On 16 February 2015, UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR) Abdul Kamara, attended the opening ceremony of a two day peacebuilding workshop in Bulbul Abu Jazo village, Al Salaam locality, South Darfur. The initiative sought to bring peace and peaceful coexistence in the locality using the Ageeds (kin warriors) and the Hakamats (traditional female singers) who have promised to support peace efforts in their community.

The workshop was organized by UNAMID’s Civil Affairs Section in collaboration with members of UNCT and Nyala University’s Peace Centre, and was attended by representatives of the Ageeds and their Hakamats, state officials, local authorities; members of native administration; community leaders and civil society organizations representatives from Dimso, Buram and Bulbul localities in South Darfur. The workshop deliberated on the causes of and solutions to tribal conflicts in South Darfur.

Addressing the participants, the DJSR called on the Darfuris to work together to end the conflict in the region that has lasted for more than ten years. “There cannot be a military solution to the Darfur conflict; a solution must be found through dialogue and negotiations,” he added.

He commended the community leaders for this initiative, which he described as an indication of their commitment to achieve peace and stability in Darfur, and reassured them of UNAMID’s commitment for lasting peace in the region.

The Commissioner of Nyala North, Alhady Issa Saeed, commended the Mission’s efforts in promoting peace and security in the region and called for more efforts to address tribal conflicts. “We need to address concerns among the different tribes in a peaceful manner through dialogue and negotiations,” he said.