El Fasher, 06 January 2011 – Nearly one year since assuming his duties as Joint Special Representative (JSR) of the African Union – United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), Professor Ibrahim Gambari yesterday outlined the Mission’s top priorities for the coming year.

Meeting with UNAMID staff members at the Mission’s headquarters in El Fasher, North Darfur, JSR Gambari summarized UNAMID’s achievements over the previous year as well as the challenges it faces in 2011.

"This year will be very critical for the future of UNAMID, the future of Sudan, maybe the future of Africa, and we have to be prepared," said the JSR. "Our key priorities for 2011 will be to continue working towards a more secure and stable environment, including the protection of the civilian population; continuing to support the Darfur peace and political process and the search for a comprehensive political and inclusive settlement which addresses the root causes of the conflict in Darfur; supporting the process of voluntary return of IPDs and refugees to their homes, so that they can start living a normal life, a live of hope for their children and grandchildren; and continuing to work towards enhancing the welfare of UNAMID staff serving in Darfur."

A police advisor asks a question to the JSR (above photo) during the town hall meeting. Photos by Albert Gonzalez Farran.

Elaborating on the challenges ahead for the Mission, JSR Gambari emphasized that security remained a top concern. "We will continue to enhance our operations on the ground and are constantly liaising with local authorities and monitoring the situation to heighten our security awareness and ensure full preparedness on our part."

"There are still many obstacles ahead of us in 2011," concluded the JSR, "and we will only succeed if we continue to work with full dedication and commitment, as we have done in the previous years. I want to thank you all for your contribution and daily sacrifice and count on you to remain steadfast in your support to UNAMID and, above all, to the people of Darfur, because it is for them that we are here. It is for their welfare, their security, their peace, and for a stable, secure and prosperous future."

INFORMATION NOTE

UNAMID Joint Special Representative Addresses Mission Staff, Sets Priorities for 2011