Um Dafuq, June 07 (Darfur24)
At least seven Sudanese refugees, including women and children, were injured in an armed robbery attack while traveling between the border town of Um Dafuq and the city of Birao in the Central African Republic (CAR), according to refugee leaders.
Fadali Mohamed, head of the Sudanese refugee camp in Birao, told Darfur24 that the attack occurred in the Dahal area, about 15 kilometers from the city, as refugees were returning from a shopping trip.
He said the victims were traveling in four tuk-tuks when armed men intercepted them, attacked the group, and set two of the vehicles on fire before fleeing the scene.
The injured included three women and two children, all of whom were transferred to the hospital for treatment. No arrests have been reported so far.
The incident highlights the security challenges facing Sudanese refugees in the Central African Republic, where thousands have sought refuge after fleeing conflict in Darfur.
The country currently hosts an estimated 36,000 Sudanese refugees, most of them from Darfur. Many continue to face difficult humanitarian conditions, including shortages of food and basic services, as well as recurring security incidents in and around refugee settlements.
Despite efforts by authorities to allocate land for refugees and support from Sudanese professionals working with host communities, aid workers say humanitarian and protection needs remain significant.