Security situation has began deteriorating at North Darfur’s town of Kutum as violence rages again in the South Sudanese state, leading to several casualties.
Reports say rash of shootings, including an assassination attempt on a local official were cited by United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur, known by the acronym UNAMID.
According to UNAMID, the incidents reportedly resulted in several dead and wounded, and UNAMID evacuated wounded civilians to El-Fasher by helicopter for emergency medical treatment.
UN Photo
Today, the head of the UNAMID has called for an end to the latest round of violence in North Darfur town.
“I am saddened that the people of Kutum have again had to endure pain and suffering.” -Aichatou Mindaoudou
UNAMID’s Acting Joint Special Representative
UNAMID reiterates calls for a cessation in hostilities and urges for restraint.
In response to the escalating violence, UNAMID began providing a round-the-clock presence with continuous patrols, monitoring movements in and around the camp and facilitating humanitarian assistance.
Earlier in August this year, the United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) leadership expressed its deep concern over the spread of violence and attacks against civilian population in Kutum, North Darfur.
The series of incidents began on 1 August when the Commissioner of the district of Alwaha, in Kutum town, and his driver were shot dead.
On the same day armed men surrounded Kassab, looted the market, burnt down the Sudanese Police post in the camp and reportedly killed four persons.
Reports say UNAMID has taken measures, including 24/7 protection force presence in affected IDP camps to protect civilians and reinforced the strength of its forces.
