31 July 2009 -- The United Nations Security Council by resolution 1881 (2009) has extended the mandate of the AU-UN Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) for another year until 31 July 2010. The Council welcomed the improvement in the Government of Sudan's cooperation with UNAMID and commended the work of the Tripartite Commission. Further, it demanded that all parties to the conflict in Darfur immediately cease violent attacks on civilians, peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel, and reiterated that there could be no military solution to the conflict and that "an inclusive political settlement and the successful deployment of UNAMID are essential to re-establishing peace".

The Council also called for compliance by the Sudanese Government with the Status of Forces Agreement "fully and without" delay, particularly in providing visas for UNAMID personnel, and clearances for flight and equipment. To measure and track the Mission's progress in implementing its mandate, the Council requested the Secretary-General to submit a strategic workplan with benchmarks for its consideration and include a related assessment of progress in his next report.

Joint Special Representative, Rodolphe Adada, welcomed the extension and expressed the hope that the Government of Sudan would continue to cooperate with UNAMID for a quick resolution to the conflict in Darfur. JSR Adada further stated that the Mission was committed to working closely with other UN missions in the area to ensure that stability was restored to the region.

UNAMID was authorized by Security Council through its resolution 1769 (2007) to support the implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement, protect civilians under the threat of attack, and to promote a secure environment to ensure effective access for humanitarian workers, as well as for economic development and the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees to their homes.

Currently, the Mission's military personnel number more than 13,500 forming over 60 per cent of its authorized strength and civilians almost 4,000, representing almost 70 per cent of the authorized number. UN Police are more than 2,000, which represents just over 50 per cent of the authorized strength.