21 November 2012 - In their latest effort to support development in Darfur, Rwandan peacekeepers from the African Union - United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) completed the construction of a market for use by women in and around the Nertiti locality in the Jebel Marra area of Central Darfur. The new building is spacious enough to accommodate roughly 20 local women, who now will be able to sell their goods indoors.

Speaking at the ceremony on 20 November to inaugurate the new market, the Rwandan contingent’s Commanding Officer, Lt.-Col. Christopher Rutaremara, explained that the construction project was planned and completed by UNAMID’s Rwandan contingent to contribute to peace in Nertiti.

“The market is designed to create job opportunities for internally displaced women and returnees, as well as to raise their standard of living and their economic status in the community,” said Lt.-Col. Rutaremara. “Women are at the heart of the family.”

The ceremony was attended by UNAMID’s Force Commander, Lt.-Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba, who commended the troops for taking the initiative to work on such development projects in line with UNAMID’s mandate to protect the civilian population and assist in ensuring peace and security in the area.

The Force Commander said that the market will address the needs of the Nertiti women, enhance their living conditions and reduce the hardship they face in conducting business. “The completion of the market is an indicator of an improved security situation within the troops’ area of responsibility, despite challenges,” he said.

UNAMID’s Rwandese peacekeepers are currently implementing three other projects in Central Darfur, including the construction of a primary school and the construction of a perimeter fence at a secondary girl's school.