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AU may keep forces in Darfur
07/09/2006 09:11 - (SA)
Washington - The African Union may keep its forces in Darfur beyond September 30 if Sudan refuses to allow them to become part of a United Nations peacekeeping operation, says a senior United States state department official.
Sudan had so far rejected a UN security council resolution calling for the creation of its peacekeeping force in Darfur, where tens of thousands of people had died and more than 2.5 million had been displaced during a conflict of more than years that had spawned a severe humanitarian crisis.
The UN wanted its peacekeeping force to replace and absorb the AU's 7 000-member contingent, whose mandate expired on September 30 and whose efforts had been hampered by a lack of funds, equipment and logistical support.
Sensitive diplomatic matters
Asked if Washington expected the AU to extend its mandate beyond September 30 should Sudan continue to reject a UN force, a senior US official said: "They'll make their own decision, but I think it's certainly a viable, live option for them."
The official, who was speaking to reporters, declined to be identified because he was discussing sensitive diplomatic matters. It was unclear how the AU force would fare without fresh funding and support.
The security council resolution passed on August 31 called for up to 22 500 UN troops and police officers and an immediate injection of air, engineering and communications support for the AU force.
The Darfur conflict erupted in February 2003, after non-Arab rebels took up arms against the government. In response, the government mobilised Arab militias known as Janjaweed, who had been accused of murder, rape and looting.
Fighting, disease and hunger had killed at least 200 000 people and had driven some 2.5 million into squalid camps.
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