17 February 2010 - In the wake of yesterday’s attacks on UNAMID peacekeepers in South Darfur, Joint Special Representative (JSR) Ibrahim Gambari travelled to the state capital, Nyala, accompanied by the Mission Force Commander Lt Gen Patrick Nyambvumba and other senior officials.

Mr. Gambari paid a visit to the wounded police officers at the Mission’s hospital to express his sympathy and paid tribute to the Pakistani contingent for their selfless contribution to peacekeeping in particular to the Darfur mission. He then addressed UNAMID staff at a town hall meeting and attended the Force Commander’s monthly command group meeting.

The JSR was also received by the Acting Wali (Governor) of South Darfur, Dr. Omer Abdul Gabar, who commended UNAMID’s ongoing cooperation with the state government and requested the Mission’s assistance in training the local police in preparation for the elections. For his part, JSR Gambari reaffirmed his priorities to assist in bringing security, stability and development to the region, adding that he would “do his best to achieve these goals.”