El Fasher, 08 September 2016 – On behalf of the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur, I wish the people and the Government of Sudan a peaceful and joyous Eid Al-Adha and Haj Mabroor to the lucky ones.

As we commemorate this occasion, we should all remember the message of peace and sacrifice that this occasion symbolises and draw lessons from the story of Ibrahim and his son (Peace Be Upon Them).

The road to achieving peace is fraught with hurdles, hardships, tests and sacrifice. It is only when we have the will and the resolve that we are able to achieve this goal, to which we all aspire; and which holds so many benefits for all.

The ritual of Haj, in its essence, is a quest for peace and redemption. Redemption from worldly desires and a renewal of our commitment to The Almighty to be fair and compassionate in our relationships with each other. It is also a unique lesson in the value of unity as you see millions congregating in the holy sites to know each other, trade and develop peaceful relationships.

While celebrating this year's Eid, we witness increased buy-in in the AU-led and internationally backed Roadmap for Peace in Darfur which represents a new impetus in the quest for peace. The satisfactory progress of Darfuri internal dialogue is yet another positive step in the direction of peace, stability and development in Darfur. We remain optimistic that all these endeavours will steadily bring us closer to realising sustainable peace, democracy and development in Darfur.

On this day, we also remember our departed peacekeepers, the men and women of UNAMID who sacrificed their lives in the quest for peace in Darfur.

May the goodwill of this special season inspire us all to intensify our efforts in the cause of an all-inclusive, just and durable peace in Darfur and, indeed, all of Sudan.

Eid Mubarak to all and Haj Mabroor to those who are participating this year!

Martin Uhomoibhi

African Union – United Nations Joint Special Representative/Joint Chief Mediator