damanga condemns the killing of UN worker

April 24, 2008

        The Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy condemns the killing of Mohammed Makki el-Rasheed, a driver for the UN World Food Programme. On April 21, El-Rasheed was en route to deliver food to those displaced by the conflict in Darfur when he was shot and killed just north of Nyala, the capital of South Darfur. As a result of increased banditry in the region, including many hijackings and the killing of two WFP employees, the UN has halved the amount of food aid to Darfur.

Damanga is saddened by this news and extends its condolences to the friends and family of el-Rasheed. Additionally, Damanga is concerned about the severe decrease of food supplies that will be available to internally displaced persons. Due to the increased violence against UN and other humanitarian workers, many civilians affected by the humanitarian disaster in Darfur will have fewer resources for survival.

Damanga beseeches the international community to intervene. It is imperative that the full UNAMID mission deploy and implement UN Resolution 1769. This mission is crucial for the establishment of security in Darfur which is a necessary component to achieving political stability in the region. Additionally, the UN presence will discourage banditry and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to refugee camps. The Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy remains hopeful that international intervention will help establish peace in Darfur.