Egyptian and Ethiopian troops expected in Darfur by the end of July – envoy

July 21 2008 (KHARTOUM) – The head of the joint mission for Darfur has disclosed that the longtime awaited Egyptian and Ethiopian troops would be deployed in Darfur by the end of this month.

Rudolph Adada met in Khartoum, today, with Arab League Secretary General, Amr Musa, who briefed him on his consultations with President Al Bashir and top Sudanese officials on the Arab initiative to block the possible indictment of the president al-Bashir for genocide crimes in Darfur.

Musa said that the Arab League needs to work closely with the African Union and the United Nations to protect the fragile peace process in Sudan.

Adada told the AL chief that the Hybrid Mission is determined to achieve its peace mission in the troubled Darfur. He further informed him that Ethiopian and Egyptian battalions are expected by the end of the month.

“The new troops will strengthen the current forces and will help UNAMID to address issues relating to the deteriorating security conditions and the protection of civilians.”

The Security Council on Wednesday slammed the July 8 attack on a convoy of the joint force known as UNAMID that left seven dead and 22 wounded in north Darfur.
The 15 member council urged Khartoum “to do its utmost to ensure that the perpetrators of the attack are swiftly identified and brought to justice,” and stressed the council’s “determination to take action against those responsible after hearing the outcome of UNAMID’s investigation.”

Adada also informed the Secretary General that the relocation of non-essential civilian staff has ceased and that field patrols, intended to offer protection to the civilian population, are ongoing.

U.N. officials feared a violent backlash after International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Monday sought an arrest warrant against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on 10 counts including war crimes and genocide in Darfur.

In a briefing to reporters following the meeting, Adada reaffirmed the independence of the International Criminal Court and stressed that the mandate of UNAMID is totally separate from that of the ICC’s.

Adada also told reporters that the hybrid mission is determined to lend all support possible to the new AU/UN Chief Mediator for Darfur, Djibril Yipènè Bassolé, who is expected to start his term of office on 1 August.

(ST)