The ARF is increasing its military engagements in Western Discordia and specifically in and around Block 77. All parties to the current oil development still claim that peace is their primary objective. However, Enweh community leaders stress that if the government is not able to get the situation under control they might need to look elsewhere. Civil society groups on the ground are very concerned with the situation. The DAL is stating that the government need to demilitarize in the area saying that 'Militarization is alienating the people on the ground.' The international relief organization Nurture has confirmed that they are increasing engagment in the conflicting area and several other international human rights organization are speaking out against the military escalation. Humanity First says 'we are planning something BIG' to raise awareness and stop the violence.
The CDUL are working closely with the ARF, leaving speculators to wonder to what extend the ARF are in fact the military wing of the Unity League.
The CDUL denies these claims and are adament that they are a concerned mediator. They say the government have no idea how quickly the situation is escalating and report that the ARF are very strong and have almost unlimited support from the richer and more powerful neighboring country of Mindo.
The government are now in a meeting with the CDUL and we hope the issue will be settled soon.
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