African Union monitor shot in Sudan’s Darfur

KHARTOUM, Mar 30, 2005 (Sudan Tribune) — Confirmed reports have been received that an AU monitor has been shot yesterday while returning to Nyala after conducting an investigation in the Khorabeche area a location situated approximately 50
km from Nyala.

Rwandan soldiers guard the funeral of a man killed by Janjaweed in Al Fasher, North Darfur State March 1, 2005.

The five man team were in a vehicle with two persons in the front seat and three in the back. As the attack took place, a shot was fire through the middle of the vehicles windscreen which in turn hit the victim who was
reported to have been sitting in the middle position of the back seat.

The bullet has passed through the windscreen and ended up lodging itself in the
throat of the monitor.

The driver of the vehicle also sustained facial injuries caused by what is
believed to be glass from the windscreen. These injuries have been reported
as moderate. The actual timing of the attack is unknown but it is believed that it took place at about 10:30 hrs.

At this stage no information could be given as to the identity of the offenders. It needs to be noted that the area which the AU were traveling through is a known SLA stronghold but which is also known to have Pro Government Arab Militia present.

Both monitors are still alive and are at present in Nyala awaiting to be
air lifted to Khartoum. The monitor who has the throat wound is reported to
be in a stable but serious condition and it is unknown at this stage if the
wound is life threatening.