UN chief criticizes Sudan over restrictions to UNAMID forces
September 9, 2010 (WASHINGTON) – The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon today called on the Sudanese government to facilitate the movement of troops belonging to the African Union-United Nations mission in Darfur (UNAMID).
Yesterday UNAMID said in its daily briefing that the Sudanese armed forces (SAF) blocked them from the Tabra village in North Darfur that was reportedly attacked by pro-government militias killing at least fifty people according to UN figures.
“In some cases it is true that there was some difficulty in getting smooth administrative support from the Government of Sudan. That has been the subject of continuous consultation with the Sudanese Government,” Ban said at a press conference in New York today.
“There is a Status of [Forces] Agreement, of course. They [Sudanese government] should be faithful to provide the necessary support and cooperation. In reality, when we are not able to get such support, it really constrains the movement of our people and peacekeepers,” he added.
The UN chief revealed that he summoned the head of UNAMID Ibrahim Gambari while he was in Austria and was briefed on the situation there ” and how we can ensure a smoother and more effective coordination and support from the Sudanese Government”.
“We are aware of such problems and we will continue to improve the situation” Ban added.
The peacekeeping force in Darfur have came under fire lately from the Sudanese government as well as the rebel groups. UNAMID has refused to hand over six people accused by Khartoum of inciting violence at the Kalma IDP camp unless it receives guarantees that they will be afforded due process and that their rights will be preserved in accordance with international law.
Last week the West Darfur state slammed UNAMID’s non-cooperation adding that they are turning a blind eye to lawlessness inside the IDP camp.
On Monday, the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) called on Gambari to resign saying that the peacekeeping force is failing in its mandate of protecting civilians and is instead only writing reports on incidents that occur.
The UN Security Council (UNSC) extended the mandate of UNAMID in July, but said that the latter should focus on its security role with some Western diplomats saying that they are unhappy with the mission straying into reconstruction projects or seeking a direct role in attempts to negotiate a political settlement.
This month, Rwanda has threatened to pull out its forces from Sudan if the UN goes ahead and publishes a report accusing it of committing genocide during its operations in the Congo.
The UN Secretary General paid an unannounced visit to Kigali on Wednesday and met with president Paul Kagame urging him to continue to contribute his troops to the “nobel cause” of peacekeeping, praising Rwanda’s “excellent, indeed exemplary work in support of peace and security in the region”.
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Biliu
UN chief criticizes Sudan over restrictions to UNAMID forces
Ban Ki Moon, accept the reality, there’s no aggressor will facilitate a way for the victims to get help… UN troops under article 7 is what Darfurian need not watch dogs whom have to take permission from the NCP.
Achuil Manyuat Tong
UN chief criticizes Sudan over restrictions to UNAMID forces
This is a sign that UN peace keepers are not doing anything rather then receieving funding and continue to blindfold others that the are protecting the people of Darfur.
The should leave Darfur or Improve/put more effort in peace keeping
telfajbago
UN chief criticizes Sudan over restrictions to UNAMID forces
critisizm to fend attacks of the media is not what genocide survivors of Darfur want from somebody like Ban Ki Moon, but rather to do his level best to make protection of the civilians a reality.Today UNAMID was paranoid by Kharoum to the extend that they are just there to send money home while their hands was tied to their backs by the long waited mandate of the protection,which generated a lot of noise in the media as if it’s bible or quran coming from God and not resolution from the UNSC.I call upon UNAMID money tax payers to stop funding the UNAMID mission until UNAMID assume the responsibility of full protection of the civilians or pass the burden to stronger forces.
kitir
UN chief criticizes Sudan over restrictions to UNAMID forces
Shiting eyes from Darfur to south sudan stated in new US stratigey on Sudan is veheminly encaurge/support the genocide regime to launch last phase of the genocide then to prepare itself to fight the south,it seems the Sudan will undergo precarious situatuion shortly before/after the refranda therfore UN should move from critisime square to tangible actions. blocage the peacekeepers to access into the victimisesd villages, apparanly show NCP attemps to hide it hineous genocidal crime committed in the area. UN is advised to insstruct for unobstructed,thourought invesutigations to identify the culprits and held them accountable for their calous crimes.
Nino
UN chief criticizes Sudan over restrictions to UNAMID forces
Ban Ki Moon I see You are making progress, as my friend Da Sodiko, said Your work was confined in one Word “CONDEMN” now I see you are ‘Criticizing” amaizing, I can do that for a lot a lot less and save tax payers money.
The day you’ll resign I’ll give half of my salary in Donation to the poor. YOU HAVE TO RESIGN.