Security Information for UN personnel in Darfur

SECURITY ADVICE FOR UN VISITORS & STAFF TO DARFUR (SUDAN)

INTRODUCTION
Peace keeping is the major activity in Darfur with over 17,000 UNAMID Military and Police Peace Keepers (PKF)
deployed in the five Darfur States for the protection of civilians (IDPs), escort UN Agencies, Funds and Programs (AFP)
missions in delivering UN programs and monitor the security situation across Darfur.
SECURITY LEVEL SYSTEM
The Darfur Area of Responsibility (AoR) is divided into five (5) Security Level Areas, all of which are in Security Level
4 Substantial (see Darfur map below).

THREAT ANALYSIS
Darfur is an active conflict area where the general security situation has remained unstable in many areas of Darfur. The
conflict continues to be dominated by a) Armed Conflict between the Darfur armed movements and GoS; b) GoS backed
militia or armed tribal groups vs. other opposing tribal groups and / or armed movements; c) Tribal and resource based
conflicts. The conflict in Darfur has evolved from high levels of violence (2003-2010/11) to the present low intensity
conflict situation. GoS, LJM and JEM Basher have signed the DDPD peace agreement.
1. Armed conflict in the environment has resulted into a range of direct or indirect threats and displacement affecting
UN/Humanitarian operations in Darfur. These threats vary from ambush/direct attacks to criminal related activities
such as kidnapping, robbery, carjacking, break-ins/intrusion, theft, violent demonstration, stone throwing, mob attacks
as well as restrictions of movement
2. Armed Attacks: Organized and coordinated attacks in the form of ambush/mob attacks against UN/UNAMID
facilities/patrols/personnel using small arms are a real threat. During 2013-14, 18 ambushes/attacks occurred resulting
in 16 fatalities and 32 injuries to UNAMID Personnel.
UN Security
Darfur, Sudan October 2014

Security Information for UN personnel in Darfur

3. Abduction/Kidnapping: The phenomenon of kidnapping continues to grow in Darfur particularly targeting the
international community, including UN/INGOs. Since the first recorded incident of hostage taking in 2009, a total
number of 25 incidents (with 48 victims) have so far been recorded in Darfur.
4. Carjacking: Threat of carjacking/violent carjacking continues to exist throughout Darfur. During 2014 so far 25
UNAMID/UNAFPs and 12 INGO vehicles have been carjacked as against 21 UNAMID/UNAFPs and 19 INGO
during 2013 which indicates an overall increase in the incidents of carjacking.
5. Break-ins: Break-ins and robberies have continuously affected UN/UNAMID in towns and deep field locations.
During 2014, so far 142 break-ins and robbery related incidents affecting UN has been reported.
6. Due to deteriorated security situation, UNAMID personnel in all Darfur states are residing in UNAMID super camps,
except for El Fasher where some of UNAMID personnel are still residing in rented accommodation due to limited
availability of UN provided accommodation.
PERSONAL SECURITY
Please be reminded that personal security is an individual responsibility. Personal behavior plays an important role in
personal safety, and risk can be minimized by using common sense, respecting the local culture, adhering to the
recommended security measures and following UN Security Advisories. UN SMS personnel are advised to contact UN
Security on any security related issues and clarification of SOPs.
TRAVEL
All the travels from/to Darfur are by air. Curfew hours are in place in all Darfur Sectors, and all movements during curfew
hours require PKF escorts. All deep field patrols are escorted by PKF.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography is severely restricted in Sudan/Darfur. Taking photos or filming is not permitted by authorities without a
permit and permission. Foreigners carrying cameras may be subject to police inquiries. Anyone without a permit who
takes photos may encounter problems.
DRIVING
Due to poor road and traffic conditions both in the towns and field in Darfur and poor driving skills of the local
populations, prudence is required while driving the UN vehicles. UN personnel are advised to:
Always take advice from UN Security before planning to travel.
Must use personnel protective equipment (PPE) while travelling to the field.
The maximum speed limit is 60 KPH on the roads in Darfur while 30 KPH in UNAMID super Camps.
Keep doors locked and valuables out of sight when driving.
Only open car windows 10 to 12 cms.
Always park the vehicle inside secured UN compounds.
Never use mobile phone when driving.
For official travels, use radio to report your departing and closing points also report other designated reporting
points while travelling.
Follow all the security advisories issued by UNAMID transport and UN Security from time to time.
CHECKLIST

