5 January 2010 -- Yesterday, UNAMID police advisors concluded a series of security training sessions held for government police personnel in preparation for the upcoming general elections scheduled to be held in April this year. Training has been organised in all three of Darfur’s states, in the state capitals as well as in several localities.

The sessions began on 2 January, immediately following celebrations for Sudan’s 54th Independence Day, and were organised in collaboration with the Government of Sudan (GoS). They aim at educating the government’s police force on security issues, on the election rules and, on crisis management. The participants were instructed by both GoS and UNAMID trainers.

The training session held yesterday in El Fasher, North Darfur, was attended by 120 participants, including both national police commanders and officers. Acting Commander of UNAMID’s North Darfur police force, Aliposo Vakuloloma, expressed the hope that newly trained participants use the knowledge gained to guarantee the safety of voters during the elections. He stressed the importance of an effective police force in ensuring safe and peaceful elections.

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