Raid on Darfur camp violated agreement with UN: spokesman

The security raid on Zamzam camp in North Darfur violated an agreement between the Sudanese government and the United Nations, according to a statement Sunday by the press division of the UN – African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). The Sudanese government that morning had conducted an extensive cordon-and-search operation in the Zamzam internally displaced persons (IDP) camp, which is nominally under the protection of UNAMID. The authorities claimed to have arrested 37 individuals and seized three magazines for assault rifles and other ammunition.The raid began before dawn at about 6:00. According to an e-mailed press statement from UNAMID, “the action did not abide by an agreement between UNAMID and the Government.” The peacekeeping mission had agreed with the government on “notification and consultations prior to any actions regarding IDP camps.”

Consequently, “the senior leadership of the Mission urgently contacted Government security officials and the Wali (Governor) of North Darfur to address the matter. Joint Special Representative (JSR) Ibrahim Gambari called on the authorities to act with the utmost restraint, particularly with regard to the use of force, and ensure that no one is harmed.”

The peacekeepers put a force of about 90 police in the camp overnight on the night following the incident.

The statement added: “While the protection of civilians is at the heart of the UNAMID’s mandate, security for all is ultimately the primary responsibility of the Government of the Sudan.”