United Nations Radio

The head of the joint United Nations-African Union mission in Darfur (UNAMID) says the peace process in the troubled region of Sudan is "at a critical juncture".

Ibrahim Gambari

Ibrahim Gambari, who briefed the Security Council on Tuesday, says negotiations between the Sudanese Government and the Liberation and Justice Movement (JLM) are making steady progress in Doha, Qatar.

He says UNAMID is currently finalizing its preparations for a process of internal political dialogue in Darfur to support the Doha peace negotiations.

However, Ibrahim Gambari warns that challenges remain on the path to lasting peace and stability in Darfur and that despite UNAMID's considerable efforts, the security situation in the region has not improved.

"It is perhaps fortunate that at precisely the same time as the security situation in Darfur has deteriorated, prospects for a negotiated settlement appear to have improved slightly. Civil society is now more involved in peace talks than ever, the Government of Sudan is demonstrating renewed commitment to negotiations, and the leaders of most armed opposition are either participating in or are expressing an interest in participating in the talks in Doha."

Ibrahim Gambari stresses the vital importance of a comprehensive peace agreement and improvements in the security situation so that UNAMID can carry out its core mandate of protecting civilians and facilitating delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people in need in Darfur.

He says to be fully effective, UNAMID needs utility helicopters, a transport company and an aerial surveillance unit, as well as the lifting of restrictions that prevent it from carrying out its mandate effectively.

Gerry Adams, United Nations
Duration: 1'47"