‘Protect us or move us’: Central Darfur displaced

The leaders of the displaced persons in Central Darfur state are compiling a memorandum to the UN and Unamid “offering them two options: protect us or move us”. Following a meeting on Saturday, the sheiks of Bundisi, Mukjar and Garsila camps stated that “the displaced live under extreme terror and threat of death from pro-government militias. These have moved into the camps, neighbourhoods and markets now that the clashes between them have subsided.” One of the sheiks of Garsila camp told Radio Dabanga that the displaced dare only move riding animals, for fear that travelling in vehicles might subject them to looting and robbery on the roads. “We have therefore decided to raise a memorandum to the UN and Unamid, suggesting two options: deploy Unamid and European forces to protect us in the camps, or move us to any country outside Sudan where we can find protection from the deteriorating security situation.” The area was the scene of violent inter-tribal clashes between the Misseriya and Salamat during the last week of July. Pro-government forces were sent in to keep the warring tribes apart, but some armed groups are reported to be lingering in the area in the aftermath. File photo: “The displaced of Central Darfur dare only move riding animals for fear that travelling in vehicles might subject them to looting and robbery on the roads”: Sheikh (Albert González Farran/Unamid) Related: Leaders call on Darfur tribes to ‘honour treaty’ as clashes subside (1 August 2013) Warring tribes ‘swear to halt violence’ in Central Darfur (30 July 2013) Medical NGO workers’ salaries stolen in Central Darfur (30 July 2013)