DDPD follow-up think tank convenes in Darfur – Sese calls for prompt implementation

Dr Tijani Sese, head of the Darfur Regional Authority (DRA), said “the international, regional and even the local community have become tired of the deteriorating security in Darfur.” He warnd that “if we do not start working on the implementation of these projects within the next two months, we will have no answer to provide”. Dr Sese made his appeal at the opening of the first annual conference of the Darfur Civil Society Follow-up Mechanism on strategic planning of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD). He called on the people of the region “to unite and work for the development and happiness of the citizens of Darfur, via civil, political and social organisations and entities”. Civil Society representatives from Darfur’s five states came together for the two-day session, which began on Sunday in El Fasher, North Darfur. The conference is intended to provide a platform for Darfuris to define their support of the peace process, particularly with regard to the implementation of the DDPD. The event, organised by the African Union – United Nations Mission in Darfur (Unamid), brought together traditional leaders, civil society organisations, internally displaced persons, youth, women’s groups and non-governmental organisations, as well as representatives from the DRA, Unesco and Unamid. “The years of war and armed tribal conflicts have crippled so much,” Sese said. He stressed the importance of the cessation of armed conflict by the rebels, tribal conflicts and other causes of instability so that the DRA could start to implement development and reconstruction projects. Security arrangements Sese underlined that the Doha Agreement “is still open to receive all those interested in peace without resorting to new platforms,” pointing out that the April donors’ conference allocated funds for development and reconstruction projects in addition to the SDG800 million ($180 million) allocated by the federal government, “or the sums announced by a number of other countries after the conference”. The DRA Security Arrangements Commissioner, Maj Gen Taj Al Sir Abdulrahman said that “the next couple of days will witness the start of procedures for security arrangements”. According to the security arrangements in the Document, former rebel fighters are entitled to be absorbed into the national armed forces or to be assigned to political posts. However, there has subsequently been frequent criticism surrounding the pace of implementation of the Document’s provisions from former fighters themselves. Abdulrahman explained that a joint coordination meeting with Unamid has prepared a schedule, as well as discussing all the security threats and tribal conflicts, and their impact on the peace process. Gen Abdulrahman stressed the keenness of the committee to find urgent solutions. In connection with the guarantees and transparency required when utilising the funds, Sese said that the donors’ contributions would be employed through the World Bank and other United Nations channels, in addition to direct action in Darfur. He explained that as a joint committee has been formed representing the federal government, the DRA and the governments of the States of Darfur, to oversee the deployment of the SDG800 million ($180 million) for reconstruction and voluntary return. Security threats Under the chairmanship of Sese, the Darfur States Regional Security Committee, which includes the Governors and heads of the Security Committees of the States, recommended that the security threats and developing solutions should be clearly identified and submitted to the competent authorities. They stressed the importance in securing roads and cities, mentioning that a meeting has been held with Unamid to coordinate efforts in securing the roads and cities. The Darfur Civil Society Follow-up Mechanism was established in Doha, during the launch of the civil society track of the Doha peace process on Darfur in November 2009. According to Unamid, it was designed to be “instrumental in introducing civil society representation and the needs and aspirations of communities to the negotiation table”. A Unamid statement explains: “The Mission is mandated to facilitate dialogue between interest groups and stakeholders, undertake direct outreach to the population, and support efforts of government, native administration and civil society groups who seek peace and reconciliation to strengthen conditions and structures conducive to sustainable peace in Darfur.” File photo: Dr Tijani Sese, head of the Darfur Regional Authority Related:Faction of LJM splits as former Darfur rebel soldiers ‘feel marginalised’ (7 June 2013) $3.7 billion raised for Darfur projects in Doha donors summit (8 April 2013) Thousands protest against timing of Doha donor summit in Darfur (5 April 2013) Radio Dabanga Profile of Dr Tijani Sese