What's at Stake?

Last December, the long-awaited hybrid United Nations-African Union mission (UNAMID) took control of peacekeeping operations in Darfur. But the transition from African Union peacekeepers to the new hybrid mission was largely ceremonial. The people of Darfur are still waiting for protection after five years of death, displacement, rape and broken promises.

Why are peacekeepers still not on the ground?

The primary impediment to full deployment of a capable UNAMID force is the Sudanese government. But the international community’s failure to provide necessary resources and bureaucratic hurdles at the United Nations are also to blame.

Ultimately, the fate of UNAMID now falls on the shoulders of the U.N. Security Council member states that authorized it, especially its permanent five members. They must now demand compliance from Khartoum, contribute the necessary resources, and ensure swift implementation by the United Nations.

As a first step, the international community should donate key equipment and capabilities that UNAMID lacks, including:

• 22 helicopters - These helicopters are critical if UNAMID is to operate more effectively than its predecessor, the African Union Mission in Sudan. Without them, UNAMID will have limited rapid-response capability and will be unable to reach many areas at all, given that it will be operating in a hostile environment with only dirt tracks between most destinations.
• Aerial reconnaissance units – The aerial reconnaissance units are critical for the force to monitor and verify events on the ground and respond appropriately.

• Trucks (medium and heavy transport) – Trucks are a minimal requirement for the transport of personnel and materials throughout the rugged terrain of Darfur, and it is inexcusable that the international community has not provided this necessary element for the peacekeeping force.
• Additional Engineers – Engineers are needed to facilitate the expansion of camps necessary for troops to deploy.

What needs to be done?

To prevent additional delays, and to ensure the swift and effective deployment of the UNAMID force, we call on President Bush and other world leaders to:

• Provide all of the necessary funding and equipment for UNAMID, and make all necessary efforts to ensure that the lack of equipment is no longer an impediment to full deployment of UNAMID. President Bush has called the crisis in Darfur genocide. Now he must take commensurate action by dedicating himself to finding the helicopters and other necessary equipment, including by personally calling other heads of state. Other world leaders must match their own words with actions as well.
• Organize a high-level donor meeting to secure contributions to UNAMID. After appropriate diplomatic preparation, the United States should organize a high-level donor conference to attain all of the resources needed by UNAMID.
• Provide funding for helicopters. The United States, along with other capable nations should work with the U.N. and directly with contributors where appropriate to ensure that lack of funding is not an impediment to the timely provision of helicopters"