09/22/2005

The African Union has been given the role of providing security for humanitarian relief and to “protect civilians whom it encounters under imminent threat and in the immediate vicinity, within resources and capability”. Ultimate responsibility for security however still rests with the Government of Sudan.

Where the African Union has been able to present, there has been an increase in security. IDPs have congregated near AMIS sites, WFP has stored their equipment at AMIS sites, AMIS has escorted humanitarian convoys, and helped victims of attacks get to hospitals. However, the AU cannot proactively protect citizens. As one AMIS officer told RI: “But we are here to protect civilians! We must have this mandate.”