Security Situation in Darfur April 27 & 29 - UNAMID continues to follow developments in South Darfur

Darfur/UNAMID Daily Media Brief 2010-04-29
From United Nations – African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID)
EL FASHER (DARFUR), Sudan, April 30, 2010/APO:

Security situation in Darfur
The security situation in Darfur remains relatively calm, but unpredictable. UNAMID continues to follow developments in South Darfur.

UNAMID military forces conducted 96 patrols including routine, short range, long range, night, and Humanitarian escort patrols, covering 74 villages and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps during the reporting period.

UNAMID police advisors also conducted 134 patrols in villages and IDP camps.

UNAMID DJSR Anyidoho begins farewell tour of Darfur
As he approaches the end of his tenure as UNAMID’s Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR/P), Henry Anyidoho today began his farewell tour with a visit to Nyala, South Darfur.

Upon arriving at UNAMID’s regional office in Nyala, the DJSR/P first addressed the Mission’s personnel, expressing his gratitude for their support during his term. Later, in a special ceremony, he was honored with a military guard and presented with plaques of recognition from each of the Nigerian, Chinese, Bangladeshi and Pakistani battalions stationed in the region.

Next week, the DJSR/P plans to visit UNAMID’s offices in El Geneina and Zalingei in West Darfur.

DJSR Anyidoho served with the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS). He was appointed to his present post in August 2007, when UNAMID was established. During his tenure, the Mission saw the deployment of its uniformed and civilian personnel reach over 85% and witnessed immense strides made in the Darfur peace process.

Before arriving in Darfur, Henry Anyidoho, a decorated retired General from the Ghanaian army, served in peacekeeping missions around the world, including Lebanon, Cambodia, Liberia and Rwanda. He also headed the UN Assistance Cell that provided strategic level advice to AMIS.

Darfur/UNAMID Daily Media Brief 2010-04-27
From United Nations – African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID)
EL FASHER (DARFUR), Sudan, April 28, 2010/APO:

Security situation
The security situation in Darfur remains relatively calm, but unpredictable. UNAMID continues to follow developments in South Darfur.

UNAMID military forces conducted 99 patrols including routine, short range, long range, night, and Humanitarian escort patrols, covering 98 villages and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps during the reporting period. UNAMID police advisors also conducted 126 patrols in villages and IDP camps.

UNAMID Police Commissioner ends his tour of duty
UNAMID Police Commissioner Micheal Fryer of South Africa has ended his tour of duty after serving the Mission for two years. He was appointed by the Chairperson of the African Union, in consultation with the United Nations Secretary-General, in November 2007 to head the police component of the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur.

Commissioner Fryer was responsible for implementing all aspects of the UNAMID police mandate, providing greater security and stability to the people of Darfur. He has undertaken several challenging tasks since the inception of the Mission, including building confidence for the people of Kalma internally displaced persons (IDPs) camp, organizing long range patrols from El Obeid to El Fasher, a distance of more than 700 kilometers bringing vital Mission equipment and vehicles. The Commissioner also led long distance patrols in and around villages and IDP camps throughout the region in order to build confidence with the local community, establish relations with the local police and enhance security.

Before his appointment, Mr. Fryer headed his country’s police force’s Specialized Operation Division for several years and, prior to this, served as Commander of the South African Special Task Force.

Human Rights workshop on peacekeeping operations begins in Geneva
UNAMID senior officials yesterday joined representatives from over 20 other agencies and peacekeeping operations in Geneva for the start of a three-day seminar on the integration of human rights in the work of UN police and military components in peace operations.

The workshop aims at providing a forum for the exchange of ideas on how to enhance cooperation between Human Rights and uniformed components in such areas as monitoring, advocacy, capacity building and the protection of civilians.

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On Friday 23 April in S. Darfur, W. Sudan:

50 killed, 80 injured in Rizeigat-SPLA clashes

Fifty Killed in Rizeigat-SPLA Clashes
From SRS - Sudan Radio Service:

Monday, 26 April 2010 - (Al-Rizeigat) – More than 50 people were killed and over 80 others injured following clashes between the SPLA and the Rizeigat community in southern Darfur.

