Sudan’s security forces worsen situation in Darfur: observer

Fights between Sudan’s security forces in Darfur, their atrocities against civilians and displaced people, and ongoing air strikes at rebels and civilians in the conflict areas have not improved the humanitarian situation in Sudan. Furthermore, Sudan’s aggressive policy towards aid organisations is decreasing their numbers in Darfur. The Swiss Darfur Relief and Documentation Centre (DRDC) concluded this from its observations throughout January in its humanitarian bulletin. It observed an increase of violent clashes between the Sudanese army or police forces and government-backed militia groups (Janjaweed). On 10 January, at least six people were killed when army elements and militiamen armed by the government exchanged fire in El Salam camp in Bielel, South Darfur. “This new development indicates a state of growing anarchy and collapse of law and order in the region”, the observers stated. The situation in Darfur has “reached an intolerable stage”, caused by fighting between the army and rebels, mostly in eastern and western parts of Jebel Marra and Nyala area in South Darfur during the reviewed period. Displaced are being “arbitrarily killed, beaten, sexually abused and robbed of their belongings” by security forces and pro-government militiamen. Kordofans, Blue Nile: deteriorating Access to food and basic needs in urban areas of both Kordofans have significantly decreased owing to the exorbitant prices of basic items. This is also the case in Blue Nile state, where people flee in fear of aerial bombardments. Large-scale military operations between the army and the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) and intensive aerial bombardments were reported in Blue Nile, South Kordofan, Darfur, and West Kordofan in January. Arrests without trial The numbers of political dissidents that are arrested without trial in Sudan is on the increase, the documentation centre found. The in January arrested camp leaders, officials, and a lecturer had publicly opposed a decision made by the authorities. Activist and blogger Tajeldin Ahmed Arga Ali has been detained since last December. Campaign against aid groups A campaign of intimidation against relief workers is continuing in Darfur, the DRDC concluded, and has intensified in the last two months. On 9 January 2014, pro-government militiamen car-jacked a vehicle used by an UK-based charity organisation on the road in Nierteti locality, Central Darfur. The organisation’s health centre was plundered by militiamen in Nierteti on 3 January. In the same regard, the number of relief organisations in Darfur is decreasing as Sudan “continues to pursue its aggressive policy” towards them. Late last month, the government ordered the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to suspend all its activities in Sudan as of February. Because of rampant insecurity, all the humanitarian organisations working in El Salam camp near Nyala suspended their activities on 18 January.The humanitarian situation in camps for the displaced in many parts of Darfur continues to be a source of deep concern, intensified by delays of food distribution, lack of food and medicines, and poor sanitation. It was also reported that residents of most camps, especially the newly arriving displaced, are lacking warm clothes and blankets during the harsh winter weather.File photo: Sudanese army soldiers on patrol (AFP)Related:’Air raids on Sudan’s South Kordofan violate UN Resolution 1261’: SPLM-N (26 January 2014)Criticizing South Darfur camp leaders arrested (17 January 2014)Detention, health of Darfuri blogger ‘concerns’ family (14 January 2014)Six people killed in clash between militia, SAF in South Darfur camp (10 January 2014)Health centre plundered in Central Darfur (3 January 2014)