Tensions sparked by recent clashes over IDPs' participation in the Doha peace process negotiations peaked yesterday afternoon, when hundreds of IDPs took to the streets of the camp, some protesting the talks, others supporting them. Many were armed with sticks and machetes, and sporadic shooting was heard throughout the camp. Over 7000 people, many of them women and children, sought protection at UNAMID’s local CPC, where security is ensured by the Mission’s troops and Formed Police Units (FPUs).

UNAMID has stepped up its security measures and increased its forces to ensure the safety of the people gathered around the CPC. The Mission is also working with local aid groups to provide medical assistance to those in need, including several women who had given birth. UNAMID FPUs are conducting round-the-clock patrols within the camp. The Mission’s civilian staff is mediating talks between the Community leaders, conducting other reconciliation activities and is in constant contact with the Government authorities of South Darfur. All these measures have succeeded in restoring calm to a large part of the camp.

UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative Mohammed Yonis urged all parties to exercise restraint to prevent any further violence. “Violence will only add to the people’s suffering,” he said. “It is only through working together and talking to each other that we will bring peace to this land.”

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on all parties to “address their differences through political dialogue and to refrain from any action that could incite violence.”

Communication and Public Information Division Media Contacts
Kemal Saïki, Director; saiki@un.org; tel.: +249 (0) 92 244 3529; mobile: +249 (0) 92 241 0020
Chris Cycmanick, Officer-in-Charge, Media Relations; cycmanick@un.org, mobile: +249 (0) 91 253 8436

Mayada Umbadda, Media Relations; umbadda@un.org, mobile: +249 (0) 91 250 1966