UNAMID’s publication for the people of Darfur

JANUARY 2013

Darfur’s Many Colours An Interview with Buhery Mohamed Youssef

A New Sense of Solidarity The Girls Who Become Force Commander on in East Darfur Brides Darfur’s Blue Helmets Resolving disputes the No choice in education or The many challenges of traditional way vocation protecting civilians

AFRICAN UNION - UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN DARFUR VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013(UNAMID) a A painting created by El Geneina artist Buhery Mohammed Youssef, whose art focuses mostly on nature and local traditions.

b VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 January 2013 | Vol. 4 • No. 1 IN THIS ISSUE NEWS DEPARTMENT

3 | Acting UNAMID Head: Cooperation Key 5 | Darfur Peace Parties Meet with in Protecting Civilians UNAMID, AU Leadership

3 | Mohamed Ibn Chambas Appointed as 6 | Burkina Faso Supports New UNAMID Head Peace Efforts in Darfur

4 | UNAMID Lends Resources to Fighting 7 | Darfur Joins in Human Rights Day Celebrations Yellow Fever in Darfur

INTERVIEW

8 | Force Commander on Darfur’s Blue Helmets In an interview with Voices of Darfur, UNAMID Force commander, Lieutenant General Patrick Nyamvumba, talked about the chal- lenges and the determination of UNAMID’s peacekeepers as they work for peace in Darfur.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION COMMUNITY 13 | A New Sense of 20 | Malha: Homeland of the Solidarity in East Darfur Midobs East Darfur has been home to Malha, a North Darfur town inhab- violent tribal clashes, but tradi- ited by Sudan’s Midob tribe, is a se- tional conflict-resolution mech- rene and mountainous locality rich anisms are having an impact on in tourist attractions such as a large peaceful coexistence in one of volcanic crater, mountain springs Darfur’s newest states. and a lake.

16 | The Girls Who 23 | Charting Progress on CHILDREN Become Brides WOMEN the Role of Women Marriages with girls under the There is a concerted global mo- age of 18 is still common in mentum to address women’s some rural areas of Darfur, de- rights in conflict situations. De- spite many outspoken Darfuri spite some setbacks and chal- advocates working to highlight lenges, Darfur is making progress the implications and risks asso- on women’s issues. ciated with the practice. CULTURE VIEWPOINT 26 | Darfur’s Many Colours: An Interview with Buhery 19 | It’s Time for Darfur’s Combatants to Lay Down Youssef Their Arms In an interview with Voices of Dar- Despite developments toward a peace agreement that includes fur, Buhery Youssef talks about his all major armed movements, there remain many holdouts, a fact work as an artist and expresses that makes progress in disarmament, demobilisation and reinte- his views about how to promote gration a daunting challenge. fine arts activities in Darfur.

VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 1 EDITOR’S NOTE

’m pleased to introduce the January issue of Voices of Darfur, which continues in the 32-page for- Imat, giving the magazine the ability to tell the story of UNAMID and the people of Darfur with more in-depth coverage. The current issue, like other recent issues of Voices, contains news, features and interviews not only about unique aspects of life in Darfur but also about UNAMID’s ongoing efforts to facilitate lasting peace in the region. This issue includes two interviews, first an exclusive with UNAMID’s Force Commander, con- Director of CPID ducted by Ms. Rania Abdulrahman at UNAMID headquarters in El Fasher, North Darfur. In the Michael R. Meyer interview, Lt. Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba talks about the goals and challenges of UNAMID’s peace- keepers in protecting civilians in Darfur. Ms. Ala Mayyahi conducted the second interview, our cover Head of Publications Kirk L. Kroeker feature, with artist Buhery Youssef. In the interview, Mr. Youssef talks with Voices about the artist’s role in Darfur, and shares his thoughts on the impact of visual arts on the peace process. Managing Editor In the viewpoint published in this issue, Mr. Aderemi Adekoya, the Chief of UNAMID’s Disar- Guiomar Pau Solé mament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) Section, offers his thoughts about the challenges related to DDR work in Darfur, especially considering that there is no comprehensive peace agree- Staff Writers ment signed by all the armed movements. Mr. Adekoya presents the case that it’s long overdue for Abdullahi Shuaibu combatants to lay down their arms and embrace the future of Darfur. Emadeldin Rijal Sharon Lukunka In “A New Sense of Solidarity in East Darfur,” Mr. Albert González Farran offers a look at the complexities of one of Darfur’s newest states, which has been home to tribal clashes in recent years. Graphics & Design While peaceful coexistence between the many tribes living in the area might seem to be an unattain- Ala Mayyahi able goal, the camps for displaced people in El Daein are serving as models of what is possible when Arie Santoso different agendas lead to dialogue and peaceful negotiation. Photographers In “The Girls Who Become Brides,” Ms. Sharon Lukunka writes about forced marriage with girls Albert González Farran under the age of 18, a practice that is common in some rural areas of Darfur despite many outspoken Sojoud Elgarrai Darfuri advocates working to highlight the implications and risks associated with it. Statistics indicate that the annual rate in the number of child marriages is increasing globally, and will rise to 14.2 million Conntributors per year by 2020 if measures are not taken to curb the current trend. Rania Abdulrahman In “Malha: Homeland of the Midobs,” Mr. Abdullahi Shuaibu offers a look at a serene and Chris Cycmanick Zahirul Islam mountainous North Darfur locality inhabited by Sudan’s Midob tribe. Finally, in “Charting Progress on the Role of Women,” Mr. Emadeldin Rijal writes about the concerted global momentum to ad- Translation dress women’s rights in conflict situations, and explains how, despite some setbacks, Darfur is making Nabil Mohamed progress on women’s issues. Rindala Eid As Voices of Darfur continues to evolve as a news magazine, we welcome your feedback. To send Alawad Alawad comments by email, please put “Letters to the Editor / Voices of Darfur” in the subject line and send Ahmad Ibrahim the email to [email protected]. Abdalla Abdulraheeem Kirk L. Kroeker Adam War Head of Publications ON THE COVER facebook.com/UNAMID

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UNAMID Communications and Public Information Division (CPID) Email: [email protected] Website: http://unamid.unmissions.org

The designations employed and the pres- entation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNAMID concern- ing the legal status of any country, territory, Artist Buhery Mohammed Youssef shows On 17 December 2012 in Maatba, North Dar- city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning a painting in his studio in El Geneina, West fur, a girl participates in the inauguration cere- the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Darfur. Portrait by Albert González Farran. mony of a health centre built with the assitance Material contained in this publication may be of UNAMID. Photo by Sojoud Elgarrai. freely quoted or reprinted, provided credit is attributed to UNAMID.

