Fire devastates headquarters of UN-AU Darfur force
April 20, 2009 (EL FASHER) – During the night on Sunday, beginning at 10:30 PM, a blaze engulfed housing areas of the United Nations-African Union peacekeeping operation’s joint headquarters in Darfur, rapidly spreading into communications and supply units.
According to a preliminary assessment by the peacekeeping mission, the fire caused $5 million dollars of damages to properties of the UNAMID Communication and Information Technology services (CITS) and other assets.
The fire follows two cases of arson last month against West Darfur IDP camps, but UNAMID did not claim it had any suspicions of arson.
“Initial assessment indicates that the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit, but this is subject to confirmation after thorough investigations,” said a statement from UNAMID spokesperson, Noureddine Mezni.
Damages are estimated at $4 million from destruction of computers, Thuraya satellite phones, and safety power supply equipment in case of power failures (UPS equipment). Another $1 million in damages is due to the destruction of office furniture, a water treatment laboratory and equipment, and smaller office items.
In addition eleven container offices and two Rubb Hall warehouses were completely destroyed, said a statement from the Mission’s spokesperson. However, no one was injured.
Rwandan and Egyptian forces serving with the peacekeeping operation aided the base’s Fire Safety Unit in putting out the blaze, which raged for three hours.
North Darfur’s governor and the Sudanese Military Liaison Officer visited the scene during the blaze and again the following morning.
“The incidence does not affect the operation of the mission. Normal operations of the mission resumed with minimum delay,” Mezni said.
The Mission’s 15,500 peacekeepers are tasked with protecting 2.7 million displaced civilians in Darfur, a figure provided by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in March 2009.
(ST)