Addis Ababa - The Deputy Joint Special Representative (Political) of the African Union and United Nations for Darfur, Ms. Aichatou Mindaoudou Souleymane, met yesterday with Dr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, to discuss recent developments in Darfur and the work of the AU-UN Hybrid Mission in Darfur (UNAMID).

DJSR Aichatou Mindaoudou emphasized the need for the diplomatic community’s continued engagement to enhance the peace process in Darfur and consolidate the gains achieved so far. Chairperson Ping reaffirmed the AU’s support for UNAMID’s efforts and commended the Mission's recent achievements in advancing peace and stability in Darfur, particularly the protection of civilians.

“UNAMID, as a hybrid peacekeeping mission between the UN and AU, is the first of its kind,” commented Chairperson Ping. “UNAMID has become an excellent model for future peacekeeping missions in Africa.”

DJSR Aichatou Mindaoudou also met with Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, to discuss the security aspects of UNAMID’s operations in Darfur and the Mission's efforts to protect civilians. Both agreed that the relatively stable situation in Darfur was not a time for complacency but a window of opportunity to strengthen UNAMID’s readiness to protect civilians in case of any surge in violence. In this regard, Commissioner Lamamra commended the efforts of the UNAMID civilian and uniformed personnel in carrying out the mandate of the Security Council to keep peace in Darfur and pledged AU’s full support to their efforts.

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