UNAMID’s Communication and Public Information Office, Central Darfur, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Youth, Sports, Information and Culture, organized a two-day Inter-Tribal Cultural Festival for Peaceful Coexistence which concluded on 26 June 2014. The event took place in Zalingei town and was held under the theme “We Need Peace Now.”

Ten tribes across Central Darfur participated in the colorful festivities and showcased diverse traditional dances, folklore and drama presentations as well as handcraft exhibitions.

In his opening speech, Mr. Abdul Karim Yusuf, representative of the Wali (Governor) of Central Darfur thanked UNAMID and the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Information and Culture for organizing this important event. “This is an opportunity for people to uphold the values of peace, stability and development and work toward lasting peace in Darfur. We have experienced war but gained nothing apart from destruction and instability,”said Mr. Yusuf.

The UNAMID representative from Central Darfur, Mr. Badar Farrukh, said that this important event, according to him, will help boost the ongoing peace and reconciliation process in the State. On behalf of UNAMID senior leadership, he expressed appreciation for the continuous cooperation extended to the Mission by the State Government. “Let us use this opportunity to celebrate community aspirations, to enhance our attachment to peace, reconciliation and social coexistence,” added Mr. Farrukh while urging those present to embrace the concept of a unified Darfur.