UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative-Protection visits El Daein, East Darfur

Photo by Abdulrasheed Yakubu, UNAMID.

Photo by Abdulrasheed Yakubu, UNAMID.

Photo by Abdulrasheed Yakubu, UNAMID.

Photo by Abdulrasheed Yakubu, UNAMID.

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22 Aug 2016

UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative-Protection visits El Daein, East Darfur

UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR)-Protection, Bintou Keita visited El Daein, East Darfur, from 17-20 August 2016, as part of her familiarization tour of the Mission’s Sectors. During her visit, Ms. Keita met with government officials, native administration leaders, women’s groups, internally displaced persons and refugees from South Sudan gathered at the Khor Omer camp as well as UNAMID staff.

Additionally, DJSR Keita paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Wali, Brigadier-General Mohammed Beirag; during the meeting both parties discussed issues related to protection of civilians; logistic support for the state within the Mission’s mandate; and concerns regarding early recovery, development and capacity-building initiatives for East Darfur.

On his part, Deputy Wali Mohammed Beirag explained the importance of the role played by the native administration and women’s groups in strengthening peace and curbing the recurrence of conflicts among local communities. Mr. Beirag requested UNAMID’s support in investigating crimes and maintaining rule of law through providing a series of capacity-building trainings which, he said, would strengthen the skills of the state police in serving the community.

The DJSR also met with the Nazir of the Rezeigat and expressed commiserations on behalf of the Mission upon the death of the former Nazir, Saeed Madibo.

During her visit, DJSR Keita held a meeting with the State Committee on UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. The committee members spoke about the pivotal role of women in advocating for peace in Darfur. “Many women who spoke to me said they feel isolated from other similar movements outside Sudan and have requested UNAMID to facilitate other women’s association and leaders from across the world to come to El Daein in order to share their knowledge on challenges and leadership,” explained DJSR Keita upon the conclusion of this meeting.

Furthermore, Ms. Keita met with the leadership of Khor Omer camp for the displaced as well as South Sudanese refugees from South Sudan who arrived in the camp following the outbreak of conflict in their country. Some of the issues discussed at these meetings included the planned relocation of the refugees to Kariyo, approximately 30 kilometers south of El Daein; the availability of basic services such as education and water in the camp; the proximity of the camp’s residents to livelihood activities; and the possible construction of income-generating training centers for South Sudanese women refugees.