23 December 2008 -- The African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur today received 45 members of the Ethiopian Medium Transport Company in West Darfur. The remaining 80 personnel are expected to arrive later this week.

The Ethiopian company will primarily support the distribution of cargo between sector logistics bases, the movement of bulk cargo, including water and fuel tankers, and provide transport capabilities.

Ethiopia’s contribution to UNAMID includes an Ethiopian Engineering unit, one Infantry Battalion and one Multi-Role Logistics Company.

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1769 (2007) authorized UNAMID to have a strength of up to 19,555 military personnel, including 360 military observers and liaison officers.

Today’s deployment brings the total number of UNAMID military personnel in Darfur to 12,242, bringing the total percentage of military personnel in Darfur to just over 60 percent.