Message from the Head of UNAMID on the occasion of Ramadan

24 Apr 2020

Message from the Head of UNAMID on the occasion of Ramadan

Khartoum, 24 April 2020 – On behalf of the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), I would like to extend my best wishes to the people of Sudan, at the start of the Holy month of Ramadan.

 As we all know, Ramadan is a month of worship, reflection and reconciliation, where the basic tenets of tolerance and forgiveness are integral to the practice of fasting.

 At this time of devotion, it is appropriate for all the Sudanese stakeholders to reflect on the progress that has been made for the people of Darfur and the ongoing Juba peace talks. We in UNAMID recognise the achievement and gains recently made by the people of Sudan in their pursuit for freedom, justice and social equality and wish them every success.

 This year, Ramadan will be observed amidst extraordinary circumstances due to the global outbreak of the New Coronavirus Pandemic known as COVID-19. This shall affect the way Muslims observe this month not just in Sudan, but across the globe. I therefore call on everyone to adhere fully to all the guidelines and prevention procedures outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Sudanese National Health authorities without fail.

 Since the inception of the pandemic, UNAMID has put in place a set of stringent measures to screen, detect and quarantine its personnel travelling into Sudan to ensure no infections occur. The Mission also stopped troop rotation, restricted nonessential movement amongst its locations and restricted its activity only to critical life-saving operations. We even adopted alternate working modalities including telecommuting and virtual meetings to minimize physical proximity and staff numbers in offices and camps.

 UNAMID is supportive of and complies with measures stet by the Government to combat this pandemic. We will continue working with the Sudanese health authorities within our capability and mandate as well as with the UN System in Sudan to fight the spread of the COVID-19. This cooperation and support shall continue till the very last day of the Mission’s presence in Darfur and until its exit by end of October 2020.

 May the spirit of this Holy Month inspire and provide the desire, strength, as well as the determination to fight this COVID-19 pandemic and ultimately achieve durable peace, development and stability in Darfur.

 Stay Safe! Ramadan Kareem!

 

Jeremiah Kingsley Mamabolo

UNAMID Joint Special Representative/Joint Chief Mediator