KHARTOUM - Darfur's former rebels on Thursday called for an international investigation into an attack on their forces in Muhajiriya, where at least 45 were killed and dozens injured.
The Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) blames Sudan's army for the attack, although it has denied any involvement.
"There has to be an international investigation immediately," Minni Arcua Minnawi, the head of the SLA who became presidential adviser in Khartoum after his was the only rebel group to sign a May 2006 peace deal.
"We are committed to the peace and the ceasefire but we want the government to not repeat any action like this."
The attack on Muhajiriya, Minnawi's main town, was the latest in an upsurge of violence in southern Darfur after the worst attack on African Union peacekeepers since they deployed, killing and wounding at least 20 and destroying their base in Haskanita.
A U.N. statement said "tens of civilians were killed and wounded, and tens are reported missing, including children".
Minnawi said at least 40 civilians were killed and five of their soldiers.
Two aid agencies working in the town evacuated 29 staff after they were trapped in their compounds by the fighting.
Minnawi said his movement had written a formal complaint to the United Nations and African Union about the assault.
The army blamed tribal clashes between the Zaghawa and Maaliya in the area. Minnawi's party accused Khartoum earlier this year of arming the Arab Maaliya tribe.
"This is the behaviour of the government. They will never commit to any agreement," Minnawi told Reuters from Darfur.
"This will have a negative effect on peace talks," he said.
