On 9 May, UNAMID Civilian-Military Coordination (CIMIC) Office, Sector West handed over a solar panel project to local authorities in Foro Baranga market, West Darfur. The project is part of the UNAMID’s Quick Impact Projects (QIPS) designed to provide lighting to the main streets in the market thereby preventing mugging and thefts that normally occur during the night.

Addressing guests at the handover function, the Officer-in-Charge of UNAMID Office in West Darfur, Mr. Oumar Kane, commended the good working relations that exist between the Mission and the Locality as both work towards achieving UNAMID’s mandate in the area. “The Mission will, within available resources, continue to support peace and sustainable development in Darfur as UNAMID is here to help all Darfuris” stated Mr. Kane.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Foro Baranga Locality, Mr. Mohamed Abdulhaq, expressed his appreciation for the existing high level of cooperation between UNAMID and local authorities. He highlighted the support provided by the Mission to the local community, including the Clean-Up exercises, maintainance of the road that links UNAMID Sector West Headquarters to the town as well as the newly completed solar panel project at the local market. “We look forward to further collaboration with UNAMID in its mandate implementation and in efforts to improve the standard of living of the people in this region,” added Mr. Abdulhaq.

The Chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce in Foro Baranga Locality, Mr. Habib Al Goni, commended the Mission’s “effective role in laying the foundation for sustainable peace and development in the Darfur. “

The Deputy Chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce in Foro barangay Locality, Mr. Suliman Abbaker, observed that the local community will derive a lot of benefits from the solar panel project: more security in the market; reduced break-ins at night; “beautified” market and uninterrupted commercial activities during evening hours.