August 17, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — Eight months after the start of the hybrid mission, Sudanese government agreed to allow the African Union-U.N. peacekeeping force to fly at night, the head of UNAMID said today.

Rodolphe Adada

In the past, Khartoum rejected to authorize the joint peacekeeping operation in Darfur the use of Darfur airports in the night saying they are not properly lighted. The issue was considered as one of the main obstacles hindering the hybrid mission.

Rodolphe Adada, Joint Special Representative of the joint mission in Darfur told reporters on Sunday that Sudanese government gave UNAMID the green light to conduct its night fights in Darfur enabling the operation to reach the vital 24-hour capability of flight.

"The UNAMID would do whatever possible to facilitate the necessary changes to the airports in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Authority," Adada added.

The joint representative said he asked to allow the hybrid operation to use the new runway in El Geneina, West Darfur.

The UNAMID top official was speaking following the monthly Technical Committee Meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Rodolphe Adada headed the hybrid mission delegation while the Under Secretary at the foreign affairs ministry, Mutrif Siddig led the Sudanese side.

Also, the Deputy Joint Special Representative for Mission Support, Hocine Medili and Deputy Force Commander, Major General Emmanuel Karenzi Karare, took part in the meeting.

Besides, the night flights, UN officials since last year accused Sudan of putting administrative obstacles that may weaken the efficiency of the peacekeeping force.

However, the UNAMID spokesperson, Noureddine Mezni told Sudan Tribune that the meeting also addressed issues related to convoy protection from El Obeid capital of North Kordofan to Darfur, customs clearance of COE into Darfur, visa processing, and police training.

Mezni also added that Sudanese officials pledged to do all what they can to facilitate the deployment of the troops. He added that Adada thanked the Government and underlined the importance to work together for the achievement of this goal.

Addada expressed satisfaction with the arrival of the engineering team from Egypt and Ethiopia, adding that he is looking forward for the arrival of the main body of these troops which will boost UNAMID capabilities on the ground.

A batch of 114 Ethiopian engineering personnel arrived on Saturday while the remaining of the advance contingent of 350 peacekeepers is expected to arrive on Sunday and Monday. Also an Egyptian engineering company of 335 personnel arrived to Darfur since last week.

(ST)