Residents of Kalma camp praise peacekeeping efforts in Darfur

July 24, 2009 (PARIS) — The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Kalma, one of largest South Darfur camps, praised efforts exerted by the hybrid peacekeeping mission for their protection and to ease difficult conditions they face.

Kalma camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) is located near Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, and is home to about 90,000 people. Government forces targeted the camp in an August 25 raid that killed dozens of Kalma residents.

Sudanese authorities describe the Kalma camp as a den of outlaws and armed robbers hoarding weapons, ammunition, explosives, narcotics and stolen goods.

Following the killing of 32 people in August 2008, the UNAMID issued a strongly worded statement condemning the “excessive force” used by Sudanese authorities against residents of the Kalma camp. But the IDPs blamed the mission saying it did not intervene to protect them.

In a breakthrough ending a year of misunderstanding and mistrust, the IDPs wrote a letter, dated July 22, to the head of the peacekeeping mission hailing the efforts done for their security and to resolve their differences with the Sudanese authorities.

In the apology letter obtained by Sudan Tribune, the leaders of Kalma camp hailed a recent meeting that UNAMID held with them to mediate a compromise with the Sudanese authorities. They also eulogized humanitarian assistance provided by the mission after the eviction of 13 aid groups from the county last March.

The residents of the camp also apologized for their criticism to a report by UNMAID chief, Rodolphe Adada, before the UN Security Council last May where he spoke about the improvement of security situation in Darfur. “Some 130-150 people were dying each month due to violence in Darfur, versus the tens of thousands who were killed in 2003-2004,” he said.

The UNAMID which suffered during 2008 from lack of troops has now on the ground 13491 military personel,1845 police,1115 Formed Police Units,1109 international staff from more than 100 countries, 2255 national staff and 335 UN Volunteers.

The peacekeeping operation currently organizes regular patrols day and night to avert attacks against the civilians in Darfur. Also, it conducts confidence building meetings and visits in the war-ravaged region.

In a separate request –letter the IPDs representatives asked Adada to put barb wire around the camp. They further called to construct major streets in the camps with lighting in order to reduce nighttime attacks.

Noureddine Mezni, the UNAMID spokesperson welcomed the move saying the mission commends this initiative and looks forward for better relations with Darfur IDPs and civilians.

He added that the peacekeeping operation is keen to enhance confidence and to have good relations with all Darfur parties to achieve its mandate in the areas of security, end of violence and to create conducive environment for peace.

(ST)