As part of efforts to strengthen relations and promote peaceful coexistence between different segments of the community, UNAMID, in collaboration with the State Farmer’s Association, the State Nomads Commission and native administration leaders, organized a forum on 5 February 2015 for farmers and nomads in Mershing locality, South Darfur.

The event, organized under the theme, ‘Towards sustainable peaceful coexistence,’ was attended by farmers, nomads, women and youth groups.

In his remarks, the UNAMID representative, Mr. Mwangangi, explained that the session was aimed at strengthening relations between farmers and nomadic communities as well as addressing the root causes of the clashes between the two communities. During the course of the workshop ways to prevent such conflict as well as to encourage better livelihood through food security and social cohesion were discussed.

On behalf of the nomadic community, Mr. Abdul Abdulbagi, presented an overview on the historical background between farmers and nomads, highlighting the causes of conflicts between the two communities.

Additionally, women’s representatives stressed on the importance of women’s participation in the peace process and urged all parties to end cattle theft.

Recommendations at the end of the workshop included strengthening native administration at the locality level, including farmers and nomad’s associations for conflict resolution and formation of local committees to monitor and prevent the occurrence of any such conflict.