Khartoum – Armed conflict over land, water and other natural resources have left 70 civilians dead in Sudan's Darfur region.
A spike in violence has been noted in recent weeks amid widespread proliferation of weapons and the inadequacy of rule of law and justice institutions.
Civilians remain exposed to significant sources of insecurity such as inter-communal conflict and criminality, including the activities of armed militias.
Tensions between various communities have recurred due to long-standing disputes over access to land and the control of water and other resources.
Such violence is raising concerns for the millions of displaced people living in bases and camps under the protection of the African Union-UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID).
About 2.6 million people remain in displacement in the region.
“Long-term comprehensive solutions remain necessary to create the necessary conditions for their return or resettlement,” said United Nations under-secretary general for peacekeeping operations, Hervé Ladsous.
He said “little tangible progress” had been made in the peace efforts in Darfur. At issue are delays over agreement on the cessation of hostilities and humanitarian assistance.
The international community has been divided over the Darfur, with the West slapping Sudan leaders with sanctions while Asian countries have been accused of supplying weapons.