civilians outside of Nyala, resulting in multiple casualties and thousands of displaced civilians in Darfur. On 23 February, members of the RSF attacked and robbed internally displaced persons from the Kalma Camp in South Darfur, according to media reports. The Government of Sudan has refused to allow Unamid peacekeepers access to the area to investigate these incidents.” The US government urged the Government of Sudan to uphold its commitments and allow Unamid peacekeepers unhindered and immediate access to these areas, as mandated by the AU and the UN. “The people of Darfur have suffered insecurity, violence and atrocities for far too long. Together with the international community, we urge the Government of Sudan and the armed movements, active in Darfur to begin an inclusive and comprehensive political dialogue to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflicts in Sudan and re-establish the rule of law.” File photo: Display of ordnance at Unamid headquarters in El Fasher, North Darfur, January 2014 (Albert Gonzalez Farran/Unamid) Related:Newly displaced continue to arrive at South Darfur camps (9 March 2014) DRA bashes government for ‘absence during Darfur militia attacks’ (7 March 2014) More exhausted, tortured villagers arrive at camps in South Darfur (5 March 2014)