Khartoum, 29 December 2019—On behalf of the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), I wish the people and the Government of Sudan a peaceful and joyous New Year. Furthermore, I would like to congratulate them on their revolution in which some brave men and women paid the ultimate price for the Sudanese people to achieve their aspirations for freedom, peace and justice. Likewise, I would like to congratulate them on the Independence Day of Sudan which will be commemorated on 1 January.

2019 has been a year of change for the people of Darfur and for UNAMID staff. As the Mission continues its drawdown, which entails the reconfiguration of its operations on the ground, we are forming greater synergies with the Government of Sudan transitional structures and United Nations country team partners to continue to fulfil the protection needs of and provide humanitarian aid to the displaced people in Darfur.

The African Union and United Nations are committed to a lasting peace in Sudan. UNAMID is therefore fully supportive of the peace process between the Transitional Government of Sudan and the armed movements, currently ongoing in Juba, South Sudan. We call on all Sudanese to seize the opportunity and participate thus to pave the way for an end to conflict and increase prospects for peacebuilding, reconstruction and development.

As we look ahead to the New Year, I want to assure you that UNAMID will carry on with its mandate diligently and remain committed to the cause of peace, stability, development and security in Darfur until the end of its mandate.

May the spirit of peace prevail upon us all, here and around the world, as we work together towards a prosperous future for the people of Darfur and, indeed, all of Sudan.

My best wishes for the year 2020.

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Jeremiah N. Mamabolo

Joint Special Representative / Joint Chief Mediator