AU has no authority to transfer mandate in Darfur to UN – envoy

Mar 16, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — Head of the African Union Mission in the Sudan, Baba Ghana Kengaibi, affirmed that the AU have no the authority to transfer its mandate and tasks in Darfur to any other organization.

In a press conference he held here Thursday, he said that the recent decision of the AU Peace and Security Council only extended the mandate of the AU Mission in Darfur up till next September, the state-run SUNA reported.

By the end of this mandate period, the Peace and Security Commission will view whether to extend this mandate further or terminate it, said Baba Ghana.

He affirmed that the presence of the AU forces was upon the agreement of Sudan government and in accordance with a specific mandate for monitoring the cease-fire protocol, which was signed by the parties of the conflict in Darfur.

He said that the AU forces are working in coordination with all the parties and within the context of cooperation with the international community and the United Nations to solve the issue of Darfur.

He declared that a road-map for solving Darfur conflict is to be formulated with the participation of the UN, the AU, Sudan government and the rebel movements.

(ST)