Forog, North Darfur, 30 May 2012 - A delegation from the African Union - United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) headquarters, led by Deputy Joint Special Representative (Political) Aichatou Mindaoudou Souleymane, visited Forog village, roughly 140 kilometers northwest of El Fasher, to inaugurate the completion of the first set of quick-impact projects (QIPs) in a Movement area in North Darfur.

Girls from Forog welcome the UNAMID delegation. Photo by Albert González Farran
 

Hundreds of men, women and children, as well as members of Sudan Liberation Army /Abdul Wahid (SLA/AW), received the delegation to inaugurate Forog’s UNAMID-sponsored projects, chiefly the village’s newly constructed health centre. The implemented QIPs, which were facilitated by UNAMID’s South African contingent, also include projects in education and sanitation.
 
On behalf of the community, Sheikh Adam Ibrahim Saleh expressed appreciation to UNAMID for its assistance on the projects and stressed the community's commitment to work with UNAMID in addressing the community’s challenges.
 
“Let me assure you that it will be our constant endeavor to find additional ways and means to help your community,” said Ms. Mindaoudou in a speech delivered at the ceremony. “All our efforts are now focused and looking toward a lasting peace for all Darfuris.”

DJSR Political, Aichatou Mindaoudou, adresses to the population. Photo by Albert González Farran

In addition, Ms. Mindaoudou expressed the strong commitment of the Mission to continue facilitating the work of UN Agencies and  humanitarian actors that can provide direct humanitarian assistance and advance early recovery. She went on to stress the Mission’s dedication to advance its mandate throughout Darfur and support all those in need.
 
In restructuring its QIPs programme and ensuring that projects are priority-led and community-based, UNAMID has strengthened its partnership with local communities. The QIPs - geared at improving health and sanitation, empowering women and youth, promoting education, and protecting the environment – have been key in consolidating UNAMID’s engagement with Darfuri communities, including nomads, returnees and internally displaces persons. At present, in consultation with communities throughout Darfur, some 100 quick-impact projects have been approved for implementation in the coming months.