The African Union – United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) is currently the largest peacekeeping mission in the world with more than 25’000 staff, civilian, military and police. Among them, almost 3’000 Sudanese, mostly Darfurian. Directly affected by the conflict, they contribute to the Mission’s mandate and try to bring peace and to provide assistance and protection to their compatriots. Unfortunately, they usually occupy lower positions and are frequently not treated with the same respect than international staff.
This project is about showing their background, motivation, contribution and their dreams. This project is an tribute to those men and women who try to bring a brighter future to their family and their country.
It took me some time and energy to realize this project. It was the first time I was shooting in a studio and it obviously was quite challenging. But the remaining feeling is really positive and I got a lot of fun doing it. Please feel free to contact me if you have any remarks or suggestions.
I now have to think about a big fat project for my master thesis. Yeaah… time’s running.
Olivier Chassot 
Les portraits sont très humains, vivants et personnalisés. On sent une approche respectueuse de chacun. Bravo, vraiment, c’est un très beau projet. Et puis le look barbu te va bien. A bientôt et excellente continuation. Salutations de la smala
Merci 🙂
Thanks a lot for this project which is ambitious and sounds cotraversial. You are the voice for the voiceless. I am glad to have contributed 2 years from October 2004 to December 2006 under the defunct AMIS. I was the pioneer AU International Civilian Senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer in Darfur. It was scaring, very tense and volatile. I spent most of my time in Darfur based at Elfashir, but I worked also in Khartoum at the Mission’s Headquarters. I know how to live in a tent. I faced Habub. I witnessed the first prefurbs being elected. These were Offices with ACs. I visted IDP Camps in Elfashir, Nyala, Elgenaina, Kutum, Zamzam, Kapkabiya, name it. I ate with IDPS and conflicting parties. Please I can email to you some pictures of that time if you wish. It was not soft landing before UNAMID came in. AU/AMIS did a good job it must always be acknowledged despite challenges iof meagre resources.
Dear Nsubuga,
Thanks for your comment. I do not see my project as controversial, not at all. I am simply trying to show the important contribution of the national staff to UNAMID’s work.
Regarding your will to work again with UNAMID and the problems you are facing, I can only recommend you to contact human ressources and to check with them. Good luck and see you soon.
Best regards
Olivier
Dear Olivier,
Thanks.
The controversial aspect I ment was based on the unfair consideration of the contributions made by the national staff vs international staff. There are those who would still call natioanl staff as local staff to demean their status and contributions to the Mission. Some proud and unfair International staff may prefer the status quo to remain between the International and National staff. Seeing international staff as superior and the national staff as junior and inferior. The same comparison may exist also between the Uniformed and Civilian staff. Civilians staff whether International nor Natioanl are seen as inferior and Military/Uniformed staff as Superior. I think your project will help to reduce these gaps always.
Thank you once again.
i would love to work with UNAMID the new mission in Darfur!