December 10, Nairobi — Multiple cases of abduction for ransom were reported in Kalma camp for internally displaced persons (IDP) in South Darfur. This is a “new phenomenon” not previously observed in the area, the United Nations said in a report on Monday.
Four recently reported abduction incidents include those of a 14 year old boy, and three men. The child was released following a payment of 2 million Sudanese pounds (over $3300). A ransom was also requested in the case of a 40 year an abducted in October but his family is unable to pay the request amount of 5 million Sudanese pounds (over $8300).
The Kalma camp in eastern Nyala, South Darfur, is one of the largest IDP camps in the region, hosting over 340,000 people. Since the war began in April 2023, its population has increased massively. On Tuesday it was also reported that Sudanese military aircrafts had dropped eight bombs on Nyala’s airport and former UN peacekeeping headquarters. There were allegedly civilian casualties.
Residents in the Kalma IDP camp described the abductions as “a business” for the perpetrators. In October the Darfur Network Human Rights (DNHR) called on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who are responsible for the camp’s security, to protect civilians. The described the situation as “critical.”
In May, the Norwegian Refugee Council said that the camp faced significant challenges, particularly regarding food security and malnutrition. Where there were 17 governmental schools in the camp, not one of them was functional. They also called for urgent intervention afforesting security issues and unrestricted access outside the camp.