Sudan’s joint military units receive Egyptian donation
October 28, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — Two Egyptian military aircraft landed in Kadugli, southern Kordofan, on 20 October with a donation of two generators, 50 tents and kitchen equipment for the Joint Integrated Units (JIUs) from the Egyptian Government.
The cargo of the two plans it a first party of an Egyptian support to the Sudanese JIUs which is supposed to be the nucleus of the future Sudanese army if southern Sudanese vote for a united Sudan in 2011.
Security Council Resolution 1812 of July 31, 2008 stressed the important role of JIUs in implementation of the CPA and urged donors to offer material and training support to enable their full establishment and operational effectiveness as soon as possible.
JIU Deputy Commander Maj. Gen. Abdel Maged Abdallah received the donation on behalf of the JIUs and warmly thanked Egypt for the support.
Representing UNMIS, Force Commander Maj. Gen. Paban Thapa expressed his gratitude to the Egyptian Government, adding that “this gesture will improve the JIU operational capacities in conducting their tasks related to the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA)”.
Four more aircraft are expected to arrive from Cairo in the coming few weeks with four generators, 40 tons of tents and 16 tons of kitchen equipment.
The donation will be distributed throughout Sudan and is expected to cover camp facilities for a total of 3,000 JIU troops.
Egypt pledged support to the JIUs during a special Ceasefire Joint Military Committee meeting held in Cairo in April.
(ST)