The African Union-United Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and the University of El Fasher launched a formal partnership today for increased collaboration in a broad range of academic activities in order to make a greater impact on the communities of Darfur.

UNAMID Joint Special Representative (JSR) Ibrahim Gambari and senior Mission management officials met with a university delegation led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abdallah Abdelhay, and including several heads of departments and faculties. They discussed issues of mutual interest as well as ways to strengthen relations between the Mission and the University.

The delegation commended the work of UNAMID with regards to the peace process in Darfur and called on the Mission to provide technical and logistical support for the University.

JSR Gambari reiterated the Mission's commitment in supporting the people of Darfur, adding that he would look into forging similar partnerships with other major educational institutions in Darfur.

Susan Manuel, Deputy director, manuels@un.org, mobile: +249 (0)92 241 0274

Guiomar Pau, Media Relations, paug@un.org, mobile: +249 (0)90 090 5097

Rania Abdulrahman, Media Relations, abdulrahman30@un.org, mobile: +249 (0)91 250 1966