Ethiopian peacekeepers reach Darfur by road

June 30, 2009 (EL-FASHER) — An advance party of the second Ethiopian battalion has arrived in the AU-UN Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) by road, covering a distance of more than 1,800 kilometres.

This is the first time ever that a troop contributing country sends its troops by road.The Ethiopians troops carried transportation and equipment, including 76 transport vehicles, 20 support vehicles, as well as 39 drivers and logistics specialists.

The second batch of the advance party carrying 61 vehicles and equipment, supported by 149 personnel is expected to arrive in the UNAMID on Saturday 4 July.

The Ethiopian battalion will be based in Graida in South Darfur and El Geneina in West Darfur. The main body of the battalion will be deployed in the Mission area at the end of August 2009.

Ethiopia’s current contribution to Darfur peacekeeping mission consists of an infantry battalion and engineering unit, as well as multi-role, reconnaissance and transport companies deployed in El Geneina and Kulbus in West Darfur.

There are some 13,550 personnel already there – out of a total Security Council authorized force of 19,555.

(ST)