Darfur civilians are frustrated by 5 years of insecurity – UN official
February 23, 2008 (KHARTOUM) – UN humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, has urged to speed the full deployment of international troops in Darfur saying civilians are frustrated by the lack of security since five year.
Ameerah Haq, during her visit to Sirba in West Darfur, where Khartoum recent attacks have left a trail of civilian casualties and destruction, stated that “the people are clearly frustrated and they told me it has been five years since they have been asking for this and we have not been able to respond and we see the results of where we are now.”
“I think a situation likes this just means donor capitals and Khartoum and everyone must realize that troop deployment has to take place very rapidly.” She added.
She said that the UN can provide humanitarian relief to the population in the affected areas. However she stressed “But the clear message obviously is that what the people really want is protection. They are looking for security. The ability to provide that – whether from the government or the international community – is still a long way away.”
Recent attacks by government forces and armed militia on Abu Suruj, Sirba and Silia have left destruction, displacement, and civilian casualties. In Jebel Moon, North of Genina, the toll of civilian casualties is expected to rise due to the ongoing fighting. Civilians and IDPs fleeing the initial fighting are believed to be caught in the cross-fire.
UNAMID and humanitarian agencies still lack access to the Jebel Moon area. The peacekeeping mission has communicated to the government its concern for the safety of civilians and expressed its desire to open a safe passage for humanitarian relief in Jebel Moon, at the soonest possible time.
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Ameerah Haq, escorted by UNAMID peacekeepers, led a team of UN humanitarian agencies to Sirba, on Thursday February 21, in an effort to further coordinate response to the humanitarian crisis in the affected areas North of Genina.
The UN official seemed angered by the continuing violence and the lack of strong action from the international community to curb this escalation of violence.
(ST)