UNAMID Organizes Workshop on the Mission’s Mandate in El Geneina, West Darfur

UNAMID organized a one-day workshop in El Geneina, West Darfur, on raising awareness and building an in-depth understanding among senior government officials regarding the Mission’s mandate.Photo by Muntasir Sharafadin, UNAMID.

20 Jan 2016

UNAMID Organizes Workshop on the Mission’s Mandate in El Geneina, West Darfur

On 8 September 2015, UNAMID organized a one-day workshop in El Geneina, West Darfur, on raising awareness and building an in-depth understanding among senior government officials regarding the Mission’s mandate and the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).

The workshop, which took place at the Mission’s headquarters in El Geneina, was inaugurated by the Wali (Governor) of West Darfur, Khalil Abdullah Ibrahim.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Ibrahim underscored the importance of such workshops. “We, the local authorities, really need clarification on issues related to UNAMID’s mandate and the Mission’s daily activities,” he said, adding that West Darfur, as a whole, is broadly a secure area and that the State Government will endeavour to enhance the stability here, including redoubling its efforts to ensure smooth reintegration of returnees into the local community. The Wali also requested UNAMID to engage local authorities in its programmes related to improving the conditions of the internally displaced, such as the Quick Impact Projects (QIPs).

On its part, the Mission focused on the access restrictions and denials faced by its personnel while implementing its mandate. Manuel Calzada, Chief, Legal Affairs, UNAMID, addressed the workshop from El Fasher, North Darfur, through a video conference, where he stressed upon the need for freedom of movement for the Mission’s military, police and civilian personnel to fulfil mandated objectives in accordance with the SOFA.