On 8 February 2015, the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), in collaboration with the Open University of Sudan, organized a debate on the role of the media in internal conflict.

The event was attended by UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR), Abdul Kamara, the Wali (Governor) of North Darfur, Osman Yousif Kibir, the Vice-Chancellor, Open University of Sudan, Faisal Abdalla, community leaders, officials from the Centre for Peace, University of El Fasher, UNAMID staff and students.

In his address, Mr. Kamara emphasized on the importance of education not only in Sudan but in Africa and welcomed the initiative of the Open University of Sudan to highlight the important correlation between education and peace and expressed the Mission’s commitment and support to the same. “When you educate the youth, you empower an entire generation,” said the DJSR.

Stressing on the debate’s importance, Mr. Kamara stated that the role of the media is crucial in initiating dialogue and conversation regarding significant issues. “It is time to talk to each other, not with guns, but to exchange views and engage in dialogue with each other,” he added.

The six panelists, graduate students from Open University, were divided into two groups and presented impassioned arguments highlighting the role of the media in internal conflicts in Darfur. One group took the position that the media has actually played a positive role in keeping the public informed on significant issues related to the conflict, while the other group argued that the media lacked neutrality in certain situations. In conclusion, both sides recommended that the media should play a more involved role in promoting peace and bringing Darfuris together.

The Open of University of Sudan, established in 2003, offers a wide range of services in Sudan and Darfur and aims at bring education closer to the people.

Similar debates will be planned for this year in other Darfur states.