Military solution will not bring peace to Darfur: Ibn Chambas

The head of Unamid, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, concluded a two-day visit to Ed Daein, the capital of East Darfur, on Tuesday, where he congratulated the state authorities and traditional leaders for their work toward a peaceful solution to the conflict between the Rizeigat and the Ma’alia following violent clashes in August 2013.  “Unamid was actively engaged with all the authorities at different levels in an effort to facilitate the reconciliation and peace meetings between the two tribes,” Ibn Chambas said. “These meetings curtailed the escalation of further violence.” He called upon all those involved to maintain the peace in East Darfur.  “A military solution is not the answer to bringing lasting peace and stability in Darfur,” he added. “Negotiation, mediation, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence will pave the path to development and empowerment of the Darfuri people.”  During his meeting with the deputy governor of East Darfur, Ahmed Kubur Ibril, members of the East Darfur State Security Committee and members of the Rizeigat tribe, led by Nazir Saeed Musa Madibo, Ibn Chambas said that Unamid will continue to engage in mediation between the Government of Sudan and the non-signatory movements and, to the best of its abilities, between the different tribal groups. File photo by Albert González Farran/Unamid Related:‘Neutral forces’ needed to halt Rizeigat-Ma’alia clashes in East Darfur: Commissioner (24 September 2013)Rizeigat-Ma’alia clashes leave 41 dead, 51 injured in East Darfur (19 September 2013) Rizeigat attack kills three Ma’alia farmers in Abu Karinka, East Darfur (24 October 2013)