Update on Darfur Security and Humanitarian

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KHARTOUM 001098 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR D, AF/FO, AF/RSA, AND AF/SPG DEPT PLS PASS USAID FOR AFR/EA AND DCHA SUDAN GROU E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV MOPS KPKO PREF UN AU SU SUBJECT: Update on Darfur Security and Humanitarian Access - May 9, 2006 Ref: Khartoum 01090 and previous ¶1. Summary: Tensions continue in the Kalma IDP camp in the wake of the May 8 death of an AU interpreter in riots, with the SAF and Arab militia reportedly cordoning off the area. NGOs, however, continue to provide basic services. The AU has also received reports of attacks over the past three days in Labado, Abgaragel, Kalaka, and Dagama. End summary. ¶2. Security Update: ¶A. On May 8, a USAID field officer received unconfirmed reports that the SAF and Arab militia have established a cordon around Kalma IDP camp, ostensibly to maintain security. UNDSS sent a security assessment team to Kalma camp at 0900 on May 9. ¶B. On May 8, unconfirmed reports indicate that Arab militias supported by the SAF attacked the town of Labado, approximately 60 km east of Nyala. Aid agencies in the region indicated that they treated 32 war-wounded from the confrontation, many of them in serious condition. The AU will investigate on May 9. ¶C. On May 7, MGS Nyala conducted a confidence building patrol to El Salaam IDP Camp, and determined that there were roughly 470 new IDPs from Donkey Dereissa, Abgaragel, Joghana, and Birkatulli. Hearing gunshots, the team proceeded to Kashalongo to try and confirm the exact location of the shooting; they met villagers from Abgaragel fleeing towards El Salaam who alleged that they had been attacked by armed Arab militias. The villagers further alleged that the attackers killed an unknown number of villagers, abducted some of them, and stole their animals. ¶D. On May 7, MGS Khor Abeche conducted a confidence building patrol to Kalaka. A sheikh and an SLA commander alleged that about 300 mounted attackers who raided the village on May 5 had worn SAF camouflage uniforms and were armed with AK-47 rifles and RPGs. ¶E. On May 6, MGS Nyala conducted a confidence building patrol to Abgaragel, where the team observed that three quarters of the village was burned and the area was abandoned. A witness said the attackers struck from the south in seven to eight vehicles; they were alleged to be SLA members. They attacked the police camp; and about seven or eight police officers were killed and three injured during the exchange of gunfire. Two police vehicles were destroyed in the process. On the following day, the witness added, the police went back to the village aboard four vehicles to collect the deceased, and started shooting indiscriminately as well as burning huts out of frustration. ¶F. On May 6, MGS Geraida conducted a confidence building patrol to Dagama village and reported that the village was deserted, with most of the houses burned and property scattered around the compound. Four gunshots were heard from some abandoned houses behind the water point in the village. The team stopped to observe and later saw some people on horses numbering about 30, armed with assorted weapons and with drums to collect water on the horse cart. The jinjaweed, who claimed to be Mahadi tribesmen from Dito, have dominated Dagama village to control the water point, scaring the villagers away to Geraida IDP Camp. ¶G. On May 5, MGS Shangil Tobaya held a meeting with the SLA commander and the local leadership; the MGS commander was concerned with the disturbing events in Shangil Tobaya IDP camp, where it was alleged that the SLA members were abducting and forcefully recruiting young men into their army. The SLA commander of the area told the MGS commander that the SLA were merely rounding up its soldiers who had over stayed in the IDP camp while on vacation from Abuhamura and the SLA was returning them to their post. This operation was misunderstood by locals, who became apprehensive and fled to the MGS. ¶3. Humanitarian Access Update: On May 9, Three NGOs - MSF-Holland, ACF, and MDM - sent small assessment teams into Kalma IDP camp; a number of NGOs continue to provide services there, despite UNDSS classification of it as a "No-Go" area. The Wali of South Darfur has called a noon meeting to discuss the KHARTOUM 00001098 002 OF 002 situation in Kalma camp. ¶4. Comment: USAID Field Office will attend the Wali's meeting and provide a read-out; it will also participate in the regularly scheduled Kalma Camp Coordination meeting on May 9. End comment. HUME