On 1 February 2015, UNAMID facilitated the launch of the Darfur Internal Dialogue and Consultation (DIDC) process in the premises of the Ministry of Agriculture, El Geneina, West Darfur.

The event brought together Government of Sudan (GoS) and Darfur Regional Authority (DRA) officials, members of the DIDC Implementation Committee, representatives of Darfuri civil society, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and UNAMID officials.

Addressing the session, UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR), Mr. Abdul Kamara, called on the signatories to the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD), non-signatory armed movements as well as the people of Darfur to support the process. “The people of Darfur have suffered for far too long from the effects of conflict and violence that has led to too many deaths, and hundreds of thousands displaced,” he said.

“The aspirations of young Darfuris for prosperity and security cannot be fully realized in this situation of conflict, insecurity and continued violence,” added the DJSR, calling on the Darfuris to fully embrace this process.

In his remarks, the Wali (Governor) of West Darfur, Mr. Haidar Galikoma expressed appreciation to UNAMID and the Government of Qatar for their support to the Darfur peace process. “The DIDC process is expected to bring the people of Darfur together to find home-grown solutions to the conflict,” said Mr. Galikoma. Additionally, he reiterated the Government’s commitment to assist in the implementation of the DDPD as well as the safe return of IDPs and refugees to their original homes.

The DIDC process seeks to engage people across Darfuri society in a dialogue that will allow everyone to contribute to the peace process. The process is to be locally owned, hence the need for inclusiveness, transparency and fairness. Furthermore, the DIDC is envisaged as a medium to promote peace, build confidence, encourage reconciliation and peaceful cohabitation.

The event heralds in the start of the formal DIDC, a process that will take place in 64 localities across the five Darfur states, in addition of Khartoum. The dialogue will involve all sectors of the Darfuri society, including IDPs, refugees, civil society and Dafuris in the diaspora.

Subsequent to this, on 4 February 2015, UNAMID facilitated the launch of the DIDC process in Zalingei, Central Darfur. The event was attended by local government officials, representatives of the DRA, civil society representatives and UNAMID staff. In his remarks on the occasion, Mr. Nicholas Shalita, Chief, UNAMID DIDC, reaffirmed the Mission’s continuing support to the DIDC process and appealed to all Darfuris to use this platform as an important means to achieve durable peace and reconciliation in Darfur. “Through the DIDC Process, Darfuris can consolidate peace, promote confidence building and reconciliations, as well as look forward to a brighter future,” added Mr. Shalita.

On his part, the Wali (Governor) of Central Darfur State, Mr. Jaffar Ishaq, reiterated his government’s support to the ongoing process and stressed on the importance of people’s contributions in making this endeavor a success. “War has impacted negatively on the social fabric in Darfur, deepening the differences among the local communities. As Darfuris, we have no other choice other than dialogue through which all outstanding issues can be peacefully resolved,” said Mr. Ishaq.

The DIDC process was also launched last month in EL Fasher, North Darfur and in Nyala, South Darfur.

On 4 February 2015, Nicholas Shalita, representing UNAMID, addresses the participants of the DIDC launch in Zalingei. Photo by Kone Mouroulaye, UNAMID.