Addis Ababa, 11 July 2014 —African Union-United Nations Joint Special Representative (JSR) for Darfur and Chief mediator, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, briefed on 9 July the African Union; Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) on the recent developments in Darfur, the mediation efforts and the implementation of the strategic review of UNAMID.

Mr. Chambas said that although there has been a pause in fighting between the main factions in the recent weeks, the proliferation of militia groups and attendant criminality and banditry continues to be a source of major concern. “More needs to be done therefore to disarm these militias as part of the broader and concerted efforts towards the achievement of comprehensive peace in Darfur,” the JSR stressed.

The Head of UNAMID explained that inter-communal violence in Darfur continued mainly with renewed fighting between tribes competing for resources and retaliating for acts of criminality. He added that insecurity and intermittent restrictions of movement by Government forces, armed movements and militia groups continued to present sporadic challenges to effective and timely delivery of humanitarian assistance and the protection of civilians.

Joint Chief Mediator, Mr. Chambas said that he is working with the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel and the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General for Sudan and South Sudan to develop a framework for harmonisation of the mediation efforts as mandated by the AUPSC and the United Nations. “I have urged both the Government of Sudan and the armed movements to take advantage of the opportunity presented by the proposed national dialogue to resume political and peaceful negotiations; bring an end to the fighting and usher in lasting peace in Darfur,” he emphasised.

“Following wide-spread attacks on communities in the first quarter of 2014, UNAMID has been working hard to enhance its capacity to provide physical protection to civilians seeking refuge around its team sites,” the JSR pointed out and explained that in accordance with the new strategic priorities of the Mission recommended in the comprehensive review of UNAMID, the Mission has undertaken concrete measures to refocus its activities and resources to achieve greater effectiveness and cost-efficiency.

The JSR called on the AUPSC to recommend to the UN Security Council an extension of the mandate of UNAMID for another year.