Defence Minister confirms no MAF personnel in Sudan, with two observer officers having completed UN missions and returned to Malaysia in recent months.
KUALA LUMPUR: There are no Malaysian Armed Forces officers currently serving in Sudan under any United Nations mission, according to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
He confirmed that two MAF observer officers who served under the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei had completed their one-year assignments as UN military observers in September and November.
“Both officers have returned to Malaysia and reported for new assignments,” he said in a statement.
The previous deployment of MAF observer officers was in Abyei, a border area between Sudan and South Sudan approximately 815 kilometres from the current conflict zone in El Fasher.
Mohamed Khaled added that the ministry is aware of the latest developments in El Fasher, which involve clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
“The UN is expected to continue assessing the security situation in Sudan to ensure that all missions are carried out in a stable and safe environment, in support of peace and regional stability aspirations,” he said.
Mohamed Khaled said Malaysia remains committed to supporting global peace efforts by deploying MAF observer officers under the UN flag when conditions permit.
According to local and international organisations, the RSF seized control of El Fasher on October 26 and allegedly carried out mass killings of civilians.
The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and RSF began on April 15, 2023, and has persisted despite mediation efforts.
The conflict has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people. – Bernama
