11 January 2010 - The African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) welcomes the arrival of the main body of the Tanzanian Infantry Battalion. A total of 200 personnel arrived today in Nyala, South Darfur; the rest of the battalion will arrive on 12 and 13 February.

They will be joining the advanced party consisting of 275 personnel which arrived in Darfur on 12 August 2009. The strength of this battalion when fully deployed will be 875 personnel.

Their principal duties will include conducting security patrols within their area of responsibility, to enhance security and encourage confidence within the local population, and conduct escorts for humanitarian convoys.

Tanzania’s current contribution to the Mission includes 29 military officers.

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1769 (2007) authorized the deployment of up to 19,555 military personnel, including 360 military observers and liaison officers and up to 3,772 police personnel and 19 formed police units comprising of up to 140 personnel each. To date, the total number of military forces deployed in Darfur totals 16, 055.