4 November 2008 --  The African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur today bid farewell to one of its Peacekeepers killed on 29 October 2008 whilst conducting his duties in North Darfur. Corporal Ben Benjamin Titus was killed by unknown gunmen at a water point near Kutum base, North Darfur.

El Fasher, 4 November 2008: The African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur today bid farewell to one of its Peacekeepers killed on 29 October 2008 whilst conducting his duties in North Darfur. Corporal Ben Benjamin Titus was killed by unknown gunmen at a water point near Kutum base, North Darfur.

The Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR), Mr. Henry Anyidoho, on behalf of the Joint Special Representative, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late peacekeeper, to the South African Contingent and Government of the Republic of South Africa.

The DJSR said that the continued support of South Africa in peacekeeping will be enshrined in the African Union and the United Nations in their resolution of the Darfur conflict. “The death of Corporal Titus is not only a loss to his family, but to UNAMID as well,” he added, emphasizing that “such attacks on our mission will not impede our determination on bringing about lasting peace.”

Also speaking at the farewell ceremony in El Fasher on behalf of the Force Commander, General Martin Luther Agwai, the Force Chief of Staff, Brigadier General George Kyaka, reiterated that “solution in Darfur cannot be achieved through violence”. He paid respect to the late Peacekeeper and expressed sympathy to his family, the South African Contingent and the Government of the Republic of South Africa.

Attending the farewell was Col. Joseph Tshugulu, the South African Contingent Commander who addressed the participants and gave a brief background on the life of the deceased.

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