SUDO(UK) update,2nd September 2011

In spite of the declaration of a unilateral ceasefire in South Kordofan by President Bashir on 23rd August there has been a continuation of aerial bombardment of civilian targets by Government forces and attacks by Government soldiers and their allied militias. At the same time SPLA forces continued to attack Government garrisons.

On the evening of 23rd August Antonov aircraft bombed Kauda basic school, destroying many of the class buildings. On the days that followed aerial bombardment continued on a daily basis on Salara west of Diling, West of Kadugli, Taladi, Kalagi and Heiban.

On the 29th of August the SPLA attacked and captured Tomey mountain, strong hold of SPLA forces during the 1984-2000 war. Tomey used to be the headquarters of SPLA Nuba during the war. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) decided to take back Tomey with forces sent from Khartoum through the North Kordofan city of Um Rwaba. These forces were ambushed by the SPLA and scattered. The SAF targeted Tomey with indiscriminate aerial bombardment and the surrounding villages of Albair, Um Elhassan from 9 to 11 PM on the 30th of August.

Aerial Bombardment by Antonovs targeted villages around Moureng, near Kologi town, for eight hours from 4 pm on the 30th, putting all civilians in danger. The aerial bombardment was said by the Sudanese authorities to be part of a counter-insurgency strategy in response to the SPLM attack against government troops in Moureng.

SUDO (UK) calls on all parties to the conflict to respect international human rights and humanitarian law. All those involved should refrain from seeking to use tribal identity to exacerbate the conflict.

SUDO (UK) is calling for an independent commission of inquiry into the human rights violations in South Kordofan and for all those responsible to be brought to justice.

SUDO(UK) is also calling on all of Sudanese civil society to engage and advocate for peace and reconciliation and peaceful coexistence in South Kordofan.

For more information visit www.sudouk.org