EL FASHER (DARFUR), Sudan, September 9, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- On 4 September, The African Union - United Nations Mission in Darfur (AUNAMID), received information that a Government of Sudan police team had entered Kalma camp for internally displaced people (IDPs) in South Darfur and drove down a road separating some of the camp's sectors.
Subsequent to that, about 100 IDPs, mostly youth, assembled outside UNAMID's Community Policing Centre (CPC) and stoned it. As a result, one peacekeeper suffered a light injury and the premises sustained damage. UNAMID reinforcements, sent to ensure the security of Mission personnel, were withdrawn after a short period of time.
On the morning of 5 September a group of IDPs demonstrated in front of the CPC and subsequently commenced digging a trench to prevent access to the camp.
Later the same day some 400 IDPs gathered near Beliel market to protest against the government. In the course of events shots were fired resulting in casualties to the demonstrators. The exact number of casualties is unknown at the moment. UNAMID calls on government authorities to thoroughly investigate this incident.
UNAMID, which is committed to the full implementation of its protection of civilians mandate, is concerned about escalating tensions at the camp. The Mission continues to engage the IDP leaders and government authorities at all levels with a view to avert further violence which could only serve to undermine current Sudanese and international efforts aimed at identifying peaceful solutions to the conflict in Darfur.
UNAMID emphasises the importance of restraint by all parties in and around Kalma and recalls the responsibility of all the involved sides to maintain the humanitarian character of the camps. UNAMID urges the IDPs to respect the laws of the land, refrain from criminal activities and any action that could damage prospects for achieving peace in Darfur. Likewise, UNAMID calls on government authorities to respect international and national human rights and humanitarian laws. Any disproportionate or indiscriminate use of force must be avoided.
As always, the Mission stands ready to assist the government and IDPs in the peaceful resolution of all problems existing between them.
|
