UNAMID calls for restraint in violence as rainy season starts in Darfur

The African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) is concerned about the recent increase in tensions between farmers and pastoralists during this rainy season in Darfur where several people have either been killed or injured with no immediate indications of constraint from concerned parties. UNAMID calls on all those involved to exercise restraint.

UNAMID is aware of 37 incidents that occurred in July. Two recent events that illustrate the impact of attacks include: On 11 August, UNAMID Shangil Tobaya Team Site (TS) in North Darfur, was informed that the previous night, three male IDPs from Nifasha IDP camp (Shangil Tobaya) were killed by armed pastoralists in the Kargo farming area. UNAMID TS personnel urged the IDPs to report the incident to the Government of Sudan (GoS). Government authorities responded and negotiated the release of the suspected perpetrators being held by the nomadic community in Kargo. On 13 August, a UNAMID patrol team from Shangil Tobaya TS visited Nifasha IDP camp, for verification of the incident. The patrol team interacted with local IDPs who confirmed the incident had taken place.

Similarly, on 11 August, a 65-year old male IDP was working in his field in Hilla Hesoulwa farming area, also in Shangil Tobaya area, when four armed pastoralists drove their large herd of camels into his farm. The IDP drove the camels away from his field. In response, an armed pastoralist opened fire and shot the IDP in his left thigh. Two IDPs from Nifasha camp rushed to the scene and carried the wounded IDP to UNAMID Shangil Tobaya Team Site, where the injured received first aid and was referred to a nearby clinic for further treatment.

UNAMID is extremely concerned regarding the number of incidents, including intercommunal clashes, occurring at the beginning of the rainy season. Many of the reported confrontations are linked to farmers attempting to access land for farming and being prevented from doing so by armed pastoralists.

“UNAMID is quite disturbed by these reported clashes between farmers and pastoralists. Lives are needlessly lost and sometimes people are injured or lose their entire crop due to this wanton display of violence. The Mission strongly urges maximum restraint in clashes and reiterates its commitment to continue to find creative and robust ways to prevent or respond to these incidents including with authorities,” Jeremiah Mamabolo, Joint Special Representative/Joint Chief Mediator, reacted.

Mr. Mamabolo added that “currently, UNAMID has increased its protection of civilians response through re-focusing farming patrols to the most affected areas. The Mission has also enhanced community-based peaceful coexistence initiatives and will continue to facilitate longer-term arrangements for sharing land and natural resources. For UNAMID, even one reported case is one case too many as these prevent the people of Darfur from fully tilling their land to eke out a living for their families.”

In addition, UNAMID Leadership continues to engage authorities at the state and federal levels to encourage the Government to intensify its efforts to prevent and respond to such incidents.