: The advocacy group "European Coalition on Oil in Sudan" accused the Khartoum government of using the violent tactics to enable foreign oil firms to explore for oil and export it unhindered by Southern Sudanese rebels.

The dichotomy of 21st and 19th century warfare means and methods serving side by side is alive and well in the Sudan. The report focuses on mass government clearances of civilians conducted in oil development in Ruweng County and in the Western Upper Nile, citing brutal attacks by Khartoum's forces backed by helicopter gunships and horseback-mounted proxy militias.

After two visits by investigative teams in 2002, the group estimated that 130,000 homeless Sudanese were now on the move in search of safety. The group's broad charges are not new and the U.S. State Department in March accused government forces and militia allies of pursuing a "scorched earth policy" around oil fields. Adam Geibel

European Coalition on Oil in Sudan online at 
http://www.christian-aid.org.uk/world/where/eagl/sudan/ecos.htm