Europe takes Khartoum's promises of dialogue and an 'oil bonanza' seriously – unlike Washington and the Sudanese themselves
Last week in Khartoum, where mixed student outings have been common for decades, 25 students who went on a picnic were publicly flogged for 'immoral' behaviour. The girls were found guilty of wearing trousers. Fines were imposed of up to 50,000 Sudanese pounds (US$20), a large sum in today's impoverished Sudan. More seriously, government forces continue to drive Southern civilians from their homes. Hundreds were crossing into Kenya at Lokichoggio daily in early June, fleeing government bombing around Chukundum. In mid-June, the United Nations reported that some 2,000 Dinka people from northern Bahr el Ghazal had trudged into Khor Omer camp at Ed Daein, Southern Darfur. Government forces continue to torch Nuban villages.
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