Central Darfur Governor denies being attacked

The Governor of Central Darfur, Jaafar Abdel Hakam, today (Friday) denied reports that his convoy was attacked by gunmen while returning from Um Dukhun to Zalingei in Central Darfur on Thursday. A witness told Radio Dabanga that the Governor had visited Um Dukhun where he met with officials and native administrations. En route to Zalingei, his convoy was subjected to “heavy firing by unidentified gunmen”. The witness reported no life losses, but mentioned that five of the attackers were arrested. The witness added that the Governor has issued a decree prohibiting holding of weapons inside the markets or wearing masks in the locality of Um Dukhun. Governor Abdel Hakam sharply denied that he was attacked. “I was delayed in Kabar area between Um Dukhun and Zalingei because of the heavy rains,” he explained to Radio Dabanga. “After that, we continued our journey and reached Zalingei on Thursday evening.” He said that he had gone to Um Dukhun to solve the problem between the Salamat and Misseriya tribes, and also to follow-up on the recommendations of the past reconciliation conferences. File photo: The Governor of Central Darfur, Jaafar Abdel Hakam Related: Unmarked vehicles prohibited in Darfur (6 May 2014) Central Darfur town ‘a battlefield’ as Misseriya, Salamat clash (19 February 2014)