Sudanese army bar UNAMID from investigating fresh clashes in North Darfur

December 21, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese army has prevented an investigation team from the joint peacekeeping mission from investigation recent fight that caused new wave of internal displacement in North Darfur.

The African Union – United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) in a statement released on Friday said it was concerned “about the safety of civilians and the humanitarian situation in these IDP camps”, which is the core of its mandate.

According to the Mission, new civilians, displaced from different villages in Shangil Tobaya and Tawila areas, arrived to Naivasha and Tawila camps in North Darfur following new attacks by alleged armed groups and air strikes by the Sudanese army.

The Shangil Tobaya attacks occurred on 12 December while the clashes in Tawila villages took place on 19 December.

Citing its sources, the UNAMID further said one combatant was killed and two civilians were wounded during a clash between Sudanese forces and an unknown armed group at Tibadiyat village, in the south-east of Shanghil Tobaya.

The hybrid mission also reported unverified reports about rape and looting by the armed groups.

Following these reports, UNAMID dispatched a patrol to investigate the ground and air attacks but it was denied access at Shanghil Tobaya.

North Darfur State is one of the most troubled states in the region where different rebel groups clash regularly with the Sudanese army. The state has recently witnessed some tribal conflicts.

“UNAMID calls on all parties involved to keep civilians out of harm’s way and to grant the Mission unrestricted access and freedom of movement across Darfur,” the statement said

The Mission also warns that continued fighting could lead to a catastrophic humanitarian situation for the displaced civilians in North Darfur.

“The arrival of newly displaced persons puts additional pressure on the resources and services available inside IDP camps, especially in light of limited access to water, health, medical and education facilities,” he mission further stressed.

PEACEKEEPER KILLS 3 BEFORE COMMITTING SUICIDE

In statements to Reuters on Friday UNAMID spokesperson Aicha Elbasri said a peacekeeper killed three others before to kill himself.

The spokesperson did not elaborate on the cause of the incident but said the shooting took place at a UNAMID site in Mukjar in West Darfur on Thursday.

(ST)