UNAMID to start withdrawing troops from stable parts of Darfur: diplomats

February 19, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) announced that the tripartite team comprised of officials from the Sudanese government, UN and AU met this week for discussions on drafting an exit strategy for the peacekeeping force.

UNAMID said in a statement that the tripartite team reached an agreement on the terms of reference and that a joint working group will begin working in accordance with it next month to prepare the exit strategy.

The mission stressed that it continues “to implement its Chapter VII mandate as it focuses on its three strategic priorities, including protection of civilians, mediation between Government and non-signatory armed movements and support to local conflict mediation”.

The tripartite talks which started last Sunday and continued until Wednesday were kept under tight wraps by the Sudanese foreign ministry.

Sudan Tribune was told by senior diplomatic sources that during the talks it was agreed to start withdrawing UNAMID troops from areas that have experienced significant security and stability.

Following media reports late last year about mass rape in Tabit, a village 45km south-west of North Darfur capital El-Fasher, Sudanese authorities loudly criticized the UNAMID for echoing the news. They were also angered after remarks by UN officials who called for further investigation mentioning the heavy presence of military and police during the first probe.

Since then , Sudan refused to authorize a second investigation and called publicly for an exit strategy for the joint mission from Darfur.

UNAMID has been deployed in Darfur since 2007 with a mandate to stem violence against civilians in the restive region.

It is the world’s second largest international peacekeeping force with an annual budget of $1.35 billion and almost 20,000 troops.

(ST)