El Fasher, 9 February 2009: The Joint Special Representative of the African Union – United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), Mr. Rodolphe Adada, yesterday led an assessment team to Muhajeriya, South Darfur, to inspect the conditions on the ground following the recent hostilities that resulted in many casualties and the displacement of thousands of civilians over the past three weeks.

“UNAMID is here to stay,” Mr. Adada told a gathering of Elders, sheikhs and Umdas (native administration representatives) in the town center. “We will not leave you JSR Rodolphe Adada (left), with the Sheikhs, Elders and Umdas of Muhajeriya until lasting peace is achieved in Darfur. We are very much concerned about your safety and UNAMID will continue its mandate to protect you and that is why we set up our house amongst you,” he added.

The JSR informed the gathering that UNAMID is working to establish an enabling environment so that UN agencies and the humanitarian community could resume operations immediately to assist with the humanitarian needs of the population.

The elders, sheikhs and Umdas welcomed the delegation and thanked UNAMID for protecting them during the recent hostilities. They expressed their needs including shelter, food and medicines, and informed that many civilians, who fled the area during the fighting, will soon return to their homes.

Mr. Adada met with the advance team of the civil administration dispatched by the Government of South Darfur to establish government services in the area. He assured that UNAMID will redeploy its police to Muhajeriya in the next few days and stands ready to contribute to a much needed peaceful environment in the area.

The Joint Special Representative also visited the UNAMID camp site where he was briefed by the Company Commander on the recent developments in the area.

“On behalf of the AU and UN leadership, I commend you for the good job you have done,” said Mr. Adada addressing the troops based in Muhajeriya. “The entire world recognizes our relevance despite the fact that we are not fully deployed. This is the way UNAMID will continue everywhere else in Darfur.”
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