On 18 February 2014, a planning workshop for the Darfur Internal Dialogue and Consultation (DIDC) mechanism, a key part of the peace process stipulated in the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD), was convened at the University of El Fasher, North Darfur. The event brought together more than 60 people from the five Darfur states to deliberate on the procedures for conducting the dialogue and consultation process at the locality, state and regional levels.

The primary objectives of the DIDC include consolidating peace by promoting dialogue and confidence-building, and by encouraging reconciliation and unity among the people of Darfur, in particular, and Sudan, in general.

“You are very experienced men and women who have devoted a lot of effort, energy and time in the search for lasting and durable peace in Darfur,” said African Union-United Nations Joint Special Representative Mohamed Ibn Chambas in his remarks to open the workshop. “Let us use this opportunity to see how we can build a culture of peace and cooperation and understanding to be a significant part of the national dialogue.”

El Fasher University Vice-Chancellor Osman Abduljabar Osman said that if the efforts made by the Sudanese Government, UNAMID and other parties are well used, they can lead to a durable peace in Darfur. “We are happy and optimistic that signs of peace have become closer, because of the significant efforts being exerted,” he said.  “The more important thing is not only to bring peace, but also to make it lasting and sustainable.”

The DIDC’s objectives are expected to be achieved by expanding ownership of the DDPD and mobilizing support for its implementation; enhancing time-tested traditional practices regarding settlement of local disputes; promoting inter-tribal and inter-communal peace, reconciliation and harmonious coexistence; enhancing the status of Native Administration, including restoring its authority and building its capacity; bringing about a social and political rejuvenation in Darfur; and helping the people of Darfur come to terms with the conflict of the past and the way to forge ahead.

The United Nations, the African Union and the State of Qatar are facilitating the DIDC process. The United Nations Security Council resolution 2113 (2013) reaffirmed support for the DIDC taking place in an environment of respect for the civil and political rights of participants, including women and young people.

Ahead of the first workshop to launch the consultation mechanism, UNAMID facilitated a broad survey across Darfur to gauge interest in and understanding of the DIDC process. While some survey results remain in the process of being tabulated, the vast majority of the respondents indicated they are knowledgeable about the DDPD and believe that it can address Darfur’s problems.

Also, the majority of respondents indicated that the DIDC could contribute to peace and reconciliation in Darfur and could help in resolving tribal conflict. Respondents also indicated that the DIDC process should focus on security, governance, natural resources and the environment, and should address, in particular, the issues that have emerged between farmers and nomads. The survey participants, consisting of people from Central, North and South Darfur, identified some risks, concerns and challenges for the DIDC process. The main concern they shared was related to the deteriorating security situation caused by armed conflict.
 
The DIDC meetings and outreach events are expected to take place in the months ahead, bringing together all Darfur stakeholders to deliberate on the DDPD’s implementation, make recommendations for the way forward and, ultimately, help steer the peace agreement’s provisions toward effective delivery of tangible results for the people of Darfur.