UNAMID condemns hijacking of ambulance ferrying pregnant woman in Darfur

Khartoum, Sudan (PANA) - The African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) has condemned the criminal act by a group of armed men who left a pregnant woman on the road after hijacking an ambulance conveying her to hospital in Drouk valley, 30 kilometres northeast of Dar Asalam, North Darfur, Sunday.

According to eyewitnesses, approximately 30 assailants affiliated with an armed movement from the area stopped the ambulance belonging to Dar Asalam hospital carrying a pregnant woman to Al Fashir hospital, UNAMID said in a statement made available to PANA.

It said the group abducted the ambulance driver and took the car, leaving the woman on the roadside. She was later rescued by a passing local vehicle and transported to Al Fashir.

The Deputy Joint Special Representative (Political), Ms. Aichatou Mindaoudou, expressed her “outrage” at the incident and urged the local authorities to promptly conduct a thorough investigation of the crime, extending the full support of the Mission to that end.

“Such shocking acts of criminality should not be tolerated. Impunity must not have a place in Darfur and the rights of women are to be fully protected.” the statement quoted her as saying.

UNAMID Force Commander Lt.-Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba called the act inhuman.

“This assault is an act of cowardice that is unacceptable, morally reprehensible and beyond the realm of criminality,” he said. “I urge the Government of Sudan to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
-0- PANA MO/SEG 11June2012