Sudan Update 1

I am heading over to Sudan for six months as a UNMO (United Nations Military Observer). I will try to write out all acronyms the first time I use them!

As many of you have probably seen in the news recently, South Sudan has voted for secession (99%). The separation will occur early July, which gives us some time to make the transition happen as smoothly as possible. To read more on this: http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=91863&sms_ss=facebook&at_xt=4d51f82a4cb0a74a%2C0

This is where myself, 19 other Canadian MOs (Military Observer) and MOs from 26 other countries come in! We will be supporting the people of Sudan by: ensuring the CPA (Comprehensive Peace Agreement) is followed; conducting air, foot, and land patrols; writing reports; participating in DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration); facilitating negotiations and mediations; liaising between various parties; conducting investigations into violations (of cease fire agreements and human rights); and undertaking a variety of other tasks.

For the next six months I will attempt to share my experiences with you so that you can also share in the birth of this nation! You have to remember that these updates will reflect only my opinions and experiences, and that in order to secure our mandate I must be seen as impartial.

I am flying out next Monday, 21 Feb on KLM with a stop over in Amsterdam and then right into Khartoum. The flts will take approx 26 hrs, including time changes, and I will be flying business class! This week I am trying to pack my bags ... actually a difficult task considering I must pack everything I will need for the next six months including military gear, civilian articles, medical supplies, and food.



Check out the awesome ACS work!



My first 2-3 weeks in country will be spent in UN indoc training and then I will be assigned to a Team Site (TS). So until then, I won't really know where in Sudan I am headed, how big the TS will be, what type of facilities it will have, or how good Internet accessibility will be.