African Union undertakes the 2nd assessment mission to Darfur

Dec 10, 2005 (KHARTOUM) — With the deployment of its authorities strength of some 7700 almost completed, it has become imperative for the African Union Commission to take another Assessment Mission to Darfur from 10 – 20th December 2005, in order to critically review the operations of the military, civilian police and humanitarian components of AMIS. It should be recall that pursuant to its commitment to undertake periodic reviews of its operations in Darfur, the first Assessment Mission was undertaken in March 2005, enabling the AU and its partners to work together and produce a report which formed the basis of the PSC decision of May 2005 to enhance the force from 3320 to 7700.

The objectives of the current Assessment Mission will be mainly to assess the extent to which recommendations of the first Mission have been implemented, evaluate the current security and humanitarian situation in Darfur and examine the way forward for greater effectiveness.

The Assessment Mission which comprises representatives of the Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs), current and incoming chairpersons of the PSC and AU partners will visit all Sectors in the AMIS Area of Responsibility. The Mission will be under the leadership of the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe.

On completion of the Assessment in Darfur, the Mission will submit its report to the Chairperson of the African Union for consideration as a basis for further recommendations to the PSC.