Darfur peacekeepers ready to defend themselves – UNAMID general

February 22, 2012 (KHARTOUM) — The joint peacekeeping operation in Darfur (UNAMID) today said that its troops are ready to open fire to defend themselves after a two day blockage of a long-range patrol by the rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) in northern west Darfur.

The capture of the 55 peacekeepers by over one hundred rebels was seen humiliating for a mission constantly under criticism from both the Sudanese government and rebels groups. Every side accuses it of supporting the other.

Also the non-use of arms policy adopted by UNAMID led to question about their ability to implement their mandate: protection of civilians. The Sudanese army recently said the presence of the peacekeepers is an additional burden on their shoulders. The mission have suffered a number of attacks recently by armed groups and rebels.

“We are peacekeepers first and foremost. We are here for peace. However, if there is a need that requires us to use force, we will use it,” UNAMID Force Commander Lt General Patrick Nyamvumba told the peacekeepers in Umm Baru in North Darfur.

“And remember, we are under Chapter seven,” he said, alluding to the UN security Council resolution 1769 of 31 July 2007 which authorises UNAMID to use force not only for the protection of civilians , but also to protect its forces and to ensure the movement of its personnel and aid workers.

Nyamvumba praised the patrol for asking to dispatch more troops to surround the rebel force after deciding to not leave the area without the Yemeni police advisor and the two Sudanese interpreters. “I am here to thank you for showing that if it’s time to use force you are ready to do it,” he said.

Yesterday, Ibrahim Gamabri rejected JEM’s demand on the need to get their permission before entering rebel-held areas, saying UNAMID is mandated to protect civilians “throughout the Darfur region”.

UNAMID says 33 soldiers have been killed since the takeover of the peacekeeping mission from the African Union at the end of 2007. The attackers are always described as “unknown gunmen” or “bandits”. But international sources working in Darfur say the assailants were from both sides.

The sources pointed to the increase of attacks against the UN staffers and UNAMID forces after the arrest warrant for the Sudanese president by the war crimes court (ICC). Sudan Tribune sources add that UNAMID’s support of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur has provoked the anger of the rebel groups who did not sign it.

(ST)