UNAMID: 600 killed in Darfur violence in May, highest toll since 2008

The United Nations said in a confidential document that the fighting in Darfur last month killed nearly six hundred people, the highest monthly toll ever recorded by the peacekeepers since they deployed in January 2008. According to figures compiled by the peacekeeping mission, clashes between the rebel movements and government forces resulted in 440 deaths during the month of May while 126 died in fighting between Arab tribes, and 31 died as a result of other violence including murder.  The total number of confirmed or highly probable reports of violent deaths was 597.The month began with JEM deciding to suspend its participation in peace talks with the government. Having been evicted from rear bases in Chad, the rebel movement came under attack at its outpost in Jebel Moon near the Chadian border. The mountainous stronghold fell to government forces in mid May and JEM’s mobile units evacuated the area. Heavy clashes followed as JEM re-deployed in areas of southern and eastern Darfur. Other fatalities resulted from fighting in Jebel Marra between government forces and the Sudan Liberation Army.

UNAMID in a confidential document stated that “JEM’s ability to move from Jebel Moon to locations including el-Daein, Adila, Umm Sauna, Abu Darmilla — and Babanosa in Southern Kordofan, possibly a current headquarters — confirms the extent of their knowledge of the terrain.” According to UNAMID’s analysis, the ability of JEM to disperse throughout these areas suggests some local support and the limitation of the government’s authority in areas outside of towns.