AU regrets Sudan's press campaign against AU troops

Sudanese press is not alone in denigrating the role of the African peacekeeping force in Darfur. It is happening in the western media too. AU soldiers deserve praise and medals, not unfair criticism for failing to stop a war.



Photo: African Union soldier at Kalma camp for internally displaced people near Nyala, southern Darfur, Sudan (by journalist Andrew Heavens at Meskel Square blog)

The AU's mandate in Darfur reduces its soldiers to act as monitors, not a protection force with Chapter VII mandate. Given the shortage of equipment and resources they have to work with, they are doing an excellent job and proving themselves to be great ambassadors of their home countries.



Photo: African Union soldier on parade outside his base at Nyala, southern Darfur, Sudan (Courtesy Andrew Heavens)

An AU spokesman says AMIS is the biggest mission ever mounted by the African Union since its inception, comprising more than seven thousand African men and women, who are proud to demonstrate African solidarity with the people of the Sudan. They have been performing their duties in the best manner possible, making great sacrifices on behalf of Africa. See Sudan Tribune article Mar 7 2006.



Photo: African Union troops parade in Nyala, southern Darfur, Sudan (Courtesy Andrew Heavens)

Note, the above article says some officials in Khartoum were recently quoted by the local press as saying that AMIS was causing the spread of the AIDS epidemic and carrying out Christianization activities in Darfur.



Photo: African Union soldier at Kalma camp for internally displaced people near Nyala, southern Darfur, Sudan (Courtesy Andrew Heavens)