Bleak prospects for peace in Darfur, UN official warns
Fighting in Darfur has displaced millions
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Wednesday, 12, Mar 2008 09:54
Recent fighting in Darfur has cut the chances of a quick reduction in suffering in the region, the UN security council heard yesterday.
Edmond Mulet, assistant secretary general for peacekeeping operations, told the international body its peacekeeping force in the region was not capable of influencing the situation in its present fraught state.
Recent fighting between the government and rebel groups, which are themselves divided and conflicting, has brought hopes of political reconciliation to a new low.
A rebel offensive in west Darfur was followed by government and janjaweed militia forces launching ground and air attacks against rebel strongholds, Mr Mulet said.
Over 70 civilians have died in the last month alone as a result while tens of thousands have been "displaced or pinned down".
"With the government intent on military action and the rebels either fighting or fragmenting, it is difficult to see an opening for political negotiations," Mr Mulet said.
He warned: "A peacekeeping operation alone cannot bring security to Darfur."
Last summer the UN authorised the deployment of a 26,000-strong security force, replacing the existing African Union peacekeepers in the region.
Its current strength is only 9,178, but the full deployment is only expected by mid-2008 when equipment procurement and initial training programmes are completed.
"The timely deployment of these battalions will be linked to donor countries' efforts to support them with equipment, training and self-sustaining capability," Mr Mulet added.