Sudanese rebel infiltration of refugee camps in Chad could lead to suspension of aid – UN

The United Nations refugee agency warned today that Sudanese rebel infiltration inside and near camps in eastern Chad could result in the suspension of humanitarian aid to some of the 200,000 people who have fled three years of fighting in Sudan’s Darfur region, where scores of thousands of people have been killed and 2 million displaced.

“We are very disturbed by reports of ongoing infiltration of armed Sudanese rebels,” UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesperson Jennifer Pagonis told a news briefing in Geneva, adding that the agency feared further recruitment of refugees for military activities in Darfur and calling on the Chadian Government to increase security.

“Once again, we strongly condemn the infiltration of refugee camps by any military presence. This situation is totally unacceptable,” she said. It violates the civilian and humanitarian character of the refugee camps and risks making refugees and humanitarian workers a target.

“We want to stress to the Chadian authorities, rebel groups and refugees that military infiltration of the camps cannot continue. If not stopped, it could result in the suspension of humanitarian activities.”

Ms. Pagonis noted that responsibility for security in and around the refugee camps rests with the Chadian government and said the agency was working with them on increasing their resources.

“We are also continuing our information campaign to dissuade refugees from joining political and military activities, and warn them of the risks associated with militarization of the camp,” she added.

She cited the case of Oure Cassoni camp which shelters some 27,000 Sudanese refugees and has been suspected of being used as a rest and recuperation base for rebels. On Tuesday, at least three pick-ups, with some three to four men in military clothing in each, were seen in the camp, claiming to visit family members, seeking medical care or getting cigarettes.

“This is the first time however, that rebels have been seen so openly in broad daylight, in vehicles and walking around the camp,” she said.

Last week, UNHCR condemned rebel military infiltration in Treguine, Breidjing and Goz Amir camps. In all there are 12 such camps in eastern Chad.