2 VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 NEWS DEPARTMENT

Acting UNAMID Head: Cooperation Key in Protecting Civilians By Rania AbdulrahmaN East Darfur, the UNAMID women who took part in the Acting Head held talks with event. “This campaign recalls the Deputy Wali (Governor) our shared responsibility to Abdulmajeed El Zaier to dis- identify community strategies cuss the implementation of the and work together for the ad- Doha Document for Peace in vancement of women’s human Darfur, UNAMID’s framework rights, particularly their right for the protection of civilians to be heard and to shape deci- and the Mission’s efforts to sup- sions that affect their lives and port local mediation initiatives. the communities they live in,” “The Cooperation with she said. Government authorities and In Nyala, the AJSR met the community is instrumental with South Darfur Wali Hamad to the successful implementa- Ismail Hamad to discuss issues On 10 December 2012, in El Daein, East Darfur, UNAMID Acting Head tion of UNAMID’s protection of access to all parts of Darfur, Aichatou Mindaoudou meets with government officials, native adminis- of civilians strategy, particularly the safety and security of UNA- tration and community leaders. Photo by Rania Abdulrahman. on access, preventive measures MID personnel and the coop- rotection of civilians, se- which began on 10 December and rapid response,” Ms. Mind- eration between the State and Pcurity of personnel, the and concluded the following aoudou said during the meeting UNAMID in implementing the peace process and development day, provided the Acting JSR with the Deputy Wali. Mission’s protection strategy. projects were among the top- with the opportunity to engage Also in El Daein, the Acting In November 2012, Ms. ics discussed during a two-day community leaders, native ad- JSR attended a ceremony, held Mindaoudou made similar vis- visit to East and South Darfur ministration and government at Um-Durman University, to its to West, Central and North by UNAMID Acting Joint Spe- officials to explore new avenues mark the UN’s annual campaign Darfur, in an effort to engage cial Representative (JSR) and for strengthening partnerships of 16 Days of Activism Against Darfur stakeholders in protect- Joint Chief Mediator a.i. Ai- at the operational level. Gender-Based Violence. Ms. ing civilians and promoting the chatou Mindaoudou. The visit, In El Daein, the capital of Mindaoudou addressed the peace process.

Mohamed Ibn Chambas Appointed as New UNAMID Head n 20 December, United Nations Caribbean, Pacific Group of States. Prior OSecretary-General Ban Ki-moon to this, Mr. Chambas was the President of and African Union Commission Chair- the Economic Community of West Afri- person Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma an- can States (ECOWAS) from 2006 to 2009 facebook.com/UNAMID nounced the appointment of Mr. Mo- and the Executive Secretary of ECOWAS hamed Ibn Chambas of Ghana as their from 2002 to 2005. UNAMID Joint Special Representative Mr. Chambas was a Member of Parlia- and African Union-United Nations Joint ment and served in 1987 as Deputy For- Chief Mediator. eign Secretary of Ghana. He also served Mr. Chambas replaces Mr. Ibrahim as the Deputy Minister of Education in Gambari of Nigeria. In a statement, the charge of Tertiary Education from 1997 Secretary-General and the African Union to 2000. Prior to that, he was involved in Commission Chairperson reiterated their the mediation efforts in Liberia, between deep appreciation to Mr. Gambari for his 1991 and 1996. On 20 December 2012, UN Secretary-General Ban dedicated service during his tenure with Born in Ghana in 1950, Mr. Cham- Ki-moon (right) and AU Commission Chairperson UNAMID. bas holds a Bachelor’s in Political Sci- Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma announce the ap- pointment of Mr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas (left) of Mr. Chambas brings to the position ence from the University of Ghana, a Ghana as their UNAMID Joint Special Representa- a career in both international and gov- Master’s and PhD from Cornell Univer- tive and African Union-United Nations Joint Chief ernmental fora, most recently serving sity and a law degree from Case Western Mediator. Photo by Eskinder Debebe, UN Photo. as the Secretary General of the African, Reserve University.

VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 3 NEWS DEPARTMENT

UNAMID Lends Resources to Fighting Yellow Fever in Darfur By Chris Cycmanick As a result of the outbreak, on 25 November. The Mis- 2.4 million doses of yellow fe- sion’s assistance included se- ver vaccine were made avail- curity escorts, technical ser- able to Sudan by the Interna- vices and medical expertise, as tional Coordination Group well as the use of assets such on Vaccines, which controls as generators for rural medical the global stock of vaccines. facilities and isolation tents. UNAMID airlifted the first In addition, UNAMID batches from Khartoum to arranged for the transporta- Darfur on 18 November. tion of large quantities of in- The Government of Sudan secticide for use in camps for brought additional batches internally displaced people in shortly thereafter. UNAMID the Central Darfur town of also airlifted several hundred Zalingei. On 14 November 2012, in El Geneina, West Darfur, Mr. Saleh Moham- tons of injection materials and “We are here to help med Hamid receives medical attention at the Teaching Hospital in El other items from Darfur State the people of Darfur,” said Geneina after contracting Yellow Fever. Photo by Albert González Farran. capitals to localities. UNAMID Acting Joint Spe- n November and December (WHO). The urgency to ad- With the medication in cial Representative and Joint I2012, to help combat the dress the disease, which broke place and facilities ready to Chief Mediator a.i. Aichatou spread of yellow fever in Dar- out in September, came in late administer it, vaccination cam- Mindaoudou. “By working fur, UNAMID provided criti- October following a spike in paigns began in West Darfur together with our humanitar- cal logistics support to the Su- the number of those cases on 20 November, in North ian partners and the Ministry danese Ministry of Health and identified in Central Darfur Darfur on 24 November and of Health, we are able to save the World Health Organization and in the region’s other states. in Central and South Darfur lives.”

Zamzam, North Darfur

On 6 December 2012, girls in the Zamzam camp for internally displaced people in North Darfur perform traditional Darfuri dances and songs at an event to commemorate the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. UNAMID organized several similar activities throughout Darfur to draw attention to women’s rights. Photo by Albert González Farran.

4 VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 Darfur Peace Parties Meet with UNAMID, AU Leadership By Chris Cycmanick and Guiomar Pau n 21 November 2012, AU Peace and Security Com- OUNAMID Acting Joint missioner, Ramtane Lamamra. Special Representative (JSR) The DRA Chair highlight- and Joint Chief Mediator a.i. ed the priorities of the institu- Aichatou Mindaoudou, to- tion, which include creating gether with the parties to the an environment conducive to Doha Document for Peace the return of internally dis- in Darfur (DDPD), discussed placed people and refugees, with the leadership of the facilitating reconstruction and African Union the progress development in Darfur, and made so far, and the remaining conducting internal dialogue challenges, in implementing and consultation. Dr. Seisi re- the Document’s provisions. quested that the AU advocate The meetings, held at the for the upcoming Darfur Do- AU’s headquarters in Ad- nor’s Conference, set to take Representatives from the Darfur Regional Authority, the Government dis Ababa, Ethiopia, brought place in Doha, Qatar. of Sudan and UNAMID meet with the Chairperson of the African Un- together the Chairperson of During the meeting, the ion Commission in Addis Ababa. Photo by Abdourahman Ibrahim. the Darfur Regional Author- Acting JSR called attention ity (DRA), Dr. Tigani Seisi, to the importance of uncon- implement its mandate related ment and the DRA to redou- the Sudanese Minister of ditional access to all areas of to the protection of civilians. ble their efforts to accelerate State, Amin Hassan Omer, the Darfur so the international She concluded by commend- the implementation of the Chairperson of the African community can assist the pop- ing the spirit of cooperation DDPD and to sustain their Union Commission, Nkosa- ulation more effectively and, between the parties. cooperation with UNAMID,” zana Dlamini-Zuma, and the in particular, so UNAMID can “I encourage the Govern- she said.

