Unamid to increase patrols after attacks on Central Darfur camps

The African Union – United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (Unamid) has expressed “deep concern about recent attacks on three different internally displaced persons camps in Central Darfur, and says that it will step-up patrols in the area.

A statement from Unamid headquarters in the North Darfur capital El Fasher today refers to attacks which took place between May 21 and 23 2018, resulting in a number of civilian fatalities and injuries:

“Recent incidents were reported at Khamsa Degaig, Aradeiba, and Jedda camps. The Mission reminds all parties involved that camps for the displaced are considered humanitarian space which should be free of weapons, where displaced people must not be subjected to threats, harassment, attacks or harm. Such actions could constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law.”

In the statement, Jeremiah Mamabolo, Unamid Joint Special Representative underlines: “While the prime responsibility of protecting civilians rests with the government of Sudan, Unamid shall continue to collaborate with the relevant government authorities on protecting civilians and engage with them regarding this matter at all levels.”

Meanwhile Unamid says it has taken several measures in response to these recent attacks. These include increasing the number and frequency of patrols in and around the affected camps, as well as dispatching integrated teams to verify these incidents and engage with the relevant local authorities in efforts to calm the situation and prevent further attacks.

“Unamid continues to monitor events and take appropriate measures, in line with its protection of civilians mandate from the United Nations Security Council,” the statement concludes.

Attacks

The Darfur Displaced and Refugees Association held the government of Central Darfur and the militias full responsibility for the separate attack on Monday that killed one and wounded at least 10 displaced persons at Khamsa Degaig camp.

Hussein Abusharati, the spokesman for the Darfur Displaced and Refugees Association, described the attack on Aradeiba and Khamsa Degaig camps as an indication to the government’s lack of seriousness in the disarmament campaign.