1 March 2009 -- The Joint Special Representative (JSR) of the African-Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), Mr. Rodolphe Adada, met today in Khartoum with Dr. Mutrif Siddiq, Under-Secretary of the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two officials discussed a number of security issues, including the current situation in West Darfur, particularly the increase of banditry activities in the state capital, El Geneina, and rising tensions on the Chadian-Sudanese border.

They also discussed the migration of thousands of civilians from South Darfur to the Zam Zam camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) near El Fasher, in North Darfur, after fighting in several South Darfur localities.

Dr. Siddiq promised to address these issues and to try and find adequate solutions in consultation with UNAMID. He also reiterated the commitment of the Government of Sudan (GoS) to ensure the safety and security of UNAMID personnel and facilities.

The JSR will continue engaging the GoS at the national and local levels on these topics. In this context, he will travel tomorrow to Nyala, South Darfur, and El Geneina, West Darfur, where he will meet the local authorities and inspect the work of UNAMID on the ground.

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