UNAMID's Head stresses importance of dialogue to solve conflicts in Central Darfur

KHARTOUM, Sudan, February 17, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- On 15 February 2014, the African Union – United Nations Joint Special Representative (JSR) for Darfur, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, addressed the Social Peace Conference organized by the Darfur Regional Authority (DRA) in Zalengei, Central Darfur, and emphasized that the root causes of conflict in Darfur can only be addressed through genuine dialogue.

The conference brought together various stakeholders of Central Darfur State to identify their role in the peace process and to come up with practical recommendations that will contribute to ending tribal conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence in Darfur. The event was attended by DRA Chairperson El Tigani Seisi, Central Darfur Wali (Governor) Yousif Tiben, Central Darfur Legislature members and Native Administration representatives, among other participants.

In his opening remarks, the JSR noted that the conference comes against a backdrop of significant developments at the national level, in particular President Al-Bashir's announcement of a major initiative on national dialogue. “It is important for the people of Darfur to take advantage of this momentum to contribute to the national dialogue in a meaningful way in order for their concerns to be accommodated,” he stated.

“Genuine discussion among communities in Darfur on ways to strengthen reconciliation mechanisms, to understand laws pertaining to land use and tenure, and to enhance capacity of local administrative institutions is essential and could provide a firm foundation for durable peace in Darfur,” Mr. Chambas said.