Darfur Rebels In New War Threat

One of the main rebel groups in Sudan's Darfur region has threatened "all-out war" if its leader is arrested.

Sudanese officials have asked Interpol to arrest Justice and Equality Movement (Jem) leader Khalil Ibrahim for planning an attack in Khartoum in 2008.

Jem signed a ceasefire with the government in February but left peace talks earlier this month, claiming the government had launched new raids.

Mr Khalil is currently thought to be in Egypt, which is an ally of Khartoum.

Eltahir Adam Elfaki, chairman of Jem's Legislative Council, told the BBC that "if any attempt is made to arrest Dr Khalil then it is all-out war."

"Even as we speak, the Sudanese government is bombarding areas of North Darfur and West Darfur."

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for President Omar al-Bashir over alleged war crimes committed in Darfur - charges he strongly denies.

"Bashir is an indicted criminal - indicted by the ICC - and has no right to ask for anyone to be indicted by Interpol," said Mr Elfaki.

Darfur was relatively peaceful during Sudan's landmark April elections, which saw Mr Bashir re-elected.

But voting did not take place in much of the area because of the insecurity.

Since the conflict in Darfur began in 2003, some 2.7 million people have fled their homes and the UN says about 300,000 more have died.

The rebel movements - including Jem - have been fighting government soldiers and Arab militias who many people say are backed by the government. Source: BBC