On 16 January 2016, UNAMID Communications and Public Information Section (CPIS), in partnership with the Kabkabiya Horse Racing Club, organized horse racing event in Kabkabiya locality, north Darfur.

The event, held under the theme: “Partnerships for Peace, Dignity for all,” attracted more than 500 people including the Locality Commissioner, government officials, native administration leaders, youth and horse racing fraternity in the area.

Addressing the gathering, the Kabkabiya Locality Commissioner, Dr. Adam Ahmed Salih, expressed his appreciation to UNAMID for all efforts made to bring people together through organizing such events and pointed out that similar sporting events can enhance peaceful co-existence among various communities living in Kabkabiya area. “I commend the cooperation and coordination that exists between the government and UNAMID. We also appreciate UNAMID’s concerns about bringing peace, stability and development to the people in Darfur. Such horse racing programmes will definitely bring people together in a very peaceful atmosphere and can facilitate the building of trust among the different tribes in the area” he said.

The Native Administration leader, Shartai Eltayeb Ankara, acknowledged peace building efforts made by UNAMID through the conduct of the horse racing event. “Such social events pave the way for a brighter future for future generations. I call upon all community members to take this opportunity to promote peace amongst themselves. It is time to build peace” the Shartai said.

UNAMID routinely organizes such competitive outreach events to enhance peaceful co-existence among various communities living in different parts of Darfur.