Abu Shouk, North Darfur

On 18 December 2012, a football team from El Fajar school for boys celebrates winning a UNAMID-organized tournament in the Abu Shouk camp for internally displaced people. Six different teams from high schools in the Abu Shouk, Al Salam and Zamzam camps participated in the games. Photo by Sojoud Elgarrai.

VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 5 NEWS DEPARTMENT

Burkina Faso Supports Peace Efforts in Darfur By Rania Abdulrahman Darfur capital of El Fasher, met complex due to a surge in the with Mission officials to discuss number of attacks. “The in- UNAMID’s efforts to advance ternational community should peace and stability in the region. put more effort in working During the meetings, UN- with the authorities of the AMID Deputy Joint Special country to collaborate with Representative (Operations & the Darfuri communities and Management) Mohamed Yonis encourage negotiations to outlined Burkina Faso’s con- continue with the rebel move- tribution to the peace process ments,” said Mr. Tiao, who in Darfur and commended the emphasized the importance work of the country’s peace- of the armed movements join- keepers. “The troops have ing the peace process. “With- On 24 December 2012, Burkina Faso Prime Minister Luc-Adolphe Tiao proved their professionalism out them joining in, it will be meets with UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative Mohamed and dedication, and have played difficult to stabilize Darfur,” Yonis and other senior staff at Mission headquarters in El Fasher, North a pivotal role in implementing he said. Darfur. Photo by Sojoud Elgarrai. our mandate,” said Mr. Yonis. Burkina Faso has been con- n 25 and 26 December, sess the situation on the ground In an interview, the Prime tributing to the peace efforts in Oan official delegation of and to explore ways to enhance Minister spoke about the situ- Darfur since 2008, with more Burkina Faso, led by Prime Min- Burkina Faso’s support to UN- ation in Darfur and noted that, than 800 troops on the ground, ister Luc-Adolphe Tiao, con- AMID. The delegation, which despite an overall improve- operating in three locations in ducted a visit to Darfur to as- started its tour in the North ment, the situation remains West and Central Darfur.

El Daein, East Darfur

On 3 December 2012, UNAMID personnel unload beds for delivery to the hospital in El Daein, East Darfur. The Mission presented 300 beds to the only facility providing healthcare services to the local population in the state. Photo by Albert González Farran.

6 VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 Zamzam, North Darfur

On 19 December 2012, women from the Zamzam camp for internally displaced people work on recommendations during a forum organized to raise awareness of issues related to gender-based violence. Photo by Sojoud Elgarrai.

Darfur Joins in Human Rights Day Celebrations By Sharon Lukunka and Zahirul Islam n 10 December 2012, through song and dance, and Ohundreds of community requested that the parties to leaders, students, local author- the conflict stop the war. ities and UNAMID personnel Also in North Darfur, in a joined the global celebration ceremony held in Shagra vil- of Human Rights Day, which lage, located about 20 kilome- this year followed the theme tres southwest of El Fasher, of “My Voice Counts.” The UNAMID marked the day day was marked with several with activities to highlight the events throughout Darfur, importance of human rights. including dances, traditional During the programme, wom- songs and drama. The celebra- en expressed their need for tions focused on the right to basic rights, including access participate in public life, and to water, health services and On 10 December 2012, students perform a drama presentation to helped generate public discus- education. celebrate Human Rights Day at the Taiba secondary school in the Abu Shouk camp for displaced people, North Darfur. The event, orga- sions about human rights. In El Geneina, West Dar- nized by UNAMID and the State Ministry of Education, focused on the In an event organized by fur, UNAMID held a seminar theme “My Voice Counts.” Photo by Zahirul Islam. the North Darfur Ministry of on trial standards for 30 par- Education and UNAMID in ticipants drawn from various rule of law institutions. tion of Human Rights. And a the Abu Shouk camp for in- local institutions and organi- In Nyala, South Darfur, radio programme broadcast a ternally displaced people near zations. The event emphasized members of local youth group discussion on the Declaration El Fasher, women articulated the importance of fair trials Al-Mashish read the 30 arti- and current issues related to their concerns regarding peace and the need for strengthening cles of the Universal Declara- human rights.

VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 7 INTERVIEW

Force Commander on Darfur’s Blue Helmets In an interview with Voices of Darfur, UNAMID Force Commander, Lieutenant General Patrick Nyamvumba, talked about the challenges and the determination of UNAMID’s peacekeepers as they work for peace in Darfur. By Rania Abdulrahman

On 3 October 2012, UNAMID Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba, addresses the Nigerian peacekeepers who are posted in El Geneina, West Darfur, after a convoy suffered an ambush the previous night. Four peacekeepers were killed and eight injured in the assault. The incident, which involved a Nigerian military patrol, occurred approximately two kilometres from the Mission’s regional headquarters. UNAMID personnel were heavily fired upon from several directions, and returned fire. Photo by Albert González Farran.

ince the creation of the first United peacekeeping operation. Since the first carrying out their duties, especially as they SNations peacekeeping mission in 1948, blue-helmeted troops set foot in Sudan’s relate to the protection of civilians, Voices the “blue helmet” has been emblematic western region, UNAMID has been car- of Darfur interviewed the Force Com- of operations that work to create the right rying out a difficult task in a large territory mander at UNAMID’s Headquarters in El environment for lasting peace in countries nearly the size of France. The political sit- Fasher, North Darfur. torn by conflict. The peacekeepers who uation is fragile, there is no comprehensive Voices of Darfur: How would wear the blue helmets work in hazard- peace agreement, and the environment you assess UNAMID’s military per- ous conditions around the world, and put lacks a fully developed infrastructure. formance and its contribution to the their lives at risk for the greater good of In September 2009, Lt. Gen. Patrick peace efforts in Darfur? humanity. Nyamvumba of Rwanda was appointed Nyamvumba: First of all, the mili- In July 2007, the United Nations Secu- as UNAMID Force Commander. More tary, as part of the Mission, draws its rity Council adopted Resolution 1769, es- than 16,000 military personnel work under tasks from the mandate as prescribed by tablishing the African Union - United Na- his leadership in 35 locations across Dar- the UN Security Council. The core of the tions Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), the fur. To understand the complexity and the Mission’s mandate is protection of civil- largest, most expensive and the first joint challenging work of these peacekeepers in ians. The military takes lead on physical

