Sudan: Obama calls for ceasefire 

Sudan: Obama calls for ceasefire

Following an upsurge of fighting in the South Kordofan region in Sudan, US President, Barack Obama, has called for a ceasefire.

Obama urged both the north and south to "live up to their responsibilities" so as to prevent a return to civil war.

Hampering aid efforts

In recent days, thousands of people have been displaced as a result of violence, which came weeks before South Sudan became independent.

Meanwhile, Sudan government has been accused of hampering aid efforts by the UN.

“Roadblocks manned by militia are preventing aid reaching thousands of people in need,” the UN's refugee agency said.

The agency said it had appealed to the Sudanese government to allow planes to land at the main airport in the affected area.

Intensive bombing campaign

Khartoum reportedly carried out what the UN described as an ‘intensive bombing campaign’ near the border on Tuesday.

Northern forces are accused of targeting the area's pro-southern groups, as oil-rich South Sudan prepares for independence next month.

Threat to the nation’s stability

"There is no military solution; the leaders of Sudan and South Sudan must live up to the responsibilities," Obama said in a recorded audio message.

“The government of Sudan must prevent a further escalation of this crisis by ceasing its military actions immediately, including aerial bombardments, forced displacements and campaigns of intimidation," he added.

The head of the worldwide Anglican Church, Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, said the unrest was a major threat to the stability of Sudan.

"The humanitarian challenge is already great, and the risk of another Darfur situation, with civilian populations at the mercy of government-supported terror, is a real one," the archbishop said.

The Southern Information Minister, Barnaba Marial Benjamin acknowledged Obama's remarks and said a well-planned disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration programme were needed instead of the current use of force.

Renewed conflict

Clashes over the past months in Abyei and South Kordofan have raised fears of renewed north-south conflict despite a 2005 peace deal which paved the way for the end of decades of war.

Some 40,000 people were estimated to have fled their homes in South Kordofan, compared to 100,000 that have fled Abyei, which was seized by northern forces last month.

Reports say aid agency offices have been looted, churches have been ransacked and buildings destroyed.

Ensuring security

Talks on issues about the upcoming split between Sudanese government officials and representatives of the south continue following Monday's deal for both sides to withdraw from Abyei.

President Omar al-Bashir and southern leader, Salva Kiir agreed that Abyei, claimed by both sides, would be demilitarised, with Ethiopian troops ensuring security.

REUTERS/Shakira