North Darfur: Despite the overall decline of violence in Darfur since the signing of the DPA, due to the reduction in clashes between the Government and SLA forces, banditry, rape, cattle rustling and targeted attacks on INGO compounds and UN convoys, as well as the African Union, continue to pose a threat to peace. During the reporting period, North Darfur was particularly restive, witnessing the spectacular abduction of six IOM staff by the SLM/A-Wahid in Irgue, 50km West of Kutum. The concerned staff were released after a day, following the joint intervention of the UN and AU. In addition, on 14 June, an AMIS patrol was detained for several hours by the SLM/A-Wahid in Kaguro, 43km Southeast of Kebkabiya. The group cited non-acceptance of the DPA as their general grievance. Furthermore, they requested the AU to obtain express permission from the SLM/A leadership in El-Fasher, before undertaking any further patrols.
This week also saw renewed inter-SLM/A fighting in Kulkul and Korma on 12 and 13 June, respectively. Although the fighting in Kulkul, currently under the control of SLM/A-Wahid, was instigated by the SLM/A-Minawi, the incidents in Korma appear to have been sparked by a SLM/A-Wahid offensive, probably in a bid to regain lost territory. No details of the latter attack, or the number of casualties, are currently known. UNMIS will continue to encourage and support AMIS in the implementation of its mandate, including resuming its vital operations around the Kalma, Abou Shouk and Zalingei camps.
For the first time since his most recent detention, UNMIS gained access to SLM/A stalwart, Suleiman Jamous, on 15 June. During his meeting with Mr. Minawi on 16 June, SRSG Pronk discussed Mr. Jamous' Release for the purposes of obtaining medical treatment. Mr. Minawi promised to free Jamous, through the UN. - United Nations Sudan Situation Report 13 - 20 Jun 2006 via ReliefWeb 20 June 2006.
No comments:
Post a Comment