Government condemned for abuses

US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Susan Rice said the government of Sudan should immediately halt the bombing of civilian targets. She made the remarks after a two-day visit to southern Sudan. Rice also called on the government to “stop the heinous practice of slavery”, said a report made available to IRIN by the US Department of State. Despite promises by the government to reform its policies and improve its human rights record, there was “precious little evidence” to support its claims, said Rice. The United States continues to have in place unilateral economic sanctions against Sudan and UN Security Council sanctions on Sudan - over accusations of hosting terrorists - remain, said the report. Rice said the US would continue its support for people in Sudan, and was the country largest humanitarian donor, having contributed more than US $1,000 million in the last ten years.

The visit of Rice to southern Sudan resulted in the withdrawal of visas for US diplomats by the government in protest that she made the visit without a visa.