3 June 2010 - UNAMID Joint Special Representative, Professor Ibrahim Gambari today visited Zalingei, West Darfur. During the visit, JSR Gambari met UNAMID officials and personnel working in the area and was briefed on the security situation in the region as well as achievements made and challenges affecting the Mission’s operation.

Mr. Gambari paid a courtesy call to the Wali of West Darfur, Mr. Jaffa Abdul Hakam Ishaq and Commissioner of Zalingei, Mr. Abdallah Mohamed Al-Amin. In the meeting, he highlighted his four key priorities, reaffirming the Missions commitment and support to promote reconciliation, peace and early recovery. He thanked the local security committee for the assistance rendered which led to the release of the two kidnapped peacekeepers last year. The JSR also assured of UNAMID’s cooperation to fulfill its mandate for the people to benefit from peace dividends.

Mr. Gambari stated that UNAMID would facilitate and enhance more programmes for early recovery and development, including enhancing security and establishing more quick impact projects (QIPs) in the region.

On his part, the Wali of West Darfur expressed his appreciation for the visit and commended UNAMID efforts and cooperation in the region. He also thanked UNAMID for its commitment and efforts for the peace process, reconciliation and early recovery.

JSR Gambari also attended the opening session of the reconciliation conference which began today in Zalingei, West Darfur. The conference was attended by the Wali of West Darfur, the Wali of South Darfur, the Commissioners of Zalingei localities, Government of Sudan officials, Ministers and tribal leaders from the Misseriya and Nawaiba tribes.