Namibia sends more cops to Darfur

Namibia is to deploy 35 police officers to Sudan's Darfur as part of its contribution to the United Nations-African Union peacekeeping mission, the Namibian police announced yesterday. Nampol deputy chief Desiderius Shilunga encouraged the police officers during yesterday’s briefing to maintain a high standard of good conduct, discipline and hard work. “Hard work, dedication, discipline and exceptional service delivery are the cornerstone of any personal and organisational success, and will make your tour duty seamless, should you commit to those values that we as Namibians are known for,” he said. Some 15 officers were deployed in November under the same mission. This group will depart in the coming two weeks. Detective Sergeant Maria Nakupanga, who will be deployed through the peacekeeping mission, said she was ready to travel to Sudan and represent both the force and her country. “We are leaving our families behind and are going to serve our country in solidarity with other African nations. I am happy because I am going to assist women and children in Sudan,” she said. Inspector Eino Kamuwanyama said the officers who are deployed were prepared for Darfur. “I am really proud and I know that it can be a challenge to be in Sudan, but we all went through vigorous training and we are going to that country to restore peace and fulfil our duties,” he said. The peacekeeping mission was sanctioned by the United Nations in 2007 and seeks to bring stability to the war-torn Darfur region while peace talks on a final settlement continue.

SHONA NGAVA