5 October 2009 -- The first batch of Government of Sudan (GoS) police targetted for providing security during Sudan’s upcoming national elections in April 2010 have participated in a training workshop conducted by the AU-UN Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) in El Fasher. The 70 Sudanese police officers are the first of 200 who will then train more than 7,000 of their colleagues over the next four months.

Speaking at the opening of the opening of the workshop, UNAMID Police Commissioner, Micheal Fryer said “the primary role of the police in Darfur during elections will be to provide security for Darfurians in accordance with the requirements of the rule of law”. In that light, UNAMID Police Advisors will provide training, as well as technical support and assistance, in the run up to and conduct of the elections.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, another batch of 35 Sudanese policemen also benefitted from a similar activity at the Government of Sudan police headquarters in El Geneina, West Darfur.

The police officers will be trained in a number of areas, including planning and implementation of elections security policies as well as maintaining security during and after elections. Sessions will be conducted in Arabic and English.

General elections are scheduled to be held in Sudan in April 2010. The last national elections were held in 2000.

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