HRW seeks more AU troops in Darfur

KHARTOUM, Sudan, June 26 (UPI) -- The Human Rights Watch is seeking more African troops in Sudan's Darfur and the extradition of former Chadian dictator Hissene Habre to Belgium.

The New York rights group outlined its demands in a letter to African leaders in advance of their annual African Union summit next month in Gambia.

The Human Rights Watch letter said despite the May peace agreement between the Sudanese government and the largest rebel group, Darfur civilians remain at high risk from continuing violence.

"Life is actually worse for the civilians suffering in Darfur, in spite of the peace agreement," said Peter Takirambudde, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "Violence is rising, and additional African forces are needed to reinforce the 7,000 troops now on the ground, so they can better protect civilians."

In the other demand, Human Rights Watch said Habre, who is living in exile in Senegal, is wanted in Belgium to face trial for crimes against humanity. A Senegal judge indicted him in 2000 but various appeals courts ruled he cannot be tried in Senegal. His victims now want him extradited to Belgium.