On 18-19 February 2015, as part of his familiarization visit to assess the situation on the ground, UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR) Abdul Kamara met with community leaders in Graida and in Kalma camp for Internally Displaced People (IDPs), both in South Darfur.

In Graida, the DJSR accompanied by UNAMID Senior Officials interacted with community members including members of native administration, religious leaders, education and health committees as well as representatives of displaced communities. He thanked the community leaders for their support and maintaining cooperation with the Mission.

During the meeting, the leaders requested for provision of basic services including education, health care and UNAMID Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) for the construction of a bridge in the area and Community-based Labour-Intensive Projects (CLIPs), to cater for small projects that contribute to security and peace. “Our major role is protection of civilians, but it is most important that we work together to prevent conflicts,” DJSR said.

On his part, the Deputy Commissioner who was present during the interaction, reaffirmed his commitment to cooperate with UNAMID adding that life has returned to normal following the recent clashes between the Fallata and Masalit tribes. He also said that reconciliation committees have been formed to address the issue. The Commissioner requested the Mission’s assistance in the construction of a police station and water borehole in Dikka village that were destroyed during the tribal conflicts.

The DJSR also visited a centre where leaders of IDPs were attending a workshop on the Darfur Internal Dialogue and Consultation (DIDC). He explained that the DIDC process is a step towards peace and urged the Darfuris to participate in the dialogue and would continue to support it. He reiterated the Mission’s commitment to support peace initiatives in the region, especially those which come from the community itself citing an example of the recent dialogue organized by the Ageeds in Bulbul Abujazo village. “I encourage you to continue the dialogue and take it forward and spread the message of peace to the people of Darfur,” he said.

Similarly, DJSR Kamara met the community leaders from Kalma camp for displaced persons near Nyala, South Darfur, and listen to their concerns.