Violence in Darfur not limited to rural areas

February 1, 2007

Media reports about the violence in Darfur often call to mind vicious attacks that take place in isolated rural areas.  But violence is also increasing in cities like Al-Geneina, reflecting the domination of urban areas by pro-Arab janjaweed militias and deathsquads, as well as a general decline in public safety.

On the evening of January 30, 2007, a man was killed when his house was attacked in the Hai al-Emtidat district, in northwestern Al-Geneina.  The incident was reported by two women who live in an adjacent house and a man who lives in another neighboring home.  According to the witnesses, five men who were identified as members of the local janjaweed militia pulled up to the home in a government vehicle around 8pm.  They forced their way into the house and shot one of the residents to death.  The victim’s name has not been confirmed, but it is known that several family members including his wife and father were in the home when he was killed.  The neighbors also reported that the man was beaten before he was shot.

On January 15, a home in central Al-Geneina was raided by five assailants identified as janjaweed by neighbors who witnessed the attack.  The home is owned by Ahmed al-Mufti, a wealthy and well-known local merchant and businessman.  At the time of the attack, the sister of Mr. al-Mufti was in the house along with her husband, children and mother.  The assailants held up the family at gunpoint and looted the house.  They reportedly made off with cash, gold and valuables that totaled more than US $10,000 in value.

On January 14, Zacharai Kuyuyu was attacked and robbed by three janjaweed assailants.  At approximately 8pm, he and his sister were returning downtown from Al-Geneina’s eastern Ardamata district when the men approached and threatened them with a gun. They told Mr. Kuyuyu to take off his overcoat and watch, and to hand these items along with his cash to his sister.  They then made her bring the items to them, at which point they searched her for valuables, making her remove her wrap while they made lewd comments.  The robbery was reported by friends of Mr. Kuyuyu, and the facts were verified by another Damanga correspondent in Al-Geneina.