According to Reuters, an SPLA soldier killed 5 officials from the National Congress Party in Raja, Western Bahr al Ghazal state during the five days of voting which began on April 11.

The commissioner of Al-Rizeigat, Al-Hadi al-Mahdi, confirmed to SRS on Sunday [25 April] that there had been clashes in the area.

[Al-Hadi al-Mahdi]: “Yesterday, I went to that area myself and I have seen a number of people injured. This situation is very dangerous and it might worsen if the authorities do not intervene to stop it. We are definitely against such actions. The SPLA attacked Al-Rizeigat, particularly in the Al-Balballa area which is around 286 kilometers south of Al-Deain town. A lot of people died and others were affected in other ways following the attack. This has been going on for three days now, today being the fourth. Yesterday it was a bit calm. What we know is that from Al-Rizeigat around 58 people died and 80 others were injured. We do not know how many were killed or injured from the SPLA side.”

SRS also spoke to the SPLM secretary in Southern Darfur who confirmed the incidents.

Suleiman Eshak spoke to SRS by phone on Sunday from Nyala.

[Suleiman Eshak]: “We got information yesterday that there had been some clashes between SPLA forces and the Rizeigat. We haven’t yet found out what exactly caused the fighting but one thing for sure is the fact that both sides have lost some of their men. We have sent a delegation to the areas to investigate and come up with a report. We have not yet been able to confirm the exact number of persons killed.”

Eshak urged the communities living in the border between Darfur and southern Sudan to live together peacefully.

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Ban Jadid, S. Darfur, W. Sudan:

82 killed, 25 wounded following clashes in Al Wihda

Eighty Killed in Darfur Fighting
From SRS - Sudan Radio Service:

Friday, 23 April 2010 - (Rumbek) – At least eighty people were killed and several others injured in Ban Jadid following recent clashes in Al-Wihda payam in South Darfur state.

A citizen from Ban-Jadid who spoke to SRS under conditions of anonymity said that about 82 people have been killed.

[Voice 1 Arabic]: “These clashes were tribal fights which started at a water point between a few people and then grew and became a big fight, there has been some attacks here and there. So around 82 were killed while 25 were wounded. The attacks started yesterday at around 6.30 in the morning until around 4.30 in the evening.”

The commissioner of Al-Wehda payam, Al-Nour Jabir spoke to SRS from Darfur on Wednesday. He said the situation is now under control.

[Al-Nour Jabir]: “There had been some clashes between two groups in the Ban Jadid area in which some people lost their lives while other were wounded. But two days ago, the security forces took control of the area and ever since no clashes have been reported. There was also a committee formed to investigate on the cause of the fighting. There is also another committee which will assess the amount of damage caused.”

The commissioner of Al-Wehda payam, Al-Nour Jabir was speaking to SRS on Wednesday.

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Related reports

SPLA clashes with South Darfur tribal elements in border area
From Sudan Tribune - Sunday 25 April 2010:

April 24, 2010 (KHARTOUM) – Southern Sudan army and armed cattle herders from Rizeigat tribe clashed today in the border area between Western Bahr el-Ghazal and South Darfur, amid reports of human causalities. [...]

17 killed in clashes between SPLA, Rizeigat tribe in south Darfur
From Xinhua - Sunday, 25 April 2010 - via Global Times:

17 civilians were killed on Saturday and 11 others wounded in armed clashes between Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), the military arm of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), and Rizeigat tribe in South Darfur State in western Sudan.

"These confrontations, which took place today, came as a result of provocations by the SPLA, which infuriated members of the Rizeigat tribe at the area and pushed them to confront elements of the SPLA", Mohamed Iyssa Elaio, Chairman of Rizeigat tribe's Shura (consultation) council, told Xinhua. [...]

Southern Sudan forces attacked near Darfur: SPLA
From AFP – 3 days ago

KHARTOUM — Southern Sudanese forces have been attacked by government troops, the spokesman for the Sudan People's Liberation Army said on Saturday, but the army denied having anything to do with the operation.

