First batch of Zambian troops join Darfur peacekeeping mission

June 2, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — More than 140 Zambian police officers have arrived in Sudan’s war-torn Darfur as first batch of troops to join the African Union-UN peacekeeping mission there.

Thirty-four male officers and three female officers arrived today in El Fasher and will begin induction training before they are deployed across the region, the UNAMID said today.

Another three batches of Zambian officers are scheduled to arrive in Darfur later this week.

Since February 2003, more than 300,000 people have died from the combined effects of war, famine and disease in western Sudan’s Darfur region, while 2.7 million others have been left homeless.

Last Friday Zambian President Rupiah Banda called on Sudan to work out special modalities to enhance social and economic cooperation between the two countries.

He also underscored the support of his government to the regional and international effort to restore peace in Darfur. Banda added that his country would continue to exert efforts to ensure peace and security in Darfur.

(ST)