Daily Darfur: 350 Civilians Flee Weekend Fighting

Published May 26, 2009 @ 04:37AM PT

More troubling news out of Darfur today (note the trend): Intense clashes between rebels with the Justice and Equality Movement and Sudanese government forces killed 63 troops (43 rebels, 20 soldiers) in North Darfur, and forced 350 civilians to seek refuge at a nearby UNAMID base.

Initial reports this weekend said that JEM succeeded in overrunning the base, but were later shown to be false.

A statement from UNAMID reported an unknown number of civilian casualties:

"Explosions were also reported in the area after Government planes flew overhead last night, the Mission added.

UNAMID peacekeepers based at a camp near Umm Baru report that at least 53 people have been seriously injured and need evacuation for further medical treatment. The casualties include civilians, Government soldiers and JEM members."

Aside from condemnations from the UN, I haven't seen anyone else (ahem-Gration?) speaking out publicly against the fighting.

Quickies

At the Save Darfur blog, Martha posted a recap of Friday's demonstration at the White House, organized and led by members of the Sudanese diaspora.

[Photo from AFP: File Photo of Sudanese Government soldiers.]

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Michelle became involved in the anti-genocide cause at a young age, and has been involved in various activist endeavors, including the Teach Against Genocide pilot campaigns, ever since.