Tanzanian Minister of Defence and National Service visits South Darfur

 At UNAMID South Darfur Headquarters: UNAMID South Darfur Chief Mr. Imtiaz Hussain briefs the minister and his delegation on the status of security situation in his area of responsibility. On the minister’s left is Member of Parliament for Mlalo Brigedier General  Hassan Ngwilizi.

 Jotting down the minutes (left) is Gen. Muazu

 Minister Nahodha being interviewed by Mr. Msonda, UNAMID Public Information Officer, while (the African Union and United Nations Mission (UNAMID) Force Commander Lt. Gen. Paul Mella 3^rd Right, with dark glasses) and other officers tag behind.

The Minister explains a point to Mr. Msonda while Manyini East MP Capt. John Chiligati (on Minister’s left with glasses),the African Union and United Nations Mission (UNAMID) Force Commander Lt. Gen. Paul Mella (second right)  and other officers listen closely.  Photos by Saeed Salim of UNAMID

By Said Msonda of UNAMID

An eight-member Tanzanian delegation headed by the Minister of Defence Mr. Shamsi Vuai Nahodha (pictured centre) started today a two-day working visit to South Darfur where, inter alia, will call on the Tanzanian battalion located at Kor Abeche area that was ambushed by unknown attackers on 13 July 2013 where seven of its peacekeepers were killed and 13 others injured. 

“…We are here to visit, see, as well as talk with and listen to our soldiers. It’s simply a morale boosting visit…as you are aware that our soldiers have just recently been attacked and killed here,” said Mr. Nahodha following a question on the purpose of their visit to South Darfur.

The delegation also includes member of parliament for Mlalo Brig. Gen. (rt.) Hassan Ngwilizi and Member of Parliament for Manyoni East Capt.
(rt.) John Chiligati. Other officials in the entourage are from the Tanzanian Defence Ministry Headquarters Brig. Gen. Venance Mabeyo, Lt. Col. Ramadhan Dogoli, Capt. Ephraim Kituhile, Mr. Ndameye Rwikama and Mr. Rashid Hashim Rashid. The delegation arrived in the Sudanese capital Khartoum on Saturday 21 September 2013 on the invitation of the Sudanese Ministry of Defence.

The minister and his delegation are accompanied by the African Union and United Nations Mission (UNAMID) Force Commander Lt. Gen. Paul Mella and UNAMID’s South Darfur Military Commander Brig. Gen. Sanusi Muazu. Mr. Hussain received the delegation at the Mission’s South Darfur Headquarters on the outskirts of Nyala town.