UNAMID commemorates Nelson Mandela International Day
On 18 July 2016 - Hundreds of students, teachers, community leaders, Ministry of Education representatives and UNAMID staff, gathered at ZamZam Camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) south of El Fasher, North Darfur, to commemorate the Nelson Mandela International Day observed under the theme: “Take action, Inspire change”.
In response to an invitation from the Nelson Mandela Foundation for people around the world to devote at least 67 minutes on Mandela Day to community service, UNAMID peacekeepers conducted clean-up and tree planting activities in Zam Zam IDP Camp.
Speaking at the occasion, UNAMID’s Deputy Joint Special Representative, Bintou Keita, read the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon’s message for the Day, in which he appealed to all to do more to build a peaceful, sustainable and equitable world in honour of Nelson Mandela who was “a model global citizen whose example continues to guide us in our work” to date.
In his remarks, the Minister of Education north Darfur state, Yousif Adam Ishag, recalled the sacrifices made by Nelson Mandela and his family in his quest for freedom, justice and equality for the people of South Africa and the rest of the world.
The Camp Manager for ZamZam IDP Camp, Abdallah Nafe, commended UNAMID for its decision to celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day at the Camp and appealed for the Mission’s support in building three additional classrooms at Zam Zam Secondary School for girls as a way of promoting education for the Girl Child in the area.
Sara Mohamed Ali, a teacher at Zam Zam Secondary School for Girls made a passionate appeal to all the people of Darfur, especially the non-signatory armed movements and the Government of Sudan, to join on-going peace talks to bring lasting peace to Darfur.
A popular Darfuri musician, Halima Sasa, who entertained guests at the event, stated that all her songs underscore the need for peace and security in Darfur. She also urged Darfuris to work towards achieving peaceful co-existence and stability in the region.
UNAMID has organised similar events to mark Nelson Mandela International Day across Darfur.