8 VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 protection. UNAMID’s troops are provid- Nyamvumba: There are so many in- endangering the lives of civilians or peace- ing 24/7 protection operations through- cidents one can refer to. There have been keepers, nothing should stop them from out Darfur. Every day we have more than times when UNAMID was able to go to using force. Otherwise, if it’s not danger- 150 patrols conducted by brave men and places where even the local forces were not ous, then they can use other means, in- women who are out there to provide secu- able to reach. The troops perform with the cluding persuasion and negotiation. What rity in areas specified as hotspots. understanding that Chapter VII is applica- is important is that the rules of engage- Also, UNAMID’s troops are support- ble in their self-defence, in carrying out the ment give us flexibility in the event that ing the efforts of UN agencies and other mandate and when it comes to the protec- we are threatened as peacekeepers, in the aid actors by providing escorts to facilitate tion of civilians. event that people under our protection are humanitarian assistance. In addition, the One has to exercise caution when per- threatened, and it also gives us the flex- military component is involved in com- forming under Chapter VII. We cannot ibility to intervene when we know that munity support activities, including serv- become part of the conflict, but it can help civilians are in danger and it is within our ing in hospitals that are open to the public, us to be able to assert ourselves where we means to give that protection. digging water boreholes to address some need to, so we have the freedom of action. UNAMID has used this concept on of the root causes of the conflict, provid- We may not have been able to do that in many occasions in pursuing its mandate. ing capacity-building training in different all circumstances. We let all the peacekeep- Recently, in Tawila, North Darfur, when skills and building schools and other liveli- ers know that the only thing that can save civilians met a patrol and told them that hood facilities. In fact, their vehicle had recently, a women’s been taken by armed market was built by “To me, there can be no more serious thugs, the patrol one of UNAMID’s motivation than when peacekeepers die in the turned back, got the contingents in Nertiti, vehicle, and returned Central Darfur. line of duty. Ultimately, if we achieve peace, it to them. Also, an- Regarding the se- other example was curity environment in then we honour the lives of our colleagues the World Food Pro- Darfur and to what who have paid the ultimate price.” gramme trucks that extent UNAMID has were stolen between contributed to stabilising the situation, I them and bring credibility to the Mission Saraf Omra and Kabkabiya in North Dar- think when we pick isolated incidents in is that they need to be robust. And robust- fur in January 2012. We mobilised troops the general context, we miss the point. ness is guided by the terms of the rules of from Kabkabiya and Nertiti to intercept My understanding is that if it wasn’t for engagement, cited in Chapter VII. them and returned the trucks to WFP. UNAMID’s presence, the situation could VoD: Can you tell us about the rules There are many cases where we exercised be much different than it is today. Having of engagement concept in peacekeep- the right of using Chapter VII and the said that, there is room for improvement ing operations in general and UNA- rules of engagement. in terms of how we implement the man- MID in particular? VoD: Are the troops in the field date, and how we do our operations on a Nyamvumba: The rules of engage- able to articulate the rules of engage- daily basis. We can’t deny the sacrifices that ment are generally designed according to a ment in the same way you have out- have been made on the part of the peace- specific mandate. In UNAMID, we are op- lined them here? keepers, all of whom have come here with erating under Chapter VII, which provides Nyamvumba: Normally they should the aim of helping the people of Darfur a specific set of rules of engagement, au- be able to do so because, before any troops realize peace. thorizing us to use force, including deadly are deployed here, they must undergo pre- VoD: UNAMID operates under force and in the protection of civilians. In deployment training. But that is left to the Chapter VII of the United Nations general, these rules should be applied and troop-contributing countries. We share all Charter, which authorises the Mission used within the context of the threat at the this information with them. At the mo- to take necessary action to protect its time, so the threat determines what force ment, we have had the same troop-con- personnel, facilities and installations to use. In my view, those rules are good tributing countries for a period of time. to ensure the security and freedom of enough in that they give us the flexibility These troops, by now, should understand movement of its personnel, and, above in UNAMID to escalate depending on the the nature of operations here in Darfur all, to protect civilians. How have UN- nature of the threat. and the nature of the mandate. In addi- AMID forces dealt with the situation The commander on the ground will tion, we try as much as possible, as soon in Darfur within this framework? have to read the situation. If the threat is as the troops are deployed in the mission

VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 9 INTERVIEW

peacekeepers operate in Darfur and “UNAMID is here on the ground, day after how this might affect their work? day, living the experience, learning the lessons Nyamvumba: There are so many factors here. Just starting with the weath- to make it better. It’s not an easy task, but we er, our troops conduct patrols with their helmets and body armour in a tempera- remain committed.” ture that goes sometimes beyond 45 de- area, to have them get to know the rules but our posture over the last few years has grees Celsius. Very few of the armoured of engagement, the environment and the also drastically changed to the extent that personnel carriers are air conditioned. culture in Darfur so they have a fair un- it has minimised fatalities. I don’t agree In addition, the troops are serving away derstanding of what is expected of them. that the number of peacekeepers that we from homes and families and they op- VoD: Since the establishment of have lost in any way suggests weakness erate in a very stressful environment. UNAMID, 43 peacekeepers have been from our side, as far as the implementation Also, we have to take into consideration killed, nine of them in 2012. Critics say of our mandate is concerned. When you other aspects of operations here that our that these deaths indicate an ineffective- look at international forces not involved troops have to deal with in their daily ness or weakness on the part of UNA- in peacekeeping, but are actually engaged work, such as the infrastructure or the MID. What is your response to this? in fighting war, their number of casual- nature of the roads. Nyamvumba: I don’t believe that ties compared to ours, I don’t think would For example, the distance from El there is anybody who would be weak to suggest a failure on our part. Fasher to Tawila is 70 kilometres. By air it the extent that they want to lose their lives VoD: As the Force Commander, takes 20 minutes, but by road it takes three for no reason. UNAMID should be seen what is the first thing you say to your hours. That gives an indication of the na- in the context of the expectations of the troops after they have been attacked ture of the roads one has to use here. Also, people of Darfur. This conflict has been in the line of duty? And how do you the complexity of the Mission itself is a ongoing since 2003, and with the deploy- motivate them following an incident in factor. In other peacekeeping operations, it ment of international forces, the first ex- which peacekeepers have paid the ulti- is presumed that you have a peace agree- pectation is that the conflict would cease mate price? ment, so there is clarity of tasks, ensuring or stop. Unfortunately, that did not hap- Nyamvumba: It is unfortunate to that the parties to the agreement stick to pen, which created a misunderstanding continue losing lives in Darfur. But what I what they have signed. But in a political en- about UNAMID’s mandate and what think about this, and what I tell troops af- vironment like ours, things are highly com- UNAMID can or can’t do. ter these attacks, is that they have to think plex. We don’t have an all-inclusive peace We should always remember two about the lives of their colleagues. Why agreement, and probably this is the greatest things. First, in a normal peacekeeping have they lost their lives? What have they challenge. Because of this, the troops on operation, troops are not deployed to lost their lives for? And how should their the ground, besides exercising and pushing fight; they are deployed to make sure lives be honoured? In my view, the only their physical ability to the limit, also have that parties to the peace agreement are way they can do that is by doing the right to push their thinking. It is about trying to following its provisions. That is why it’s thing so their colleague’s lives would not navigate their way through a whole host of called peacekeeping. Therefore, all kinds have been lost in vain. political issues and dynamics. of attacks on peacekeepers are classified They died for a good cause, which is Before patrolling in areas that have ex- as international crimes, and those who to bring peace. That should give them a perienced tribal conflicts and before inter- commit such crimes should be held ac- challenge and the motivation to ensure vening in any tribal setting, the peacekeep- countable. they achieve what their colleagues died ers must know who the head of the tribe is Second, each of the deaths since 2007 for. To me, there can be no more serious and what the tribe’s issues are. In the end, was the result of an ambush. This kind motivation than when peacekeepers die in working here requires more physical and of attack happens suddenly and is well the line of duty. Ultimately, if we achieve mental energy to do the job. For this rea- organized. When the first bullet is shot, peace, then we honour the lives of our col- son, we encourage troops not to overstay. it takes a normal human being between leagues who have paid the ultimate price. Some of them rotate after six months, and 20 and 30 second to react. This kind of Also, there are other occasions where the majority after nine months. After do- attack has claimed lives in the most so- the Mission has taken serious actions ing their work here, the troops will be ex- phisticated armies in the world. In fact, to against peacekeepers that didn’t perform hausted both physically and mentally. have lost this number of peacekeepers, in to the expected level and, as a conse- VoD: The Security Council adopt- my view, is an indication of the amount quence, had to be repatriated. These ac- ed a resolution to reduce the number of risk that peacekeepers have to operate tions are taken for the credibility of the of troops serving in UNAMID. Do you in here. When you are ambushed and the Mission and the troops themselves. think this “rightsizing” will impact the first bullet takes you, it cannot be said it is VoD: UNAMID troops work in Mission’s ability to protect civilians? ineffectiveness. a difficult environment. Could you Nyamvumba: I don’t think so be- There is still room for improvement, tell us about the conditions in which cause the issue here should not be about

