UNAMID condemns violent attacks on protesters, civilians and IDPs in Darfur
Khartoum, Sudan (PANA)- The African Union/United Nations peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID) has expressed deep concern over recent violence in the restive region that led to loss of lives and injuries.
UNAMID said in a press release that it noted with “deep concern” the recent increase in violent attacks on peaceful protesters, civilians, rural communities and camps of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in various localities in North, South and West Darfur.
“The Mission condemns the loss of life, injuries and displacement resulting from such attacks whose main victims are women and children. It calls on the relevant government authorities to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” said the statement received by PANA in Khartoum on Wednesday.
The Mission regreted that these incidents have taken place while the Government of Sudan and the armed movements are striving to reach a peace agreement in an attempt to bring sustained peace and stability to the Darfur region and the whole of Sudan.
The recurrence of such incidents at this moment of Sudan’s history can only aggravate division and discord among communities and derail the gains of the revolution, the statement warned.
The Mission has been working closely with the relevant Sudanese authorities and communities to de-escalate tensions and prevent further escalation of violence. For that reason, UNAMID called on all stakeholders to intensify prevention measures to avoid further deterioration of the situation.
“In this regard, the Mission welcomes the timely announcement by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdouk on the deployment of a joint protection force to protect civilians in Darfur,” it said
Last week the official media said over 120 people were either killed or injured in violent attacks in various regions of Darfur.
UNAMID hopes that this force will be fully deployed as soon as possible and will be adequately equipped and trained to protect all residents of Darfur.
UNAMID has complained that the civilian population in Darfur has endured enough suffering, and they deserve to live in peace and tranquility without fear of being attacked.
UNAMID re-emphasized that the primary responsibility of protecting civilians lies with the Government, particularly in areas where UNAMID has withdrawn in the context of its draw-down.
The peacekeeping mission said it would continue to work closely with local, state and federal authorities towards reinforcing Government’s protection capacities and improving the protective environment in Darfur through its State Liaison Functions in collaboration with the UN Country Team.
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