El Fasher, 30 October 2011 - The newly appointed United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Hervé Ladsous, chose Darfur for his first visit to a UN field operation. The UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) supports 16 peacekeeping missions around the globe, of which the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur is the largest.

USG Ladsous told UNAMID personnel today that the mission had made “remarkable achievements” in the reduction of overall violence in Darfur, in increased support for humanitarian assistance and in Quick Impact Projects (QIPs).

“When we remember the horrors and violence of seven years ago and look at the situation now, I think you can be proud—of your compassion, your energy and your sacrifices,” he said at a town hall meeting of several hundred staff and uniformed personnel.

USG Ladsous and UNAMID Joint Representative Ibrahim Gambari then flew to a UNAMID team site at Shangil Tobaya, 55 kilometres south of El Fasher, in North Darfur, where the entourage met a group of community leaders who expressed their appreciation for the work of UNAMID and their desires for more support to local development, including access to water and education.

USG Ladsous with JSR Ibrahim Gambari during their visit in Shangil Tubaya. Photo by Olivier Chassot

USG Ladsous also met with the Wali (or governor) of North Darfur, Osman Mohamed Yousif Kibir and several representatives of El Fasher civil society: “I met an array of Darfuris there dedicated to the peace process and that was heartwarming,” recalled Mr. Ladsous. “However much remains to be done for the peace process, and major efforts are underway to make it all inclusive.”

“My message to them was: This is your peace, your security, your development. But we as the international community are at your side.”

Communication and Public Information Division Media Contacts
Kemal Saïki, Director; saiki@un.org; tel.: +249 (0) 92 244 3529; mobile: +249 (0) 92 241 0020

Susan Manuel, Deputy director, manuels@un.org, mobile: +249 (0)92 241 0274