Media reports indicate that as many as 18 civilians have been killed and numerous properties destroyed in the area in and around the North Darfur town of Korma over the past week.

“The Secretary-General calls on all parties to use restraint, renew their commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and redouble their efforts to reach a political settlement of the conflict in Darfur,” according to a statement issued by his spokesperson last night.

“The Secretary-General also reiterates the importance of ensuring a safe and free passage for United Nations and humanitarian personnel to assess the situation on the ground and provide life-saving assistance to those in need.”

More than 300,000 people are estimated to have been killed in fighting between rebels, Government forces and allied Janjaweed militiamen since 2003, and all three groups have been accused of attacks against civilians and human rights abuses.

Another 2.7 million people have had to leave their homes across Darfur, a region roughly the size of Iraq on Sudan’s western flank, during the past six years.

Since the start of 2008 a joint African Union-UN peacekeeping force known as UNAMID has been deployed to try to quell the fighting and alleviate the humanitarian situation.

Clashes between Government forces and rebels have diminished overall in the past year and the UN has also been involved in efforts to bring the warring sides together to reach a comprehensive peace settlement.

Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) has suspended operations in the region around Adilla, in South Darfur, following a carjacking incident in which enough food to feed 10,000 children was stolen.

The agency says that Government of Sudan officials were able to negotiate the release of the drivers of the two vehicles, but the carjackers refused to give up the vehicles, which remain in their possession at this time. UNAMID is following the matter closely.

News Tracker: past stories on this issue

Darfur refugees in Chad set to move away from unstable border with Sudan – UN