24 January 2010 - Yesterday, UNAMID facilitated an African Union Commission mission to El Fasher, North Darfur, to assess the region’s political and security situation ahead of the April general election.

The ten-member delegation, led by Mrs. Julia Dolly Joiner, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, met with senior UNAMID officials as well as the State Governor (Wali) and the State High Committee for Elections. Discussed at the meeting were issues which most notably included voter registration and the logistical challenges needed to overcome and ensure free and fair elections.

The delegation also visited Al Salam and Abu Shouk IDP camps, outside El Fasher, to take note of the concerns of IDPs concerning the election process.