NGOs warned of abduction risk in Nyala, South Darfur

The latest bulletin from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that on 15 July, “government security forces informed humanitarian agencies of the presence of criminal groups” in Nyala, capital of South Darfur. The OCHA report continues that “government security forces and the UN have warned of threats of carjacking and abductions targeting UN and international NGO vehicles and international staff members in Nyala town.” As previously reported by Radio Dabanga, violence broke out in Nyala, capital of South Darfur and Sudan’s second-largest city, during the first week of July, between government militias, leaving several dead and dozens injured. Among the dead were two World Vision International employees who lost their lives when their compound in Nyala was targeted. OCHA reports that the UN has communicated to all UN agencies and international NGOs to take necessary precautions by restricting unnecessary movements. “Government police patrols have been reinforced around UN and international NGO residences and compounds, according to the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS). “The Government’s Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) has issued an official statement that Al Matar area in Nyala town – where fighting recently took place – is considered insecure due to the presence of armed militias and unexploded ordnance.” Agencies have been encouraged to relocate guesthouses, to reinforce security guards, and for now, only essential staff should work in offices in the area, the statement concludes. Related:UN coordinator condemns NGO workers’ deaths in Nyala, South Darfur (7 July 2013)South Darfur imposes curfew in Nyala after militias clash (5 July 2013)Nyala locked-down after fighting, looting in South Darfur capital (4 July 2013)