UN housing ends for Unamid’s Sudanese staff in North Darfur capital

The AU-UN peacekeeping mission in Darfur (Unamid) on Monday has requested the Sudanese staff working at the mission’s headquarters in North Darfur’s capital El Fasher, to vacate their homes this week. Unamid’s Housing Administration informed its Sudanese staff members on 18 August that it will not be able anymore to provide housing to its Sudanese employees as of 27 August. “As Sudan is the host country, the UN cannot provide housing for Sudanese inside its premises, so we request you to evacuate your residence before 27 August 2014”. The employees, who were informed about the decision by e-mail, fear that they will not enjoy protection anymore, when they will be transferred to houses in the various districts of the capital. According to the emails, the lease period of the buildings where the staff members are currently housed will expire at the end of August. Water and electricity will be cut on 27 August. About 3,000 Sudanese are deployed by Unamid in the five states of Darfur, including those working at the mission’s headquarters in El Fasher. The step is part of austerity measures currently carried out by the AU-UN peacekeeping mission in Darfur. File photo: El Fasher in the rainy season