US Senate delegation meets North Darfur displaced

On Tuesday a US Senate delegation led by Senior Foreign Policy Advisor – ‎Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Senator Michael Phelan met with leaders, Sheikhs, youth and women’s unions of camp Zamzam south of the North Darfur capital, El Fasher.

The Coordinator of camp Zamzam told Radio Dabanga that the delegation asked questions about the humanitarian situation in the camp and voluntary return.

He said they stressed that the humanitarian situation is extremely difficult, especially after a reduction in food rations.

The coordinator said they explained that the displaced number 229, 000 between 2004 and 2015, while at this time, only 47,000 receive food rations.

He said they asked the delegation to look into this issue and provide food to all the needy.

Regarding voluntary return, the coordinator said they confirmed to the US Senate delegation that no voluntary return has ever occurred at all.

He revealed that the Sudanese government has provided forms to fill-in, asking them if they want to stay in the camps or return to their homes. However, they have refused to receive the forms.

The coordinator said that the delegation from the displaced stressed that they will not return unless there is peace on the ground, disarmament of the militias, expulsion of the new settlers, collective and individual compensation for the displaced persons, provision of basic services in their areas and tribal reconciliation.

US Envoy

In Khartoum the US Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan, Donald Booth, held discussions with the Assistant to the President, Ibrahim Mahmoud, on ways of resuming the peace negotiations between the government, the SPLM North in South Kordofan and the Blue Nile and the armed movements in Darfur in Addis Ababa.

On Tuesday he said in remarks to reporters that the meeting was an extension to the previous consultations with the Assistant to the President to overcome the obstacles facing the negotiating process.

He added that they exchanged views on what has been achieved and are looking forward for more efforts to ensure agreement is reached between the Government and opposition groups, leading to their participation in the national dialogue to reach peace in Darfur and the two regions.