The Joint Special Representative of African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), Mr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, paid a visit on 24 August to the Mission’s team sites in Um Baru and Tine, North Darfur, where he inspected the Senegalese peacekeepers newly deployed in the area.

During the trip, Mr. Chambas urged the troops to remain alert at all times, assure the local population of their security and facilitate their movement to enable them to live a normal life. He also reminded the troops to be inspired by professionalism, competence and dedication to their work.

The JSR further urged the troops to be fully aware of the general atmosphere. “As a result of proliferation of so many militia groups and a lot of weapons in the hands of people, there is still a lot of banditry and criminality which present a threat to the local population,” he said.

“I always tell colleagues that we are not here to fight anyone; we are here to protect civilians and undertake peacekeeping operations, but when attacked, we are authorised to defend ourselves robustly,” added the JSR, pointing out that UNAMID is operating under Chapter Seven of the UN Charter.

While he praised the ongoing process of integrating the members of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) – Sudan, who are a signatory of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD), the JSR also confirmed that as Joint Chief Mediator, he will be doing his best to convince non-signatory movements to be part of the DDPD. “I am working very hard to bring on board the peace process the other three movements,” the JSR told members of the local communities. “Especially now that there is a national dialogue, it's time to have a comprehensive peace agreement.”

As part of the trip, Mr. Chambas met with members of the local communities in Um Baru and Tine and assured them of the Mission's commitment to supporting peace efforts in the region to sustain the well-being of all Darfuri people. “Without peace it is difficult to keep development going,” he said.