Letter of UNAMID’s Chief to Darfur People

Dear Darfurians,

As I am leaving my functions as Joint Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and of the Secretary General of the United Nations and Chief of UNAMID, the AU-UN Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur, I should like to express my most sincere gratitude and respect to you, the people of Darfur.

During my 26 months of service in your region, I have learned a lot about you, your glorious history, culture and traditions. In the most difficult time of Darfur’s recent history you have shown to your sisters and brothers in UNAMID, a deep sense of hospitality and generosity.

I am fully aware that these past six years of conflict have been extremely difficult and taxing for all of you, particularly for those who have lost beloved ones, been driven out of their homes and land and experienced –still do a life of hardship in refugees and IDP camps. I have always, at each and every steps of my way as Joint Special Representative, borne your suffering in mind.

Dear Darfurians,

There has been far too much blood spilled in Darfur. Now, more than ever, is the time for all of us to work together to bring back peace and security to the region. Now is the time to achieve a comprehensive and inclusive peace agreement between all parties to the conflict.

Although on several occasions intense pressure has been brought to bear on me, I have always refused to buckle under this pressure and implement any other agenda but that of the Security Council mandate. I take pride in the fact that, despite the challenges and attempts to skew this mandate and the goals of the Mission, I have managed to stay the course and keep the mission at the service of peace and security in Darfur.

UNAMID continues to strive hard and relentlessly at stabilizing the situation on the ground, to prevent the recurrence of violence and support an all-inclusive peace process. My conviction is that, in the near future, our collective efforts will bear fruits. I do believe that the situation in Darfur will gradually evolve from armed conflict to cessation of hostilities to achievement of peace and, finally, reach the realm of sustainable development. All Darfurians deserve no less and your continuous cooperation remains crucial for our success.

My Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Now that I am leaving your country, let me assure you that I shall continue to support the cause of peace in Darfur and be your voice in any position and mission I will be undertaking in the future.
The years I have spent amongst you have marked my life in ways that are unfathomable. My experience as JSR for Darfur has become a chapter of my existence I shall never forget. I am firmly convinced that it is in your hands to bring to your families and to the next generation the peace your ancestors have enjoyed for centuries.

Finally, I have no doubt that, ultimately, peace will prevail in Darfur. As an African, as a friend of the people of Sudan, I will continue to defend and support your aspirations for a better tomorrow of peace, security and prosperity. May, in this propitious Holy Month of Ramadan, the peace of the Most Merciful, the Most Benevolent be upon you.

Rodolphe Adada,

AU-UN Joint Special Representative in Darfur

Seprember 6, 2009