Critical aid delivered to East Darfur displaced

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The African Union/United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and its humanitarian partners have delivered 80 000 kg of critical humanitarian aid to thousands of civilians displaced by renewed fighting in Labado and Muhajeria, East Darfur, where access has been difficult.

“Access remains a priority and we are pleased this aid has made it to the people. UNAMID and its UN Country Team partners will continue to ensure we reach those most in need,” said UNAMID Joint Special Representative Mohamed Ibn Chambas.

The first phase of the operation was conducted on 23 April and consisted primarily of delivering food rations, bottled water and medical supplies. The second phase of the operation is in the planning stages.

The aid, delivered and protected by UNAMID peacekeepers, was provided by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The current humanitarian situation in the area emerged earlier this month as a result of clashes between the Sudan Liberation Army (Mini Minawi) and the Government of Sudan.

At present, an estimated 20 000 displaced people have gathered around the Mission’s team sites in Labado and Muhajeria.

Concerns over an increase in the number of security incidents in Darfur and access by the Mission to those areas most affected by conflict were raised again on April 16 at a meeting of the Tripartite Co-ordination Mechanism on UNAMID, Chambas added.