12 October 2008 - A contingent of 130 officers from the Indonesian Formed Police Unit (FPU) arrived in El Fasher today, aboard a special UN flight from Jakarta, at the start of a one-year tour of duty with the African Union - United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID).

The unit was received at the airport by UNAMID Deputy Police Commissioner for Operations, Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, and UNAMID Police Sector North Commander, John Gachomo.

In his welcome address, the Deputy Police Commissioner noted that the FPU arrived at a crucial time, when their services are especially needed to support the work of the UNAMID Police, particularly in providing security to the Internally Displaced Persons throughout the region.

“The success of this mission will largely depend on your specialized training. I have no doubt that you have the ability to cope with the challenging environment in Darfur and will deliver your services to the people of Darfur,” said the Deputy Police Commissioner.

The Head of the contingent, Lt. Johny Assadoma, expressed his readiness to begin the assignment with UNAMID and called for more international support to help the people of Darfur.

The Indonesian FPU, which is expected to be based in El Fasher, is the second FPU – after the Bangladeshi Unit - to be deployed with UNAMID in Darfur.