Darfur: Kidnap of Aid Workers

SOAT

On 19 September 2005 at 13.00hrs, three armed men in civilian clothing attacked a Sudan Social Development Organization (SUDO) vehicle and kidnapped three of SUDO staff members inside ZamZam Internally Displaced Camp (IDP), on the outskirts of Al Fashir. The details of the aid workers are as follows:

1. Salah Idris Mohamed, (45yrs), Coordinator of SUDO in Alfashir

2. Ahmed AbaKar Musa; Accountant

3. Salim Mohamed Salim, ZamZam camp SUDO Coordinator

The kidnappers stole 4 million Sudanese Pounds from the SUDO accountant and ordered the aid workers to drive out of ZamZam Camp and to drive towards Southern ZamZam Camp. According to eye witness account, the vehicle was seen heading towards the rebel group, Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) controlled areas, Southern Hashaba.

Background

SUDO is a locally registered NGO with active presence in Darfur. Its humanitarian activities in the region include workshops on human rights and humanitarian assistance to the IDP population. As a result of its activities, it has become a particular target for the security forces.

SOAT appeals to all the rebel groups and to the government to immediately take all steps to ensure the culture of impunity which has produced widespread criminality, banditry and lawlessness is not further strengthened.

SOAT calls on all the parties to the conflict:

Refrain from any action that might impede the ongoing peace process;
Ensure safe passage and to refrain from attacks on aid organisations to enable them to carry out their humanitarian activities;
To exercise their sole authority throughout their controlled areas including to ensure a lessening in the activities of marauding militias and bandits;
Guarantee the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of association throughout Sudan in accordance with national laws and international human rights standards.

SOAT is international human rights organisation established in the UK in 1993. If you have any questions about this or any other SOAT information, please contact us:

SOAT
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