Security situation in Darfur remains volatile – UN

Dec 4, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — Despite the fact that less security incidents have been reported over the last week compared to previous weeks of the month of November, the situation in Darfur remains nevertheless volatile, the UN said today.

According to a News bulletin by the spokesperson of UNMIS in Khartoum, government backed militia attacked twice a village in North Darfur. Aid workers were evacuated because of insecurity in West Darfur.

In North Darfur, Government forces and militia reportedly attacked twice Abu Sakeen village on 1 and 2 December and burned it down. There reports on civilian casualties and reports indicate that all livestock of the villagers was looted.

In South Darfur, two vehicles of an INGO were stopped on 2 December by GoS military at the outskirts of Menawasi town on their way to Deribat. The GoS soldiers said that no NGO is allowed to cross Menawasi and move north toward Jebel Marra.

In West Darfur, the United Nations evacuated on 3 December a total of 32 international and national INGO staff from Abu Shurug, Silea, and Kulbus. The action was taken at the request of the INGOs because of insecurity along the border areas.

Still in West Darfur, on 2 December, an INGO vehicle was stopped by two armed men riding on a camel about 2 km from Gemeza Barbikar. They INGOs staff were robbed of their money and phones before they were allowed to proceed with trip.

(ST)