Sudan's SLA rebel attacks on aid workers in North Darfur breaks international humanitarian law

Jan Pronk, UN SGSR in Sudan, called on Darfur rebel group SLA to stop attacks on aid workers in Darfur.

Over the past few weeks, aid workers have come under continuous attacks and harassment by armed groups in the Shangil Tobayi, Tawilla and Kutum areas of North Darfur, with several reports indicating that SLA factions were behind the attacks:

"Armed robbery and hijacking have endangered humanitarian workers assisting over 450,000 vulnerable people living in the area," Pronk said in a statement. "Moreover, credible information points to the use of hijacked vehicles for military purposes by these armed groups. This is unacceptable and contrary to international humanitarian law."

Full report (IRIN) Government offensive raises fears of attack on Darfur's Gereida May 2, 2006.