Press statement on the situation in Labado and Mohajeria, East Darfur

KHARTOUM, Sudan, April 16, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) received reports informing that this morning the Sudanese Armed Forces, supported by the Popular Defense Forces and another armed group, have taken control of Labado town, East Darfur State, from the Sudan Liberation Movement / Minni Minawi (SLA/MM) after fierce fighting, which resulted in the death of four civilians and the wounding of six others.

The six wounded civilians are receiving medical treatment at UNAMID team site near Labado, where some 8000 displaced civilians remain concentrated since 6 April 2013, when fighting broke out between the Government forces and SLA/MM.

The situation in and around Muhajeria town, East Darfur, though relatively calm, remains tense. Since 6 April, over 10000 civilians have also been gathering around the UNAMID team site near the town.

“The lives of thousands of displaced civilians, who are still waiting for humanitarian aid, are at stake here. I am deeply concerned about their safety, security and well-being,” said the Joint Special Representative, Mr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas. “I urge all sides to protect the civilians and respect international human rights and humanitarian law,” he added.

Mr. Chambas also called on the belligerents to cease hostilities and allow immediate humanitarian access to Mohajeria and Labado, including to UNAMID team sites in both locations.