Convoy runs gauntlet to Darfur with supplies

November 4, 2008 (EL FASHER) – The peacekeeping mission in Darfur, lacking critical equipment, has managed to convoy supplies from a logistics base in central Sudan, where approximately 6000 sea containers full of equipment have been held up by a lack of transportation, administrative obstacles and roads potentially beset with unknown armed attackers.

A police unit of the African Union-United Nations hybrid operation in Darfur (UNAMID) on Monday escorted three trucks of humanitarian relief supplies and seven trucks of military equipment from El Obeid in central Sudan to Darfur. Overall, there were 39 vehicles in the convoy.

The 900-kilometer (560 mile) journey passes entirely through government-held territory.

UNAMID police last reported undertaking the journey from El Obeid to Darfur on October 13, travelling in 35 vehicles.

The Mission’s police force has attempted to establish contacts with the local population along the route as well as develop better working relations with the local police, according to a UNAMID spokesman.

(ST)