Who Will Protect These?

As many of you who watch the news or keep up with this blog are well aware of, the situation in Darfur is hitting staggering new lows. During the last few months the signatory rebel groups have splintered into numerous new fractions, the Arab militias/ Janjaweed have expressed raising anger towards the government, and the Sudanese military has increased its attacks on rebel strong holds in East Jebel Marra. Within the greater context of Darfur specifically and conflict ravaged countries in general, this cycle of violence and escalation in hostilities is somewhat normal, although depressing. But in recent months the targeting of INGOs and the UN by rebel groups and government a like has taken a drastic up turn.

On December 18th two INGO compounds in Geraida (the largest IDP camp in the world) where attacked by armed militia resulting in the sever beating of both national and international staff and one of the international members being raped. During the raid numerous shots where fired at the personnel and 12 vehicles and supplies where stolen. That marks the third and most violent attack on INGO compounds in the month, and puts the number of INGO vehicles stolen in the past 60 days to well over 30. These attacks have resulted in all the INGOs evacuating the camp, leaving over 130,000 people without access to basic needs. In addition, the splintering of the rebel group who supposedly controls the camp means that no one knows who to hold accountable for these crimes.

More recently, an NGO compound in Nyala was raided this weekend by the Sudanese National Security based on reports of drinking and the presence of Sudanese nationals, male and female. Under Sharia Law non-Muslims are allowed to consume alcohol, but Muslims are strictly forbidden. Additionally, Muslim women should not be at such an event unaccompanied by their husband. During the raid 19 UN and INGO employees where severely beaten, the women harassed, and all of them thrown in prison. While the UN was eventually able to secure their release the Sudanese government is demanding the immediate arrest of several UN staff members in total defiance of the UN’s immunity under their mandate. During the course of the negotiations the Sudanese Government placed the head of OCHA in prison while he was representing the INGO community to the government in an attempt to resolve the issue through proper channels. In response to the excessive use force, threats, and the refusal to respect established international law the UN has ceased all operations of 48 hours and are considering pulling out altogether.

Things remain tense throughout Nyala and everyone is faced with the difficult question of how to continue to support those in need when the protection of staff and security of the operations in nearly impossible to control. Like Goma in 1994, the humanitarian community is pressed between the proverbial rock and hard place. The increase in fighting is displacing thousands and the winter season means conditions are more difficult then normal. But with access restricted and safety unpredictable at best, the problems simply seem to mount. The next few weeks could certainly be defining for Darfur…and sets a very important precedent for the rest of the world.

How is it that the lows are always able to get lower?