Insecurity on the Rise in El Fasher; Military Assault by Janjaweed Seems Imminent

March 5, 2007

Hundreds of janjaweed militia with support from the Sudanese military are preparing for an assault on rebels and civilians in the area of El Fasher, witnesses said yesterday.  At 4.00 PM local time on Sunday, March 4, a convoy of at least ten government army vehicles was seen moving from El Fasher toward the town of Kabkabia, where a group of rebels is rumored to have a base.  The convoy included at least three large transport vehicles filled with janjaweed militia and government troops, in addition to SUVs and small trucks fitted with gun turrets.  The witnesses were five local residents who asked that their names be kept confidential.  They watched the convoy as they loaded their vehicles with supplies and weapons, and then moved out toward Kabkabia.  One of the witnesses said he expected they were preparing for an assault on rebel positions, but he noted that civilians are frequently targeted in such raids as well.  "The UN needs to intervene here immediately," he said.  "People are dying every day, and it is not stopping."

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