Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Message to UNAMID: How many Grizzly APC's do you have/need and when will the name of those peacekeepers who were killed and injured be released?

Email received today from a Sudan Watch reader:
When will the name of those peacekeepers who were killed and injured be released? I am very concerned about a doctor working with Drs. Without Borders who was shot on December 31. I have not heard from him since February 28. I am praying for the whole situation in Darfur.
Let's hope that the doctor is safe and well. If anyone from UNAMID is reading this, please pass this message on to UNAMID's chief:
Please publish names of all peacekeepers who have been injured or killed since the first batch of African Union troops arrived in Darfur, western Sudan. By my reckoning, there should be at least 70 - 80 names. Also, please publish news regarding the ongoing investigations into these war crimes and the outcomes. Thank you.
Here is a photo by Werner from his blog post at Soldier of Africa March 18, 2009. One wonders why peacekeepers are still getting shot at when there are vehicles such as the Grizzly APC to provide protection. I wonder how many of these vehicles are on the ground in Darfur, compared to the number needed. If anyone can provide an answer, please email me or comment. Thanks.

Four AU/UN Peacekeepers Wounded at El Geneina

Grizzly APC

This photo was taken by me in July 2006 when I was stationed at El Geneina. It shows a Grizzly APC, which is used by Canada and has been given to the AU to use during patrols. The Grizzly is capable of withstanding .50 calibre rounds and is mainly used to escort Military Observers and NGO's (if the NGO's ask for an escort, which they usually avoid).

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