12 August 2009 -- The African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) today received a boost in its deployment with the arrival of 200 personnel advance party of the first Tanzanian Battalion in Darfur. The primary responsibilities of the Tanzanian advance party will be to prepare the camp site for the arrival of the main battalion and to support the distribution of its contingent owned equipment (COE).

The main body of the Tanzanian Battalion is expected to arrive in the Mission by mid September. They will be deployed in Khor Abeche and Muhajeria in South Darfur.

Currently Tanzania contributes 13 Military observers, 14 staff officers, and 3 liaison officers to the Mission. Tanzania also contributes 29 police advisers. With the new arrival, the total number of military forces deployed in the Mission is 14,182, representing over 70% of its authorized strength.

UNAMID is mandated to assist the parties to the conflict in Darfur in implementing the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) and any subsequent agreement. It will do so through contributing to the protection of civilians and the creation of security conditions that would allow unhindered access for the delivery of humanitarian aid as well as the voluntary return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees to their homes, thus paving the way for the reconciliation and confidence building necessary for durable peace, security and stability in Darfur.

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