UN appeals for additional troops for hybrid force in Darfur
Write:
Alexis [2011-05-20]
The United Nations urged on Thursday member states to contribute more troops for the UN- African Union (AU) hybrid peacekeeping force to be deployed in Sudan's Darfur region.
Following a meeting with potential contributors on Wednesday, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) said that there have been no offers so far for the medium utility helicopter units or the medium heavy transportation companies in the force, which will be known as UNAMID.
Some of the countries that have pledged to contribute troops to UNAMID have also acknowledged that their contributions would not meet UN peacekeeping standards, UN spokesperson Michele Montas told reporters.
"For these reasons, DPKO says it welcomes pledges for all units included in the UNAMID military component," said Montas.
When fully operational, UNAMID will become the largest peacekeeping force in the world, with almost 26,000 troops and police officers and nearly 5,000 civilian staff. It will have an initial mandate of 12 months and will incorporate the existing AU Mission in Sudan (AMIS).