You checklist:

Ensure you do web based basic and advance security in the field training (BSITF & ASITF) training.
Ensure you receive a Security Briefing/Mandatory Security Induction Briefing from UN Security upon arrival.
SSAFE (Safe and Secure Approaches in the Field Environment) training is mandatory for all staff in Darfur.
Collect Hostage Survival card and Hand-outs on security measures (Radio Communication, car-jacking etc.) from
UN security and comply with all related provisions.
UN Security
Darfur, Sudan October 2014

Security Information for UN personnel in Darfur

Be familiar with Safe Rooms/bunkers at UN/UNAMID facilities and Team sites.

Ensure you are briefed about evacuation/relocation arrangements, zone warden system, and assembly and
concentration points for the respective duty station.
Ensure you have the telephone numbers of UNAMID Security Radio Room, Security Duty Officer, UNAMID
Clinic, Zone Warden and JSOC.
Inform your Warden in case of a change in your residential address/ telephone number.
Make sure to complete Security Clearance on TRIP before visiting other duty stations.
Always keep your 15 Kg QRB (Quick Run Bag) consisting of travel documents and other essential personal
belongings. Be ready to move at a short notice.

MEDICAL CARE
Within Darfur, UN Personnel have to depend mainly on UNAMID clinics and UNAMID medical services. UNAMID
medical personnel also guide the medical needs as well as medical facilities in Sudan and Region. UNAMID medical unit
also holds Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) starter kits for the immediate treatment of staff.
ACCOMMODATION/HOTELS
There are no recommended hotels in Darfur. All the newly arrived staff members are accommodated in UNAMID
provided transit accommodations.
Overall Residual Risk Level as per Darfur SRA is MEDIUM
Threat
Ambush / attacks
Cross fire
Attack on UN compound
Shooting at UN aircraft
Abduction / Hostage Takings
Carjacking
Road Banditry
Home intrusions
Demonstrations against the UN
Serious Vehicle Accidents
Flash Floods
Desert Storm (Haboob)
UXO

Risk Level
Very High
Medium
High
Very High
High
High
High
High
Medium
Low
High
Medium
Medium

Residual Risk Level

Medium
Low
Medium
High
Medium
Medium
Medium
Medium
Low
Low
Medium
Low
Low

HELP
Below are the important contact details:

Section
Radio Room - EL Fasher
Radio Room Police & Military
Radio Room - Zamzam
Radio Room - WFP
JSOC
SIOC Duty Officer
N. Darfur Duty Security Officer
Security Fire & Safety
Radio Room ELGeneina(NQS)

UNAMID HQ ELFASHER
Mobile
0922410208

0912170725
0912502029
0922410539
0912501931
0922410413
0912538398
UN Security
Darfur, Sudan October 2014

Ext /Dec
3172 -6100
6628 -6629
3400 -6730
4200
6284

3577
199-5007-5134

Security Information for UN personnel in Darfur

RadioRoomNyala (NSB)
Radio Room Zalingei(OWQ)
Radio Room Eldein
Radio Room UNDSS Khartoum
SIU Khartoum
Military Police SIU
Ambulance
Cinic Level1 El Fasher
Level 2
Movcom El Fasher
MOVCON Booking Office KH
Airops Duty Officer
Transport Section
Vehicle Mechanic

0922410174 0921204911
0912150552
0912140042

0922410153
0922410550 0922410127
0922412262 0922410062
0922410180

UN Security
Darfur, Sudan October 2014

196-4009- 4488- 4911

199-3900
196-2801
0187124000
196-6747
6515-7494
6570-8861
3913-3914
3295-5151
6637
3057- 3020- 3019- 7749
6797 7081 3683 7936
7011-3043