On 22 April, UNAMID’s Communication and Public Information Section, in partnership with the North Jebel Marra Locality and local Youth Union, organized a football tournament and musical concert in Rokero town, Central Darfur.

The event, held as part of the Mission’s “Together for Peace” campaign, was attended by representatives of UNAMID, Government of Sudan, Native Administration, Civil Society organizations, women and youth groups. The event aimed to promote social peace and stability in the Locality and included a football match featuring the two semi-finalists, modern and traditional songs.

Addressing event attendees, UNAMID representative, Mr. Kone Mouroulaye, emphasized the importance of sporting activities in consolidating social peace in Darfur as UNAMID believes that engaging local communities in such social activities, enhances constructive cooperation and relationships among all segments of society, resulting in consolidation of peace and stability.

Mr. Mouroulaye added that as UNAMID prepares to exit Darfur at the end of June 2020, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2429 (2018), the Mission has established State Liaison Functions (SLFs) in the four Darfur States (north, south, east and west Darfur) where UNAMID is withdrawing, to prevent relapse into conflict in the post-UNAMID era. “The concept of SLFs is an outcome of a solid partnership between the Mission and the UN Country Team in Sudan, with support from the Government of Sudan. Establishment of these SLFs will facilitate seamless repositioning of UN presence in Darfur, following the Mission’s exit,” Mr. Mouroulaye added.

In his remarks, the Acting Commissioner of North Jebel Marra Locality, Mr. Issam El Deen Rajab, commended joint efforts made by UNAMID and the Locality authorities in organizing the sporting and cultural event, under the banner of peace. He applauded UNAMID efforts in consolidating peace in Darfur, especially the Mission’s support to the transition from peacekeeping to development.  Mr. Rajab, further appealed to UNAMID to provide additional support to their Locality, through the rehabilitation of the Golo-Rokero Road, construction of rural courts and a youth center in Rokero and capacity building of Native Administration officials, especially in the area of good governance.

The Acting Commissioner of North Jebel Marra Locality, who also commended the armed factions that have joined the peace process, called on the local community to embrace peace and work together for its consolidation.

Speaking on behalf of the Native Administration, El Shartay (Traditional Leader), Adam Anour Ateem, requesting for more UNAMID role in empowering the native administration, women and youth sectors in the Locality.