Darfur authority says UNAMID delaying security arrangements
March 9, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – The head of the Darfur Regional Authority (DRA), Tijani el-Sissi on Friday blamed the hybrid peacekeeping mission, United Nations – African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) for delaying the implementation of the security arrangements as provided in the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD).
The UNAMID established the Ceasefire Commission (CFC) one month after the signing of the DDPD in Doha on 22 August 2011. Chaired by UNAMID Force Commander and comprising of Sudan, Qatar and Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM) officials, the CFC is tasked with the monitoring violations of the ceasefire and support of the disarmament of former rebels.
Speaking after a meeting with a delegation of the Council of States, the upper house, visiting El-Fasher in Friday, Sissi who is also LJM chairman, reiterated his commitment to implement the security arrangements as provided in the peace document.
He further pointed out that the UNAMID did not honour its commitments in the implementation of the security arrangements.
In accordance with the DDPD, the CFC, chaired by the UNAMID, has to ensure the effective implementation of these measures including military disengagement, redeployment of forces and limited arms control.
UNAMID had to start, on 25 February, the verification of positions occupied by the two signatories of the DDPD, after which the peacekeeping operation has to assemble the LJM troops in assembly points agreed by the parties.
The new CFC chaired by the peacekeeping mission is mandated to monitor the implementation of all ceasefire and security agreements signed since 2004. But currently it includes only LJM and Sudanese government.
Before the defection of Sudan Liberation Movement – Minni Minnawi (SLM-MM) from Aubja peace agreement of May 2006, UNAMID, after taking over from the African Mission was blamed for not establishing a ceasefire mechanism to implement the security arrangements.
UNAMID also was slammed for failing to map rebel positions and areas they control.
(ST)