UNAMID Reinforces Security Presence at Kalma Camp

In response to Sudanese government threats against the Kalma IDP camp, the UNAMID peacekeeping mission deployed a platoon of armed soldiers and an armored personnel carrier to Kalma in order to increase camp security.

Once peacekeepers deployed to Kalma, they began round-the-clock patrols of the camp in response to "recent alleged threats of an attack on the camp by the Government of Sudan Forces." The threats have raised concerns that the Sudanese government may carry out another attack similar to the one that took place in Kalma on August 25, resulting in at least 31 IDPs killed by Sudanese forces.

UNAMID has previously deployed troops to Kalma to monitor and deter Sudanese government actions against IDPs in the camps. Despite the temporary presence of peacekeepers, many outside observers see camps like Kalma as increasingly militarized and dangerous. It is hoped that the arrival of another 189 police advisors for UNAMID will help to decrease tensions and increase security in the camps. The recent arrivals bring the number of deployed UNAMID police to nearly fifty percent of the mandated total.