Militants open fire on displaced; 1 killed

A resident from one of Girayda’s camps in South Darfur, Sheikh Abdul Rahman, was shot dead by pro-government militants in the area of Aidan at about 10 kilometers from Girayda on Friday evening. The militants also looted livestock and properties of other displaced people who were accompanying the fatal victim, sources claim.It was added that approximately 20 displaced families residing in Girayda camps had decided to return to Aidan, as part of the government’s program for voluntary return.  Witnesses told Radio Dabanga that the displaced were attacked by militants on horses and camels, some of them wearing military uniforms, upon their arrival. The militants allegedly opened fire on the displaced without any warning, killing Sheikh Abdul Rahman on the spot.It was added that an estimated number of 20 militants looted around 30 cattle heads from the displaced as well as their other belongings such as sugar and flour. After the attack the displaced returned to the camps in Girayda and reported the incident to the police. The witnesses pointed out that militias still impose an “unspoken” blockade on the camps and described the security situation as “very bad”. They called on the international community provide protection to the displaced.