UN renews mandate for Darfur peacekeepers – calls for focus on high-risk areas

The UN Security Council (UNSC) passed a resolution on Tuesday extending the mandate of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation (Unamid) for a further 13 months, until 31 August 2014. The 15-member council unanimously adopted resolution 2113 (2013) welcoming steps taken to reconfigure the mission. The wide-ranging resolution condemns attacks on peacekeepers, calls for concentration of the force on the highest-risk areas, and asks UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, in consultation with the AU, “to conduct a review of Unamid’s progress and to report back with recommendations for improving its effectiveness by February 2014”. The UNSC expressed deep concern over “the significantly worsening security situation, the increase in displaced persons this year, and the sharp rise in inter-tribal clashes”. It also condemns the increased human rights violations. It strongly condemns all attacks on Unamid, making specific reference to the 13 July attack in which seven Tanzanian peacekeepers died. Emphasising Unamid’s mandate under the UN Charter, the Council urged the mission “to deter any threats against it”, while reiterating the importance for the mission’s contingents “to be prepared and equipped to carry out their mandate”. The resolution urges all parties, particularly armed groups that are not yet signatory to the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD), “to immediately end all acts of violence and engage without delay or precondition to reach a sustained, permanent ceasefire on the basis of the document”. Following the vote, Sudan’s ambassador to the UN, Daffa Alla Elhag Ali Osman, welcomed the renewal of the Unamid mandate, noting that the situation in Darfur has improved since it was first deployed in 2007”. Osman also welcomed the Council’s support for the Doha Document and its condemnation of violence. He also voice appreciation for investigations by his Government’s Special Prosecutor for Darfur Crimes and said it would continue working with the Council to investigate those responsible for the deaths of the seven Tanzanian peacekeepers. “Negotiations are vital to achieve peace and security, and we hope the Council will continue its support towards that end,” Osman said.File photo by Albert González Farran/UnamidRelated:The full text of resolution 2113 (2013)Tanzania to seek ‘stronger mandate’ for Darfur peacekeepers (15 July 2013)UN ‘outrage’ at attack on Unamid patrol in South Darfur (14 July 2013)Seven Unamid peacekeepers killed, 17 injured in South Darfur ambush (14 July 2013)UN peacekeeping head laments ‘deterioration in security situation’ in Darfur (5 July 2013)