EL FASHER, North Darfur, Sudan, 12 June 2020 / PRN Africa / -- The African Union – United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) urges the different communities in South Darfur state to exercise restraint and maintain calm following today's incident in Kalma Camp, to allow for police investigations into the killing of two people and injury of a third. The two deceased and one injured person – all believed to be members of the nomadic community – reportedly entered the internally displaced persons (IDP) Camp after losing their way. The incident resulted in potential retaliatory threats and acts.

In line with its protection of civilians mandate UNAMID responded immediately and deployed two formed police units and a military unit in and around the camp to avert any further violence or potential reprisals because of these killings. The deployed UNAMID force, along with a civilian team, are working closely with the Government of Sudan's forces to defuse tensions and restore calm.

Jeremiah Mamabolo, AU-UN Joint Special Representative for Darfur and Head of UNAMID, implores the Kalma community to not allow the situation to escalate any further and encourages all parties to resort to legal means in addressing this crime.

“I would like to convey my heart-felt condolences to the families of the deceased and my wishes of a speedy recovery to the injured victim. Our thoughts are with you,” he said.

“I also call upon all the communities involved to exercise self-restraint and seek justice through the appropriate judicial processes and refrain from meeting violence with violence.

“Let us all support the relevant authorities to investigate this crime and bring the perpetrators to justice. It is only through compliance with due process in accordance with rule of law principles that individual rights can be realized and justice achieved without jeopardising stability and social peace,”

“UNAMID will continue to collaborate with the IDP leaders, native administration and Government authorities on protecting civilians and engage with them regarding this matter.,” concluded Mamabolo.

UNAMID continues to monitor the situation and take measures in line with its responsibilities to protect civilians as mandated by the United Nations Security Council.

SOURCE African Union - United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID)