Annan warns African leaders

2004-07-06 20:16

Addis Ababa - UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan warned African leaders on Tuesday that the humanitarian crisis in Sudan's Darfur region may lead to "a catastrophe that could destabilise the region" if they don't take action.

Annan told 40 leaders, including Sudan's President Omar el-Bashir, that the violence in Darfur - where thousands have been killed and more than a million black Africans have fled attacks by Arab militiamen - threatens to destabilise the region.

Annan addressed the 53-country group after visiting the western region of Darfur and meeting with people who fled to camps in neighbouring Chad to escape the violence.

"The ruined villages, the camps overflowing with sick and hungry women and children and the fear in the eyes of the people should be a clear warning to all of us," Annan said.

"Without action, the brutalities already inflicted on the civilian population of Darfur could be a prelude to even greater humanitarian catastrophe - a catastrophe that could destabilise the region," he said.

The African Union said it would send 300 troops to protect refugees in Sudan and Chad. The soldiers also will protect military observers monitoring a cease-fire in Darfur, a region the United Nations has called the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Sam Ibok, director of the African Union's Peace and Security division, said the troops would be deployed soon, but did not give a date. He said the force would include troops from Nigeria and Rwanda. Tanzania and Botswana may also send peacekeepers.

The commitment of the African force marks a significant increase from the 150 unarmed African Union monitors who were expected to go to Darfur as part of an April cease-fire agreement in Sudan. A small number of African Union monitors are already there.

The United Nations has said that thousands of people have been killed and more than 1 million others were forced from their homes, most taking shelter in makeshift camps along the Chad-Sudan border.

- AP