US expresses “deep concern” about Darfur

The US department of state released a press statement expressing its deep concern regarding the “sharp deterioration in security in North Darfur and adjacent parts of Jebel Marra”, on 4 October. In the statement, the American government noted the “serious and credible reports” about civilians’ deaths in Hashaba, North Darfur, “as a result of aerial bombardment and fighting between Sudanese government forces and rebels”. It called for an immediate and unconditional end to aerial bombardments on civilian areas by the Sudanese armed forces. Additionally, the US stated it is “appalled” by the recent attack against UNAMID troops in El Geneina, West Darfur, calling on the Government of Sudan and on the Darfur Regional Authority to immediately conduct “credible investigations into all attacks against the mission and hold perpetrators accountable”. The American government added that the attacks in North Darfur have “a serious impact on the implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur”, expressing that “A recent tightening of restrictions on humanitarian actors in Darfur, including UN agencies, also raises doubts about the Government of Sudan’s willingness to implement the agreement.” Lastly, it was stated that the government of Sudan “should allow UNAMID and humanitarian actors full and unfettered access to all parts of Darfur in order to protect and assist the victims of the conflict, and to support implementation of the agreement.” On another note, the American embassy in Khartoum announced that its consular section will be closed as of 15 September “until further notice”. In addition, it stated that “all nonimmigrant visas and V92/93 appointments are currently suspended.”See also: Ambassador Smith: ‘Security situation in Darfur deteriorated compared to 2011’ (21 September 2012)