On 16 November 2016, a joint UNAMID and Government of Sudan (GoS) delegation led by the Mission’s Head of Office, Sector South, Mr. Berhanemeskel Nega and Minister of Local Government, South Darfur state, Mr. Hassan Khamis, visited Graida locality to assess the situation in the area following recent clashes between farmers and pastoralists. In Graida, the delegation held separate meetings with the Locality Commissioner, Mr. Hamid Abdalla Hamad, Community leaders and representatives of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the area.

During these meetings, the delegation discussed issues related to the cooperation between UNAMID and the local administration in promoting peaceful coexistence amongst people living in the locality, the possibility of organizing capacity building programmes as well as delivery of humanitarian assistance and security, particularly during the harvest season.

The delegation also held separate meetings with the leaders of Masaleet and Falata tribes where the leaders of both tribes affirmed their commitment to resolving their differences, peacefully. The Tribal leaders further urged UNAMID to provide capacity building support to native administrations to enable these institutions to continue to perform their traditional role in conflict resolution.

 In his remarks, UNAMID Head of Office Sector South, Mr. Berhanemeskel Nega highlighted the importance of cooperation between UNAMID and the local authorities to enhance social peace in the area. He reiterated UNAMID’s readiness to work with the Government and all the relevant stakeholders in supporting ongoing reconciliation efforts.  “We urge heads of local native administrations to promote peaceful coexistence in their communities, for without peace, there is no development. It is very important for all of us to work for peace and UNAMID is here to support you and the government to achieve these goals,” Mr. Nega added.

On his part, the Graida Locality Commissioner,  Hamid Abdalla Hamad, emphasized that the local government has put in place measures to control the situation and that efforts are underway to hold a reconciliation conference between Rezeigat and Masaleet tribesmen in Goghana area, south Darfur, in the near future.