Joint Sudanese security forces arrest over 50 gunmen in N Darfur

Abu Shouk residents accuse a group of Darfuri gunmen of violence at the camp, located near Al-Fasher in North Darfur. Sources affirm that on Saturday authorities arrested more than 50 members belonging to three different factions: Sudan Liberation Movement (Historic Leadership), Al-Irad al-Hora and Liberation and Justice Movement. These three factions have signed different peace agreements with the Government of Sudan.Camps residents, together with the Sheikh and Omda, accuse the Darfuri armed movement of robberies, looting shops and firing in the air for intimidation, and disturbing public order. Victims claim they have pressed many charges at the police station about the incidents. They affirm the camps’ Omda and Sheikh also pressed charges and that this led to a campaign led by joint armed forces to arrest the armed group. The joint armed forces are composed by the security services, by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and by the police. Onlookers say the joint forces cordoned the camp and arrested more than 50 elements three different Darfuri factions. It is not clear how many members of each faction were arrested. The camp’s Sheikh and residents demand that authorities also join to arrest border guards and Abu Tira troops. They say these two groups have been attacking people from the region for over a decade now, but that the Sudanese government did nothing yet to stop them. Related contents: Thefts on the rise in N Darfur Abu Shouk camp (31 July 2012)