6 November 2008 -- The African Union fact-finding team led by the former President of Burundi Pierre Buyoya, arrived in El Fasher, North Darfur, today, as part of its visit to the region, in a bid to defuse escalating tensions between Chad and Sudan. During its visit to Darfur, the team will visit El Geneina, in Sector Sector West on 7 November 2008, before heading to Khartoum.

Upon arrival, the mission was met by UNAMID Principal Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR), Mr. Henry Anyidoho, and other senior officials. The visiting delegation was briefed on the political situation, security overview, military and police issues, humanitarian and human rights situation in Darfur.

The delegation also paid a courtesy call on the Wali (Governor) of North Darfur, Mr. Osman Mohammed Yousif Kibir.
On 11 May 2008, Sudan announced it was severing diplomatic relations with Chad, claiming that it has helped Darfur rebels to attack the Sudanese capital Khartoum. The AU fact-finding mission was set up in the context of the African Union's endeavour to normalize the relations between Khartoum and N'djamena.