UN accuse Sudan of intimidating Darfur peacekeepers

November 23, 2009 (WASHINGTON) – A United Nations report released today accused the Sudanese government of breaching the status of force agreement with regard to the African Union-United Nations mission in Darfur (UNAMID) by placing impediments on the movement of its peacekeepers in the war ravaged region.

The UN Secretary General said in the report that “freedom of movement continues to be a serious concern for UNAMID and many of the agencies in Darfur”.

“Since January 2009, there have been at least 42 incidents in which a UNAMID patrol was denied passage by a Government official, including incidents in which Government officials specifically threatened the safety of UNAMID staff and equipment”

Among the incidents recounted were preventing UNAMID staff from investigating clashes in areas that’s witnessed fighting as well as IDP camps.

The UNAMID flights have been the most problematic with more red tape imposed by Sudanese authorities and going as far as threatening to shoot them down “despite the clear right to patrol provided for in the Status of Forces Agreement”.

The UN chief also expressed concern over kidnappings and assault on international staff in Darfur saying it means that activities “of UNAMID and the agencies will continue to be a risky and dangerous undertaking”.

He urged all parties to “unconditionally” guarantee safety and security of all workers in Darfur.

The report content prompted an angry response from the ambassador to the UN Abdel-Mahmood Abdel-Haleem who told Reuters today that “with peace in sight” UNAMID “should plan for an exit strategy”.

“One big fact should be the focus of the report — that the war is over,” he told Reuters.

Top UNAMID officials said this year that the conflict in Darfur is a “low intensity” one, a description that Western diplomats have objected to.

(ST)