Men set fire to Darfur IDP camp, killing two

March 25, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — Two internally displaced persons (IDPs) were killed in a fire outbreak at Abu Zar camp in West Darfur, according to the UN-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID).

The blaze spread relatively quickly in the camp near the West Darfur state capital because of strong winds at the camp, affecting as many as 1,500 residents, said UNAMID.

One woman died at the scene and a 22-year-old male died later after being taken to hospital. Three other seriously injured IDPs are receiving medical treatment at El Geneina hospital.

An eye-witness told Radio Dabanga that some men fled from the scene just after the fire started. The radio also reported from a source who attended a meeting of local authorities in South Darfur that these authorities wanted to forcibly evacuate three IDP camps–Battery, Salaam and Abuja–by setting fire to them. The meeting was held Wednesday in Kass Kebir to coordinate this activity.

Residents likewise informed a joint team of UNAMID military and police personnel that two armed men in military uniform and two others in civilian clothes were seen entering the camp, starting the fire about 12:30 a.m., and then fleeing.

“Senior UNAMID military and police officials, speaking on behalf of the Mission, expressed their deep concern to the IDPs at Abu Zar following the incident,” said a statement from the peacekeeping operation.

(ST)