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Militia Fires on Darfurians Demanding Better Security

Michael Atit

   KHARTOUM - A group of armed men killed10people and injured 17
   othersintheFatabornovillage of Sudan's Northern Darfur state on
   Monday,according tolocal residents.

   WitnessestoldVOA'sSouth Sudan in Focusprogramthata group ofmilitialoyal
   to ousted President Omar al Bashir opened fire on hundreds of peoplewho
   had gatheredat a sit-into callfor increased security.

   ResidentSuwarAdam Ali, 27, said he saw gunmen attack three locations,
   including a camp for internally displaced persons.

   "At around 12p.m., a group ofmilitiatried to access the sit-in site in
   the camp. They also entered theFatabornomarket and burned shops and
   people's property. They also escaped with dozens of livestock.They
   fired live bullets on the people,"Alisaid.

   For the past five days,traditional chiefs, religious leaders, local
   youth and women have staged a sit-in in front of the headquarters
   ofFatarborno'sadministrative unit, demanding the government provide
   additional security.

   Villagers cannot farm their land or graze their cattle because
   theyfearthey will be targeted by armed militia in the area,according
   toAli.

   "We are requesting the transitional government to disarm these militia
   groups, secure the agricultural season, stop forceful displacement, and
   they should immediately intervene to stop the open sale of illegal
   drugs in the market," Ali told VOA.

   Last week, a high-level government delegation headed byMohammed Hassan
   Al Taishi, a member of Sudan's rulingSovereignCouncil,met
   withNertititown residents and agreed to provide additional security in
   the area, establish local courts and try criminal suspects.

   The government applauded the citizens ofNertitifor staging peaceful
   protests to express their demands.

   Information Minister Faisal Mohammed Saleh told protesters at last
   week's rally that government leaders are eager to meetwiththem and
   discuss their demands.

   "We will come and sit with them on the mountains, sit on stone, under
   the tree or in the desert, and listen to them. This is not because we
   are angels but because it is our duty," said Saleh.

   Northern Darfur military caretaker governor Major General Malik Al
   TaibKhawjalihas declared a 5p.m.to 5a.m.curfew in the area.

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