UNAMID ‘alarmed’ by fighting in Jebel ‘Amer, N. Darfur

UNAMID is “alarmed by deadly fighting between Beni Hussein and Abbala tribes in Jebel ‘Amer area”, North Darfur, a statement from 11 January reads. The mission affirmed it sent an assessment mission from Saraf Omra to Jebel ‘Amer on 7 January, which was “stopped by Beni Hussein tribesman at Umurharwa area”, Radio Dabanga has learned. According to the mission, Beni Hussein members alleged that an imminent attack was to be launched by the Abbala tribe, something that “remains unconfirmed”. On the same day, UNAMID Acting Joint Special Representative Aichatou Mindaoudou held talks on the incident with the governor of North Darfur, Osman Kibir, as stated on the press release. Mindaoudou offered UNAMID’s assistance with facilitating humanitarian assistance and supporting mediation and reconciliation efforts. The mission claims to have mobilized three medical evacuation flights along with three medical teams, and evacuated 26 casualties from al-Sref Beni Hussein and Kabkabiya towns to El-Fasher.UNAMID has also allegedly mobilized four other flights to support mediation efforts undertaken by a delegation led by Governor Kibir. “While providing full assistance and preparing to send a team to assess the situation on the ground, the Mission also urges the Sudanese Government, North Darfur authorities and leaders from both tribes to end fighting and give dialogue a chance”, the press release declared.    The mission reiterated the need for it to be “granted unimpeded access to all areas of recent fighting” along with the humanitarian community.Photo: A woman builds her new shelter in Damra Toma (North Darfur), by Albert González Farran (UNAMID/file photo)Related: Gunmen enclose capital, burn another 4 villages in N. Darfur (10 January 2013)