Darfur: Security Council lengthens mandate of panel of experts on arms embargo

The Security Council voted today to extend the mandate of the panel of experts set up to help a Council committee monitor an arms embargo in the war-torn Sudanese region of Darfur.

In a resolution adopted unanimously, Council members agreed to extend the panel’s mandate through 29 September next year – it was due to expire today – and asked Secretary-General Kofi Annan to appoint a fifth member to it.

The resolution also calls on the panel to issue a mid-term briefing on its work by 29 March, and to provide a separate interim report to the Committee within 90 days of today.

The panel was set up in March last year to help monitor the implementation of the arms embargo imposed by two Council resolutions; inform the Committee about individuals who impede the peace process, violate international law or are responsible for offensive military overflights; monitor the implementation of targeted individual financial and travel sanctions; and develop new recommendations to present to the Council.

Meanwhile, the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) reported today that armed men robbed two trucks belonging to an international non-governmental organization (NGO) in South Darfur.

The robbers stole money and cell phones before releasing the NGO staff during the attack two days ago on the road from Netiga to Khor Abeche in South Darfur state.

In Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, another NGO reported that an unknown man fired three shots in front of its compound.

UNMIS also stated it has received reports that two local police patrols were attacked by armed men in the West Darfur town of Bir Dagig, although no casualties were reported.