Unamid calls for restraint over tensions in Kalma camp, South Darfur

Unamid has called for ‘restraint’ over the tensions that flared-up at Kalma camp for the displaced in South Darfur last week. Four displaced people died and at least 39 other injured when government troops used live ammunition to disperse a peaceful protest on Friday. The protest was in reaction to repeated raids on the camp by government forces over the past weeks. In a press release from Unamid headquarters in El Fasher on Monday, the Mission expresses concern about the escalation of tensions at the camp: “Unamid received information that a Government of Sudan police team had entered Kalma camp for internally displaced people in South Darfur and drove down a road separating some of the camp’s sectors. “Subsequent to that, about 100 displaced, mostly youth, assembled outside Unamid’s Community Policing Centre (CPC) and stoned it. As a result, one peacekeeper suffered a light injury and the premises sustained damage. Unamid reinforcements, sent to ensure the security of Mission personnel, were withdrawn after a short period of time. “On the morning of 5 September a group of displaced demonstrated in front of the CPC and subsequently commenced digging a trench to prevent access to the camp. “Later the same day some 400 displaced gathered near Beliel market to protest against the government. In the course of events shots were fired resulting in casualties to the demonstrators. The exact number of casualties is unknown at the moment. Unamid calls on government authorities to thoroughly investigate this incident. “Unamid, which is committed to the full implementation of its protection of civilians mandate, is concerned about escalating tensions at the camp. The Mission continues to engage the IDP leaders and government authorities at all levels with a view to avert further violence which could only serve to undermine current Sudanese and international efforts aimed at identifying peaceful solutions to the conflict in Darfur. “Unamid emphasises the importance of restraint by all parties in and around Kalma and recalls the responsibility of all the involved sides to maintain the humanitarian character of the camps. Unamid urges the displaced to respect the laws of the land, refrain from criminal activities and any action that could damage prospects for achieving peace in Darfur. Likewise, Unamid calls on government authorities to respect international and national human rights and humanitarian laws. Any disproportionate or indiscriminate use of force must be avoided. “As always, the Mission stands ready to assist the government and the displaced in the peaceful resolution of all problems existing between them.” News photo: Kalma camp on Friday, 5 September, 2014. (Radio Dabanga correspondent) Related: Four Darfuri displaced die in Kalma camp mass protest (5 September 2014)Mass protest in South Darfur’s Kalma camp against repeated raids (4 September 2014) Military raid on South Darfur’s Kalma camp; Unamid measures ‘to mitigate impact’ (14 August 2014)