26 January 2009 -- UNAMID expresses grave concern over the events in North Darfur

16 Mar 2009

26 January 2009 -- UNAMID expresses grave concern over the events in North Darfur

El Fasher, 26 Jan 2009 - UNAMID is gravely concerned over the disturbing events that have taken place today close to the city of El Fasher, North Darfur.

Explosions, shelling, mortars and sounds of fighter jets alerted the inhabitants of El Fasher at early hours of the day and gave room to spreading rumors that the city was under attack by one of the armed Movements and that the Sudanese Armed Forces were defending the city and repulsing the attack.

Reports of the possible attack sent an immediate wave of fear among the people and created a sense of uncertainty of what might come next. The market was closed, the traffic jammed and school children were sent back to their homes.

Although things are getting back to normal two hours after the events and despite the touring of the city by the Governor himself to ease the tensions, the situation is still tense.

UNAMID recalls its mandate to protect civilians and voices caution over the humanitarian situation that might further deteriorate because of the continued violence.

The Joint Special Representative (JSR), Rodolphe Adada, expresses grave concern over the safety and security of the people in North Darfur and the region at large, warning that such escalations of insecurity would impede delivery of humanitarian assistance to the population.

“I call upon all warring parties to instantly cease hostilities and end this cycle of violence that would only add to the suffering of the people of Darfur” the JSR stressed.
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