UNAMID, in collaboration with the Darfur Internal Dialogue and Consultations (DIDC) implementation committee and Doha Civil Society Follow-Up Mechanism (FUM) concluded a locality level internal dialogue and consultations meeting organized from 5-6 October 2016, in Mukjar locality, Central Darfur. About 150 participants attended the event representing Native Administration, Internally Displaced Persons, Nomads, Women, youth groups, political parties and religious leaders as well as local senior government officials and UNAMID staff.

During the dialogue and consultation meeting, participants called for the implementation of developmental projects and provision of basic services such as water, health care and Education, besides enhancing the role of Native Administration and promotion of the  culture of peace among local communities, including the need to support peace and reconciliation committees in Darfur. Additionally, participants requested equal representation of women in constituted political and decision making mechanisms.

Addressing the meeting, the Deputy DIDC Chairperson, Ms. Suad Adam, highlighted the importance of the DIDC process which will provide the right platform for Darfuris at the grassroots level to express their views in the ongoing Darfurian peace process.

In his remarks, Mr. Mohamed Ahmed Musa, Director of the Centre for Peace and Development Studies and Human Rights, University of Zalingei urged participants to preserve the principles of dialogue and make practical recommendations that lead to sustainable peace in Darfur.  “Dialogue is the only means towards achieving peaceful resolution of inter-communal conflicts” Mr. Musa said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Mukjar Humanitarian Aid Commissioner (HAC), Mr. Adam Ismail Ahmed, who also represented Mukjar Locality Commissioner, called on all participants to disseminate the outcome of the consultation meeting to the local community and commended UNAMID and DIDC efforts in supporting the ongoing peace process in Darfur.