Darfur / UNAMID Bids Farewell to Fallen Peacekeeper
EL FASHER (DARFUR), Sudan, January 8, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur today bid farewell to one of its peacekeepers, Lieutenant Commander Papa Lamine Ndiaye, who died on 29 December 2008 of injuries sustained two days earlier during a hijacking by unknown armed men in North Darfur,.
Joint Special Representative Rodolphe Adada, Deputy Joint Special Representative Henry Anyidoho and Force Commander General Martin Luther Agwai were among the many staff in attendance at a memorial service at the mission’s headquarters in El Fasher, North Darfur. They expressed their heartfelt condolences to the family of Lieutenant Commander Ndiaye and to the people and Government of Senegal.
In a statement read out on behalf of Mr. Adada, Mr. Anyidoho spoke of the mission’s sense of grief at the death of Lieutenant Commander Ndiaye, who had served since April last year as a staff officer to the mission’s sector commander in El Geneina, West Darfur,
General Agwai praised Lieutenant Commander Ndiaye’s professionalism, dedication and commitment, noting that he had always carried out his duties diligently and honourably, and had achieved much during his short life.
Speaking on behalf of the Senegalese contingent, Lieutenant-Colonel Cheikh Tidiane Mbodji described Lieutenant Commander Ndiaye as “one of the best officers of his generation”. He said the fallen peacekeeper was renowned for his sound judgement when serving with UNAMID, as well as for his loyalty and helpfulness towards his colleagues.
Lieutenant Commander Ndiaye, who was 42 when he died, leaves behind a wife, two daughters and a son.
Egyptian delegation visits UNAMID
An Egyptian delegation led by the Head of the technical inspection, Major General Kamal, paid a one-day visit to UNAMID Headquarters today to discuss issues concerning the Egyptian company’s equipment and deployment. The delegation had a meeting with the Force Commander, General Martin Luther Agwai.
In his remarks, General Agwai expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Egypt for their participation in this mission, which he described as a challenging one. “I have been throughout the mission and seen the work of the Egyptian signal company: they are doing a good job because now UNAMID is able to communicate with every location within the mission,” said General Agwai. He further commended the work being performed by the Egyptian engineering and transport companies, adding that the transport company adds to UNAMID logistics capabilities.
Egypt’s contribution to UNAMID comprises one infantry Battalion, an engineering company, one medium and one heavy transport company and signal Company.
Major General Kamal and his delegation will also visit the Egyptian contingent deployed with UNAMID.
UNAMID Deputy Police Commissioner for Operations and Plans visit to Sector West, Darfur
As part of his familiarization tour, UNAMID Deputy Police Commissioner, Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, paid a working visit to Kulbus, Sector West, where he met with senior local Government officials and officials from the Government of Sudan police. He also met with International Non-Governmental Organizations and UN Agencies working in the area. To discuss their challenges they are facing in Kulbus.
UNAMID Force Commander Visit to Sector West
UNAMID Force Commander, General Martin Luther Agwai, conducted an operational and assessment visit to Sector west. The visit was aimed at assessing UNAMID troop’s readiness to carry out operational duties; to welcome the newly arrived Ethiopian Battalion; and to specifically confirm the capacity of UNAMID base in Kulbus for its possible expansion.
Upon arrival, General Agwai was briefed by military component on the operational situation including the challenges being faced by the troops.
During his visit to Sector West, the Force Commander held the monthly Military Command Group meeting with Military Commanders. The participants discussed how to forge ahead in their operational duties and brainstorm on UNAMID contingency of operation plan.
SOURCE : United Nations – African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID)
