Saps in R55m deal for Sudan

2009-11-20 22:05

Johannesburg - The SA Police Service has signed a R55m agreement with the Norwegian embassy to support a police-training project in Sudan.

"The funds earmarked for the project will be divided in three parts, 70% will be spent in the Southern Sudan, 20% in Darfur and 10% in Khartoum," the Department of International Relations and Co-operation said on Friday.

The agreement, signed together with the National Treasury, follows a memorandum of understanding between South Africa and Sudan signed two years ago.

It aimed to provide assistance in the field of safety and security in support of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between the north and south of the Sudan, the Darfur Peace Agreement and overall security capacity building.

As a result, the Norwegian Embassy was consulted for financial assistance on the implementation of the memorandum.

The department said it believed this project would help in creating a more secure and safe environment in the Sudan.

"The partnership of Norwegian finance and South African expertise is an example of what could be achieved to address the shortcomings in Africa with creative solutions."
 

- SAPA