El Geneina, 15 January 2015 – African Union-United Nations Acting Joint Special Representative (AJSR), Mr. Abiodun Bashua, visited El Geneina, West Darfur, on 14-15 January to assess the security situation, the cooperation between the African Union -United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and local authorities and the humanitarian situation particularly the plight of internally displaced people (IDPs) concerns.

During his two-day visit, Mr. Bashua met with the West Darfur Governor (Wali), Mr. Haider Galikoma Ateem, who briefed him on the security situation , humanitarian issues and the government’s role in the provision of basic services to IDPs and other returnees and facilitation of their resettlement through allocation of residential plots. Additionally, they discussed aspects of cooperation between the State government and UNAMID regarding progress in implementing the Final Security Arrangements for the Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM) forces as well as a number of other issues.
 
Mr. Bashua reiterated the Mission’s commitment and support for the success of the security arrangements programme for LJM forces as an important step to bring about lasting peace across the Darfur region. The AJSR praised the level of cooperation and coordination between UNAMID and the West Darfur State government working together to promote peace efforts in the region. He also called upon the Wali to initiate the formation of a committee composed of the State government, UNAMID, UN agencies and representatives from the internally displaced people community to work towards the success of voluntary returns programmes.  
 
Furthermore, the AJSR stressed that UNAMID will continue to provide support to the people of West Darfur through the implementation of additional community development projects, especially those aimed at providing potable water services to local communities, including IDP camps.
 
Mr. Bashua also had an extended meeting with IDPs in the Ardamata camp where he was briefed on the camp’s situation and the problems faced by the inhabitants, such as inadequate supply of water, as well as substantial shortages of education and health services. They expressed serious apprehension about their security and urged UNAMID to bolster its police and military presence in order to be more effective in protecting them.
 
On his part, the AJSR pledged to work closely with relevant stakeholders and the UN agencies to find a resolution to these issues, adding that protecting innocent civilians, in collaboration with the Government of Sudan, is part of UNAMID’s core mandate.