El Fasher, 7 September 2011 – African Union (AU) Commissioner for Peace and Security Ramtane Lamamra visited today El Fasher, North Darfur, to gain first-hand knowledge of recent UNAMID work on the ground.

Mr. Lamamra was received at the Mission’s Headquarters by Joint Special Representative Ibrahim Gambari and senior leadership who briefed him on the latest security and humanitarian situation in the region, as well as the latest activities carried on by UNAMID.

Comissioner Lamamra (left) and the JSR Ibrahim Gambari at UNAMID Headquarters in El Fasher. Photo by Albert González Farran

Talking with journalists, he said that he has seen “not only what UNAMID brings to the overall peace and security of the region and its economic rehabilitation, but also the efforts being done by the Government of the Sudan and the citizens of the region, including Internally Displaced People (IDP).”

“I believe that foundations are laid now for the implementation of UNAMID mandate. This is a unique opportunity for the international community to deliver on its promises to assist the Sudanese in general and the Darfuris in particular, to enjoy the blessings of a normal life. This is something that we can achieve together,” he noted.

Commissioner Lamamra highlighted that “the signing of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur opens promising possibilities to work for the future of the region. There is now a golden opportunity to encourage the Movements to change the situation in Darfur in a way that responds to the hopes of the Darfuris, which we share, like the search for peace, coexistence, stability and development.”

The AU Commissioner also visited the Abu Shouk IDP camp and the UNAMID Community Policing Center located there.