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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James B. Foley, Deputy Spokesman
May 18, 1999

Violation of Cease-Fire by Government of Sudan

The United States has learned that the Government of Sudan bombed the towns of Akak and Nyamlel in Bahr el-Ghazal on May 16 and 17, killing at least one person. We understand that a World Food Program team was in Akak at the time preparing to distribute relief food.

The United States strongly condemns this bombing attack, which clearly violates the humanitarian cease-fire in place in Bahr el-Ghazal since July 1998. The cease-fire has been crucial in permitting access to vulnerable populations for delivery of relief assistance. The humanitarian situation in Bahr el-Ghazal remains fragile, and a resumption of fighting there could have devastating consequences.

Both the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) have previously agreed to extend the cease-fire until the next round of peace talks, expected to take place in Nairobi in June. It is vital that both sides abide by that commitment.

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