SAF Antonov bombing of Hassan village, Kulkul, N Darfur: Ceasefire Commission probing violation of Security Council Resolution 1591 (2005)

AU envoy Baba Gana Kingibe and UN SRSG Jan Pronk, expressed "utmost concern" about the 29 July attack against a rebel group that has not signed the Darfur Peace Agreement, UN News Centre reported Aug 1, 2006. Excerpt:

The incident in the area of Kulkul in North Darfur State was preceded by fighting between the same rebel group and the Sudan Liberation Army/Minni Minawi faction, and then between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the rebel group.

"The Special Representatives express dismay and disappointment that despite their appeal to the parties in their joint statement on fighting in Jebel Moon on 28 July to abide by the existing Agreement on ceasefire and security and humanitarian arrangements, fighting has continued in total disregard of the need to guarantee the safety of civilians," the two said in their joint statement.

The envoys voiced particular concern about allegations that an SAF Antonov bombed Hassan village, south of Kulkul. The Ceasefire Commission is probing these allegations, which, if confirmed, would constitute a violation of Security Council Resolution 1591 (2005), the statement noted. That text, on sanctions, was adopted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, allowing for enforcement measures.

Those who have not signed the Darfur Peace Agreement must abide by earlier commitments to observe the ceasefire, said the Special Representatives, reiterating their call "on all the parties to cease attacks and refrain from provoking attacks."