10 VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 On 18 April 2012, girls from the Abu Shouk camp for internally displaced people, North Darfur, dance and sing in front of the UNAMID Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba, to celebrate the opening ceremony of 10 new classrooms for three primary schools in the camp. The rooms were built by Rwandan troops as one of UNAMID’s quick-impact projects. Photo by Albert González Farran.

On 8 May 2010 at Nyala airport, an Egyptian peacekeeper prays beside the coffins containing the corpses of his late colleagues. Two Egyptian peacekeepers were killed the previous day and three other were seriously wounded in an ambush near Katila village, 85 kilometres south of Edd al Fursan, South Darfur, by a group of unidentified armed men. Photo by Albert González Farran.

VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 11 INTERVIEW

Top: On 22 February 2012, UNAMID Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba, addresses the peacekeepers who were blocked by a rebel group for two days in the village of Shegeg Tova, about 60 kilometres from Umm Baru, North Darfur. A total of 55 peacekeepers, mainly Senegalese troops, were stopped during a patrol on 19 February by more than 100 armed men belonging to the Justice and Equality Movement. After a show of force and round-the-clock negotiations, JEM forces lifted the blockade on the UNAMID troops and released two civilian staff and one police advi- sor who were being detained. Photo by Albert González Farran.

Left: The conditions of the roads and the tough terrain in Darfur affect the daily work of UNAMID peacekeepers. During the rainy season, many roads are flooded. In June 2010, peacekeepers undertake a road exercise, called “Haboob Chase,” in North and West Darfur. Photo by Albert González Farran.

area is large, there are unpopulated ar- “UNAMID’s presence is proof of the commitment eas. For example, if you go beyond Mal- of the entire international community toward ha, North Darfur, there is a desert, so we don’t need to have troops there. The Darfur. Indeed, we are here to keep the peace, and overall idea is that the troops will be concentrated in the hotspot areas, and to facilitate in making it, so it’s in the hands of the at the moment there is no indication to people who own this land to decide which future say that we are overstretched. I believe that with the right tools and mindset, they want for their children.” we can still do the job. Finally, I would like to say that UNA- numbers. It should be about effective- In the end, the idea of the rightsiz- MID is here on the ground, day after day, ness. In terms of rightsizing, when it ing is about how to mobilise resources living the experience, learning the lessons comes to the implementation of the effectively. Because Darfur is nearly to make it better. It’s not an easy task, but review of uniformed personnel, most 500,000 square kilometres, during the we remain committed. UNAMID’s pres- of the units that have been repatriated review of uniformed personnel we had ence is proof of the commitment of the were enabling units, which were sup- to do what we called conflict mapping. entire international community toward posed to help us deploy forces. Yes, We categorised different areas accord- Darfur. Indeed, we are here to keep the we are losing two battalions. But in my ing to the security level, from high to peace, and to facilitate in making it, so it’s view, the numbers we have, if effective- low. For instance, the hotspots, where in the hands of the people who own this ly employed can still do the job. Howev- there is a serious volume of conflict, are land to decide which future they want for er, we do still need some enabling units, going to be a focus in terms of concen- their children. The road to peace may be particularly utility helicopters to give us tration of forces. difficult and may require sacrifices, but we quicker mobility. While it is true that the geographic believe it is not impossible.

12 VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 CONFLICT RESOLUTION

A New Sense of Solidarity in East Darfur East Darfur has been home to violent tribal clashes, but traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms are having an impact on peaceful coexistence in one of Darfur’s newest states. By Albert González Farran

On 8 October 2012, Ms. Kaltoum Adam weaves a basket in the Al Neem camp for internally displaced people in El Daein, East Darfur. Photo by Albert González Farran. n El Daein, the capital of the new ways work, they are widely perceived The Rezeigat people own most of the Istate of East Darfur, there are more to be critical tools to make coexistence land in the area. Historically, the Rezeigat than 30 different tribes living together in possible in East Darfur. Coupled with have been pastoralists, tending camels close proximity. During the past several the progress in intertribal negotiations and horses, and have had close relation- years, clashes between these groups over is a renewed sense of the strength of ships with other tribes and communi- the control of land and other natural ethnic diversity in the area. “Living to- ties. “We have always been like this,” resources have led to violence. In one gether gives us more security against says Mr. Ibrahim. Currently, the Rezeigat such episode in 2012, fighting between any criminal action,” says Mr. Mohamed lends land to two large displaced com- the Rezeigat and Misseriya ethnic groups Ibrahim, the leader of the Rezeigat tribe munities in El Daein: the South Suda- resulted in several dead. While tribal rela- in El Daein. “Our unity benefits devel- nese Dinka who occupy the Khor Omer tions in East Darfur and its capital city opment and our relationship favours all camp for displaced people, and more have sometimes been tense, civic leaders economic activities.” than 20 different tribes who are living to- have been relying on age-old methods of The Rezeigat tribe, which is both eth- gether in the Al Neem camp, which is dialogue to resolve their differences. nically Arab and nomadic, is one of the the temporary home of some 45,000 Although these methods don’t al- largest groups in South and East Darfur. displaced.

VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 13 CONFLICT RESOLUTION

The Rezeigat’s lending of the land doesn’t come with an expiration date. The Rezeigat have assured the dis- placed families that they can stay for good if they so desire. “The internally displaced people are already part of our state,” says the Rezeigat leader, conceding that the presence of Din- kas in East Darfur is a sensitive issue in the international diplomacy between Sudan and South Sudan. The other tribes living in Al Neem camp have expressed gratitude to the Rezeigat for their hospitality. The leader of the Al Neem camp, Mr. Sayid Al Za- hir, says residents of the camp have the highest level of respect for the Rezeigat. “Our humanitarian relationship with the Rezeigat and constant communica- tions prevents anything bad from hap- pening,” he says. In addition to being the leader of the camp, Mr. Al Zahir is leader of the Birgit tribe, the majority ethnic group in Al Neem. The Birgit community is his- torically linked with the Rezeigat because the tribe has had arrangements with the Rezeigat, in many other locations, to farm and cultivate the land. These ar- rangements have a long tradition, and it is presumed they will last well into the fu- ture. However, any such deal comes with a normal amount of disputes, which are typically resolved with negotiations be- tween the tribe leaders. “In land arrange- ments, there is always a network with the host community,” says Mr. Al Zahir. “These arrangements usually operate perfectly.” Mr. Al Zahir chairs the high commit- tee of internally displaced people in the cuss, and sooner or later we agree on the offenses are resolved over a cup of tea and area. This committee consists of 30 lead- solution," says Mr. Al Zahir. a conversation in this office. Only crimes ers that organize all arrangements and The Native Administration Office, a such as theft, rape or those that aren’t able solve any problems in the camp when building located near the market in El Dae- to be resolved peacefully through dialogue they arise. When any conflict emerges, in, is the location where these dialogues take are turned over to the regular court system. negotiation begins. "We sit down, we dis- place. Land disputes, aggression and other The rest of the problems, by far the vast majority, are solved by negotiation between community leaders. Even if the peaceful coexistence between so Because of the success of this meth- many different tribes may seem difficult at od, which is now fairly common across Darfur thanks to a renewed interest times, the camps in El Daein are serving as in Darfur’s traditional justice mecha- models of what is possible when different nisms, people are increasingly turning to the Native Administration Offices in- agendas lead to dialogue and peaceful stead of the more formal court system. negotiation. “When a dispute happens by accident,

14 VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 Clockwise from top left : On 3 December 2012, members of the Rezeigat tribe in El Daein, East Darfur, per- form traditional dances and songs.

On 9 October 2012, a group of Rezeigat leaders and members of the Native Adminis- tration Office (NAO) in El Daein, East Darfur, stand in front of the NAO building, the loca- tion where tribal disputes are resolved.

On 8 October 2012, Ms. Maria Mohamed works in her bakery in the Al Neem camp for displaced people in El Daein, East Darfur.

On 8 October 2012, Mr. Sayid Al Zahir, leader of the internally displaced people living in the Al Neem camp in El Daein, East Darfur, walks through the camp. Photos by Albert González Farran.

Despite some friction, the various tribes living in the East Darfur are engaging in talks with a renewed sense of solidarity as displaced Darfuris. In addition to facilitating such nego- tiations, UNAMID peacekeepers have been conducting patrols in the area to ensure a stable enough environment for talks to take place. “We need UNAMID to reinforce our security because we can’t activate our negotiation tools with constant danger and threats,” says Mr. Al Zahir, noting that, while the area is it’s easy to solve,” says Mr. Zahir. “It’s agreement with the Rezeigat to work the relatively calm, there are still some is- only when a crime is committed inten- lands. Talks have been ongoing to de- sues. “Our lands are not completely safe tionally that it takes a longer discussion velop a possible solution, with one idea yet,” he says. and may eventually be transferred to the being to divide the land between the new Even if the peaceful coexistence regular courts.” occupants and the returnees. between so many different tribes may Since arriving in the camp, the resi- The African Union - United Na- seem difficult at times, the camps in El dents of Al Neem have intended to tions Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) Daein are serving as models of what is return to their original lands in the Al has been supporting these talks possible when different agendas lead to Salayia area, southwest of El Daein. Of- through workshops and other dia- dialogue and peaceful negotiation. De- ficially, the lands have never been their logue-driven events to encourage all spite some friction, the various tribes property, but they have had a longstand- concerned parties to come to the ne- living in the East Darfur are engaging ing agreement with Rezeigat to farm gotiation table. The community lead- in talks with a renewed sense of solidar- them freely. However, during their ab- ers in El Daein say they appreciate the ity as displaced Darfuris. “Among all of sence, the Rezeigat loaned the land out work UNAMID is doing in the area. us, we have created a new and unique to others. Some tribes in Al Neem are “The Mission is part of our commu- tribe,” says Mr. Al Zahir. “That it is the committed to reactivating their original nity,” says Mr. Ibrahim. displaced people tribe.”

VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 15 CHILDREN

On 22 November 2012 in the Abu Shouk camp for displaced people in North Darfur, Darlanean, once a child bride, is pictured in her house. Darlanean, who has been divorced twice, was first forced to get married when she was 9 years old. Later, when she was 13, she was forced into marriage again. Now she is studying at the University of El Fasher and has no plans to remarry. Photo by Albert González Farran. The Girls Who Become Brides Marriage with girls under the age of 18 is still common in some rural areas of Darfur, despite many outspoken Darfuri advocates working to highlight the implications and risks associated with the practice. By Sharon Lukunka

arah was still a child on the day of her she could take care of herself and her for women, explains that these practices Swedding. At age 14, she was forced to siblings. To support the family, Sarah have been going on for a long time in marry a man seven years older than she works in the farms and fetches firewood Darfur, especially in rural areas, and in was. Now, four years after her wedding, to sell in the market. “Before I got mar- other parts of Sudan. Early marriages, she she has a one-year-old child. Her story ried, I wanted to finish school and study says, typically deny girls the opportunity is not unusual in Darfur, where many to be a teacher,” she says. “I would pre- to pursue an education, and rob them of young girls living in rural areas are com- fer going to school because it is not easy their childhood. In addition, most child pelled to enter marriage. to take care of a home and a baby while brides, burdened by their responsibilities, “If my father says that I have to working.” do not interact with their peers or culti- marry a man, I have to,” Sarah says. Fol- Ms. Kaltoum Ibrahim Ahmed, a vate friendships outside the household. lowing the death of her mother, Sarah’s resident of the Abu Shouk camp for dis- “Early marriages should be discour- father arranged for her to be married so placed people and an outspoken advocate aged because girls suffer a lot; they are

