On 10 December 2014, some 700 people attended a cultural event organized by the African Union- United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) in Tina, North Darfur, to disseminate the culture of peace.

The event, held under the theme “Darfur: Talk Peace Now,” brought together school students, internally displaced persons and many Darfuri refugees living in Chad.

Due to the close proximity to the border with Chad, the movement of people between the Sudanese Tina locality and Chadian locality with the same name is frequent. The Darfuri students who live in Chad take an hour-walk back and forth to attend school in their hometown, Tina Sudan. In addition to this, other people, especially traders, move on a daily-basis between the two border areas. Despite the majority of the Darfuri population of Tina have remained in the Chadian Tina since 2003, few families have permanently returned.

The ceremony, which was marked by folk dances, theatre and cultural shows, presented an opportunity for the audience to recall the spirit of peaceful coexistence prevalent in the past.
“I have really yearned for the past where we were all together,” stated Hawa Hamid, a 55-year woman. While Ms. Hamid is among those who fled to Chad ten years ago due to fighting in Tina, she hopes that peace will prevail in Darfur.

Meanwhile, speakers to the event highlighted the pivotal role of culture in bringing people together and enhancing the fabric of the society.

“It is good to come together,” said Jafar Bushara, the Commissioner of Tina Locality, commending the role of culture in enhancing peace and ensuring the coherence of the society. “Such event ushers in peace and stability and the return of refugees and the internally displaced people,” he said. Mr. Bushara called on the gathering to care about culture for the sake of a unified and peaceful society.

Anwar Abdalla, a representative of youth in Tina, stated that such cultural event is effective in enhancing the spirit of solidarity and togetherness among people. “The event will allow us to maintain values such as solidarity through coming together,” he added, calling for further similar events to make more impact in this community.

On behalf of UNAMID, Albert Malou, Commander of Tina Team Site, reaffirmed the need for raising peace issue. “We are here today to talk about peace and I call on you to maintain peace,” said the Commander.

Mr. Malou briefed the gathering on the UNAMID mandate priorities which include protection of civilians, providing support for the tribal reconciliations and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

UNAMID, through its Community Outreach Unit, has regularly been organizing events in different communities across Darfur in an attempt to consolidate peace and foster peaceful coexistence among the local communities.