Representatives of the World Bank and African Union/United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, or UNAMID, pledged to continue exploring ways to improve the recovery and development of the conflict-stricken region.
Ibrahim Gambari, the joint special representative for UNAMID, and Obiageli Ezekwesili, the World Bank’s vice president for Africa, met in Khartoum Sept. 2 to discuss how their organizations can best cooperate to improve the lives of the people in Darfur. Gambari sought the World Bank’s assistance in promoting a “sustainable peace” in the region, a report from the U.N. News Center says.
UNAMID’s representative also noted that while the mission’s main mandate is to provide security, it is also exploring other ways through which it can support the U.N. country team and its partners.
Ezekwesili said an existing USD4 billion peace fund for fragile and conflict-affected countries could be expanded to include Darfur. However, the World Bank official expressed concern over persisting insecurity in the region.
