AU Commends Nigeria's Gambari Leadership In Darfur

AU Commends Nigeria's Gambari Leadership In Darfur

The Joint African Union-United Nations Special Representative in Sudan , Professor Ibrahim Gambari, has been commended for his good leadership and efforts to ensure safety of civilians, especially women and children, in Darfur, Southern Sudan .

Dr. Jean Ping, the AU Commission Chairperson, gave the commendation when he was briefed by Gambari on the forthcoming 16 th AU summit where the security situation in Darfur is expected to be reviewed by African heads of state and government.

Ping also praised the three components of the UN African Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), the military, police and civilian staff, for striving to bring peace to Darfur .

He encouraged the UNAMID leadership and the warring parties to continue to work for peace and stability in Sudan and urged Darfur rebel movements to cooperate with UNAMID to achieve peace in the region.

Gambari said UNAMID had in the last one year, taken significant steps to strengthen its effectiveness on ground and ensure peace and security in the region.

He said that since his appointment in January 2010, efforts to ensure full deployment of UNAMID had continued.

“ As at January 2011, the number of UNAMID civilian staff stands at 4,298, representing 78 per cent of the mission's approved strength, while the strength of the military stands at 17,468, representing 89 per cent of the authorised strength,” Gambari said.

He said there were also 2,745 police officers, representing 73 per cent of the approved strength and that out of the 19 approved formed police units, 16 had been deployed with a total number of 2,234 representing 89 per cent of the authorised number.

Gambari said that with the deployments, the mission had become effective through a robust protection strategy and determined posture in the face of restrictions on freedom of movement.

“Instructions have been issued to UNAMID military and police units that attacks on UNAMID patrols are to be responded to in accordance with the rules of engagement and the Status Force Agreement,” he explained.

Gambari, who also briefed the AU Peace and Security Council on the situation in Darfur , was accompanied to the AU Commission by the UNAMID Force Commander, Lieutenant-General Patrick Nyamvumba.

NAN/Margaret/Yinka