El Fasher, 25 July 2014 – On behalf of the African Union – United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), I would like to extend my best wishes to the people and Government of Sudan on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. Eid Mubarak.  
 
Like Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is a time for forgiveness and tolerance. These qualities are at the essence of Islam. While Ramadan is a time of worship, reflection and meditation, Eid is a time of jubilation and celebration; a time to make peace with all neighbours, relatives and friends, and resolve differences. This is the time to rejuvenate bonds of kinship, friendship, peace and love.

So let this festive occasion provide us all with an opportunity to stretch our hands to each other in forgiveness, reconciliation and mending. Let us transcend our differences and disagreements and reach for peace, prosperity and stability, not just in Darfur, but across the whole of Sudan.
 
On this auspicious occasion, I would like to reiterate UNAMID's relentless commitment to exert all possible efforts within its capability, as well as doing my utmost as Joint Chief Mediator to support and facilitate peace and reconciliation efforts amongst the people of Darfur in order for them to be able to proceed towards a lasting peace and for all-inclusive national dialogue in Sudan.
 
May the jubilant spirit of the Eid inspire us to lean towards peace, heal the wounds of the past and look forward to a future of coexistence, peace and security.
 
Eid Mubarak,