Stop The Massacres And Humanitarian Disaster In Western Sudan

Last Friday, December 12th, 50 villages around Beida and Arara towns were completely destroyed in one of the biggest recent atrocities. Hundreds of Massaleit civilians were killed, and more than 20,000 people were forced to flee into neighbouring Chad. Thousands of others fled into Beida, Arara and Mesteri towns, seeking refuge in population centres within the region. Some of those who took shelter in Arara were killed within the town by their pursuing attackers. This massacre was the work of a joint force of the Janjaweed and government soldiers.
In Chad, the refugees of the carnage found their way to Um-Saterna, about 50 kilometres from Beida. The situation of these refugees is dire. They have no clothes to protect themselves from the biting nighttime winter temperatures. Also, they lack basic life sustaining supplies, particularly food and clean water. Moreover, they lack medicines to treat the injured and the sick. Malaria, typhoid and Anaemia are a constant threat. The plight of these refugees is compounded by the fact that their attackers are nearby and could attack anytime. The Janjaweed attack their victims across the international border with impunity.