Unamid confirms East Darfur airlifts

Unamid has confirmed that it has assisted in airlifting more than 300 civilians affected by the recent tribal conflict in East Darfur. In a statement, the mission said that the operation was carried out on Sunday, from state capital Ed Daein, 50km north-east to Abu Karinka. The statement says that in addition, on Wednesday the mission provided logistical support by transporting representatives of Rizeigat and Ma’alia tribes to Al Tawisha, North Darfur to participate in the signing of an agreement to cease hostilities in East Darfur. Tensions between the Rizeigat and Ma’alia were triggered earlier this month by unresolved disputes concerning access to land resources. An estimated total of 209 people were killed and 305 were wounded in clashes. Leaders of the tribes agreed in principle to peace terms, but the abduction of a group of Ma’alia by a Rizeigat militia on Saturday threatened to derail peace talks. The group has since been released. Unamid said it increased its presence and patrolling and airlifted nine wounded civilians, on Monday from Al Dola village, approximately 125km north of Ed Daein to El Fasher, North Darfur for medical treatment. File photo: Unamid airlift (Rania Abdulrahman/UNAMID) Related: East Darfur Ma’alia abductees released (21 August 2013)East Darfur militia demands ransom for 42 Ma’alia abductees (20 August 2013)Kidnap of Ma’alia group calls halt to East Darfur treaty (19 August 2013)