No proof to Sudan’s allegations of peacekeeper misconduct in Darfur – UNAMID

April 15, 2008 (NYALA) — The Darfur hybrid mission said tests failed to confirm allegations by Sudanese authorities that one of its officers committed immoral practices in the war-torn Darfur region.

An officer serving with the hybrid mission in Nyala, capital of South Darfur state was detained by local authorities on 13 April 2008 on the grounds of alleged misconduct inside a house in the quarter of Nyala airport.

In a press statement issued today the UNAMID said that medical tests undertaken at the request of local police “proved negative.” However the joint mission pledged to probe the case.

“UNAMID has initiated an investigation into this case and certainly will take appropriate measures should such allegations prove founded.”

The officer was later handed over to UNAMID, as per the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) signed between the Government of Sudan and UNAMID.

“Peacekeepers are expected to respect the culture and traditions of the host country and show the highest standards of conduct at all times,” the joint mission stated.

National Congress Party in the state of South Darfur yesterday condemned immoral practices perpetrated by the peacekeeping troops, saying that these deeds trespassing the moral code of the citizens in the state.

Ali Mahmoud, the Governor South Darfur, called Darfur hybrid forces to abide by the agreements concluded with the Sudanese government. He stressed the need to vacate rented houses within the city by these forces in order to avoid occurrence of such outrageous acts.

In the past the African Union troops in Darfur had been accused of committing sexual abuse in Sudan’s Darfur region. However it seems this time that the alleged accusations concern alcohol drinking.

In northern Sudan, where the prevailing Shari’a laws are applied, Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited.

(ST)