13 July 2009 -- Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Alain Le Roy, accompanied by African Union Peace and Security Commissioner, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, today began a two-day visit to Darfur. They met UNAMID Joint Special Representative, Mr. Rodolphe Adada, and other senior Mission officials who briefed on the current security, political and humanitarian situation as well as on the challenges they faced.

Later in the day, Mr. Le Roy and Mr. Lamamra paid a courtesy call on the Wali (Governor) of North Darfur, Mr. Othman Kibir, and he briefed them on the overall situation in Darfur, including the humanitarian situation, returnees and ongoing elections process. The Wali reiterated his Government’s commitment to facilitating the work of UNAMID and of international and national non-governmental organizations.

The delegation met with Umdas (traditional leaders), youth leaders and women representatives from Abu Shouk and Al Salaam internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps. Mr. Le Roy informed that the purpose of meeting was to listen to their concerns and determine ways that UNAMID could mitigate their problems. They raised issues concerning the current security situation in the camps, the elections process and returnees. The residents complained of the lack of basic social and healthcare services. USG Le Roy reaffirmed UNAMID’s commitment to ensuring security for civilians in Darfur and working together with humanitarian agencies to assist the local community. He also indicated that the United Nations, together with the African Union would continue to work with Member States in an effort to speed up the deployment of UNAMID.

They also met the United Nations country team (UNCT) and representatives of civil society and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in Darfur.

USG Alain Le Roy will tomorrow conduct a similar visit to the West Darfur capital of El Geneina, where he will visit returnees in the area. He is also scheduled to meet UNCT and NGO representatives working in that region.

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