European Commission condemns violence in Darfur

European Commission strongly condemns the recent violence in Darfur

Louis MICHEL, Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, expressed his deepest concerns about the reported bombing of the village of Rahad Kabolong in North Darfur State on 26th of January, in which some 100 civilians, among them many women and children, were reportedly killed.

“This is precisely the kind of ruthless attack that the Vice-President Ali Osman Al-TAHA promised to do all in his power to stop“, Louis MICHEL said on learning of the allegations. “I now look to the Sudanese Government to co-operate with the African Union to confirm exactly what happened and to name and punish those responsible for an act which goes against all peace efforts”, he added.

The Commissioner recalls that the European Commission has taken a first step towards resuming relations with the Sudanese Government in the context of the recently signed comprehensive peace agreement with the SPLM/A in South–Sudan. He expects the Government of Sudan to deliver on the promises made. “I have told Vice-President Taha that progress in EU-Sudan relations depends on progress in the peace process, including Darfur, and I will hold the Sudanese Government to that commitment.”

Finally, the Commissioner calls on all those involved in the Darfur conflict to respect the spirit and the letter of the cease-fire agreement negotiated in Abuja resume talks as soon as possible and to actively co-operate in order to facilitate the tasks of humanitarian organisations and grant them free and secure access to victims.

In this context, the Commissioner deplored the further deterioration of the humanitarian situation, notably in Northern Darfur, due to shortage of water and food mostly caused the systematic vandalising of critical water points, accompanied by raiding and looting of crops.

© Scoop Media