El Fasher, 17 July 2011 - Peacekeepers in El Fasher devoted 67 minutes to assist the Alfaki Abdallah Albingawi School for girls. They refurbished the facility, planted trees at a newly-built garden and provided school material to the students. 

Young students with the notebooks provided by UNAMID. Photo by Albert González Farran

The African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur was responding to the call by the Nelson Mandela Foundation to perform 67 minutes of public service to mark Nelson Mandela International Day, one minute for every year of his own service to humanity.

UNAMID Force Commander, Lieutenant-General Patrick Nyamvumba, noted that “Mandela sacrificed his life for the benefit of others. Every little thing we do now will benefit the future generations.”

Conveying the message of the UN Secretary-General, the Force Commander said that “everybody remembers – and, indeed, needs- an inspirational figure who has played a signal role in their lives. Nelson Mandela has been the role model for countless people around the world.”  

The occasion, which coincides with Mandela’s 93rd birthday, was celebrated at UNAMID’s offices in the three state capitals, El Fasher, Nyala and El Geneina. “Take action, inspire change: Make everyday a Mandela Day,” was repeated at events throughout Darfur. The activities included military parades, cultural performances and drama presentations.

In Nyala, the Mission organized the first Nelson Mandela Soccer Tournament, a week-long competition with the participation of local football clubs. 

Communication and Public Information Division Media Contacts
Kemal Saïki, Director; saiki@un.org; tel.: +249 (0) 92 244 3529; mobile: +249 (0) 92 241 0020

Guiomar Pau Sole, Media Relations, paug@un.org, mobile: +249 (0)90 090 5097