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UNAMID supports community peace initiative in West Darfur

Countries
Sudan
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UNAMID
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On 16 March 2017, UNAMID supported the launch of the West Darfur community initiative for peaceful coexistence at locality level in Forobaranga and Habila localities, West Darfur. More than 4,000 people representing the local communities, native administrations, women and youth groups as well as government officials participated in the ceremonies that took place in the two localities.

The events followed the peace initiative’s launch at state level by Sudan’s Vice President, Hassabo Mohamed Abdul Rahman in El Geniena last February under the theme: “Security. Coexistence. Development.” The initiative aims to engage the community in a mechanism that resolves issues at the locality level.

UNAMID Sector West, Acting Head of Office, Ms. Takako Ugaya, commended the launching of the peace initiative at locality level as it showed Government’s commitment towards ensuring lasting peace in West Darfur. “UNAMID welcomes this peace initiative as it is closely linked to the Mission’s mandate to protect civilians through prevention and mitigation of communal conflicts. The launch, at locality level, will enable communities to build their capacities and take encouraging strides towards peace, together,” she said.

Addressing the gatherings in the two localities, the Wali (Governor) of West Darfur, Mr. Fadl Almula Alhaja stated that local structures have been established to implement the initiative at the locality level. “These committees have contributed immensely towards preserving peace and security and will build social cohesion through reconciliation among the different tribes,” he said.

The Sultan of Dar-Masalit, who is also the Head of Native Administration in West Darfur, Sultan Saad Bahr-Aldin, urged the population to join the initiative, renounce all negative phenomena such as Kadmuol (a turban that covers the face) and shun tribal differences to enable the Government to establish development projects in the local communities.

Omer Suliman, Head of the Peaceful Coexistence Committee in Habila locality stated that they have renounced tribalism and sectarianism, and embraced the cause of social coexistence. He urged the state government to focus on development by providing basic services and empowering women in Habila.

The Mission, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Culture and Information, recently organised a grand cultural event in support of the peace initiative in Gokar village, west Darfur. UNAMID routinely provides logistical support for the launch of state and locality level peace initiatives aimed at promoting peace in Darfur.