High rates of herders’ attacks in North Darfur-displaced

Frequent attacks by “herders armed by the government” have been taking place just outside a North Darfur camp, mainly when its residents leave the site to collect firewood or fetch hay. Fata Borno displaced in Kutum locality, added that herders steal their sheep and severely beat them with whips and rifle butts. The latest assault occurred on Wednesday when Mubarak Abdul Qadir and the female displaced Halima were assaulted after fetching hay.In the occasion, perpetrators seized the money, donkey cart, and 24 sheep belonging to the victims, who were also insulted and had their hay thrown on the ground. Another source from Fata Borno told Radio Dabanga that herders threatened to kill him if he returned to a certain area to collect firewood or hay.According to the gunmen that region is a free territory for them to graze their camels and cattle, not for other activities, the source said. Displaced are asking authorities and UNAMID to protect them and their properties against attacks by militias and herders armed by the government.File photo by Albert González Farran/ UNAMID