Photo Credit: Refugees International/ Jonathan Morgenstein
09/21/2005

The African Union Mission in Sudan only has 7,700 personnel to patrol an area the size of Texas. As of October 21, 2005, 686 of these personnel are Military Observers like this man in Zam Zam camp in North Darfur. Given the size of Darfur, and the enormity of the tasks mandated to AMIS, AMIS is seriously understaffed. In addition to monitoring and verifying the ceasefire, AMIS is expected to provide security for civilians, build their confidence, assist humanitarian agencies (such as in providing escorts for their convoys and sharing information), provide deterrence against the various fighting factions, and collect information and intelligence. All of these tasks are taxing AMIS’ human resources. AMIS doesn’t have enough troops to sufficiently protect itself, let alone protect displaced civilians or humanitarian organizations.