Central reserve forces abuse power in Saraf Omra

09/08/2011 21:00

Residents say excessive use of force is routine behaviour

Residents say excessive use of force is routine behaviourThe Saraf Omra camp (North Darfur) has been routinely suffering from excessive use of force at the hands of central reserve forces (also referred to as riot police or Abu Tira) stationed in the region, camp residents said on Tuesday.

One camp resident, who does not wish to be named, told Radio Dabanga that the central reserve personnel regularly refuse to pay the merchants for the goods they purchase. He also informed that the government forces use public transport without buying tickets.

“On being asked for money by the shop keeper or the transport employees, they retort with force. This month alone there have been 12 people assaulted with serious injuries,” the unnamed source said. The government forces have also been accused of whipping women and opening fire at refugee camps.

The IDPs residing in the Saraf Umra camp have called for the United Nations African Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and the government authorities to step in to counter the use of force by the central reserve personnel.