Police post reopened in South Darfur’s El Salam camp

The police post at El Salam camp for the displaced in South Darfur was reopened on Saturday, after a closure of eight months. The police post at El Salam camp, located south of Nyala, capital of South Darfur, was reopened after the camp population intended to organise a sit-in, in solidarity with the displaced in Kalma camp. “The reopening of the post terrified the camp population, as they were already very worried about what had happened in Kalma camp, when government forces entered the camp and dispersed peaceful protesters with live ammunition”, an El Salam camp resident told Radio Dabanga. “The violence at Kalma camp in fact horrified all the Darfuris living in the camps for the displaced.” “Moreover, officers of the Sudanese Humanitarian Aid Commission have threatened the El Salam camp leaders not to issue any statement or express their opinion to the media about the events of in Kalma camp.” He urged the international community and the UN to act, and pressure the Sudanese government “not to interfere in the Darfur camps”. ‘Security measures’ The Popular Committees in Nyala locality on Monday announced that they have formed teams of citizens to assist in the security measures announced by the South Darfur State governor three months ago, in an attempt to combat the rampant insecurity in the locality.  Mustafa Mohamed Ibrahim, the coordinator of the Popular Committees’ teams informed Radio Dabanga  that they are determined to support the security forces in their fight against the insecurity in the locality. He called on the South Darfur State authorities to station forces at public squares and residential districts, in protection against assailants and armed robbers. The South Darfur State authorities on 15 June embarked on a wide campaign to curb the insecurity in its capital and surrounding areas. Security forces searched districts in Nyala for weapons, alcohol, drugs, and stolen goods. On 5 August a large military force stormed El Salam camp. The troops searched the camp, assaulted and robbed the displaced, and detained more than 75 people. Most of them were released a few days later. The camps of Dereig, Otash, and Kalma were also raided and searched by government forces. File photo: Army, security and militia troops threatening displaced in El Salam camp, 5 August 2014 (Radio Dabanga) Related:‘South Darfur State governor a liar’: Kalma elders (7 September 2014)Four Darfuri displaced killed in Kalma camp mass protest (5 September 2014) Mass protest in South Darfur’s Kalma camp against repeated raids (4 September 2014)South Darfur Chamber of Commerce imposes ‘security fees’ (27 August 2014) Military raid on South Darfur’s Kalma camp; Unamid measures ‘to mitigate impact’ (14 August 2014)El Salam displaced still detained in South Darfur capital (19 August 2014)