New Violence Emerges from Muhajiriya

February 5, 2009

Damanga is following closely the recent outbreak of violence in the town of Muhajiriya has left at least thirty people killed. The violence has been a result of recent clashes between the Darfur rebel group, the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), and government troops. In the wake of UNAMID's attempt to establish a 1km no-fire zone within this town of Muhajiriya, three shots exploded, and there is no clear indication as to which group is responsible. JEM, the side currently in control of the town, claims that all of its equipment is beyond the boundaries of the UNAMID no-fire zone, while government troops equally claim they are not responsible for the outbreak.

The Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy is saddened by this recent outbreak of violence and for those whose lives have been lost as a result. Damanga praises UNAMID troops for their bravery in their attempt to create a no-fire zone and their efforts to terminate the violence in the area. Damanga thus urges the peacekeepers to pursue similar, sustainable peace efforts, as the violence within Muhajiriya is indicative of the widespread devastation facing all Darfuris and civilians within the region.