Tanzanian Minister of Defence Meets Governor of South Darfur

   By Saidi Msonda, UNAMID

Nyala, Sudan, 29 Sept. 2013:- As part of his visit to South Darfur, Tanzanian Minister of Defense and National Service Mr. Shamsi Vuai Nahodha accompanied by a high level delegation that included two Tanzanian members of Parliament, met with the Wali (governor) of South Darfur State Lt. Gen. Adam Mahmoud Jaralnabi last Thursday at the State General Secretariat buildings here.

Along with the Minister’s delegation, were the African Union-United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNAMID) Force Commander Lt. Gen. Paul Mella, South Darfur Head of UNAMID Mr. Imtiaz Hussain and the South Darfur UNAMID Military Commander Brig. Gen. Sanusi Muazu. The Parliamentarians were Brig. Gen. Hassan Ngwilizi (Mlalo) and Capt. John Chiligati (Manyoni East).

The Wali added that the incident was the only incident that took place since he had taken over in the state a few months ago. He expressed the government’s determination and assurance that such kind of incidents will not be repeated. He also announced the establishment of a high level Security Committee to investigate the incident under the auspices of the Darfur General Prosecutor.

“The incident had shaken us and we will do everything possible to bring criminals to justice,” said the Wali.   

He also renewed the government commitment to provide protection to UNAMID. However, the Wali expressed regret that GoS was not informed of the incident on timely manner, the thing that delayed timely action by the government to track the perpetrators.

“UNAMID should inform us of its forces’ movement so that we could provide protection because we know the land, the people and enemies moving around in the area,” the Wali said.

He also added that the GoS had no military presence in Khor Abeche area where rebel Sudanese Liberation Army (SLA-Mini Minnawi) forces are roaming in the area out of the GoS control. He also called on UNAMID to maintain good coordination with the GoS so that necessary protection could be provided by the GoS to UNAMID personnel in South Darfur.

On his part, the Minister expressed gratitude to the GoS for the visit and said the purpose of his visit was to meet with Tanzanian forces in South Darfur and to see the environment they are working in.

“We register our concern and deep sorrow to what had happened to the Tanzanian contingent but we at the same time are happy to hear the Wali’s words that such incidents will not be repeated again,” said the Minister.

Mr. Nahodha added that Tanzania decided to send its troops in spite of the dangers in Darfur out of its responsibility to the Sudanese people and the AU and UN.  

He advised UNAMID to cooperate and share information with GoS to solidify and cement relationship. On the other hand, he called on the GoS to make sure that cases investigated in regard to attacks on UNAMID are revealed and attackers are hold responsible for their crimes. The minister also expressed sympathy with GoS affected by the tribal clashes in Darfur.

He added that he expects from the leaders of Sudan and Darfur to reflect the Tanzanian message to the Sudanese people of love and brotherhood. “If they know we are here as brothers they will do everything to protect our lives as we came here to protect their lives,” added the Minister.

The Tanzanian delegation had a week-long visit to the Sudan that started in Khartoum on 21 September 2013 following an invitation from the Sudanese Government. The conflict in the Sudan erupted in 2003 when rebel Movements took arms against the Khartoum government allegedly against marginalization.

 Tanzanian Minister for  Defense and National Service Mr. Shamsi Vuai Nahodha meets with the Wali Governor of South Darfur State Lt. Gen. Adam Mahmoud Jaralnabi  at the State General Secretariat buildings in Nyala

 Head of Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in South Darfur Maj. Gen. Alsir Hussein in a jovial mood with the Minister and South Darfur's  Head of UNAMID Mr. Imtiaz Hussain

The African Union-United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNAMID) Force Commander Lt. Gen. Paul Mella (right) with Tanzania Parliamentarians Brig. Gen. Hassan Ngwilizi (Mlalo) and Capt. John Chiligati (Manyoni East).