Be steadfast, Gen. Karake urges peacekeepers

DARFUR - The Deputy Force Commander of African Union- United Nations Hybrid Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), Major General Karenzi Karake has asked peacekeepers to be steadfast and end the conflict. Karake and Deputy Joint Special Representative of the UNAMID, Henry Anyidoho were addressing the soldiers of the Egyptian Engineering Company who arrived in Darfur last week. Karake asked peacekeepers to be prepared to work together with other contingents in contributing to a resolution of the Darfur conflict. “UNAMID is one family and you must be prepared to work together with other countries, this is what makes peacekeeping unique,” he said. He applauded the contingent’s efforts and those of their home country, Egypt, for being part of the efforts to solve the Darfur problem. On his part, Anyidoho asked the peacekeepers to be dedicated. “Let us remain committed, let us work for peace in Darfur,” he said, adding that “there are obvious difficulties, but we all have to sacrifice for the Mission to succeed,” Anyidoho said. Anyidoho enjoined the contingent to consider it a pride to serve under the African Union United Nations flags, and to respect the customs and traditions of their host communities. He assured them that the Mission’s leadership will provide them the support needed to succeed in their assignment. “We have waited for you for so long and are happy that you are finally here; the Mission’s leadership will do everything possible to promote your work and make you succeed,” the DJSR added. The Egyptian contingent comprises of 23 officers and non-commissioned officers and 312 soldiers. It includes water supply, road and construction platoons and also has combat engineering, engineering work squadrons, medical and logistic elements, and a Special Forces platoon. Ends