On 27 August 2014, Mr. Mohamed Awad, Commissioner of the Um Dukhun locality, Central Darfur, visited UNAMID headquarters in Zalingei and met with Mr. Enos Chuma, Acting Head of Office(HoO). The visit was targeted at discussing issues related to developmental projects in Um Dukhun.

In the course of the meeting, Mr. Awad raised the problem of inadequate water supply in Um Dukhun and surrounding areas; he requested UNAMID’s support in facilitating the construction of the Kele Dam which, he said he believed, will not only address the immediate water needs of the local community, but also contribute to sustainable peace.

On his part, Mr. Chuma said that water was one of the key, non-political drivers of the ongoing conflict across Darfur and reiterated that the Mission was doing its best to help address shortages of this precious resource. Additionally, he thanked the African Development Bank which had committed itself to help resolve recurring issues related to water in the region and assured the Commissioner that his concerns would be conveyed to the Mission leadership.