Sudan accuses UNAMID of delaying demobilization of ex-combatants

June 28, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese government accused the hybrid peacekeeping mission known as (UNAMID) of procrastinating the demobilization of the former combatants from the government side.

In line with the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD), the UNAMID heads the ceasefire commission and support the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) process which is conducted by a government body.

The DDR commissioner, Salah al-Tayeb Awad, on Sunday accused the joint mission of delaying the demobilization of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) the paramilitary Popular Defence Forces (PDF) saying this position is a clear breach of the DDPD.

He further said the UNAMID continues to delay the enforcement of demobilization projects without giving any logical reasons , adding sometimes they refuse to accommodate SAF and PDF elements and at other times they apologize claiming a shortage of funds.

“The (DDR) Commission considers the procrastinating positions of UNAMID as threat for security throughout Darfur because it supports the positions of rebel groups and represents a clear violation of the Darfur peace agreement signed in Doha, in particular item of security arrangements, which emphasizes on the non-discrimination between the formerly warring groups when they are absorbed in reintegration programmes,” Awad said.

The accusation is seen as a new blow in the strained relations between the Sudanese government and UNAMID which the UN Security Council is set to extend its mandate for additional 12 months.

(ST)