Humanitarian woes and livestock theft in West Darfur

More than 632 newly displaced people who have fled tribal conflicts to Garsila camp in West Darfur are facing extremely difficult conditions. They are reportedly living in the open without shelter, food or medicine. One of the leaders of the displaced of Garsila camp told Radio Dabanga about the arrival of displaced people from several areas last week, including 31 families who fled from the Yama area, 31 families from Amarjadeed and 13 families from Bargwa area were distributed to Jeddah and Jebel camps. The sheikh appealed to the authorities and humanitarian organisations to provide aid, tents and plastic sheeting for these displaced, especially considering that they are facing the rainy season. Over several incidents last week, pro-government militiamen reportedly rustled 409 head of cattle at gunpoint, which caused horror among the displaced. “Last week, there were eight different incidents of theft of livestock and belongings from the displaced. Ten days ago, 27 sheep belonging to Yaqoub Issa Mukhtar were stolen,” the sheikh said. “The next day, another 18 sheep belonging to the displaced of Yamo were stolen, while on Tuesday, armed militiamen attacked the displaced people in the village of Jabelain, stealing 332 sheep,” he concluded, demanding that Unamid and the government immediately intervene and deploy night patrols to protect them.File photo: Albert González Farran/UNAMID