El Fasher, 15 January 2008 – The African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) has received its first batch of equipment from the United States as part of that country’s commitment to airlift supplies and equipment urgently needed by the mission. Two US airplanes landed yesterday in El Fasher, carrying large trucks, water trailers, tents, oil filters and other supplies, after flying in from Rwanda.

UNAMID Force Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier-General George Ndana Kyaka, today welcomed the airlift, adding that the equipment and supplies can be put to use immediately and will make a significant difference to the mission’s capabilities. “We appreciate the US role to alleviate some logistics constraints, as this will factor in the achievement of the mandate,” he said. Brigadier-General Kyaka also called on other countries to follow the US’ lead and help airlift equipment into the region.

Currently most equipment for UNAMID is delivered to Darfur overland from Port Sudan, a distance of more than 2000 kilometres. The route is marked by the poor state of many roads, harsh terrain, customs delays and extreme weather conditions, which can often set back the arrival of much-needed equipment.

Brigadier-General Kyaka said the mission is still in need of a wide range of equipment and supplies, including helicopters, armored personnel carriers and tents for troop accommodation, and he urged countries to step up and provide them.

The equipment and supplies which arrived yesterday will initially be used by UNAMID’s Rwandan contingents. Rwanda’s contribution to the mission comprises about 3,200 peacekeepers.
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