In El-Fasher, Darfur Scott Gration, the US Special Envoy to Sudan, on Friday, praised Rwandan peacekeepers in Darfur, for their selfless and exemplary service.

"The reputation of the Rwandan forces and the people you represent is very good,” he said, adding that as a former military commander himself, he would be proud to go to combat with them, any day, any time. 

Scott was speaking on his way from El-Fasher, the administrative capital of north Darfur, to Nyala, the capital of South Darfur. He was in the company of the Force Commander of the AU-UN Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), Lieutenant General Patrick Nyamvumba.

"I am very proud to be associated with your commander. He is not only a great commander but also a man of integrity and great character, and his leadership here in UNAMID is making a great difference,” he told a Rwandan contingent deployed at Shangil Tobaya, about 93 kilometres south of El-Fasher.

"You are making us very proud, as part of the international community. You are representing your country very well – continue to do this great service and, together, we can make a difference in this land,” he added.

In his trip to Darfur, the retired US Air Force Major General, is supporting on-going international efforts to guarantee full and timely implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).

"You are the best of the best and so I appreciate this opportunity to come here and address you,” he underscored.

"The mission is very important – what you are doing is helping us restore security and stability to this troubled land – if we are successful, children in these camps will grow up with a brighter tomorrow. Women will not fear to be raped, and men can grow old in dignity.”

"Your role is so very important because what you are doing today will change this nation,” he added.

"Many of you have come from a situation whereby you, too, can understand the pain that is associated with this kind of violence. I am very proud to see that you have volunteered your time and effort to make a difference in the lives of people that have suffered equally,” he told the peacekeepers.

After Sudan, the envoy is expected in Doha, Qatar, to discuss the way forward on Darfur with the AU, UN and Qatari officials who are facilitators in the current peace talks with parties to the Darfur conflict.

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