The Deputy Head of Unamid, Joseph Mutaboba, travelled today to El Geneina, West Darfur, to meet with Sudanese government representatives, community members, and Unamid staff working to implement recovery and development projects in the area. <\/p>\n
During his meeting with the West Darfur Deputy Governor, Abul Gasam El Amin Baraka, the Deputy Head reiterated Unamid\u2019s interest in supporting, within its limited power, recovery and development in West Darfur, Unamid said in an Information Note issued today. <\/p>\n
\u201cI would like to congratulate you and your government for having been able to address security issues here, and thus contribute to finding lasting peace,\u201d Mutaboba said. \u201cWithout security, there is nothing; with security, you can have dialogue, you can talk about peace, and you can talk about the future.\u201d <\/p>\n
Baraka thanked Unamid for its support, most recently in the form of the development of new airport facilities outside El Geneina, and a new access road. \u201cUnamid has spared no effort in West Darfur, and has provided social assistance, especially to the most vulnerable, which can be considered the best kind of assistance.\u201d <\/p>\n
The Unamid Deputy Chief stressed the need to work together with the government of West Darfur State Government to ensure that Unamid can contribute effectively to the protection of civilians according to its mandated role, which also involves facilitating humanitarian assistance, working on local-level mediation and supporting the peace process. In this regard, Mutaboba requested support from the Deputy Governor for Unamid to carry out its mandated tasks in the area. \u201cWe cannot help you unless you help us help you,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
Since 2013, Unamid has sponsored 29 quick-impact projects, designed to help rebuild West Darfur\u2019s infrastructure. In the same year, Unamid implemented seven community-based, labour-intensive projects, each designed to facilitate on-the-job vocational training for West Darfur\u2019s young people, as they work to rebuild their communities. <\/p>\n
\u201cWorking with the local communities, especially through quick-impact projects, Unamid is doing what it can to facilitate lasting peace and stability, hopefully leaving a positive footprint here that will have a long-term impact,\u201d the Deputy Head said, also noting that the UN is facing a financial shortfall. \u201cWithin the limitations we have, we will continue our work. Unamid is here to help. We are your organisation.\u201d <\/p>\n
File photo: Joseph Mutaboba gives his remarks at the celebration of the UN International Day of Peace (21 September) organised by Unamid in El Zubeir Stadium in El Fasher on 23 September 2013 (Albert Gonz\u00e1lez Farran\/Unamid)<\/em><\/p>\n