Security situation in Darfur - Aug 12, 2009

During the past 24 hours, the security situation in Darfur has been reported to be relatively calm.

UNAMID peacekeepers in West Darfur have been conducting farming patrols in a number of villages, including the village of Mabruka about 12 kilometres from El Geneina town, Albanjadid village and Mukjar as part of confidence building and to assist the local community during the rainy season.

While on patrol, the team interacted with the Government of Sudan police and the local community who confirmed that the security situation was calm in the areas.

UNAMID military and police continue to conduct patrols in and around the villages and IDP camps.

Advance party of Tanzanian battalion arrive to boost UNAMID deployment

The African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) today received a boost in its deployment with the arrival of 200 personnel advance party of the first Tanzanian Battalion in Darfur. The primary responsibilities of the Tanzanian advance party will be to prepare the camp site for the arrival of the main battalion and to support the distribution of its contingent owned equipment (COE).

The main body of the Tanzanian Battalion is expected to arrive in the Mission by mid September. They will be deployed in Khor Abeche and Muhajeria in South Darfur.

Currently Tanzania contributes 13 Military observers, 14 staff officers, and 3 liaison officers to the Mission. Tanzania also contributes 29 police advisers. With the new arrival, the total number of military forces deployed in the Mission is 14,182, representing over 70% of its authorized strength.

UNAMID is mandated to assist the parties to the conflict in Darfur in implementing the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) and any subsequent agreement. It will do so through contributing to the protection of civilians and the creation of security conditions that would allow unhindered access for the delivery of humanitarian aid as well as the voluntary return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees to their homes, thus paving the way for the reconciliation and confidence building necessary for durable peace, security and stability in Darfur.

UNAMID Force Commander visits South Darfur

UNAMID Force Commander General Martin Luther Agwai today visited the South Darfur capital of Nyala, upon arrival, the Force Commander met with UNAMID officials who briefed him on the Mission’s operational activities including challenges and achievements made. During the visit, General Martin Luther Agwai inaugurated the Pakistani Level III hospital and also attended the medal parade organized in honor of the Bangladeshi multi-role logistics company.

Source: United Nations – African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID)
EL FASHER (DARFUR), Sudan, August 12, 2009/(APO) - UNAMID Daily Media Brief/2009-08-12