"A company of 120 SPLA soldiers was attacked on Friday night by armed men wearing uniforms of the northern (central government) army that was heavily equipped," Major General Kuol Deim Kuol of the former southern rebels said.

The incident occurred in Raja district in the southern state of Western Bahr al-Ghazal, which borders the war-torn western region of Darfur. [...]

Head of Darfur authority urges to deal seriously with tribal fighting‎
From Sudan Tribune - Friday, 23 April 2010:

April 22, 2010 (KHARTOUM) - Minni Minnawi, Sudanese Senior Presidential Assistant and head of Darfur transitional authority urged the government of South Darfur state to use the necessary means to stop tribal fighting in South Darfur.

During a meeting held in Nyala on Wednesday with the South Darfur caretaker governor Omer Abdel Jabar, the head of Darfur transitional authority asked the state government to act seriously in order stop the fighting between the local tribes.

Clashes between between Rizeigat and Al-Saada tribes in Wohda district over cattle rustling during this week resulted in the killing of more than 50 people and the burning to different villages. The state authorities were accused of not reacting swiftly to stop the tribal fighting. [...]

Clashes kill over 52 in Darfur
From AfricaNews.com Thursday, 22 April 2010 by Muhyadin Ahmed Roble, AfricaNews reporter in Nairobi, Kenya:

At least 52 people were killed in Sudan after clashes between two rival tribes in the volatile southern region. The clashes between Rizeigat and al-Sada tribes erupted on Tuesday at various areas, some 61 kilometres north of Nyala, the capital city of South Darfur State.

Reports said that the clashes resulted in the death of 40 members of al-Sada tribe and other 12 members of Rizeigat tribe.

Fifty-five others were wounded in the volatile southern region and the fighting was going on more than five hours, Khartoum’s Al Ahdath daily reported.

Clashes between rival tribes happened repeatedly in south Sudan because of disagreements over natural resources and other crimes. [...]

Over 50 killed in renewed Darfur tribal clashes
From Xinhua - via Daily Nation - Wednesday, 21 April 2010:

PHOTO: Fighters of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) led by Khalil Ibrahim in this picture taken in 2008. The rebel group signed a temporary ceasefire deal with Sudan breaking a standstill in the Darfur peace process. Photo/REUTERS

(KHARTOUM/DOHA, Wednesday) - Fifty-two civilians have been killed and 55 others wounded in renewed tribal clashes in Sudan’s South Darfur State, Khartoum media reported Wednesday.

“Violent clashes broke out Tuesday between Rizeigat and al-Sada tribes at various areas, some 61 kilometres north of Nyala, the capital city of South Darfur State,” Khartoum’s Al Ahdath daily reported.

The clashes, which involved heavy weapons and lasted for more than five hours, resulted in the killing of 40 members of al-Sada tribe and 12 members of Rizeigat tribe, according to the newspaper. [...]

52 civilians killed in renewed tribal clashes in Darfur
From China Daily (Xinhua) Wednesday, 21 April 2010:

KHARTOUM - Fifty-two civilians have been killed and 55 others wounded in renewed tribal clashes in Sudan's South Darfur State, Khartoum media reported Wednesday.

"Violent clashes broke out Tuesday between Rizeigat and al-Sada tribes at various areas, some 61 kilometers north of Nyala, the capital city of South Darfur State," Khartoum's Al Ahdath daily reported.

The clashes, which involved heavy weapons and lasted for more than five hours, resulted in the killing of 40 members of al-Sada tribe and 12 members of Rizeigat tribe, according to the newspaper.

In the meantime, Khartoum's Al Ray Al A'm daily quoted commissioner of Wohda in South Darfur State as saying that two security committees of the state and Wohda are present at the sites and that the situation has been under control. [...]

Over 50 killed after tribal clashes in South Darfur
From Sudan Tribune - Thursday, 22 April 2010:

Wednesday, 21 April 2010 (KHARTOUM) — Over Fifty civilians have been killed and dozens wounded in renewed clashes between two nomad tribes in Sudan’s South Darfur State.

