New clashes erupt in Sudan's North Darfur region

New clashes erupt in Sudan's North Darfur region

2011-01-26 06:16:02 GMT+7 (ICT)

NORTH DARFUR, SUDAN (BNO NEWS) -- The United Nations mission in Darfur (UNAMID) on Tuesday informed that new clashes erupted in Sudan's North Darfur region.

UNAMID confirmed reports that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Sudan Liberation Army / Minni Minnawi (SLA-MM)s got involved in heavy fighting in North Darfur on Monday.

The clashes are still ongoing in Tabit, located approximately 45 kilometers south of El Fasher, North Darfur. The fighting began at about 7:20 p.m. local time. UNAMID was prevented from entering the area by SAF officers.

SAF claimed that the area has severe security concerns and thus warned UN peacekeepers from involving in the fighting. No reports have been issued indicating casualties or injuries.

UANMID peacekeepers continue to seek further information, especially about the possible impact of the fighting on the local population. The latest fighting between Government and SLA-MM erupted last month and has so far displaced nearly 40,000 people from their homes.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for an immediate ceasefire. UNAMID Joint Special Representative Ibrahim Gambari expressed his concern over this latest outbreak of violence.

Gambari urged the parties involved to stop clashes and reminded that the Darfur conflict cannot be solved militarily and peace can only be achieved through an inclusive political process.

"The mission will make every effort to move forward in spite of impediments to ensure that it can protect civilians, build confidence and open routes for the free movement of civilians and humanitarian actors," said Secretary-General Ban.

UNAMID currently has approximately 17,470 peacekeepers out of an authorized total of 19,555 troops. The mission's police component stands at 2,745 members out of the 3,772 mandated.

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