Tribal leaders discuss conflict roots in west Darfur
November 17, 2008 (EL GENEINA, West Darfur) – More than 100 tribal leaders, native administrators, civil society representatives, and youth from across West Darfur State, gathered again today at the Zalingei University Peace and Development Studies Center in El Geneina, to continue examining issues that have created conflict and divisions in Darfur.
During the two-day consultation, facilitated by the Darfur – Darfur Dialogue and Consultation (DDDC), an autonomous and non-politicized process owned by Darfurians, participants openly discussed a wide range of topics and put forward specific solutions to achieve sustainable peace in Darfur.
Today, the second day of the consultation, participants peacefully discussed and came to consensus on the common ground issues of recovery and development, administration and democracy, and reconciliation.
During yesterday’s session, participants came to consensus on the common ground issues of security, land and natural resources, and identity.
The Commissioner of El Geneina attended yesterday’s opening ceremony and encouraged the consultation participants to “engage in a meaningful and transparent dialogue to shape the future of Darfur.”
In collaboration with the University Center for Peace and Development Studies in Darfur and in coordination with the United Nations – African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) Civil Affairs Department, the DDDC is facilitating consultations with specific stakeholders, including Internally Displaced Persons, tribal leaders, women, and other groups, throughout North, South, and West Darfur.
By facilitating a broad and inclusive consultation process, the DDDC is helping Darfurians discuss and find solutions to the root causes of the conflict in Darfur. Working closely with its partners and stakeholders, the Darfur Darfur dialogue will feed Darfurian views learned during consultations into the Darfur peace process.
(ST)