§ Mr. DawsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of whether rebel groups have seized the town of Gulu in Darfur; and what steps his Department is taking in conjunction with other Departments to investigate the conflict in Darfur, western Sudan. [100705]
§ Mr. RammellHistorically there have been clashes between armed groups in Darfur over access to land and water; there are also long-standing claims of insufficient development in the region. Recently these issues have come to a head. The frequency of clashes has increased and Government forces have also become involved. The town of Gulu was taken by armed fighters three weeks ago. The town has since returned to the control of the Government.
The British Embassy in Khartoum continues to discuss the situation in Darfur with a wide range of Government and National Congress party officials in addition to Darfur MPs and other local representatives.
1060WHer Majesty's Ambassador to Khartoum has requested permission to visit Darfur and will do so as soon as possible.