UNAMID voices concern over bombing of two localities in South Darfur

May 16, 2011 (EL FASHER) – The head of Darfur peacekeeping mission has voiced deep concern today over the bombing of two locations in South Darfur by the Sudanese air army.

The Darfur Lawyers Association reported on Sunday that warplanes bombarded Labado and Esheraya, located 30km south of El Daein, in South Darfur. The group further said that 11 civilians were killed and seven others wounded during the bombing in Esheraya in South Darfur.

“African Union – United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) Joint Special Representative (JSR) Ibrahim Gambari is deeply concerned over recent air strikes in South Darfur,” said a press release put out by the hybrid operation.

Gambari was quoted by the statement as calling on the “parties” in Darfur to “exercise the utmost restraint in the use of lethal force”.

He further said that the “belligerents have a moral responsibility and obligation to respect humanitarian law and the rights of the innocent caught in the violence”.

However the peacekeeping mission did not confirm the number of deaths cited by Darfur lawyers saying it is sending teams to investigate the incidents.

No rebel group mentioned an attack on its positions in Darfur.

Rebel groups and rights activist blamed the largest peacekeeping operation for its silence over the regular bombing of civilian areas in the restive region.

(ST)