Save Darfur Coalition Condemns Aerial Bombardments, Recent JEM, Sudanese Government Military Offensives

WASHINGTON - Upon receiving reports of Sudanese aerial bombing near a refugee camp in Chad and of rebel and government military offensives last week, the Save Darfur Coalition today condemned the attacks and called for a coordinated effort by the Obama administration and the international community for peace in Sudan. Coalition President Jerry Fowler issued the following statement:

 "According to UN and other reports from the region, the Sudanese government dropped bombs close to the Oure Cassoni refugee camp and caused the forced suspension of humanitarian movements in the area.  There are also reports of low flyovers of the refugee camp in the past week.  Threatening refugees in this way - following expulsion earlier this year of 13 major aid groups from Sudan - raises further questions about the Sudanese government's interest in peace.  It is past time for the United States and other world leaders to coordinate their messages and present Khartoum with a choice: Either readmit previously expelled aid groups and make concrete steps toward peace, which would lead to improved relations with the United States and other countries; or continue obstructing peace and endangering civilians, which would lead to real and meaningful consequences from the international community, including diplomatic isolation, targeted economic sanctions and an effective and expanded arms embargo.

"The Save Darfur Coalition condemns in strongest terms the recent JEM and Sudanese government military offensives - which occurred at the same time as fragile peace negotiations took place between the parties in Qatar. Both parties should make the safety of vulnerable civilians their priority."