20 March 2008 -- El Fasher, SUDAN – Following the recent violence and continuing tension in West Darfur, UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative Henry Anyidoho traveled to Silea in West Darfur to personally assess the security situation on the ground and to look at the possibility of UNAMID deployment in the area. "The protection of civilians is our priority," said the Deputy Joint Special Representative while speaking to some remaining community elders. "We will not abandon you. The UN will continue working to improve your living conditions," he reassured.

The DJSR stressed that UNAMID will soon have a permanent presence in Silea to provide a secure environment and to allow uninterrupted access to humanitarian assistance.

Currently, UNAMID conducts daily patrols from West Darfur's capital El Geneina to the conflict-affected areas, allowing humanitarian agencies and NGOs some access to the population.

The DJSR also traveled to El Geneina where he met with members of the UN Country Team and the Governor of West Darfur. During the visits, he was accompanied by the UNAMID Director of Administration, Force Chief of Staff and other senior UN officials.

UNAMID, a joint African Union-United Nations mission, was launched on 31 December 2007 under Security Council Resolution 1769 (2007). Its core mandate is to help Darfur and Sudan achieve peace and protect civilians. Although the mission is still in its start-up phase, it has increased its patrolling activities and other outreach into the community and rural areas.

For further information please contact the UNAMID Public Information Office at +249 (0) 9125 38390 (English) or +249 (0) 9125 38389 (Arabic)