9 February 2008 -- "It is with great concern that I have been watching developments in Western Darfur, where in the past 36 hours attacks on villages by Government forces have resulted in deaths and significant population displacement," said the UN-AU Special Representative for Darfur, Mr. Rodolphe Adada, in a press statement issued in El Fasher.

"This must stop immediately. Protecting civilians and promoting peace are central elements of the mandate of UNAMID. There will be no standing idly by in the face of loss of life, and I am calling for an immediate halt to the ongoing military actions," the Joint Special Representative continued.

"It is imperative that peace be allowed to prevail, that civilians are protected from harm and that immediate humanitarian access be allowed. All sides must refrain from any actions that could further exacerbate the situation," he concluded.