SPLA-N rebels say Sudan govt bombed S Kordofan

The Sudanese rebel group SPLA-North has accused the government forces of bombing several areas in South Kordofan State in late September.

The Sudanese rebel group SPLA-North has accused the government forces of bombing several areas in South Kordofan State in late September.

In a press statement, SPLA-N Military Spokesman Arnu Ngutulu Lodi said that an Antonov plane of the Sudanese Air Force bombed Al Labo and Telabo villages in Um Dorain locality on the first day of Eid El Adha. The bombs destroyed many farms, according to the statement.

He said the government also launched artillery attacks around Kadugli at Um Serdiba and El Nogra villages. The spokesman accused government forces of preparing to wage a large attack on the SPLA-N controlled areas during this year’s harvest season.

Arnu pointed out that that the latest alleged bombings coincide with the ceasefire-declaration by President Omar al-Bashir.

On 22 September, al-Bashir issued a decree offering general amnesty for leaders and members of armed movements who will take part in a National Dialogue conference. The Sudanese leader also issued another decree declaring a two-month ceasefire.

US calls for peace

The United States has called on Sudan’s warring parties to adhere to a six-month cessation of hostilities and welcomed the Sudan Revolutionary Front’s (SRF) statement committing itsself to a cessation of hostilities.

On Tuesday, the US Department of State issued a statement urging the Sudanese government and rebels to commit to a six-month cessation of hostilities and to begin working in earnest to turn these announcements into a sustainable end to Sudan’s conflicts.

The statement demanded all parties to the conflict in Sudan seize this opportunity to end the war and look for a path towards sustainable peace.

File photo: Smoke rises outside Kauda, South Kordofan