UNAMID's Head emphasizes importance of social peace, reconciliation in West Darfur

EL FASHER (DARFUR), Sudan, January 27, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- On 25 January 2014, the African Union – United Nations Joint Special Representative (JSR) for Darfur, Mohamed Ibn Chambas concluded a two-day visit to El Geneina, West Darfur, where he met with local authorities and participated in the Social Peace Conference organized by the Darfur Regional Authority (DRA).

Addressing the opening ceremony of the three-day conference, which was attended by diverse participants, JSR Chambas underlined the significance of peace and reconciliation amongst all tribes of Darfur. "I would like to reaffirm today UNAMID's support for social peace and reconciliation initiatives in Darfur, within the scope of our mandate and capacity,” he said.

The head of UNAMID emphasized that signing peace agreements is not enough. He stated that “The real work begins only after that, while putting to practice what we have pledged. Out of war, trust must be rebuilt, both among the different communities that have been in conflict, and among people and their Government institutions.” The JSR noted that such conferences presented a platform for discussing how conflicts started and what would be needed to build trust.

During a meeting with the Governor of West Darfur, Haidar Mohammed Adam Atim, JSR Chambas assured him of the Mission's commitment and cooperation with the State Government in order to provide better services to the people. He mentioned that time had come to build Darfur and provide infrastructure projects after ten years of war.