SUDAN GOVERNMENT ARRESTS DOZENS OF JANJAWEED MILITIAMEN

Press Release by Embassy of Sudan, Washington, D.C.
12 July 2004

The Government of Sudan, in fulfillment of its commitment to reign on the outlaws in Darfur, announced today in Khartoum that the number of Janjaweed elements in custody has reached 46 individuals so far. Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, explained to the Khartoum media today that "tens of Janjaweed have been apprehended in the last few days and they will be brought to justice." Twelve police stations have been re-established to cover the whole area, extending from Marra Mountain through Nyala Town to the Chadian/Sudanese border. (each station has 120 policemen). This development enabled 46,000 internally displaced people of Habila and Mukjar in West Darfur to voluntarily return to their villages. Arabs and Masalit tribes are joining hands in re-building homes of the displaced in both mentioned villages.

In Kulma camp in southern Darfur State 36,000 internally displaced persons returned to their villages.

The latest deployment of 1,054 police forces sent to the Darfur region arrived there today which brings the total police force being dispatched to the region to nearly 7,000 during the last ten days.

Sudan deeply appreciates the assistance of all nations who support its efforts in dealing decisively and timely with this humanitarian tragedy.