By Martin Banks - 18th February 2008
The charity Oxfam has called on the EU's governments not to repeat the “mistakes” of Darfur in Chad.
It says “urgent action” is needed in Chad as increased insecurity “threatens” thousands of lives.
The organisation will urge EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday “not to repeat the mistakes of Darfur in Chad”, and to “vigorously” pursue all diplomatic channels to help secure a lasting ceasefire and a durable peace.
Oxfam's regional director Nick Roseveare said the EU must go beyond responding to the urgent protection needs of civilians and start working for a negotiated settlement of the crisis in Chad.
He said, “We have all the elements for a huge humanitarian crisis rapidly developing in Chad, with the lives of half a million people hanging in the balance.
“Europe must act rapidly before things get worse.
“Politicians around the world have wrung their hands as the population in Darfur continues to suffer.
“They have promised, but not delivered.”
Roseveare added, “They should not make the same mistake in Chad.
"Europe needs to call for a ceasefire in Chad to protect beleaguered civilians and increase diplomatic efforts to secure peace - not forgetting the need to push for a negotiated end to the violence in Darfur."
Oxfam says that as a result of the fighting, most aid agencies are operating with minimum essential staff and supply routes have been closed with fuel running low.
Oxfam itself has just two weeks of fuel left to run its water pumps.
“With supply lines down, aid agencies will not be able to help the new influx of refugees, and are already struggling to assist the long-term displaced," added Roseveare.
"It is obvious that there are huge, immediate protection needs in eastern Chad, but we must not forget that a lasting ceasefire and a negotiated comprehensive and inclusive peace process including all stakeholders is needed to resolve the crisis in Chad.
“Although the EU is providing generous support to the electoral process in Chad, this alone will not resolve the conflict. Europe must commit to increasing its diplomatic efforts on Chad at today's Brussels meeting.”
"They should also remember that greater efforts on Chad do not make the need for an end to the violence in Darfur, where people also continue to live in fear, any less urgent."
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