Rwandan president, AU chief discuss Darfur force

Dec 25, 2006 (KIGALI) — The Rwandan president discussed with the chairperson of African Union Commission, during his one-day working visit, the improvement of the African forces in Sudan’s troubled Darfur region.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Alpha Oumar Konare, held talks on ways of improving security in the war-torn Sudanese region of Darfur and the deteriorating situation in Somalia, the Rwandan radio reported Monday.

President Paul Kagame and his visitor also talked about the need for African leaders to adopt strategies that would stop any conflict that could lead to another genocide on this continent. They agreed that the Rwandan genocide should serve as a lesson for the international community.

Speaking to Radio Rwanda after his meeting with President Paul Kagame, Alpha Oumar Konare said there is hope that security situation in Darfur region could improve if the government in Khartoum were to allow deployment of United Nations peacekeeping troops.

Sudanese government agreed last week to implement an agreement on the hybrid U.N.-AU force. However, the number of foreign troops to be deployed in Darfur is to be negotiated in a meeting between the three parties Tuesday.

The state-run Sudan News Agency said the first phase included sending 105 military, 33 police officers and 45 civilian experts along with logistical support and communication equipment. It said those personnel would be under the command of the African Union mission.

(ST)