UNAMID chief tackles security issues with N. Darfur camp leaders

August 5, 2009 (KHARTOUM) –The head of Darfur hybrid mission, Rodolphe Adada, today discussed ways to improve security situation with local leaders (Umda) of Abu Shouk Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp near the capital of North Darfur state, El Fasher.

This meeting comes after the killing of Chief Umda, Omer Adam Isaac (alias Saroukh) last Sunday in his house at the IDPs camp with his wife. Abu Shouk camp is the home of some 90,000 residents forced from their homes by more than six years of violence.

In a meeting held with the North Darfur Governor, Mr. Othman Kibir, on Monday, Adada called on the state authorities to investigate the murder and bring those responsible to justice.

The meeting discussed improved security measures and protection of IDPs living there, the UNAMID said today. The UNAMID chief stressed the need for unity among the camp leaders “UNAMID could only work well with a coherent and united team of leaders,” he said.

He said that UNAMID had prioritized community policing on its agenda and the camp’s residents needed to extend meaningful cooperation with the UNAMID in the form of a joint approach to security and exchange of information inside the camp.

The Umdas for their part were concerned about their own protection and ongoing criminal activities in the camp, among other issues. They also raised concerns that UNAMID’s mandate did not extend to executive policing powers of arrest and detention. The IDPs leaders further requested that UN patrols work closely with them in deploying patrol vehicles to problematic areas in the camp.

Meanwhile, Adada reiterated that UNAMID was not in Darfur to replace the Government of Sudan, but to work with it to improve the safety and security of all Darfuris, especially IDPs.

However, “UNAMID therefore needed to collaborate with community leaders,” he said.

The Umda will meet with UNAMID Police in the upcoming days to further explore proposals that were put forward at the meeting.

An estimated 2.6 million people have been displaced in Darfur since fighting began in 2003, pitting Government forces and allied Janjaweed militiamen against rebel groups, and as many as 4.7 million people have been left totally dependent on humanitarian aid.

(ST)