2 March 2009 -- UNAMID Joint Special Representative, Mr. Rodolphe Adada, today travelled to Nyala, South Darfur, and El Geneina, West Darfur, to meet with local authorities in an effort to engage the Government at the national and local levels on issues relating to security in Darfur.

During his visits, Mr. Adada met the Deputy Wali (Deputy Governor) of South Darfur, Dr. Farah Mustafa, and the Deputy Wali of El Geneina, Mr. Sanusi Bashar, to discuss the security situation in the respective areas and ways of addressing these issues. He expressed appreciation for the good relationship between UNAMID and the State Governments and reiterated UNAMID’s commitment to fulfil its mandate of protecting civilians in Darfur.

The Deputy Walis both reiterated their Governments’ commitment to facilitate the work of the Mission.

Similarly, UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR), Mr. Henry Anyidoho, yesterday met the Wali of North Darfur, Mr. Osman Mohammed Yousif Kibir, to discuss the security situation in that state. Mr. Kibir said the Government intends to take appropriate measures to address any security concerns that may arise following the International Criminal Court’s scheduled announcement about the Sudanese President on 4 March.