Pro-government militia accused of abducting IDPs in W Darfur

Sources informed Radio Dabanga that nine displaced people were abducted from the Bir Degig camp, in Sirba locality, West Darfur on Tuesday evening. They said pro-government militia carried out the abductions. A victim’s relative told Radio Dabanga that dozens of pro-government militia, driving vehicles and riding camels, raided the Bir Degig IDP camp and abducted the nine IDPs. He added they were brought to an area called Ulma, 5km east from the camp. The relative also informed Radio Dabanga that a militia member claims one of the nine IDPs stole a Kalashnikov from him when he was drunk and the hostages will not be released until the weapon is returned. He also said the militia threatened to kill the hostages if the weapon is not returned within a few days. Radio Dabanga contacted the commissioner from Sirba locality, Abdul Khaliq Ibrahim Matar. He said that he arrived today in Bir Degig to assess the situation and he cannot yet confirm whether the IDPs were abducted or if they are missing.