The Joint Special Representative/Joint Chief Mediator, Jeremiah Mamabolo , said UNAMID and the government of Sudan agreed to immediately reactivate a joint security mechanism in Darfur that will allow for speedy security related consultations and decisions.
According to UNAMID, the development follows meetings JSR Mamabolo held in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum with the Sudan Minister of Defence (MOD) and with the Assistant Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs last week.
The joint security mechanism includes UNAMID, the United Nations country team, the Sudanese Ministry of Defense, as well as other relevant Sudanese authorities.
“ This is an important step towards ensuring the safety and security of local communities, UN staff and assets when incidents like the recent looting in Kabkabiya occur. A central body like the joint security mechanism will enhance security related cooperation between UNAMID and the host government, a key element in achieving immediate and impactful response to these challenging situations” JSR said.
The idea to reactivate the joint security mechanism came in the aftermath of the recent looting incidents of UN assets in West, South and more recently, North Darfur.
“For instance, in the recent Kabkabiya looting incident, MoFA and related security elements, once alerted by the Mission of the developing situation, immediately deployed in the area averting further destruction of property and possible loss of lives. UNAMID Pakistan Battalion, based in Kabkabiya also reacted speedily to the call for support and secured the concerned UN agency premises. This collaborative approach is to be commended and replicated in the future, when such incidents occur,” UNAMID chief added.
“UNAMID looks forward to the immediate reinstatement of this joint security mechanism and expresses its willingness to play its part in ensuring its successful implementation” concluded UNAMID JSR.