Darfur rebels and Sudan 'preparing for new war'

[ccharles000]

Sudan has blocked peacekeeping patrols in Darfur on 42 separate occasions this year, the UN says, amid fears of a new conflict in the region.

The UN says Khartoum is violating agreements by blocking the patrols.

And a diplomat told the BBC that the government and rebel groups are getting ready to renew hostilities.

There has been an uneasy peace in Darfur for some time. In August, the outgoing head of the peacekeeping force said the war was over.

Rights groups estimate 300,000 people have been killed since the conflict began in 2003, although Khartoum has put the death toll at about 10,000.

Peace talks have stalled as the rebel groups have split into numerous different factions.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8375972.stm