22 Jan 2012- African Union-United Nations Joint Special Representative (JSR) Ibrahim Gambari met today with the leadership of all the internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in the Zalingei corridor of the new Central Darfur state and urged them to “leave the past behind and look to the future.” He added “You cannot make peace if you are friends, you make peace if you are enemies. This is a chance for peace in Darfur which we should not let slip away from us.”

Ibrahim Gambari during his meeting with the IDP leadership in Zalingei. Photo by Albert González Farran.

The JSR's visit to Hamediya was a part of the Mission's ongoing efforts in support of the dissemination of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD). The objective of his meeting with the IDPs was to discuss the importance of the non-signatories joining the peace process. He stressed that by working with UNAMID and the Darfur Regional Authority “is an opportunity to test the structures of the DDPD.”

Mr. Gambari also met with the Commissioner of Zalingei, Mr. Abdalla Mohamed Alamin, who expressed his appreciation for the efforts of UNAMID and the international community to achieve peace for Darfur. The JSR assured the local authorities that the Mission would continue its work in support of the people of Darfur. In particular he highlighted recent UNAMID achievements in Zalingei, including the implementation of 76 Quick Impact Projects in the areas of education, sanitation, health, rule of law and capacity building, while 23 more are in progress.

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