E l Geneina: UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR), Ms. Anita Gbeho recently, concluded a two-day visit to Sector West. This is her first working visit to West Darfur since she assumed duty as DJSR in May 2018.

Upon her arrival in El Geneina, Ms. Gbeho paid a courtesy call on the State Wali (Governor), Mr. Hussein Hammad at his office, with whom she exchanged various points of view as part of her efforts to enhance cooperation with local authorities and discuss the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2429 (2018).

In his response, Mr. Hammed underlined the Government of Sudan’s (GoS) collaboration with UNAMID to enhance security and stability in the area. He expressed his hope that the newly endorsed UNSCR 2429, will impact positively on the current stability and humanitarian situation in Darfur. Mr. Hammed further highlighted the stability in West Darfur, which he opined was the conducive environment that facilitated the return of several refugees and IDPs to their areas of origin, and their subsequent engagement in the current cultivation season. “We call on UNAMID leadership to support the West Darfur State Strategic Plan to achieve a seamless transition from humanitarian aid to development, and facilitate delivery of basic services such as water, health and education which contribute significantly to the quality of life for the host community,” Mr. Hammed added.

DJSR Gbeho commended the good relationship that exists between the State Government and UNAMID and expressed her appreciation to the Wali for developing a strategic plan to achieve transition from humanitarian aid to development. After briefing on UNSCR 2429, DJSR Gbeho, explored with the Wali, possible utilization of the soon-to-be closed Mission’s facilities in the area, for health and education and applauded current use of the Mission’s former sub-camp in El Geneina town, which the authorities have transformed into El Geneina University, benefitting hundreds of students.

As part of her visit to the Sector, the DJSR held several meetings, including UNAMID staff, as well as UN agencies, Area Security Management Team (ASMT) and Sector’s National Staff Association (NSA).  Later, Ms. Gbeho paid a visit to the University of El Geneina (former UNAMID sub camp) to assess effective utilization of the building, to be observed as good practice for utilizing UN assets handed to the government. She was briefed by the Vice-Chancellor of El Geneina University, Prof. El Tyib Ahmed, on the cooperation between UNAMID and the University as well as their plans to support the peace process and development efforts in their Locality.

As part of her visit, DJSR Gbeho also went to Abuzar Camp for internally displaced persons, where she met with women from local protection networks and women’s associations from El-Jamaa, Madenat El-Hujaj and Abuzar IDPs camps. She listened intently to their concerns, that included safety and security, the security of women and children, GBV and capacity building issues, as well as potential social needs such as food, water, health and education services and construction of a women’s development center in Abuzar IDP Camp.

Addressing women at the Abuzar IDP Camp, DJSR Gbeho reaffirmed the Mission’s commitment to protect IDPs and facilitate their access to humanitarian services and called on the West Darfur Mission leadership to establish a task force comprising Gender, Governance and Community Stabilization and Rule of Law Sections to identify the way forward for IDPs related issues.