16 VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 not prepared to handle the responsibili- says. “This is a huge problem that young she says. “This practice is common in ties that come with the union,” says Ms. women in Darfur are encountering, and areas where there is a high prevalence of Ahmed. “The girls get frustrated and most of the time the girls are afraid to women being sexually assaulted in the some even attempt to run away because, speak out against the practice for fear of fields as they collect firewood or farm in most cases, they find they are not disrespecting their families.” the land.” compatible with their husbands.” Ms. Mohammed, who has lived since Another factor contributing to the A recent report released by the Unit- 2003 in the Abu Shouk camp for dis- practice of child brides in Darfur is the ed Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), placed people, on the outskirts of El price of an education. Ms. Angagaw entitled “Marrying Too Young,” defines Fasher, devotes much of her time to explains that, especially in poorer rural child marriage as a custom in which one promoting women’s rights. She serves as communities in Darfur, families typically or both partners are under age 18 and, a counsellor, listening to the problems send their sons to school and marry off although it can involve boys, affects girls of women and girls and assisting them their girls at a young age because they more broadly. The report, which relies when needed. cannot afford the price of education for on data compiled from 2000 to 2011, Since its inception, the African the entire family. In addition, she says, notes that most countries have set 18 Union - United Nations Mission in Dar- poor families sometimes opt to marry as the minimum legal age of marriage. fur (UNAMID) has been working to off girls to someone with money as a However, parental consent and local cus- raise awareness of these issues through way to help lift the family from poverty. tom often override existing laws, making its various components, such as the Gen- “Any solution to the problem of a for a significant number of child durable, sustained peace in Dar- marriages each year around the “This is a huge problem that fur requires addressing some of world. The document identifies the root causes of the conflict rural, poor and undereducated young women in Darfur are that also are causes of the child girls as most at risk of becoming encountering, and most of the bride phenomenon,” says Ms. child brides. Angagaw. “Eradicating poverty, In Sudan, the 2010 Conven- time the girls are afraid to speak implementing a universal and tion on the Rights of the Child free education system and cul- defines children as people un- out against the practice for fear of tivating widespread economic der the age of 18. Sudanese law disrespecting their families.” development will go a long way does not establish a minimum to deterring families from com- age for marriage. The Sudan —Nefisa Mohammed pelling their young girls to wed.” Household Health Survey, conducted in der Advisory Unit, in coordination with UNAMID’s Chief Gender Advisor 2006 by the Government of Sudan in local partners such as the United Nations went on to say that the practice itself be- coordination with international organi- Children Fund (UNICEF). Ms. Yegera- comes a root cause that is undermining zations, indicates that 9.4 per cent of the work Angagaw, UNAMID’s Chief Gen- the very communities that support it. “It girls in North Darfur, 18.1 in West Dar- der Advisor, points out that addressing generally prevents young girls from fin- fur, and 14.5 in South Darfur were mar- the issue of child brides is critical. ishing their education because they must ried before the age of 15. In 2006, the “In Darfur, while mainstream culture provide for their families and tend to percentage of married females under the generally rejects the practice, certain ru- their children,” she says. “Children hav- age of 18 was 31.1 in North Darfur, 49.2 ral communities engage in it,” says Ms. ing children only serves to undermine in West Darfur and 47.5 in South Darfur. Angagaw. “Marrying girls before they the fabric of communities.” Despite the prevalence of the prac- have reached adulthood affects not only Ms. Angagaw notes that UNAMID tice, it is questioned by many Darfuris. the girls themselves, but also the entire has been working with the Government One of them is Ms. Nefisa Mohammed, family and the larger communities in of Sudan and various international and an activist originally from Kutum, North which the practice takes place.” national nongovernmental organizations Darfur. She herself married at age 16. Ms. Angagaw explains that there are to raise awareness of these issues among Having learned from her own experi- several root causes of the practice in local audiences, to highlight the impor- ences, she now advises women that it is rural Darfur and in areas where there tance of education for young girls and their duty to educate their daughters and are large numbers of displaced people. to ensure that appropriate Sudanese laws discourage early marriage. These causes, she says, include poverty are respected and upheld. “In the end, it “Early marriage has severe conse- and the distance of schools from settle- is the responsibility of Darfur’s people to quences on families; there are misun- ments. “Parents sometimes have their ensure that the practice is strongly dis- derstandings in the couple and, in most girls wed as an alternative to exposing couraged,” she says. “There cannot be cases, the marriages end in divorce,” she them to physical attack or abduction,” a bright future of peace in Darfur if a

VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 17 CHILDREN

large segment of the population is dis- enfranchised, having no choice in educa- tion or vocation.” UNICEF, for its part, has been work- ing with the Government of Sudan to build social welfare programmes that of- fer legal protection to children, and to raise awareness of child rights. Most child marriages are forced marriages in which the consent of the child is not considered before the consummation of the union. This practice is considered a violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that “marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.” Darlanean, an unwilling participant in a forced marriage when she was a girl, On 13 December 2012 in the Abu Shouk camp for displaced people in North Darfur, Nefisa managed to leave the union and pursue Mohammed, a women’s rights activist and counsellor, is surrounded by some of the young her education. At the age of nine, Dar- women and girls she has been working to help. Photo by Albert González Farran. lanean’s family could not afford to keep her in school so her father arranged a wedding with a 30-year-old man. “When “There cannot be a bright future of peace in my father told me I was going to be mar- Darfur if a large segment of the population is ried, I felt my life had been ruined,” Dar- lanean recalls. “I didn’t want to be mar- disenfranchised, having no choice in education ried and I cried in protest.” After several years of marriage, Dar- or vocation.” lanean divorced and returned to her fam- —Yegerawork Angagaw ily’s home. She tells the story of how she found her family and friends gathered are expected to get pregnant soon after tion about the devastating impact of child in her house as she was returning from marrying, often leading to tragic conse- marriage—which, according to the UN school one day. Her father had arranged quences for the mothers, who are still Population Fund, happens about 37,000 a second marriage for her. This time, the children themselves, and their babies. times each day worldwide in more than groom was a 40-year-old man who had Girls’ bodies are not fully developed 50 developing countries—the United another wife. “I was only 13 when I was and are therefore not equipped for preg- Nations designated 11 October as Inter- forced to marry again,” she says. “I cried nancy or labour. Statistics show that national Day of the Girl Child. The day and ran out; I wanted to be in school pregnancy complications for child brides is designed to focus on promoting girls’ rather than being married.” are double that of women above the age rights and highlighting gender inequality Darlanean fought to get out of the of 20. This was the case with Masher, and the possible solutions to it. UN Popu- marriage, and eventually separated from an 18-year-old Darfuri who was forced lation Fund statistics indicate that the an- her husband. She has continued her edu- into marriage at age 13. Because she was nual rate in the number of child marriages cation with support from her relatives, so young, she developed complications is increasing, and will rise to 14.2 million and now is studying Art at the University during pregnancy and had a miscarriage. a year by 2020, and 15.1 million a year by of El Fasher. “After my experience, I want Following the miscarriage, doctors told 2030, if measures are not taken to curb to concentrate on my studies and I am not her that she would not be able to have the current trend. thinking of getting married,” she says. children. “By 2020, 14.2 million innocent Outside of the social implications, The UNFPA report states that girls young girls worldwide will be separated especially education, child marriage puts under age 15 are five times more likely from their friends and family, deprived girls at risk of life-threatening pregnan- to die in childbirth than women in their of an education and put in harm’s way cies. Maternal deaths related to preg- 20s, and that girls age 15 to 18 are twice because of child marriage,” said UN nancy and childbirth are an important as likely to die in childbirth. The children Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his factor in the mortality rates for girls be- of child brides are 60 per cent more like- remarks on the launch of the Interna- tween the age of 15 and 19 worldwide, ly to die by their first birthday than chil- tional Day of the Girl Child in 2012. “All accounting for some 50,000 deaths each dren delivered by mothers over age 19. members of society will benefit when we year globally. Usually, adolescent wives In an effort to start a global conversa- let girls be girls, not brides.”

