October 5, 2009 (KHARTOUM) – The hybrid peacekeeping mission in Darfur in El Fasher organized a training workshop for the Sudanese police in order to provide security during Sudan’s upcoming national elections in April 2010 the troubled province.

Sudan is preparing to hold fair and free election in April 2010 for the first time since more than twenty years. The election will concern the President of Sudan, federal parliament but also the governor and the states governors.

The workshop is attended by 70 Sudanese police officers, the first of 200 who will then train more than 7,000 of their colleagues over the next four months.

Speaking at the opening of the opening of the workshop, UNAMID Police Commissioner, Micheal Fryer said "the primary role of the police in Darfur during elections will be to provide security for Darfurians in accordance with the requirements of the rule of law."

UNAMID Police Advisors will provide training, as well as technical support and assistance, in the run up to and conduct of the elections.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, another batch of 35 Sudanese policemen also benefitted from a similar activity at the Government of Sudan police headquarters in El Geneina, West Darfur.

The police officers will be trained in a number of areas, including planning and implementation of elections security policies as well as maintaining security during and after elections. Sessions will be conducted in Arabic and English.

(ST)