The United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) Communications and Public Information Division (CPID) has signed an agreement with the National Public Radio Corporation (NPRC) for the broadcast of UNAMID Radio programmes on Al Salaam Radio and Darfur state radio stations. This is an interim arrangement whilst the Government of the Sudan reviews the Mission’s application for a radio broadcasting licence, in conformity with the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) signed between the Mission and the Government of the Sudan.
According to this interim arrangement, UNAMID Radio will broadcast for two hours daily, on Al Salaam Radio, with repeat broadcasts at appropriate times on Darfur state radio stations, starting on 3 July 2011.
The Director of the Communications and Public Information Division, Kemal Saiki, who led the UNAMID delegation to the signing ceremony, remarked that the lengthy and sometimes difficult discussions between the two parties bear testimony to “the important role radio has in bringing peace and development to the people of Darfur.” Mr. Saiki added that “the agreement marks the beginning of a fruitful relationship between UNAMID Radio and NPRC, one that will also witness a cross-pollination of talents from both sides.”
(Source: UNAMID/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)