دار فور في عيون العالم

Sudan warned over Darfur bombing
Darfur refugee, 27 January 2008
More than two million have been displaced from Darfur
The United Nations humanitarian chief has called for restraint in the troubled Sudanese region of Darfur after a refugee camp was bombed.

The camp near Aro Sharow in West Darfur was empty at the time, as people had fled an earlier government offensive.

Sir John Holmes warned of "disastrous consequences" for 20,000 civilians if further attacks occurred in the area.

At least 200,000 people have died in five years of conflict between rebels and pro-government militias in Darfur.

Aid agencies say tens of thousands of people fled after government attacks near Aro Sharow last week.

Residents say more than 100 people were killed in the recent offensive against three major towns.

Concern

Sir John called for all parties to act now to stop the attacks and help bring those responsible to account under international law.

"I am very concerned for the civilian population caught in the middle of this violence," he said.

Map of Darfur region
"Should further attacks occur, the consequences for 20,000 civilians in this area could be disastrous."

The joint African Union and UN peacekeeping mission is due to expand to 26,000 people this year, though currently just 9,000 peacekeepers are in place.

The government has denied links to the Janjaweed militia, accused of trying to "cleanse" the region of black Africans.

At least two million people have been displaced by the conflict in Darfur, some fleeing west to Chad.

Sudan and Chad both accuse each other of harbouring rebel groups.