Aid workers say situation in Darfur not yet resolved

Published: 2006-09-01

YAOUNDE, Cameroon (CNS) -- Despite a May peace agreement meant to end the conflict in the Sudanese region of Darfur, refugees who fled into neighboring Chad are not returning to Sudan, said aid workers. Small groups of refugees are still staggering into Chad, and huge numbers may be preparing to leave if a threatened Sudanese government offensive starts, said a Catholic Relief Services representative in eastern Chad. "The number of refugees is increasing," said Fortune Agboton, the team leader for CRS' emergency team in Abeche, in eastern Chad. "The situation in Darfur is not solved." In an Aug. 31 telephone interview, Agboton said that at the moment refugees are crossing the border in groups of 10 or 20. Fighting among rebel groups, some of which did not sign the May 5 Darfur Peace Accord, and increased banditry by militias and armed gangs have increased since the peace deal was signed. The United Nations says the number of areas in Darfur inaccessible to aid workers is rising steadily because of the upsurge in violence as well as a lack of funds.

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