US Embassy: ‘More close cooperation with Khartoum’

The United States Embassy in Khartoum released an official statement about the visit of its military attaché who visited El Fasher, Tullus, and Golo in Darfur last week. The US 'encourages close cooperation among the Government of Sudan, United Nations, and native administrations'.

Lt. Col. Jörn Pung and Regional Security Officer Corynn Stratton visited North, South and Central Darfur from 9 to 13 April to gain deeper insights and better understanding about Darfur. They met with local, military, and political leaders within the government, the military, and the African Union-United Nations operation in Darfur (Unamid).

According to the embassy the delegation left “with a clearer understanding from many leaders about the essential need for safety and security for all men, women, and children in Darfur. US Embassy staff visited Golo in Central Darfur for the first time.

“The establishment of rule of law will require successful disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration process for former combatants. […] We look forward to future visits to other localities within Darfur and throughout Sudan.”

On behalf of the United States the embassy encouraged close cooperation among the Sudanese government, UN, and native administrations to find a negotiated lasting peace for the region. Also to abet, arrest, and prosecute criminality, overcome challenges of tribalism, land reform, and resource management.

The governors in North and South Darfur both informed Pung and the delegation about their plans to collect arms from civilians in order to stabilise the states. In Kutum locality, for example, a series of renewed security measures will go into effect as of Wednesday.