Acting Head of AMIS meets former AU abductees
Oct 12, 2005 (KHARTOUM) — The Acting Head of Mission, Jean Baptiste Natama, has told at least 38 former AU abductees, two of them women CIVPOL, after their rescue three days ago by supporters of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) from the hands of alleged followers of Muhamed Saleh leader of a splinter group operating in western Sudan, that the swift reaction to their abduction by the African Union and the International Community was a clear manifestation that they were not alone in the theatre in Darfur and added that the unfortunate incidence should not douse their spirits as everything possible is being done by the African Union to contain the situation and ameliorate their operational status.
In this connection, Natama recalled that the 41st Meeting of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the AU held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, early this week inter alia, vehemently condemned these barbaric acts perpetrated by thugs lacking in political ethics and called upon them to desist forthwith from conducting such evil practices against the AU troops who are present in Darfur to foster and promote peace and stability.
The PSC, he stressed, has decided in order to maximize the protection and security of the AMIS personnel in Darfur to urge the GoS to authorize the issuance of diplomatic clearance for the speedy delivery of a donation of 105 Canadian Armoured Personnel Carriers(APCs) into the Sudan and added that the PSC has also agreed that a high level team of military experts should come to Darfur immediately to assess the security situation and examine the modalities of enhancing the protection of all the personnel engaged in the AMIS operation.
The Acting Head praised and commended the freed men and women for their patience and tolerance even in the face of provocation, trials and tribulations and urged them to continue performing their noble tasks with courage.
Commenting on the cooperation with overseas AU partners, he expressed profound gratitude and appreciation on behalf of the Head of Mission H.E. Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe and the entire staff of the AMIS for their unfailing support in sustaining the peace efforts in Darfur.