Head Unamid indicates reduction Darfur peace mission

The United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur (Unamid) will have to become more effective with less resources, the Joint Special Representative stated. It is the first indication that the mission might have to scale down in August, after reports indicating lack of results. Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas added in an interview with UN Radio on 4 April that the mission needs to be more effective “in ensuring that we are there when civilians are in danger”. On 22 March, the peacekeepers in Khor Abeche camp in South Darfur’s Niteaga locality, watched from their base at how the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces across the road destroyed a camp for displaced civilians without trying to interfere. Satellite photos have confirmed the attacks on the camp, showing over 400 burned shelters, and a large group of people gathered at the centre of the Unamid base. The Special Representative, who is also the main mediator between the Sudanese government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), said: “As a mission, we understand that we need to be more effective. We need to do more with less because resources are scarce and new missions are coming up”. The mandate of the mission finishes 31 August 2014. The new budget and mandate of the mission are currently under discussion. Rapid Support Forces Chambas blamed the increased fighting in Darfur to the government’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF): “This force has engaged in rampaging and burning villages. Its activities have caused nearly 200,000 people to be displaced this year alone. This is very worrying.” Elsewhere, he also noticed an increased activity on the part of rebel movements. Khartoum established the RSF in October 2013, compiled of Darfuris. The forces are commanded by Major General Abbas Abdel Aziz. After a first mission to South-Kordofan fighting the SPLM-N, the approximately 6,000 forces were transferred to Darfur, widely announced to defeat the rebel movements. Chambas does not believe any of the parties will be able to win. “The military option is exhausted in Darfur. The government has not been able to defeat the rebels, after 10 years. The rebels, on the other hand, are incapable of defeating the government. Neither of the two sides can win”. File photo: Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas (UN) Related: Images confirm militias torched 400 shelters in South Darfur (4 April 2014) Khor Abeche camp in South Darfur laid waste (23 March 2014) Unamid Head of Media Relations comments on ‘challenges’ in Darfur (10 March 2014)