MSF calls for ceasefire extension beyond Bahr al-Ghazal

MSF has urged the extension of the ceasefire in Bahr al-Ghazal, due to expire tomorrow (Friday), to cover the rest of southern Sudan. “The population of south Sudan is still on the emergency threshold and in a fragile state,” MSF spokeswoman Malini Morzarta told IRIN today. “Without the same amount of assistance going in for the population and relative stability to receive medical and nutritional assistance, the consequences on the already fragile population could be disastrous.” A source within the Sudan People’s Liberation Army told IRIN today that: “We believe there will be no obstacle to the extension of the ceasefire in Bahr al-Ghazal.” However, humanitarian workers stressed that a truce would not apply to pro-government militia and competing warlords. They added that former SPLA commander Kerubino Kwanyin Bol had recently defected back to the government’s side with a force of 600 men, and was believed to be heading towards Bahr-al-Ghazal.