Support for Darfur

The African Union (AU) force in Darfur can continue counting on German logistical support for a further six months. According to German government spokesman Ulrich Wilhelm, the cabinet has decided to extend its mandate until December 15, 2007.

Wilhelm said on Wednesday that the cabinet decision meant up to 200 German soldiers would remain in the western Sudanese region. They will provide help with transporting troops and supplies for the AU peacekeeping force, which is monitoring the ceasefire in the crisis region.

The German military has been helping the embattled AU force since December 2004. Since the crisis began in 2003, Germany has provided humanitarian support and emergency development aid totaling more than 80 million euros ($107 million). The government said it is one of the largest humanitarian donors worldwide supporting Darfur.

The extension of the mission still has to be approved by the lower house of parliament. It is expected to pass.

The German government said in a statement that the security situation continued to be "precarious" despite the ceasefire.

"The government is deeply concerned about the worsening security situation in Darfur," it said. "The conflict doesn't only endanger the entire Sudanese peace process, but has also already had a negative impact on the stability of the region."

United Nations estimates said the conflict has left an estimated 200,000 people dead and another two million displaced.