2 July 2008 – A combined patrol team of UNAMID Force and CIVPOL on a routine confidence building patrol to Zamzam IDP camp in North Darfur was obstructed by armed SLA/Minni commanders.

The incident happened at 10:30 am, 30 June, when 21 UN Police Advisors, 12 military protection force and 5 language assistants were confronted by SLA/M commanders.

The peacekeepers were prevented from conducting their patrol from and to the UNAMID camp. The reason for the action on the part of the of the SLA/M commanders was to demand compensation following a road accident that took place last week that left one motorcyclist injured.

UNAMID Patrol Commander responded by engaging the SLA/Minni Commanders in negotiations, emphasizing the need for understanding and cooperation from all factions in order to bring an end to the sufferings of the Darfur people. He later called for reinforcements and after much negotiations, the movement restriction was finally removed allowed to proceed to their camp.

UNAMID Deputy Head of Mission, Henry Anyidoho, while commending the patrol Commander’s professionalism in handling the situation said, “No justification for such aggression against peacekeepers is acceptable. We condemn the confrontation and we condemn restrictions over the movements of peacekeepers. Protection of civilians and bringing peace to Darfur are all parts of the core of UNAMID’s mandate. We must be allowed to carry out our mandate without harassment.”

He added, “I want to make it clear that UNAMID does not condone any traffic violations by its own personnel. Legal procedure must be respected and followed. We respect the laws of the land and, in the same vein, we do not accept any party taking the laws into its own hands.”