Sudan forms new task force to curb tribal violence in Darfur
December 7, 2021 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese parties to the Juba Peace Agreement decided to form a special task force, involving government forces and fighters of the signatory groups, under a joint command to bring security to the troubled Darfur region.
One year after the signing of the Juba Peace Agreement, the parties to the peace agreement failed to form a 12,000-strong joint force to protect civilians in the Darfur region. The government says the lack of funds behind the delay while some groups still have troops deployed in neighbouring countries.
In response to the increasing tribal clashes, the Sudanese parties periodically announce the formation and deployment of troops to curb the violence.
The Sovereign Council, on Tuesday, again announced the formation of a new joint force to protect civilians in Darfur after a meeting of the Joint Higher Council for Security Arrangements chaired by Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
The task force will consist of the Sudanese army, Rapid Support Forces, armed groups, General Intelligence service and the Police, said the statement adding that its joint command is based in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.
Its mandate includes preventing and deterring insecurity, collecting weapons, offenders handover to justice and contributing seriously and effectively to the protection of civilians.
Several reports from the region indicate the rise of attacks between the Arab tribes and other tribes in West and South Darfur states.
On December 3, the medical group Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors (CCSD) said at least 45 people were recently killed in South Darfur.
On December 6, the CCSD reported that 48 people were killed in the Kereinek area of West Darfur state.
In a report released last November about the increase of violence in Darfur, the African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) say that the Arab groups fear changes the regime change may produce and lose the lands they control thanks to the former regime.
(ST)