On 27 November 2013, the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and the Government of Sudan (GoS) police held a strategic workshop in Khartoum on the memorandum of understanding they signed in August 2013. The event, which was aimed at strengthening cooperation, was attended by some 100 police officers from both institutions including GoS police directors-general from the five states of Darfur.

In his opening remarks, UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative Joseph Mutaboba explained that UNAMID Police was assisting in building the capacity of the GoS police in Darfur, including through the promotion of democratic values, rule of law and respect for human rights.

“It is vital that law and order are restored and maintained, and that the police system continues to be an important institution in our efforts to build a society that is based on the rule of law,” Mr. Mutaboba said. “It is therefore imperative that the policing system is properly planned and strengthened in order to enable it to respond to the demands of the community.”

The occasion was graced by the Minister of Interior, Ibrahim Mahmoud Hamed. He said that the goal was to achieve peace and stability in Darfur and that the role of UNAMID was to help in achieving this. “Peace would not be realized by increasing military and police troop numbers, but through making peace a culture,” he stated.

UNAMID Police Commissioner Hester Paneras emphasized the importance of the signing of the first memorandum of understanding between UNAMID and GoS police. “If UNAMID and its partner, GoS police, work together they can truly make positive change happen for the sake of the Darfuris,” she said.

Other high level officials present at the opening of this event were the Inspector General of the Sudanese police, UNAMID Force Commander and the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan.
 
During the workshop, participants discussed the importance of enhancing the capacity-building of GoS police, protection of communities in Darfur, including the internally    displaced people, and the effective cooperation and coordination of community policing initiatives.  Various challenges, such as limited access to some areas by both parties, were also discussed.

The outcome document of this workshop will form a basis for a joint strategy incorporating short, medium and long term activities.