15 April 08 - UNAMID opens investigation into misconduct case

It has come to the attention of the UN / AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) that an officer serving with the Mission in Nyala, South Darfur state, was detained by local authorities on 13 April 2008 on the grounds of alleged misconduct. The officer was later handed over to UNAMID, as per the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) signed between the Government of Sudan and UNAMID. It should be noted that medical tests undertaken thus far, at the request of local police, proved negative.

UNAMID upholds a zero tolerance policy as regards misconduct by peacekeepers.
Peacekeepers are expected to respect the culture and traditions of the host country and show the highest standards of conduct at all times.

In accordance with that policy, UNAMID has initiated an investigation into this case and certainly will take appropriate measures should such allegations prove founded.