On 12 June 2016, UNAMID, in collaboration with the Abou Shouk Sport and Culture Association, witnessed the grand finale to the Ramadan Cup ‘Football for Peace’ Tournament which coincided with the global commemoration of the International Day for the African Child, in an event held at Abushouk Camp for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), near El Fasher, North Darfur. The event, held under the theme “No Life Without Peace” and included an Iftar was attended by UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR) in charge of the Protection Pillar, Ms. Bintou Keita, North Darfur Ministry of Youth and Sport officials, government officials, UNAMID staff as well as hundreds of youth, community leaders and school children.

During the one-week Tournament, local Imams (Religious Leaders) and other respected community leaders participated in the Tournament through talks in which they highlighted the importance of Ramadan and the role of Darfuri youth in the ongoing peace process across the region. Additionally, the leaders encouraged young people to actively participate in voluntary work, combat drug consumption and addiction and enhance peaceful coexistence through dialogue in their respective communities.

Addressing guests at the event, DJSR Bintou Keita called on Darfurians to demonstrate the spirit of the Holy Month of Ramadan and live together in peace. “The month of Ramadan is a time for worship, reflection and reconciliation. Let us put these important attributes into practice not just during the period of Ramadan but all the time. I also encourage the youth in this IDP Camp to get involved in peaceful activities and not conflict,” urged Ms. Keita.

Speaking at the same occasion, the North Darfur Minister of Youth and Sport, Mr. Musa Mustafa Shogar, noted with gratitude, UNAMID’s involvement in local cultural and sporting activities which, he said, will help in to achieve peace and stability in the region. “I call on all the non-signatory armed movements to join on going peace processes in Darfur,” Mr. Shogar added.

The Head of Abu Shouk (IDP Camp) Sport and Culture Association, Mr. Adam Hussein, expressed his organization’s readiness to cooperate with UNAMID to fully implement its mandate and appealed to the Mission to enhance its support to the people of Darfur, particularly the youth in the Camps for Internally Displaced Persons.

During the Holy Month of Ramadan, UNAMID will host similar football tournaments and Iftar gatherings in Al Salam camp for the internally displaced, AlNasr area in El Fasher, Umbaru, Shangil Tobaya and Tawilla, all in North Darfur.