Rebels Hold 3 Peacekeepers In Sudan's Darfur

Published February 20, 2012 8:00PM (EST)

KHARTOUM, Sudan (AP) — The spokeswoman for a joint United Nations/African Union peacekeeping force says three of its members are being held by rebels in Sudan's Darfur.

UNAMID spokeswoman Susan Manuel says that 55 peacekeepers including 50 Senegalese troops were blocked by the rebel Justice and Equality Movement on Sunday from passing through a village in northwest Darfur.

While most of the group was allowed to move ahead on Monday, three including a Yemeni policeman and two Sudanese translators were kept behind.

She says UNAMID is in touch with the rebel movement to secure their release.

The western region of Darfur has been torn by conflict since 2003, but it has tapered off since 2009. The JEM has not joined other groups in signing a peace deal with the government.


By Salon Staff

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