Sudan to close border with Libya

Sudan has said it will close borders with Libya to protect travellers and traders from attacks by Darfur rebel militias. The country's interior ministry said the border will close the first day of next month. "The decision will be enforced starting on the first of July 2010 and until other directives are issued," a statement said.

Sudan’s Interior Minister, Ibrahim Mahmud Hamid, said in the statement that the passage has become subjected to threats and attacks from rebels and outlaws who commit robberies and extortion.

The decision comes a day after Sudan had called on Libya to expel the leader of Darfur rebel militias of Justice and Equality movement, Khalil Ibrahim.

Government accused JEM leader of making statements to undermine peace efforts in Darfur and threatening attacks on Khartoum. Chad, on Libya's southern border, has already rejected to shelter the JEM leader.

JEM forces have been carrying out attacks against Sudan's army inside Darfur since the rebel group stopped its participation in peace talks early May.

Law and order in the Western Region of Darfur has collapsed since 2003 when black African rebels began to take arms against the Sudan government.

The ongoing conflicts in Darfur has killed some 300,000 people and displaced more than 2.7 million others, according to a UN report. Sudan however said only 10,000 people are dead.