EL FASHER - Dispute settlement was the focus of a UNAMID-supported workshop for Sudan rural courts judges and officials that took place recently in El Fasher, North Darfur.

The three-day workshop involved more than 20 participants -- district and rural court judges, along with senior court staff -- from various localities in North Darfur. One of the key aims was to enhance the capacity of rural court judges to mediate inter-communal conflicts in their communities.

The workshop was supported by UNAMID’s Rule of Law Section in partnership with the training department of Sudan Judiciary and North Darfur Judiciary. Similar workshops, for rural court judges, prosecutors and police Investigators, have been conducted in El Geneina, West Darfur and El Daein, East Darfur. 

Francoise Simard, Chief of UNAMID’s Rule of Law Section, told participants in El Fasher that the Mission will continue to support Government of Sudan efforts to build the capacity of rural court judges, so that they may play their rightful role effectively and efficiently.

Ms. Simard explained that since the last training in 2015, rural courts in Darfur have done a commendable job in mediating conflicts that had the potential to erupt into armed conflicts, with possible loss of life and property.

“A recent report observed that casualty numbers have fallen because mediation efforts, supported by UNAMID, have contributed to a significant decrease in inter-communal conflicts,” said Ms. Simard, noting that mediation efforts need to be intensified in response to flare-up of conflict.

Salahudden Abbas, the Chief Judge of North Darfur, told participants that rural court judges play an important role in resolving disputes through amicable means. He pointed to the importance of judicial proceedings being carried out in a timely manner.

Marwan Eltigani, a representative of the training department of the Sudan Judiciary, noted that the workshop represented an important opportunity for participants and will help in a practical way to enhance the rule of law in Sudan in general and particularly in North Darfur.

Workshop participant, Alsadig Abass, noted that the workshop was successful in addressing all the key challenges facing the rural courts.

Meanwhile, UNAMID’s Rule of Law Section organized a two-day workshop in El Fasher earlier this month for prosecutors and police investigators, under the theme ‘For Better Justice Delivery’.

In 2015, the Mission -- in conjunction with Sudan federal judiciary authorities -- conducted a training course for 80 rural courts judges from across Darfur.