News: Land Rover Ceases Sales in Sudan

Land Rovers are no longer being sold in Sudan after reports that some of the vehicles may have been used by the military or paramilitary groups within the country.

The decision is supported by human rights activists. Land Rover's cessation of sales to Sudan comes after Rolls Royce, which supplies diesel engines to the oil and gas industry in Sudan, announced last month it was starting a gradual pullout.

Land Rover had been on a hit-list of companies targeted by divestment activists who believe foreign money is fuelling the crisis in Darfur that has killed over 200,000 people.

The divestment campaign focuses on the lucrative oil industry in Sudan and aims to pressure certain companies to leave the country where the government is accused of arming Janjawid militia blamed for widespread rapes and killings of Darfur civilians.

The US-based Sudan Divestment Task Force started its campaign in 2005.

European and UK equivalents have been established more recently.

Campaigners believe they can be more successful than politicians in pressuring the government by capitalising on growing international public outcry that saw worldwide protests on Sunday.