On 1 September 2015, a locality-level dialogue took place in Kabkabiya, North Darfur, as part of the second phase of the Darfur Internal Dialogue and Consultations (DIDC). 

The event was organized collaboratively with the Implementation Committee; the North Darfur Doha Civil Society Follow-up Mechanism; the Center for Peace, Development Studies and Human Rights, University of El Fasher; and UNAMID’s DIDC Secretariat. 

Attended by some 200 people, the meeting saw representation from varied communities in the area—native administration, community leaders, women, youth and students as well as UNAMID staff—who came together to discuss issues related to the establishment of peace, stability and development across Darfur based on the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD). Additionally, they explored ideas about the upcoming National Dialogue initiative of the Government of Sudan.

 Salih Ali Mohamed, native administration leader and Chair, Goodwill and Consultation Committee, said that such meetings and workshops have a positive effect in uniting communities during times of conflict, alleviating tensions and bringing lasting peace to the region. “I encourage all participants to express their opinions clearly with regard to their contribution in bringing about peace and stability in Darfur. This is our opportunity to help pave the way for peace to come,” he averred. Mr. Mohamed also highlighted that native administration leaders are key players in establishing peaceful coexistence among communities across Darfur and, thus, their engagement in the National Dialogue initiative is essential.

 In the course of their discussions, community leaders called upon non-signatory armed movements to join the peace process and support the international community in their bid to bring sustainable stability to Darfur.  Additionally, 10 members were chosen to represent the locality in state-level committees.

The Mission’s DIDC Implementation Committee has held similar meetings in Mellit and Um Kadada, North Darfur.