El Fasher, 7 January 2009 --  The African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur today bid farewell to one of its peacekeepers, Lieutenant Commander Papa Lamine Ndiaye, who died on 29 December 2008 of injuries sustained two days earlier during a hijacking by unknown armed men in North Darfur.

Joint Special Representative Rodolphe Adada, Deputy Joint Special Representative Henry Anyidoho and Force Commander General Martin Luther Agwai were among the many staff in attendance at a memorial service at the mission's headquarters in El Fasher, North Darfur. They expressed their heartfelt condolences to the family of Lieutenant Commander Ndiaye and to the people and Government of Senegal.

In a statement read out on behalf of Mr. Adada, Mr. Anyidoho spoke of the mission's sense of grief at the death of Lieutenant Commander Ndiaye, who had served since April last year as a staff officer to the mission's sector commander in El Geneina, West Darfur,

General Agwai praised Lieutenant Commander Ndiaye's professionalism, dedication and commitment, noting that he had always carried out his duties diligently and honourably, and had achieved much during his short life.

Speaking on behalf of the Senegalese contingent, Lieutenant-Colonel Cheikh Tidiane Mbodji described Lieutenant Commander Ndiaye as "one of the best officers of his generation". He said the fallen peacekeeper was renowned for his sound judgement when serving with UNAMID, as well as for his loyalty and helpfulness towards his colleagues.

Lieutenant Commander Ndiaye, who was 42 when he died, leaves behind a wife, two daughters and a son.