By Ma Yichong and Zhang Kang
KHARTOUM Feb. 9 (ChinaMil) -- Under the authority of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), the 14th Chinese peacekeeping engineer detachment to Sudan recently advanced into the largest conflict-prone area in the region for the first time and successfully completed an 85-km warzone road survey mission in Darfur.
The UNAMID is planning to establish a Temporary Operating Base (TOB) in Golo, where Darfur’s security situation is the most serious, in order to accelerate the peace process. It is very urgent to upgrade the existing road connecting Nertiti and Golo for military deployment and logistic support.
The Chinese peacekeeping engineer detachment to Sudan dispatched a survey team on Jan. 27 after receiving the mission. The team set out from Nyala and reached the mission area after passing five government checkpoints.
Golo is located in the hinterland of the Marrah Mountains and has very rough road conditions. Due to large curves, steep slopes and rocks, it took more than six hours for the team to travel a short distance of 24 km. Such bad road conditions were a huge challenge to the survey team.
Bi Xianbo, captain of the survey team, said that they have collected a total of more than 3,000 sets of data in 5 days, measured precisely in eight subjects including length and width of various road sections. The team also has formed a complete investigative report, providing a precise basis for the road upgrading project.
The Chinese peacekeeping detachment will concentrate its efforts on opening up this strategic channel for the UNAMID’s peacekeeping troops, and continue to contribute China's strength and wisdom to the peace-building in Darfur.