KHARTOUM - The UNAMID has started the second phase of its reconfiguration which includes further reductions in UNAMID personnel, is set to begin on 31 January and last until 30 June.
Phase one of the reconfiguration, which was completed on 1 January 2018, includes the closure of 11 UNAMID team sites and reductions in military personnel from 15,845 to 11,395 and in police personnel from 3,403 to 2,888.
"Currently, we are in the process of implementing the second phase of the reconfiguration, which involves a further reduction of military personnel to 8, 735 and police personnel to 2,500 by 30 June 2018," said UNAMID head in a press conference held in Khartoum on Thursday.
He added they are assessing team sites that will be handed over the Formed Police Units as per UNSCR 2363. The objective is to address any outstanding infrastructure requirements in these sites.
"In this context, refurbishment is currently underway at UNAMID team sites in Korma and Saraf Umra, North Darfur; Masteri, West Darfur; and the El Sereif Temporary Operating Base in North Darfur," said Jeremiah Mamabolo.
The UNAMID reduction plan is based on the improvements in the security and humanitarian situations as well as the absence of armed clashes between government forces and the armed opposition.
However, the plan provides to exclude Jebel Marra from the force’s reduction and to establish a temporary operating base (TOB) at Golo, Jebel Marra, Central Darfur which would be built during the second phase.