Ibn Chambas begins work as UN-AU Chief Mediator in Sudan

Former Ghanaian MP and Minister, Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas has began official duties as the Head of the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and Joint Chief Mediator.

This was after Dr Chambas arrived in Sudan’s capital Khartoum yesterday April 1, 2013 to take up the position.

The former Secretary-General of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States was last year December 20, jointly appointed by the UN and the AU as their Joint Special Representative for Darfur, Head of UNAMID. His responsibilities include those of the African Union-United Nations Joint Chief Mediator.

“I am happy to take up my duties in Darfur at a very crucial time”, said Chambas upon his arrival, a statement from his office said.

Over the next weeks, the statement indicated that the new UNAMID Chief will be meeting with a range of top Sudanese government officials, Darfur authorities, ambassadors, United Nations representatives, as well as UNAMID leadership and staff.

Dr. Chambas has promised an all-inclusive peaceful solution to the Darfur tensions. “Only an all-inclusive peace on the basis of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur can bring a lasting solution to the suffering of millions of men, women and children in this region,” he said.

Dr. Chambas replaces Nigerian diplomat Ibrahim Gambari.

By Ekow Quandzie