May 30, 2012 (KHARTOUM) — Civilians in Forog, remote area of a North Darfur, urged the United Nations on Wednesday to provide them with more humanitarian assistance, complaining of shortages of water and medicines.

Girls hold a banner calling to provide Forgo civilians with water on 30 May 2012 (Photo Albert Gonzalez Farran- UNAMID)

The civilians made their demands during a visit by a delegation from the joint African Union United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) which provides humanitarian aid to the isolated population in the restive region.

In July 2009 Khartoum expelled 13 aid groups providing food, medical services and drilling and managing water wells in arid region of Darfur.

UNAMID have opened a new clinic and three schools in Forog, located in North Darfur.

The population of the area, which is controlled by the rebel Sudan Liberation Army led by Abdel Wahid Al-Nur, welcomed the UNAMID delegation with banners demanding they provide them with water and medicines.

Local sources told Sudan Tribune that the community leaders told the visiting delegation that they are suffering from water shortage due to the lack of sufficient water wells in area.

They also pointed out the serious shortage of medicines and medical equipment as the area like many others suffers from the absence of aid workers.

They said were not enough teachers to educate the children.

Sudanese government and a rebel group, Liberation and Justice Movement signed a framework document to end the nine-year conflict in Darfur. But lack of money has delayed the implementation of the peace agreement.

Other rebel groups have refused to join the peace deal and formed last November an alliance with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – North aiming to topple the Sudanese regime.

(ST)