Sudan approves land allocation for UNAMID in S. Darfur

UNAMID reports that banditry activities remain prevalent in West Darfur.

Daily press briefing by the office of the spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, EL FASHER (DARFUR), Sudan, April 2, 2009 - via APO:

On Darfur, the Under-Secretary-General for Field Support, Susana Malcorra, today travelled to the South Darfur capital, Nyala.

Upon her arrival, Ms. Malcorra paid a courtesy visit on the Wali or Governor of South Darfur during which they discussed issues relating to the African Union-United Nations mission in Darfur (UNAMID). He indicated that his Government had approved land allocation for UNAMID in South Darfur and reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to cooperate with the peacekeeping operation and facilitate its work.

While in Nyala, Ms. Malcorra also met with UNAMID officials and toured the UNAMID facilities, including the Pakistan Level III hospital where she was briefed on the construction work being done, as well as progress made. UNAMID, meanwhile, reports that banditry activities remain prevalent in West Darfur.