Sudan denies reports of mass rape in North Darfur
November 8, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s special prosecutor for crimes in Darfur on Saturday denied reports about mass rape in North Darfur, adding that the minister of justice directed to investigate these allegations.
The African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) on 5 November said the Sudanese authority prevented a patrol dispatched to investigate the veracity of these reports, pointing this denial of access breaches the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) signed between the two parties.
In statements released on Saturday, the special prosecutor for crimes in Darfur, Yasir Ahmed Mohamed, dismissed these reports, adding the minister of justice, Mohamed Bushara Doussa ordered them to probe these allegations immediately after his return to the country.
In accordance with the ministerial order, the special prosecutor on Saturday inspected the situation on the ground where “they verified the inaccuracy of what has been circulating in social media, and some of the local radio stations,” reported the semi-official SMC.
The prosecutor further indicated he contacted the state officials, adding “all confirmed that the area is free of complaints in this regard”.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the British foreign minister, Philip Hammond said “deeply concerned by the emerging reports from Northern Darfur” and called on the Sudanese government to allow the UNAMID to investigate these allegations
“The Government of Sudan must grant the United Nations African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) full and immediate access to the affected areas and reported victims,” said Hammond.
The United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Zainab Bangura, on Friday called on the government of Sudan to allow UN investigators “immediate and unhindered” access to the area.
(ST)