Hundreds still sheltering at UN-AU camp as Darfur fighting lulls

May 26, 2009 (EL-FASHER) – More than 210 civilians were still seeking shelter near the UN-African Union military camp in a small town in North Darfur that was temporarily overrun by rebels following an attack Sunday, peacekeepers said Tuesday.

During earlier fighting that continued into Monday, about 350 civilians had gathered around the peacekeepers’ camp in Um Baru, as well as about 100 unarmed army forces and militiamen, the peacekeeping Mission (UNAMID) stated today.

The displaced require humanitarian assistance, including food, water and tents, said UNAMID, though the peacekeepers are able to provide medical assistance. At least seven people – including three civilians – still need to be evacuated for further medical treatment, said the peacekeepers.

According to UNAMID, relative calm has returned to Um Baru, adding that the situation in unpredictable. Peacekeepers at Um Baru say Sudanese soldiers and allied SLA/MM elements are now in control of their military position near the town following the fighting.

Aerial bombardments were reported in the area Monday as government forces rushed to re-take the town, JEM military spokesperson Ali Alwafi told Sudan Tribune yesterday.

Sunday’s clashes represent the second time in eight days that JEM elements have attacked a Sudanese military position in North Darfur. On 16 May, they attacked government forces based near the town of Kornoi. In both battles they claimed victory over army forces backed by a former rebel wing led by Minni Minawi.

(ST)