EU, UNDP, Unamid launch Darfur dialogue funding

A project to strengthen peace efforts and reconciliation through dialogue in Darfur was launched by the Delegation of the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme and the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur today.

The project, partially funded by the EU through a contribution of €800,000, will utilise Unamid’s political direction and UNDP’s operational assistance to support the Darfur Internal Dialogue and Consultations (DIDC) process, one of the main pillars of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD).

Unamid plans to politically lead and guide the project, while UNDP will provide the necessary operational support.

Ambassador Tomas Ulicny, head of the EU Delegation, told the audience at the Corinthia Hotel in Khartoum that the EU's contribution to this forum reflects the commitment to support peace and reconciliation efforts in Darfur.

“In recent years, the European Union has been shifting the focus of our interventions from humanitarian relief to development assistance in Darfur. Today, the total EU engagement for peace and development in Darfur has reached €33.1 million.

“In line with the Darfur Development Strategy, the EU focuses on peacebuilding, rural development, management of natural resources, as well as health and education. The EU also continues to support the ongoing political negotiations in the framework of the DDPD.”

Ulicny reiterated earlier calls by the EU to encourage the non-signatory movements to join the DDPD in order to demonstrate serious commitment to finding a solution that will put an end to the suffering of the people of Darfur.

“As my mission in Sudan comes to an end, the European Union will continue its work on improving relations with Sudan in different areas of mutual interest, including the promotion of stability and security in the wider region.”

‘Inclusive debate’

El Tijani Sese, the chairman of the Darfur Regional Authority (DRA), believes that the ongoing conflict in Darfur needs to be addressed at the grassroots level. He said that the DIDC is “an instrument for inclusive debate and consultations to mend social relations and take Darfur back to cohesiveness”.

The Deputy Joint Special Representative for Unamid, Kingsley Mamabolo, emphasised the importance of the latest funding contribution from the EU and appealed to the international community and donors for funding support to complete the DIDC process.

The representatives acknowledged the role of Qatar in generously providing the seed funding for the DIDC process to be launched. They thanked the Sudanese government for its contribution of SDG6.44 million ($1 million) to the process in March.