UNAMID celebrates deployment of tactical helicopters

El Fasher, 25 February 2010 – Standing on the new apron built at Nyala airport, South Darfur, for five Mi-35P tactical helicopters newly arrived in the Mission, UNAMID Joint Special Representative (JSR) Ibrahim Gambari expressed deep appreciation to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for its commitment, support and contributions towards enhancing peace and stability in Darfur.

“I hereby pledge that we will do our utmost to make optimum use of the helicopters in the discharge of our core mandate, which is the protection of the civilian population and the support for the creation of a safe and secure environment,” announced JSR Gambari, addressing representatives from the Governments of Ethiopia and the Sudan, and senior UNAMID officials. He added that the helicopters would “deter those who might threaten peace and stability in Darfur.”

The five long-awaited tactical Mi-35P helicopters aim at enhancing the Mission’s ability to protect the civilian population and will also enable a swift and effective response to any developing emergency on the ground. UNAMID will now be able to reach many areas which had previously been inaccessible.

JSR Gambari reiterated his thanks to both Ethiopia and the Sudan for the cooperation and coordination which led to the smooth deployment and entry into service of the aircraft in Darfur.

Ambassador Konjit Sinegiorgis, Permanent Envoy of Ethiopia to the African Union Commission was on hand to convey her Government’s assurance of its readiness to work with all parties engaged in the search for a lasting solution to the Darfur conflict, stating that the decision of her government to put these helicopters at the disposal of the AU-UN Mission was “a reflection of the importance that we in Ethiopia attach to the establishment and the consolidation of peace in the Sudan.”

Representing the Government of the Sudan was Ambassador Mohammed Abdullah Idriss, Director of Peace and Humanitarian Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who congratulated the Mission and thanked the JSR for UNAMID’s contributions to the negotiations which led to the recent signing of the Darfur Framework Agreement. “UNAMID has become the mission of the people,” acclaimed Mr. Idriss, going on to say that the arrival of the helicopters was “welcomed and celebrated” by the Sudanese government, assuring UNAMID of its “commitment to cooperate with the Mission to implement its mandate.”

According to UNAMID’s Force Commander, Lt Gen Patrick Nyamvumba, the Mission still requires 18 utility helicopters to provide the air mobility and operational flexibility it needs. He expressed hope that other countries would follow Ethiopia’s example in pledging air support.

Ethiopia is one of the Mission's top contribution countries, providing over 2,500 peacekeepers to Darfur, including two battalions.