Central Darfur government moves to Jebel Marra to supervise IDP’s return

May 13, 2016 (ZALINGEI) – The government of Central Darfur it would run the state’s affairs from Gulu area in Jebel Marra, 56 km. east of the capital; Zalingei in order to oversee the return of the IDP’s following the recent military operations.

More than 2000 people from Gulu have been displaced by the fierce clashes which occurred since last January between the government army and the rebel Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM-AW) led by Abel-Wahid al-Nur.

Governor of Central Darfur state Gaafar Abdel-Hakam, who addressed the conference of the Islamic Movement in Zalingei on Thursday, said the cabinet and the government bodies and institutions would move to Gulu area next week to supervise the return of the IDP’s to their original villages.

He pointed that his government would oversee the work of the services and humanitarian support committee on the ground to provide the necessary needs for the returnees to start the growing season on time.

Jebel Marra, which spans over three states including North, Central and South Darfur, is located at a water-rich area that is characterized by mild climate.

On 12 April, the Sudanese army declared Darfur a region free of rebellion following the capture of Srounq area, the last SLM-AW stronghold in Jebel Marra.

Abdel-Hakam added that his government would discuss all issues of the returnees particularly those pertaining to security and stability, pointing to the importance to take into account views of the returnees on issues of security, peace and development.

He stressed that official and popular delegations besides humanitarian convoys would also make proposals to offer sustainable solutions for the returnees’ problems.

United Nations agencies estimate that over 120,000 people have been displaced by the fighting in Jebel Marra area since last January.

(ST)