Sudan Unrest Continues

On 27 August 2006, protesters mobbed the vehicle of U.S. diplomat Jendayi Frazer as she arrived in Khartoum. Protesters surrounded the convoy, carrying signs stating, "Go back home" and "We need peace." Frazer met with government officials in an attempt to convince the Sudanese to accept a possible U.N. force to assist the African Union in Darfur. However, Sudan is ignoring pressure from the United States and the United Kingdom, while Sudanese Islamist leaders claim they will take up arms to expel any U.N. forces in Darfur, even if the government were to accept the international troops.

Meanwhile, Sudan is reportedly building up its military in the Darfur region despite the May 2006 peace deal. On 28 August, the U.N. Security Council is scheduled to discuss a proposal to deploy 20,000 U.N. troops and police officers, despite rejection by the Sudanese government.