By Glenn Middleton Video producer in Sudan

The journey began in Johannesburg and ended in a remote village on the Chad/Sudan border.

The biggest obstacle was the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Despite their helpfulness and generosity, they could not be told of our plans.

Our character, Mousa, is a soldier with the Sudanese Liberation Army (SLA). He was eager to be part of the film.

Mousa and the SLA are fighting against government troops and they hope to draw attention to the neglected Darfur region where authorities have been accused of backing a scorched-earth campaign and committing crimes against humanity.

The terrain is hostile desert. Nine of Mousa's brothers have been killed already, he says.

As for any Muslim, the day of 22 March started with prayer, followed by the preparation of the first meal of the day.

He then loaded up his camels and joined the patrol in Darfur.

Border hopping

The first part of the day was spent training as they set up mock attacks and target training.

After a little rest, the soldiers started their proper patrol and marched to a village 8-10kms away, which had been attacked and destroyed by government soldiers.

It was becoming risky to remain in Sudan, and having me in the unit could have endangered them further

It was rumoured that some militia were still around the village, but Mousa's patrol found no-one there, so they turned back and headed towards the border.

Stops were only made for food and prayer. Lunch was provided by a slaughtered sheep.

As the evening set in, the enemy were approaching the SLA patrol and the commander ordered them back to Chad.

It was becoming risky to remain in Sudan, and having me in the unit could have endangered them further.

One Day of War was broadcast in the UK on Thursday, 27 May, 2004 at 2100 BST on BBC Two.