UNAMID Chief meets with Sudanese Minister of Interior, calls for humanitarian access to Muhajeria and Labado

KHARTOUM, Sudan, April 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- As part of his meetings with senior Sudanese officials and Darfurian authorities, the Joint Special Representative (JSR) of the African Union – United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), Mr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Interior, Mr. Ibrahim Hamid, on 17 April, in Khartoum.

During this meeting, Mr. Chambas thanked the Ministry of the Interior for the good working relationship that existed between it and UNAMID. In particular, he noted the fruitful cooperation between the UNAMID Police component and the Darfurian police. The JSR then drew the attention of the Minister of the Interior to the humanitarian situation in the areas Labado and Muhajeria towns, in East Darfur State, and urged the Government of Sudan to ensure that UNAMID and United Nations' humanitarian convoys are able access to Muhajeria and Labado, in order to provide the humanitarian assistance to those in need.

In light of recent developments in and around Muhajeria and Labado, Mr. Chambas also urged the Government to prevent civilian loss of life and property as it reestablishes its control over these areas.

An estimated 18,000 displaced civilians remain concentrated around UNAMID team sites near Muhajeria and Labado towns since 6 April 2013, when fighting broke out between the Government forces and the Sudan Liberation Movement / Minni Minawi. The displaced populations are still waiting for much-needed humanitarian aid.