Submit your comments on this article |
Africa: Horn |
UN Council Under Pressure to Adopt New Sudan Motion |
2005-03-20 |
![]() The US-drafted resolution would establish a broader UN mission and authorize a 10,000-strong UN peacekeeping force to monitor a peace accord ending the civil war between the government and southern rebels. It would also bolster efforts by the 2,200-strong African Union force in Darfur to promote peace. Council members agree on these provisions though diplomats are concerned that the large UN peacekeeping force will be deployed in generally quiet areas monitoring the north-south peace deal while the much smaller African force is struggling on its own in Darfur to help end a conflict that has forced over 2 million people to flee their homes. But it is primarily on the issues of sanctions and punishment for atrocities in Darfur that council members disagree. Conflict has engulfed Darfur since February 2003, when two non-Arab rebel groups took up arms against the Arab-dominated government to win more political and economic rights for the region's African tribes. |
Posted by:Fred |