Africa Action Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michael Stulman Office: (202) 546-7961, Cell (202) 469-9542
michael.stulman@africaaction.org
Abuja Deal Must Pave Way for UN Peacekeeping Operation in Darfur
As Khartoum Indicates Openness to UN Force, Security Council Must Now Act Quickly to Authorize and Deploy a Peacekeeping Mission to Darfur
Monday, May 8, 2006 (Washington, DC) – On the heels of a new peace deal on Darfur, signed on Friday by the Sudanese government and only one of the Darfuri rebel groups, Africa Action today urged immediate action from the United Nations (UN) Security Council towards the rapid deployment of a robust UN peacekeeping force to the region. Amid concerns about the commitment of the Khartoum government to this peace deal on Darfur, the failure of two rebel groups to sign the deal, and the absence of a roadmap for its implementation, Africa Action emphasized that this deal must now pave the way for a UN force to supplement the African Union (AU) operation in Darfur and stabilize the situation on the ground.
Ann-Louise Colgan, Acting Co-Executive Director of Africa Action, said today, "If Friday’s deal marks a step towards peace in Darfur, the next step on that path is now clearer than ever – a UN peacekeeping operation must be sent to Darfur without delay. As the government of Sudan indicates a new openness to this possibility, it is critical that the Security Council act immediately. A resolution is needed to authorize a UN operation that can enforce the new cease-fire and peace deal, protect civilians and humanitarian operations, and ultimately facilitate the voluntary return of displaced people to their homes.
Africa Action notes that UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Jan Egeland, who arrived in Darfur yesterday, visited a number of camps for internally displaced persons (IDP) in South Darfur, where new attacks against civilians by Sudanese government forces and their proxy militias were confirmed by the UN as recently as two weeks ago. This morning’s violent protests in Kalma camp, with displaced persons calling for an international intervention, demonstrates the rising desperation and crumbling security in the camps. Africa Action emphasizes the importance of an international presence in Darfur, in the form of a UN peacekeeping operation, to afford security and protection to the people of Darfur, and to offer international support for the long-term goal of peace in Darfur.
Marie Clarke Brill, Acting Co-Executive Director of Africa Action, said today, "As the international spotlight focused on Abuja in recent days and weeks, the situation on the ground in Darfur has been deteriorating. There are numerous reports of new violence against civilians, and an ever-growing humanitarian crisis threatens to engulf the area with the approach of the rainy season. The U.S. and international community must now sharpen the focus on the people of Darfur, and must act now to deploy an urgent peacekeeping mission to provide protection and assistance to millions of vulnerable civilians."
For more information and analysis on Darfur, see http://www.africaaction.org/darfur
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