Canada, Netherlands provide Uganda vehicles for Darfur mission
February 10, 2010 (WASHINGTON) – Canada and the Netherlands gave six new armored personnel carriers and other equipment to the Uganda Police Force for its part in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Darfur. The contribution is valued at US $12 million.
In the Darfur region, Ugandan police will form part of a heavy police contingent called “Formed Police Units” of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). Currently, Uganda already has 135 personnel deployed in Darfur with UNAMID and 17 with the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS).
In the spring of 2010, for a period of six months, 150 Ugandans will deploy to Darfur as a Formed Police Unit (FPU).
Canada and the Netherlands offered this in-kind contribution consisting of armoured and non-armoured vehicles, tents, and engineering, logistical, medical, dental and protective equipment. In addition, a six-month supply of critical spare parts along with equipment-related operator and basic equipment training has been provided.
According to the Canadian High Commission to Uganda, the contribution is part of Canada’s “concerted international effort to support a just and lasting peace in all of Sudan. Canadian contributions focus primarily on resolving the humanitarian and human rights crisis in Darfur, and supporting the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) which ended the southern civil war in January 2005.”
“We are pleased to support vital peacekeeping efforts in Darfur, in a partnership with African peacekeeping nations like Uganda…,” said Canadian High Commissioner to Uganda, H.E Ross Hynes. “Uganda’s important contribution to peacekeeping efforts in Sudan is very much appreciated.”
The Government of Uganda will have the choice of using the vehicles and equipment received yesterday to extend the deployment or take part in other peacekeeping missions around the world, stated the Canadian High Commission.
(ST)