By Emadeldin Rijal

As one example of UNAMID’s ongoing efforts to protect civilians across Darfur, the Mission has been working directly with the displaced community in Khor Abeche, South Darfur, to help ensure their safety. The residents of Khor Abeche had suffered a series of attacks by armed groups, forcing thousands of people either to flee the area altogether or to seek refuge near UNAMID’s base. The community’s leaders estimate that some 13,000 people were living in Khor Abeche, and that more than 4,300 are now residing in the camp located adjacent to the UNAMID base in Khor Abeche.

“The presence of the UNAMID forces in this area is of paramount importance,” said Mr. Hussein Abbaker, one of the Khor Abeche community’s Umdas, noting that the UNAMID peacekeepers are serving as a shield against further attacks and providing safety where they are present.

To help secure the Khor Abeche residents, UNAMID built an enclosed area equipped with a perimeter fence, latrines and community centres. UNAMID’s military personnel have been patrolling the area and providing protection for residents of the newly built camp. The camp itself is equipped with watchtowers. “It is much better to have a buffer zone because it makes it easier to manage the security situation,” said Lt. Col. Juma Hamad, UNAMID’s Commanding Officer at the Khor Abeche base.

In addition to conducting regular patrols in and around Khor Abeche, UNAMID’s military personnel stationed in the area are regularly conversing with villagers to determine whether they have any security concerns to report. In one routine patrol conducted on 1 July 2014, UNAMID peacekeepers visited Karbab, nearly 25 kilometres northeast of Khor Abeche, to meet with the village’s residents.

“Thank you for coming to see us,” said Mr. Suleiman Adam Mohammedain, one of Karbab’s leaders, addressing the UNAMID peacekeepers. He said that such visits are welcome. During their discussions, UNAMID’s personnel listen to concerns and advise residents about what to do when tensions emerge.

With the rainy season having begun in several parts of Darfur, farmers are requesting enhanced protection to perform their agricultural activities. “There is a need for more security, especially in the farm areas, to enable the farmers to cultivate,” said Mr. Abbaker, explaining that many farmers have been hindered by a lack of security and have been forced to farm smaller plots.

With the improved security situation in the area of Khor Abeche, coupled with the commitment of UNAMID’s peacekeepers in the area, the Khor Abeche displaced have begun to prepare for the agricultural season. But one reality faced by the displaced living in Khor Abeche, just as in other parts of Darfur, is a shortage of agricultural equipment. Having been forced to flee their homes, the displaced must now work with the minimal tools and supplies that were able to carry with them.

Despite this challenge, many of the displaced residents of Khor Abeche say they are hopeful about rebuilding their lives, particularly with the support of UNAMID. “We are now feeling tranquil because of the renewed commitment by UNAMID’s troops to provide security in the area,” said Mr. Abbaker.

While UNAMID’s peacekeepers have been helping the IDPs in Khor Abeche, including with the provision of water and medical assistance, protecting civilians remains their primary focus. “Our major concern is to protect the internally displaced people and the civilians,” said Lt. Col. Hamad.