NEW YORK, Aug 27 (KUNA) -- The Security Council extended today the mandate of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) for 10 months, while it requested further realignment of the missionآ’s activities in accordance with recent strategic reviews.
In a resolution adopted here today, the Council requested that UNAMID continue to redirect its resources towards the strategic priorities laid out in resolution 2148 (2014), including improved protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, along with facilitation of aid and mediation activities, as it stressed the need to "discontinue activities not listed as priority in that resolution.
Todayآ’s resolution reset UNAMIDآ’s troop ceiling to 15,845 military personnel, 1,583 police and 13 formed police units of up to 140 personnel each, as the Council further requested a detailed update on the streamlining of the civilian component by September 15.
Furthermore, the resolution underlined that UNAMID should continue to move to a more "preventive and pre-emptive posture" in pursuit of its priorities, including enhanced early warning, proactive military deployment and effective patrolling in areas at high risk of conflict, with more prompt and effective responses to threats of violence against civilians.
It also recalled that the mission was authorized to take all necessary action to fulfill its mandate, and urged it to deter any threats against itself and against its objective of protecting civilians.
"Welcoming some progress in filling equipment and training gaps," it called for greater efforts to fill the significant shortfalls that remained, especially in areas necessary for temporary deployment and long-range patrols.
On the same subject, the Council expressed serious concern at the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Darfur and continuing attacks on humanitarian workers, though noted a decrease in attacks in the second quarter of 2014, and stressed the need for aid cooperation by all parties in the region and greater funding by donors.
The Council deplored continuing serious delays in overall implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur and urged signatories to make greater progress, as it demanded that all parties cease acts of violence and commit themselves to a permanent ceasefire.
It commended the efforts of the Joint Special Representative to revitalize the peace process through renewed engagement of the non-signatory movements, and emphasized the importance of his strengthened coordination with other African Union and United Nations mediation actors.
Following the adoption, Sudan representative expressed "regret" that the resolution did not include all the positive developments noted by the Secretary-Generalآ’s report, which affirmed the stabilization of the five states of Darfur and the progress of the Doha process.
Darfur, he maintained, "had gone beyond peacekeeping and was entering the stage of recovery and reconstruction." The resolution should have recognized that progress, he said, and it should have concentrated any condemnation on armed groups that remained outside the peace process and hindered national dialogue.
"Military confrontation with other armed groups had been ended and tribal tensions were being addressed, Sudan was now determined to pursue dialogue in a timely manner," he added.
Chadآ’s representative took the floor, and expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Darfur, welcoming the sacrifices undertaken by UNAMID, as well as the extension of the mission.
Whereas he regretted that the Security Council "was not able" to adopt the full measures recommended by the African Unionآ’s Peace and Security Council, and urged that the regional dimensions of the conflict be taken into account and greater support be provided to UNAMID. (end) mao.sd