JSR Gambari briefed his interlocutors on recent developments in Darfur, as well as the efforts of UNAMID and the Joint Mediation in the implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD) and the agreement signed between the Government of the Sudan and the Liberation and Justice Movement, notably through the Cease Fire Commission, which started its work on 22 August 2011. JSR Gambari also informed on ongoing preparations for the inaugural meeting of the International Follow-Up Committee scheduled for 11 September 2011 and on his efforts to promote resumption of negotiations between GoS and JEM and to encourage the “Hold Out” armed movements to join the peace process.

In his meeting with Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr, JSR Gambari, reiterated the important contribution of the Egyptian contingent deployed in Darfur in supporting peacekeeping operations. Mr. Gambari also briefed Minister Kamel Amr on UNAMID’s robust approach to the implementation of its mandate and sought the active participation of the Egyptian contingent to this end.  

In his meetings with both the Foreign Minister and Chief of Armed Forces Operations the JSR proposed a high level delegation including the Military, Police, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and humanitarian departments be sent to Darfur to asses the situation on-ground for Egyptian forces and discuss projects of further coordination between Egypt and UNAMID.  General Saber and Foreign Minister Amr expressed their agreement to send such a high level Egyptian delegation to Darfur.

JSR Gambari and Minister El Naga discussed UNAMID efforts and early recovery and development. The Minister assured the JSR that Egypt would not only support efforts for the early recovery and development of Darfur but would work with others, including regional multilateral donors to help accelerate the development of the region, specifically seeking to redeem financial pledges made for the development of Darfur during an International Donor Conference on 21 March 2010 co-chaired by Egypt.

Expressing his appreciation for the League of Arab States’ commitment to support early recovery projects in Darfur, JSR Gambari briefed Secretary-General El-Arabi on UNAMID’s recent initiatives to enhance water management in Darfur as well as the efforts of the Mission to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need and to advance development in Darfur. The JSR also supported the idea of a tripartite mechanism between the Government of the Sudan, the League of Arab States and UNAMID to advance these efforts. JSR Gambari and Secretary General El-Arabi issued a joint statement on an agreement between UNAMID and the Arab League to work with the Government of the Sudan to develop model villages for returnees in Darfur.

Foreign Minister Kamel Amr and Secretary-General El-Arabi reiterated the respective support of Egypt and the League of Arab States for the work of UNAMID, noting its important role in achieving a lasting peace in Darfur and in improving the life of Darfuris. They also stressed their respective commitment to the implementation of the DDPD and the signed agreement as well as the efforts of the Joint Mediation in advancing the peace process.