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Sudan Tribune

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UN accuse Sudan of intimidating Darfur peacekeepers

November 23, 2009 (WASHINGTON) – A United Nations report released today accused the Sudanese government of breaching the status of force agreement with regard to the African Union-United Nations mission in Darfur (UNAMID) by placing impediments on the movement of its peacekeepers in the war ravaged region.

An UNAMID peacekeeper patrols at the Abu Shouk refugee camp, near the Darfur town of al-Fasher, Sudan (AP)
An UNAMID peacekeeper patrols at the Abu Shouk refugee camp, near the Darfur town of al-Fasher, Sudan (AP)
The UN Secretary General said in the report that “freedom of movement continues to be a serious concern for UNAMID and many of the agencies in Darfur”.

“Since January 2009, there have been at least 42 incidents in which a UNAMID patrol was denied passage by a Government official, including incidents in which Government officials specifically threatened the safety of UNAMID staff and equipment”

Among the incidents recounted were preventing UNAMID staff from investigating clashes in areas that’s witnessed fighting as well as IDP camps.

The UNAMID flights have been the most problematic with more red tape imposed by Sudanese authorities and going as far as threatening to shoot them down “despite the clear right to patrol provided for in the Status of Forces Agreement”.

The UN chief also expressed concern over kidnappings and assault on international staff in Darfur saying it means that activities “of UNAMID and the agencies will continue to be a risky and dangerous undertaking”.

He urged all parties to “unconditionally” guarantee safety and security of all workers in Darfur.

The report content prompted an angry response from the ambassador to the UN Abdel-Mahmood Abdel-Haleem who told Reuters today that “with peace in sight” UNAMID “should plan for an exit strategy”.

“One big fact should be the focus of the report — that the war is over,” he told Reuters.

Top UNAMID officials said this year that the conflict in Darfur is a “low intensity” one, a description that Western diplomats have objected to.

(ST)

4 Comments

  • Samson Shawel Ambaye
    Samson Shawel Ambaye

    UN accuse Sudan of intimidating Darfur peacekeepers
    God be with UNAMID. Unless Bashir is arrested Darfur won’t be free.

    Reply
  • Akuma
    Akuma

    UN accuse Sudan of intimidating Darfur peacekeepers
    Please United Nations is working with person who is on power.

    If United Nations defend on accusing Sudan government and procastinate to bring peace to Darfur People, then the situation will deteriorate and UNIMID will suffer until Darfur is control by Janiweed militias

    Dr. Akuma. Chicago USA

    Reply
  • Njara Ndarago
    Njara Ndarago

    UN accuse Sudan of intimidating Darfur peacekeepers
    Whether Bashir like or don’t like it his days on this planet earth is numbered to a smallest extend. Darfur will later become a peaceful place on earth again because Bashir will die in prison at the Hague. That’s it

    Reply
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