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UN-African Union Envoy Concerned Over Fighting in Darfur

By | Published on January 10, 2013
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The acting head of the United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission in the Sudanese region of Darfur Wednesday expressed serious concern over fighting taking place in the Jebel Marra area.

The acting joint special representative and head of the hybrid mission – known by the acronym UNAMID – Aichatou Mindaoudou, voiced her concerns yesterday in a meeting with the governor of central Darfur state, Yousif Tibin, during a visit to the state’s capital, Zalingei.

According to an UNAMID news release, the governor informed Mindaoudou that armed groups had taken control of the towns of Golo and Rockero in the west of the mountainous Jebel Marra area, which is located in the central Darfur region. He also said that approximately 850 families had been displaced and fled to the village of Nertiti as a result of the fighting, while others are believed to be wandering in the mountains seeking safety.

Mindaoudou deplored the ongoing fighting “which endangers the safety of the civilian population in the area,” and assured the governor of UNAMID’s continued assistance in facilitating humanitarian aid to all those in need.

“Ms. Mindaoudou also stressed that all parties involved in the conflict should respect their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law,” the peacekeeping mission added.

Established in July 2007, UNAMID has the protection of civilians as its core mandate. In addition, the peacekeeping operation is tasked with other responsibilities, such as facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid and assisting with an inclusive peace process in Darfur, where fighting broke out nine years ago, pitting government forces and allied militiamen against rebel groups.

Read more: AllAfrica.com

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