Peacekeeper abducted briefly by militia in Darfur
July18, 2008 (KHARTOUM) – Once again Darfur peacekeepers today come under terrible attack near the capital of West Darfur state breaking the small trust and credit that Darfur people placed in the hybrid peacekeeping mission.
Armed Arab militiamen abducted briefly a UNAIMD peacekeeper at “approximately 11:44 am, near the UNAMID military base in El Genina – within close proximity to El Genina airport.” The hybrid mission said today.
The assailants stripped of official and personal belongings, and physically assaulted, the statement added.
However the peacekeeper was released following the intervention of a Sudan National Security official.
UNAMID avoided opening fire in response to avoid further aggravating the situation and in consideration of the lives of the civilian population in that area.
The militia moved in a convoy, made up of approximately 1000 men on camel, horseback and in 4wd vehicles.
UNAMID condemned the attack on its peacekeepers requesting that “peacekeepers should not, in any way, be made party to the conflict.”
According the UN, up to 300,000 people have died from the combined effects of war, famine and disease and more than 2.2 million have fled their homes since the Darfur conflict broke out in February 2003. However Khartoum dismisses the figures saying only 10 thousands were killed.
(ST)
The Wiseman
Peacekeeper abducted briefly by militia in Darfur
Are the millitias not under the authority of the Khartoum government? There should be another step taken instead of only condemning the abduction when it is clearly the sponsorship of the government to abuse human rights in Darfur.
Omar is a former friend of Sadam Huseine and will die like Sadam with out enjoying praises of having lead a big nation like Sudan.