Sudanese army and Minnawi fighters renew clashes in South Darfur’s village


 Sudanese army clashed today for the third time with rebel fighters belonging to the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Minni Minnawi a former senior presidential assistant after the signing of a peace deal with Khartoum government.
Miinawi with his troops (file/SIPA)Minnawi, the sole major signatory of Darfur Peace Agreement brokered by the African Union in May 2006, is now considered as "legitimate target" by the Sudan Armed Forces that accused him of preparing for war.
The fighting started at 02:00pm and lasted for more than three hours, in Khor Abeche village, located 80km northeast of the South Darfur state capital Nyala, said the hybrid peacekeeping mission on Friday.
"There are indications of combatant casualties being treated at UNAMID camp, but number and classification of injured is yet to be established," the mission said.
The Sudanese army had already attacked Minnawi’s troops in Khor Abeche on 10 and 11 December.
Five civilians were injured during the attack, three among them are in critical condition and will be transferred from UNAMID clinic in the area, UNAMID reported following the second attack on 11 December.
Civilians in the area, moved to the UNAMID base in the area where they are protected by the hybrid force.
Georg Charpentier Sudan’s Humanitarian Coordinator said today that the last week attacks resulted in "some 12,000 persons temporarily displaced in Kor Abache and surrounding villages"
He said that humanitarian agencies and aid groups are providing medical and humanitarian assistance to the displaced civilians in the area.
"I strongly condemn any violence against unarmed civilians and call on all parties to cease fighting," said Charpentier.
He further added "All movements should join the peace negotiations so that grievances can be expressed through dialogue rather than hostilities on the ground."
Minnawi said in a recent interview he was willing to join the peace process. Also he said discussing with his former leader Abdel Wahid Al-Nur ways to join reunite the Sudan Liberation Movement.
However Ibrahim Ghandour, political secretary of the ruling National Congress Party on 14 December said they are willing to engage talks with their partner of 2006 peace deal.
However he refused conditional talks with Minnawi saying the latter asked to hold talks only with the President Omer Al-Bashir and his deputy Ali Osman Taha.
Susan Rice, US ambassador to the UN who chairs the Security Council this month condemned the attack by the Sudanese army on Kor Abache
"We have heard deeply disturbing reports of Sudanese armed forces blocking the movement of civilians, then looting and burning the village. These reports deserve the council’s serious attention and effective responses by UNAMID," Rice said in a meeting dedicated to the Sudan on Thursday.