Canada, Netherlands supply vehicles for Darfur peacekeeping

The governments of Canada and the Netherlands have handed over equipment valued at more than 12 million U.S. dollars to the Uganda Police Force towards peacekeeping efforts in Darfur.

A statement from the Canadian Embassy in Nairobi said on Wednesday the in-kind contribution consists of armored and non- armored vehicles, tents, and engineering, logistical, medical, dental and protective equipment.

"We are pleased to support vital peacekeeping efforts in Darfur, in a partnership with African peacekeeping nations like Uganda. Together, we can make a difference in advancing our common goal of stability, security and a just and lasting peace in Sudan," said Canadian High Commissioner to Uganda Ross Hynes.

"Uganda's important contribution to peacekeeping efforts in Sudan is very much appreciated," Hynes said in the statement.

The equipment is for use by the Uganda contingent in the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) Formed Police Units which will be the first large-scale peacekeeping deployment for the Uganda Police Force.

In addition, a six-month supply of critical spare parts along with equipment-related operator and basic equipment training has been provided.

"We are also pleased that six new armored personnel carriers have arrived in Kampala as part of our important contribution to the police units provided to UNAMID by African countries," Hynes said.

"Along with these vehicles, we are also providing equipment and basic operator and maintenance training as part of a 40 million dollar package to three African Countries including Uganda."

Currently, Uganda has 135 personnel deployed in Darfur with UNAMID and 17 with the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS).

In the spring of 2010, for a period of six months, a 150-person Formed Police Unit (FPU) will be deployed to Darfur after which the Ugandan government will have the choice of using the vehicles and equipment received yesterday to extend the deployment or take part in other peacekeeping missions around the world.

Canada is part of a concerted international effort to support a just and lasting peace in all of Sudan.

Canadian contributions focus primarily on resolving the humanitarian and human rights crisis in Darfur, and supporting the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) which ended the southern civil war in January 2005.

Source: Xinhua