UNAMID Adada tells World Churches Darfur force will help to resume peace talks
March 28, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — The Chief of Darfur joint mission told a visiting delegation of the World Council of Churches (WCC) that the full deployment of Darfur peacekeeping troops would help to create conducive conditions to resume peace talks.
The Geneva-based WCC delegation, currently visiting Sudan, led by Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, the Council’s Secretary-General, comprises a number of key members including WCC Deputy Secretary-General for Africa’s Affairs Rev. Dr Simon Dossou, and Rev. Dr William J. Shaw, president of the US National Baptist Convention.
Briefing on Friday March 28 the WCC delegation, The UN/AU Joint Special Representative for Darfur, Rodolphe Adada, said that the improvement of the security situation on the ground will create a climate conducive to the resumption of the peace talks and the realization of comprehensive peace.
With 26000 multinational troops the UNAMID is the largest peacekeeping mission in the history of the UN. It is jointly run by the United Nations and the African Union. However there are only 9000 deployed troops and by the end of this month their number will rise to 12000 with the expected first batches from Ethiopian and Egyptian troops.
Adada shed light on the multi-faceted nature of the Darfur crisis, highlighting aspects relating to the joint operation. He explained that all efforts are now exerted to ensure that additional forces join UNAMID in the near future, thus, impacting positively on overall security and the protection of civilians in the region.
He also referred to UNAMID’s ongoing efforts to build reliable channels of communication with civil society actors in Darfur. He explained that, by empowering civil society to effectively represent its constituents on the negotiation table, the momentum and durability of the peace process will be strengthened.
The visiting delegation was accompanied by high-level officials representing the Sudanese Council of Churches.
WCC’s Secretary-General, Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, expressed readiness to support UNAMID fulfill its mandate and restore security and stability in Darfur, citing the Council’s contributions to humanitarian assistance in the region and the role it played in support of the Naivasha peace process.
He stated that the Council’s current visit to Sudan targets, among other things, acquiring first-hand knowledge of the challenges and difficulties facing the various components of the peace process and progress made in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). Moreover, he expressed the Council’s willingness to contribute to the healing and reconciliation process in Darfur.
The delegation had met, earlier, with Chairman of the Preparatory Committee of the Darfur-Darfur-Consultations, Mr. Abdul Mohammed, and Deputy Head of the Darfur Peace Agreement Implementation team, Mr. Boubou Niang.
(ST)