El Fasher, 2 February 2009: The African Union – United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) received yesterday a request from the Government of Sudan to withdraw its forces from Muhajeriya, approximately 80 kilometers east of Nyala, South Darfur, due to the recent deterioration of the security situation in the area.

Highly conscious of its responsibilities in Darfur, UNAMID has initiated diplomatic and political consultations, at the highest levels, with the Government of Sudan. These discussions, which are still ongoing, aim at ensuring that the Mission’s presence in Muhajeriya is maintained, so that it can continue to carry out its mandated tasks of providing protection to the civilian population and secure the provision of humanitarian assistance to those who need it.

This is particularly crucial in view of the 30,000 civilians living in the area, including more than 1,500 persons displaced by the latest fighting and who have recently clustered around Muhajeriya UNAMID base.

UNAMID diplomatic efforts and consultations also include engaging non-governmental belligerent parties. To this effect, Mr. Rodolphe Adada, UNAMID Joint Special Representative, will travel to neighboring Chad to meet and discuss with representatives of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), which was involved in the recent fighting in the Muhajeriya area.

While UNAMID expects the Government of Sudan to fulfill its obligations to provide security for all of its citizens, it urges all parties to refrain from further fighting and acts of violence that could only jeopardize the safety and welfare of the people of Darfur and the ongoing peace efforts.

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