AU-UN Joint Special Representative/Joint Chief Mediator's message on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha

EL FASHER (DARFUR), Sudan, October 14, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- On behalf of the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur, I wish the people and the Government of Sudan a peaceful and joyous Eid Al-Adha.

As we commemorate this occasion, we should all remember the message of peace and sacrifice that this occasion symbolises.

The road to achieving peace is fraught with hurdles, hardships, tests and sacrifice. It is only when we have the will and the resolve that we are able to achieve this condition, to which we all aspire.

While celebrating this year's Eid, let us honour the contributions of all individuals who spared no effort in reaching out to others across Darfur in a spirit of peace and hope for a better future. Let us wish that all those who are involved in the violence in this region engage in a sincere and meaningful negotiation process which will bring an end to the conflict.

On this day, we also remember our courageous peacekeepers, the men and women who sacrificed their lives for the people of Darfur, and hope that their sacrifice would not have been in vain.

May the goodwill of this most holy season inspire us all to intensify our search for an all-inclusive, just and durable peace in Darfur and, indeed, all of Sudan.

Eid Mubarak to all!

Mohamed Ibn Chambas

UNAMID Joint Special Representative / Joint Chief Mediator for Darfur