El Fasher, 20 April 2012 - Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, Joint Special Representative for the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur and Joint Chief Mediator ad interim (JSR/JCM a.i.), is seriously concerned over developments in southern Darfur, following attacks by armed movements on three towns on 17 April.

 “In the climate of ongoing tensions between Sudan and South Sudan, I am deeply concerned that armed movements are seeking to destabilize Darfur. Such actions could undermine the precious peace which has been advancing in Darfur since the signing of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur,” he said today.

 “I reiterate my call on the armed movements to discard the logic of war and to join the peace process for the sake of the long-suffering of the people of Darfur”, the JSR/JCM a.i. added.
 
On 17 April, an armed group waged an attack on the community of Saysaban, in southwest Darfur, destroying a telecommunications tower and seizing fuel from the local market, UNAMID reported. Later that day, another armed group seized the town of Um Dafok on the border with the Central African Republic. The groups claiming responsibility have identified themselves with the Sudan Liberation Army/Minni Minnawi and the Justice and Equality Movement.

 In a third development, an unidentified armed group attacked the area of Amudal Al-Agdor, near Buram, some 50 kilometres north of the border with South Sudan.

 “UNAMID is closely monitoring the situation and taking measures to protect the civilian population in the region” the JSR/JCM a.i. added. “All parties must refrain from violence. There is no military solution to this conflict.”