El Fasher, 20 September 2010 - Nigerian Minister of Defense, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode today concluded a two-day visit to Darfur to meet with the senior leadership of the AU-UN Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and assess his country’s troop deployment in the region.

The 11-member delegation, which included the Nigerian ambassador to the Sudan, Amb Salihu Ahmed-Sambo, was welcomed in El Fasher, North Darfur, by Joint Special Representative (JSR) Ibrahim Gambari. The JSR praised Nigeria’s involvement in peacekeeping operations worldwide, and especially Darfur, where their troops “play a critical role in helping UNAMID accomplish its goal to realize peace.”

The Minister was briefed by UNAMID’s senior leadership on the Mission’s activities as well as the challenges still faced in pursuing its mandate, particularly the protection of civilians and the promotion of the peace process. Also discussed was the welfare of troops serving in Darfur and the deployment of additional Nigerian peacekeepers before the end of the year.

“Nigeria remains committed to peace support in Africa and throughout the world,” said Minister Kayode. He expressed sorrow for the peacekeepers lost while serving in the Mission.

The delegation then met with the Wali of North Darfur, before travelling to Nyala in South Darfur, where three Nigerian battalions are based. There the Minister paid a visit to the state Deputy Wali and discussed ways to helping improve security and assist UNAMID in carrying out its mandate.

The Minister then addressed the Nigerian troops based in Nyala, and conveyed his country’s support. “I am very proud of our uniformed men and women,” he said. “You have made the voice of Nigeria heard all over the world.”

Nigeria is UNAMID’s top contributor of military troops, with over 3,300 military peacekeepers, and the fourth largest troop contributing country to peacekeeping operations worldwide. The country also provides about 450 police officers to the Mission.