Government denies agencies’ access to N. Darfur displaced: UN

A United Nations report indicates that the government of North Darfur has “not yet authorized an inter-agency team to travel” the areas affected by the tribal clashes between Abbala and Beni Hussein to carry out a comprehensive assessment of needs of the displaced. Nevertheless, the UN and its partner agencies claim to have delivered “over 600 metric tons of food and other relief supplies” to those who fled their villages.UN estimates that around 100.000 people fled their homes as a result of the fighting that began at the start of this month, adding that “many of these people are living in the open in appalling conditions”.According to the latest figures provided by the Sudanese Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) on 26 January, 65.000 people fled to Al-Sref Beni Hussein, 7.090 to Garra Az Zawia, 1.000 to Kabkabiya and 2.000 to Saraf Omra. Local community leaders report that there are up to 20.000 displaced people in Abu Gamra. The commissioner of Al-Sref Beni Hussein has reported the closure of public offices and schools in the locality due to the large number of displaced people who have taken refuge in these buildings, the report reads.Osman Kibir, governor of North Darfur, announced he has not been able to estimate the number of victims of the Jebel ‘Amer events so far.He revealed in a press statement that, at this stage, he aims to stop mining activities in Jebel ‘Amer in the interest of the two conflicting parties. However, he admitted “facing difficulties” executing his decision.   Photo: UNAMID aid to displaced in Al-Sref Beni Hussein, 19 January 2013 (Sojoud Elgarrai, UNAMID)Related: Roads still closed in N. Darfur tribal clash areas, food shortage (23 January 2013)