The clashes broke out over cattle rustling on Tuesday between Rizeigat and Al-Saada tribes in Al-Ban Jadid, Wohda district, some 61 kilometers north of Nyala, the capital city of South Darfur State .

The clashes between the two Arab tribes, which involved heavy weapons and lasted for more than five hours, resulted in the killing of more than 50 people from both sides. However there are contradictory reports about the number of victims from each side.

Al-Sudani daily newspaper reported that Rizeigat armed elements used trucks equipped with heavy machine guns to attack and burn three villages near Al-Ban Jadid.

The Rizeigat who are living in northern Darfur and Chad are largely involved in the ongoing conflict in Darfur where they fight against the rebel groups. They clashed in the past against the Messeriya and the Turgum ethnic groups, both also are nomad groups, for the control of water sources and land.

In the meantime, Khartoum’s Al Ray Al A’m daily quoted commissioner of Wohda in South Darfur State as saying that two security committees of the state and Wohda are present at the sites and that the situation has been under control. [...]

Kass county commissioner issues decree on disarmament

From SRS - Sudan Radio Service, Wednesday, 21 April 2010:

(Kaas, Darfur) – The commissioner of Kaas county in south Darfur state on Monday issued a decree on disarmament to be carried out in the state.

Most citizens supported the move but expressed concerns over the implementation process.

[Abdallah]: “Despite the fact that this came late, we still believe it is a very good initiative. Our only concern now becomes the implementation of that order. But some questions are raised following the commissioner’s decision, such as why would he make the decision now? Could there be motives behind it that will work for his interests? For example, may be he has done that because of the elections thus he might want the citizens to see that he cares about them. So why now after the suffering that the people have undergone”

However, some citizens did not support the move saying that the exercise will not have any positive impact as some areas are excluded.

[Mohammed]: “I think they are not serious with this order, because they are suppose to disarm all the areas not only Kaas, and also they do not search the houses, so if someone is hiding a gun in the house and just walks around with it at night then do then how can that be serious? If they are planning to seriously implement this, then that is good for the citizens, but if they only expect the people not to walk with guns in the streets without planning to search the houses then who is suppose to disarm the citizens?”

Those were citizens of Kaas county, in south Darfur state speaking to SRS on Wednesday from Darfur.

Thousands in Kass in plight after attacks on Darfur villages
Radio Dabanga - via Ethiopian Review - 2nd April 2010:

Thousands of villagers have gathered in Kass amid fear of attacks and fighting in South Darfur. One observer estimated that 7000 families are in the area, but an aid worker told Radio Dabanga that the Humanitarian Aid Commission puts the number at 14,000 househoulds and 43,000 individuals in 16 locations.

An UN inter-agency team has conducted an assessment in the area but a spokesman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Khartoum could not provide details. The number is unconfirmed.

In all, some of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) came about 32 days ago but most came 8 days ago. The refugees are mainly from the Misseriya tribe but also include some from Beni Hassan, Houtia, Fur, Gimr and Taalba. They came to Kass after clashes between Misseriya and Nuwayba, a camel herding subtribe of the Rizeigat Arabs.

Misseriya IDPs described the attacks as undertaken by the government. They said that some attackers were wearing uniforms. In Bulbul, 30 kilometres from Kass, villagers fled when they heard and saw the oncoming attackers. They also witnessed attackers shoot some men and women and drive over bodies with vehicles. Minister of Defence Abdel Rahim Mohamed Hussein appointed an investigation committee to determine whether the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have been involved in the tribal clashes between the Nuwayba and Misseriya. There are no Nuwayba IDPs in Kass.

John Ratcliffe, a spokesman for the UN OCHA, said that an UN inter-agency team and partners have conducted an assessment of the situation and were delivering some nutritional and food aid. Likewise, a local source said today that CARE-Switzerland in partnership with UNICEF provided some nutrition kits to children but there were not enough for everyone.

Tearfund is planning to distribute shelters but the Humanitarian Aid Commission will not permit them to set up shelters until a location for an IDP camp is designated.

The total IDP population of Darfur is typically estimated to be 2.7 million. (Radio Dabanga)