Russia to rotate its peacekeepers in Sudan
October 10, 2009 (MOSCOW) — Russian peacekeeping contingent in Sudan will be rotated on October 19-25, the Defense Ministry said on Friday.
Around 10000 peacekeepers are deployed in Sudan, particularly its southern part, to support the implementation of a peace deal signed in 2005 between the Sudanese government and the former rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement ending a two-decade conflict in the country.
Russia participates with 120 aviation personal and four Mi-8 helicopters in this peacekeeping mission. The first unit of Russian peacekeepers arrived in Sudan in April 2006.
“The personnel and cargo will be transported by Il-76 military cargo planes,” said a statement released in Moscow on Friday by the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Rotations are held twice a year. The previous rotation took place in March.
The contingent provides transport services for UN military observers in Sudan, including accompanying freight, and also carries out rescue operations.
The first unit of Russian peacekeepers arrived in Sudan in April 2006. They are expected to stay in the country for up to six years with regular rotations.
(ST)