From 07-15 June 2016, UNAMID’s Civil Affairs Section organized a peace campaign in Shangil Tobaya, North Darfur. The campaign, conducted in six villages in the area – Hilat Ahmed, Karwa, Kafanki, Karkaiat, Um Drasay and Abu Hamraa--was aimed at ending tensions between farmers and pastoralists as well as strengthening social cohesion among the various tribes living in those communities.

During this campaign, community leaders shared ideas on preventing pasturing during the harvest seasons and resolving inter-tribal conflicts through traditional mechanisms. Led by the ‘Peaceful Living Committees’ and other local peace committees in the locality, the campaign participants committed themselves to abide by all signed peace campaign outcomes, guidance and directives given by peace arbitrators to maintain peaceful coexistence among the different tribes.

Abubakar Abdalla, Chair, Native Administration, Shangil Tobaya, urged all community leaders and intellectuals to actively participate in building trust between pastoralists and farmers to ensure seamless interaction among them. “Whilst peace is the only way to bring stability and development to community members, respect between farmers and herders is also crucial, as each component needs the other in their daily lives,” Mr. Abdalla stated.

Ahmed Yousif, Head, Nomads Union, Shangil Tobaya, expressed his gratitude to the consistent efforts made by the Mission to bring herders and farmers together to draw a roadmap geared towards achieving durable peaceful coexistence which, in turn, will lead to stability and development in the area, pointing out that herders will greatly benefit from positive outcomes generated by such campaigns. “This peace campaign is a great opportunity for farmers and pastoralists to end their frequent conflicts and should open a new page in their lives, one that ensures lasting and peaceful life amongst all concerned,” Mr. Yousif said. 

Ahmed Addouma, UNAMID Civil Affairs, reiterated the Mission’s commitment to its mandated responsibilities, which include supporting mediation in community conflicts and addressing its root causes. “We urge Darfuri youth to continue to raise awareness on the importance of peace in their communities. You all need to work together to bring stability to the region and remember, at all times, that education is key to development. The youth in particular, can mobilise its community members towards achieving durable peaceful coexistence in the region,” Mr. Addouma added.