May 27, 2009 (EL-FASHER) — As the security situation is reported calm, the hybrid peacekeeping force evacuated yesterday some 19 civilians seriously wounded during last Monday fighting around Um Baru, North Darfur.

UNAMID evacuated on Tuesday 19 people gravely injured during fierce clashes between the Sudanese army troops and JEM rebels who attempted to take the control of the remote town which located at 120 klm northwest of the capital of the state, El-Fasher.

The mission which reported that the situation near the area is reported to be stable today, also brought medical supplies to the affected population in Um Baru.

Besides its protection operation, the hybrid peacekeeping force is now more and more involved in humanitarian action to relief or to rescue the civilians of the region. It was the case during Muhageriya fighting earlier this year and after the expulsion of the 13 aid groups in March.

The head of the mission in a statement released Monday condemned the eruption of violence in the region following JEM’s attacks on Kornoi and Um Baru. The peacekeeping mission said Um Baru clashes injured some 53 civilians and forced hundreds to seek shelter around a UNAMID camp.
In El Fasher, where are the headquarters of the mission, the UNAMID received today the first batch of around 40 new peacekeepers from Sierra Leonean police officiers. Some additional 22 peacekeepers are expected to arrive on Thursday.

UNAMID’s Deputy Police Commissioner, Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, welcomed the new Sierra Leonean officers (52 men and 10 women), saying their arrival will help strengthen the efforts of the Mission’s police component to bring peace and stability to Darfur.

(ST)