UN concerned by lack of progress in Darfur

The United Nations says it is concerned by Sudan's lack of progress in bringing security to Darfur, where more than a million…

The United Nations says it is concerned by Sudan's lack of progress in bringing security to Darfur, where more than a million people have fled their homes for fear of militia attack.

Sudan has less than two weeks to prove to the UN Security Council it has made progress towards disarming marauding Arab militias known as Janjaweed, or face possible sanctions.

Khartoum's plans to ensure security in the camps for the Darfur displaced had satisfied the United Nations, the spokeswoman for the UN special envoy to Sudan said.

But she said: "We are still concerned, very much so, by the lack of progress on the ground," referring to camp security.

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She added the next 10 days, including a visit to Darfur by senior UN officials in Khartoum on August 26th, would be "crucial and critical" in deciding whether Sudan was meeting the demands of a July 30th UN Security Council resolution.

The Sudanese Foreign Minister said on Tuesday Sudan planned to double to 20,000 the number of police in Darfur to provide security.

The African Union is also boosting its military presence. Rwandan troops arrived in Darfur on Sunday and a Nigerian contingent is expected to join them next week.