AU needs more protection of troops in Sudan’s Darfur

ADDIC ABABA, Ethiopia, Dec 24, 2004 (PANA) — The African Union (AU)’s protection force in the turbulent Darfur region
of western Sudan has risen to 790 military personnel
following the arrival of a 196-member Gambian
contingent early this week.

Rwandan soldiers from the African Union Forces in Sudan’s Darfur patrols Abu Shouk refugees camps.

However, the authorised protection element of the AU
Mission in Sudan (AMIS) is far from completion.

In a brief statement issued Friday, the AU Commission
has reminded member States that the Peace and Security
Council (PSC) of the African Union authorised the
deployment of 3,320 personnel for AMIS.

The number is to include 1,703 military protectors,
570 military observers and 815 civil police officers.

Transportation of the Gambian contingent was completed
on 21 December 2004 after Germany provided aircraft to
carry the troops and their equipment from Banjul to El
Fashel in Sudan via N’djamena, Chad.

The Commission has thanked all AU partners for the
support they are providing to AMIS.