‘9 rapes’ in just over a week in Gereida camps, S. Darfur

Displaced camps around Gereida in South Darfur have witnessed nine rapes in just over one week by pro-government militias, sources say, adding the general security situation at the camps is “worsening”. The first incident occurred on 5 February when seven militiamen raped three women from the Hashaba camp in Gereida while they were collecting firewood. Witnesses told Radio Dabanga two of the victims were minors.Six women who were also collecting firewood were raped by the same faction on 7 February. According to sources these victims live at camp Foreeka.Females suffer the most from the lack of security around camps, a source explained.Besides, he noted that pro-government militias commonly invade camps at night and start firing shots “at random”. The source demanded state and local authorities to provide security and protection to displaced persons. He further demanded UNAMID to establish patrols so women can collect firewood.Radio Dabanga file photo: women collecting firewood