UN condemns killing of Sudanese aid worker in Central Darfur

June 11, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – United Nations office in Sudan condemned the killing of a Sudanese aid worker who died following clashes between the army and rebels inside a camp for displaced civilians in Central Darfur last Sunday.

“I strongly condemn this senseless crime”, said UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Ali Al-Za’tari in a statement released on Tuesday. He further mentioned that several civilians were wounded.

Al-Zatari urged the parties to respect “the civilian and humanitarian nature” of the camps adding that it is the “the responsibility of all parties to ensure a safe and secure environment” for the civilians in the camp.

A UN official who requested anonymity told the Agence France Presse that the Sudanese nurse was killed by a stray bullet when he was inside his home.

He added the fighting took place inside the camp after an ambush on a Sudanese army patrol without elaborating.

A humanitarian source said in statement to the AFP that the rebels should not hide in the camp and the army should be careful when it comes to conduct military operation there.

Darfur displaced civilians continue to suffer ten years after the start of the conflict in 2003 as their situation is no longer of a big concern for the international community.

Since the beginning of this year over 300.000 civilians were displaced by tribal violence and clashes between the army and the rebel groups.

(ST)