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Sudan: UN welcomes progress in peace talks, allowing some aid to reach North Darfur

Countries
Sudan
Sources
UN RC/HC Sudan
Publication date

Khartoum, 6 March 2013. The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Mr. Ali Al-Za’tari, welcomes the signs of progress following reconciliation meetings between the Northern Reizegat and Beni Hussein tribes in Saraf Omrah, North Darfur, brokered by state authorities. Following these meetings, roads into El Sireaf have been re-opened for the first time since 21 February, enabling food, commerce and urgently needed supplies to reach the area. “While we are ready to continue providing assistance to people affected by the recent conflict, the priority must be to prevent further fighting and to promote reconciliation between the two tribes”, said Mr. Al-Za’tari. “In this regard, I greatly welcome the recent reconciliation efforts led by state authorities”, he said.

Over 100,000 people are estimated to have been displaced or severely affected by the fighting between the Northern Reizegat and the Beni Hussein tribes that began in early January, following a dispute in the Jebel Amir gold mining area. UN agencies have delivered over 700 metric tons of assistance to people displaced to El Sireaf, Garrat Az Zawia, Saraf Omra, Kebkabiya and other locations in North Darfur.

The delivery of this assistance has been facilitated by the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), which has provided armed escorts to protect humanitarian road convoys. Mr. Al-Za’tari said he welcomed the close cooperation between humanitarian organizations, Government authorities and UNAMID in addressing the needs of people affected by the Jebel Amir crisis. UNAMID has played a key role in evacuating wounded civilians and in delivering relief supplies by helicopter when roads have been closed. UNAMID is currently in the process of establishing a temporary operating base in El Sireaf to assist local authorities in ensuring the protection of civilians and delivery of humanitarian assistance with ease and speed.