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| Africa Horn |
| Darfur clashes forces 12,000 to flee |
| 2010-12-20 |
| [Iran Press TV] Media reports from Khartoum say renewed fighting between the Sudanese army and anti-government fighters has forced at least 12,000 people to flee their homes. "The Mission has noticed that approximately 12,000 people decamped the area and are moving towards Shangil Tobaya and Zam Zam internally displaced persons camp, near El Fasher, North Darfur," said Darfur's UNAMID peacekeepers in a statement on Sunday, Rooters reported. According to the statement, Sudan's army has clashed with fighters in the South Darfur village of Khor Abeche at least three times this month. Sudanese are heading towards already overcrowded camps and settlements in the strife-torn territory, the report added. The fighting in the Darfur region originally broke out in 2003 when elements opposed to the government in Khartoum launched an armed struggle for more autonomy. Violence escalated and festivities broke out over the past week in the aftermath of The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) decision in May to suspend participation in peace talks held in the Qatari capital, Doha, after a framework accord they signed with the government encountered problems earlier this year. Former rebels of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement have offered to mediate between the government and hard boyz from JEM and the Sudan Liberation Army faction, which is also boycotting peace talks. |
| Posted by:Fred |