UNAMID chief says mission instructed to respond to attacks, restrictions on movement

January 22, 2011 (ADDIS ABABA) – The UN-AU Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) has instructed its members to respond robustly to attacks on its patrols and stand up to restrictions on its freedom of movement, the mission’s chief Ibrahim Gambari said in a meeting with the AU on Thursday.

UNAMID’s top brass led by the AU-UN Joint Special Representative (JSR) for Darfur, Ibrahim Gambari, met on Thursday in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa with the chairperson of the Chairperson of the AU Commission Jean Ping, according to an AU press release seen by Sudan Tribune.

During the meeting, UNAMID’s chief Gambari appraised the AU official on the situation in Darfur and announced that the mission had instructed its military and police units to respond to attacks in line with its mandate.

“Instructions have been issued to UNAMID military and police units that attacks on UNAMID patrols are to be responded to robustly and in accordance with the rules of engagement and the Status of Force Agreement (SOFA),” Gambari said.

UNAMID is the largest peacekeeping mission in the world. It was established under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter with an authorized strength of 26,000 military and police personnel.

According to Gambari, the instructions are part of “significant steps” taken by the mission to increase its effectiveness on the ground. These steps also include “determined posture in the face of restrictions to freedom of movement.”

UNAMID reported on 18 January that its patrols were temporarily denied access to some areas in south Darfur by Sudan military without explanation.

The mission’s chief also told the AU that efforts are underway to attain full deployment of its authorized military and civilian staff.

“As at January 2011, the number of UNAMID civilian staff stands at 4,298, representing 78% of the Mission’s approved strength, while the strength of the military personnel stands at 17,468, representing 89% of the authorized strength and 2,745 Police Officers, representing 73% of the authorized strength. Of the authorized 19 Formed Police Units, 16 have deployed with a total strength of 2,234, representing 89% of their authorized strength,” Gambari said.

At least 300,000 were killed and more than 2 million lost their homes since a rebellion broke out in 2003 in Sudan’s western region of Darfur, according to UN estimates.

(ST)