Monitoring body documents more violations

The US-led Civilian Protection Monitoring Team (CPMT) has documented violations by both the Sudanese government and rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A).

In its latest report, the international monitoring body reported that up to 30 people could have been killed in Eastern Upper Nile by Arab militia, who are supported by the government of Sudan.

All the interviewees involved in the investigation said between 20 and 30 people were killed in the attacks in late April 2002, in the villages of Liang, Dengaji, Kawaji and Yawaji, the report stated.

In a separate report, it was confirmed that in September 2002, the SPLM/A had abducted 48 civilians from their homes 16 km northeast of Abyei - including pregnant women, children and the elderly - and looted their property.

While the motive for the abductions remained unclear, the culpability of the SPLM was not in doubt, the CPMT reported. While all the abductees had since been released and had returned to their homes - due to intervention from the UN, local NGOs and the highest levels of the SPLA and government - they had all lost considerable property, it said.

"The SPLM/A must assume responsibility for the actions of its officials," the CPMT stressed.

"Both parties to the Sudanese peace agreement must work harder to assert restraint and control over the people in their respective areas of responsibility," it added.