2 June 2008 -- DJSR Anyidoho urges Darfurians to "return to the path of peace"

1 Dec 2008

2 June 2008 -- DJSR Anyidoho urges Darfurians to "return to the path of peace"

UNAMID press release
2 June 2008

DJSR Anyidoho urges Darfurians to "return to the path of peace"

Darfurians have once again been called upon to stop fighting and seek the path of peace. “Let’s return to the Path of peace” advised the Deputy Joint Special Representative of UNAMID, Mr. Henry Anyidoho, while speaking with principal Arab tribal leaders from the Rizegat, Native Administrators and intellectuals, attending the Ad Da’en Equestrian Festival South Darfur.

Explaining the mandate and role of UNAMID since the transfer of authority on 31 December 2007, Mr. Anyidoho stated that UNAMID was in Darfur to work with all parties to the conflict with the view to achieve durable peace for all Darfurians. He stressed that UNAMID was very much committed to efforts that will bring peace to the Darfur region, but needs the cooperation of all Darfurians to be able to achieve it.

The DJSR reminded the gathering that many peacekeepers from different parts of Africa have laid down their lives for the cause of peace in Darfur, and the only way their sacrifices could be appreciated is to ensure that sustainable peace returns to the region. “Don’t let their sacrifices go in vain”, said the DJSR.

Mr. Anyidoho advised the people to ask themselves pertinent questions whose answers will help them unravel the root causes of the conflict, adding that there could not be any development in Darfur under the atmosphere of rancor and conflict. “It is easier to stop than to continue fighting, why must you choose the more difficult option?” The DJSR asked. He admonished all Darfurians to remove all doubts and misconceptions from their minds regarding UNAMID’s neutrality, emphasizing that UNAMID is here for the peace of all Darfurians.

The Ad Da’en horse festival, which took place from 30 May to 2 June, has been an important part of the Darfuri calendar since the 1920s, and provides a platform for tribal and ethnic reconciliation and mediation. It does this by incorporating group discussions with expert contributors, focused on critical issues such as security, land ownership, identity and governance.