UN condemns UNAMID looting, urges protection of liquidation team

December 25, 2021 (KHARTOUM) -Spokesperson for the UN  Secretary-General condemned the looting of the former UNMAID base in El-Fasher of North Darfur urged the Sudanese authorities to protect the remaining liquidation civil and military personnel.

The crowd forcefully entered into the northern part of the UNAMID logistic base where they looted property and equipment, three days after its handover on 21 December to the state authorities.

“The Secretary-General condemns the looting and reported violence occurring around the former United Nations logistics base in El Fasher since 24 December 2021 in a part of the former base (…), said Farhan Haq, UN Deputy Spokesperson on Saturday.

“The safety of personnel from the former United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur, UNAMID, that remain at the base is of paramount concern at present,”  Hag stressed.

In her speech at the handover ceremony on December 21, Khardiata Lo N’Diaye, UNITAMS Deputy Head said concerned about “the safety and security of UNAMID liquidation team and integrity of the assets”.

She urged the Sudanese authorities to protect UNAMID personnel and take robust measures to prevent any “threats or violence towards the camp and personnel”.

The  United Nations still has a team in the Super Camp outside El-Fasher tasked with the liquidation process until the end of June 2022.

There are two UN police officers and 360 police personnel, as well as 130 international staff, 155 national staff, 3 temporary positions and 15 United Nations Volunteers.

Hag expressed hope that the Sudanese authorities put an end to the looting in El Fasher, and that the remaining infrastructure, equipment and assets can be administered for civilian use.

Darfur Governor Minni Minnawi condemned the looting, adding he directed to investigate the incident.

(ST)