AMIS Issues Press Release on Kalma, Hassahissa

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 001120

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR D, AF/FO, AF/RSA, AND AF/SPG
DEPT PLS PASS USAID FOR AFR/EA AND DCHA SUDAN GROUP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV MOPS KPKO PREF AU SU
SUBJECT: AMIS Issues Press Release on Kalma, Hassahissa
IDP Camp Demonstrations, Death of AU Interpreter

Ref: Khartoum 01094


1. On May 10, the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS)
released a press statement on the recent demonstrations
in the Kalma and Hassahissa internally displaced persons
(IDP) camps on May 8, which resulted in an AU interpreter
being killed by an angry crowd. The statement called for
the restoration of law and order to allow humanitarian
workers and AMIS forces to continue providing assistance.


2. The text of the press release is as follows:

(Begin text)

PRESS STATEMENT

On the Demonstrations in IDP Camps in Darfur

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the
African Union Commission in the Sudan, Ambassador Baba
Gana Kingibe expresses deep shock and sadness over the
lynching to death of an AU Language Assistant, following
an attack against an AU Civilian Police Station by
internally displaced persons in their Camp at Kalma in
south Darfur. The incident, which seemed to have been
orchestrated to coincide with the visit of Mr. Jan
Egeland, UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian
Affairs, who was himself under threat of physical harm,
took place on 8th May 2006.

The Special Representative and indeed the entire
leadership of the African Union are deeply concerned
about the spate of violent demonstrations by the IDPs in
Darfur, particularly the ones that took place in Kalma
and Hassahissa where, in addition to human casualties, a
number of AMIS vehicles and other properties were either
burnt, damaged or vandalized.

While recognizing the immeasurable hardship daily
experienced by the IDPs, particularly their frustration
and anger in the face of dwindling humanitarian
assistance, the kind of lawlessness and destructiveness
the IDPs exhibited against the very people that are
working hard to alleviate their suffering and plight
cannot be justified. These developments, coupled with
recent reports of violent clashes between the parties to
the conflict as well as the rampage by the Janjaweed in
Labado where no less than ten civilians were killed and
thirty three (33) injured, could undermine the commitment
of the vast majority of the people of Darfur to the peace
process. It could also undermine the supportive efforts
by the international community at this critical time as
we plan the implementation of the Darfur peace agreement.

The Special Representative strongly condemns these
regrettable acts and requests the Umdahs and other local
authorities as well as the parties who are now committed
to peace to assume their responsibility and re-establish
law and order to allow humanitarian workers and the AMIS
to continue to render assistance to the needy. All
concerned should exercise restraint and desist from all
acts of provocation in the interest of lasting peace in
Darfur.

On behalf of the African Union Commission and the entire
staff of AMIS, the Special Representative wishes to
express his heartfelt condolences to the family of the
late AMIS Language Assistant Ahmed Defala and prays Allah
(SWT) to grant his soul peaceful repose.

Khartoum, 10 May 2006

(End text)

HUME