Fresh Waves of Violence Erupt in western and southern darfur

January 16, 2008

     The Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy is disappointed to learn that fresh waves of violence erupted in Western and Southern Darfur at the onset of the New Year. This outbreak of violence has resulted in civilian casualties and has prevented the distribution of humanitarian aid. Several incidents have occurred including the release of 90 inmates from a prison in Buram, located in Southern Darfur. The prisoners were freed by gunmen driving pickup trucks who are believed to be members of the Salamat tribe which is connected to the Janjaweed. Also, on January 13, Sudanese government aircrafts attacked two villages that contained operations by the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), killing 3 civilians. On January 15, heavy fighting occurred between the Sudanese Army and members of the JEM movement when JEM members attempted to secure the Sheiria region with trucks. This clash resulted in the deaths of multiple JEM followers.
    As a result of this outbreak of violence, the area surrounding the capital of Darfur, El Geneina, has become a “no-go zone” which has severely reduced the allocation of humanitarian aid in the region. The Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy regrets this escalation of violence and hopes that a joint UN-AU effort will be successful in securing the area to promote peace and allow for the distribution of humanitarian aid.