On behalf of the African Union – United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), I would like to extend greetings and best wishes to the people and Government of Sudan on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. Eid Mubarak.

Like Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is a time for love, perseverance, kindness, forgiveness and tolerance. These qualities are the essence of Islam. While Ramadan is a time of worship, reflection and meditation, Eid is a time of jubilation and celebration; a time to make peace with all neighbours, relatives and friends, and resolve differences. This is the time to rejuvenate bonds of kinship, friendship, peace and demonstrate tolerance and love.

So let this festive occasion provide us all with an opportunity to stretch our hands out to each other for forgiveness and reconciliation. Let us transcend our differences and disagreements and reach out to one another with a new spirit of peace, love and tolerance so that the wounds of the past can begin to heal in prosperity, security and stability, not just in Darfur, but throughout the whole of Sudan.

On this auspicious occasion, therefore, I would like to reiterate UNAMID's relentless commitment to exert all possible efforts within its capability and available resources, as well as a personal pledge to redouble my on-going activities to support, facilitate and enhance peace and reconciliation efforts amongst the various tribes and people of Darfur in our collective efforts to bring sustainable peace and stability to the region, as soon as possible.

May the jubilant spirit of the Eid inspire us all to renew our determination to support and promote the cause of peace and heal the wounds of the past. May Allah bless our Ramadan and accept our supplications, Ameen.

Eid Mubarak,

Abiodun Bashua
African Union – United Nations Acting Joint Special Representative