Written question asked by John Bercow (Conservative) on Tuesday, 20 December 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 January 2006. It was answered by Ian Pearson (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 January 2006 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Sudan

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what financial and technical resources have been provided by his Department to the African Union force in Darfur to strengthen its capacity to protect civilians.

Answer: The UK has committed £19 million funding this financial year to the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS). This brings our total contribution to AMIS, since its inception, to almost £32 million. This money is to provide equipment, including the purchase of a further 460 vehicles in addition to our original 450, as well as military and civilian policing advice, expertise and training. Some of our contribution will also fund airlift of troops into Darfur, and further troop rotation this year. These contributions will assist the African Union in carrying out their mandate, including contributing to a more secure environment. However the primary responsibility for the protection of its own citizens lies with the Government of Sudan.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 40414; 441 c677-8W
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Development aid Civilians Protection Peacekeeping operations Sudan African Union Darfur
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk