On 25 May 2016, UNAMID’s Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR), Ms. Bintou Keita, visited the Gathering Site for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) who fled ongoing clashes between Government of Sudan (GOS) Forces and the Sudan Liberation Army /AW in Jebel Marra, Central Darfur, and sought protection and refuge around the Mission’s Team Site in Sortony, North Darfur. The visit aimed at assessing the current security and humanitarian situation in the area, particularly in the aftermath of the recent escalation of violence between nomads and IDPs, earlier this month. The DJSR was accompanied by representatives of the United Nations County Team (UNCT) and UNAMID’s senior officials.  

During the visit, Ms. Keita met with IDP representatives who expressed their concerns particularly in the areas of security, food, healthcare, child education and adequate water supply. “With UNAMID’s presence, we feel safe and protected. In areas away from the team site, people are often subjected to abduction and women have been sexually assaulted. Therefore, we call on UNAMID to remain, expand, and increase its protection of civilians “said Mr. Adam Bashar, the gathering site’s Secretary.

The DJSR, for her part, reiterated the Mission’s commitment to protecting civilians. “UNAMID is fully supporting the ongoing reconciliation process in the area. People have to leave together in peace; peaceful coexistence among all tribes of Darfur should prevail and every one of us has a role to play” underscored Ms. Keita.

Insecurity remains one of the main concerns for the IDPs living near the Sortony Team Site. “Unless security is provided, we will never return to our villages” emphasized Mr. Hasab-Allah Hamza, one of the IDP representatives.

At the end of her visit, Ms. Keita visited a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) health center and met with IDPs living in makeshift accommodations in several parts of the gathering site.  

Since the escalation of hostilities between the Government of Sudan Forces and the SLA/AW in mid-January, UNAMID has enhanced its protection measures, including increased patrols, support to humanitarian interventions and escorts for humanitarian convoys, to respond to the arrival of thousands of newly displaced people near the Mission’s team site in Sortony.