18 VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 VIEWPOINT It’s Time for Darfur’s Combatants to Lay Down Their Arms Despite developments toward a peace agreement that includes all major armed movements, there remain many holdouts, a fact that makes progress in disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration a daunting challenge. BY Aderemi Adekoya uring the past several years, armed campaigns, medical screenings, HIV/ target groups—consisting primarily of Dmovements of varying significance AIDS counselling and security. In the at-risk youth—have acquired livelihood have participated in the peace process programmes designed to address com- and life skills and have improved their by signing key documents, including the munity security and arms control, UN- employability and social integration. original Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA), AMID has been supporting the Sudan In the process of acquiring these valu- an assortment of other agreements and DDR Commission to help reduce civil- able skills, the dedicated young people the recent Doha Document for Peace in ian small arms and light weapons pro- involved in these projects have been re- Darfur (DDPD). Despite some positive liferation and local conflicts that make building the infrastructure of their frag- developments related to a comprehen- areas of return insecure for former com- ile communities and, in doing so, have sive peace agreement that includes all batants who have completed DDR. been contributing to a reduction of vio- major movements, there remain many For example, UNAMID provided lence and conflict in their communities. holdouts, a fact that makes progress re- the first Regional Conference on Small UNAMID’s DDR officers have fa- lated to Darfur-wide disarmament, de- Arms and Light Weapons Control with cilitated 17 CLIPs across Darfur, all mobilization and reintegration (DDR) a logistics support and a communications designed to cultivate vocational skills daunting challenge. campaign about the threat posed by through on-the-job-training. As an addi- In the meantime, the Government small arms and light weapons in civilian tional benefit, theses CLIPs are provid- of Sudan, through the Sudan DDR hands. When the full DDR programmes ing a framework for state government Commission, has been leading an inter- take place, the corresponding commu- and locality structures to launch similar im DDR exercise for the groups origi- nity security programmes will address projects in other areas in Darfur. During nally committing to the DPA in 2006 the possible security threats posed by the first phase of the CLIPs programme, and surplus members of the Sudanese ex-combatants, local conflicts and small more than 2,500 young people have par- Armed Forces and the Popular De- arms proliferation in communities, and ticipated as the direct beneficiaries. fence Forces. However, the DPA broke also will address issues related to the While the armed movements that have down and funding the reintegration of social exclusion of at-risk youth who refused to sign the DDPD have been pre- ex-combatants, which is normally sup- have the potential for mobilization into venting a comprehensive peace, and are ported through voluntary contributions, armed movements and criminal groups blocking formal DDR exercises, UNA- has been a challenge in Darfur primar- due to lack of education, employment MID continues to work with the Sudanese ily due to the lack of a comprehensive and basic skills. Government and communities across Dar- peace agreement on which the reintegra- As part of a broader strategy to sup- fur, and has been coordinating with inter- tion would be based. port the consolidation of peace in Dar- national and national nongovernmental Notwithstanding the many challeng- fur, UNAMID has been implementing a organizations on interim strategies to build es associated with DDR in Darfur, UN- complementary programme designed to a framework for the eventual full-scale AMID is unwavering in supporting the support the efforts of the Government DDR programmes. Clearly, the challenges Sudan DDR Commission to plan and of Sudan to address the needs of young are abundant, but they are not insurmount- implement national DDR, community people and other vulnerable groups in able. The people of Darfur have long been security and arms control programmes. sedentary communities and in camps for ready for peace. It’s time for all combatants UNAMID support to the Sudan DDR displaced people. The programme con- to lay down their arms and embrace the fu- Commission includes providing advice sists of community-based labour-inten- ture of Darfur. on policy development and, for interim sive projects (CLIPs) that focus not only demobilization exercises, technical assis- on building vocational skills but also on tance, mission expertise and resources all fostering reconciliation across Darfur. Aderemi Adekoya is Chief of UNAMID’s Disarma- ment, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) designed to support public information In the CLIPs implemented so far, the Section. Contact him at [email protected].

VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 19 COMMUNITY

Malha: Homeland of the Midobs Malha, a North Darfur town inhabited by Sudan’s Midob tribe, is a serene and mountainous locality rich in tourist attractions such as a large volcanic crater, mountain springs and a lake. By Abdullahi Shuaibu

alha, one of the most northern springs along the mountainsides. Activity hamed El-Sayah, who is 75 years old and Mtowns in Darfur, is commonly in the area centers on the Midob villages, inherited the throne from his late father known as “Midob town” due to the high which are located at the foot of the moun- who reigned during the British colonial concentration of the Midob ethic group tains. Each family lives in a settlement that days in Sudan. in the area. The terrain in Malha is flat, consists of a small number of separate According to historians, the Midob with dusty plains broken by several moun- dome-shaped huts that are constructed of language can be traced to the language tain ranges. The town is home to the fa- poles, branches and grass. Married Midob of the Nubians in Northern Sudan. Cur- mous Malha volcanic crater, which is a women live with their children in the huts. rent cultural practices and traditions link center of attraction in the locality and was Their husbands also live in the huts when the Midob to the Mahas and Dongolawi, believed to have been formed 5,000 years they are not herding livestock or engaged which are Nubian groups from the old ago. Today, the crater draws Sudani tour- in other vocations that take them away town of Dongola in North Sudan. It is also ists, who relax beside the lake and enjoy from their homes. mentioned in history books that the Midob the views from hikes in the mountains. There are roughly 50,000 Midob- were rulers in the Nubian civilization, with This quiet and serene locality derives speaking people in Malha and the sur- their roots extending deeply into Egypt. its Arabic name “Malha” (which translates rounding communities. A large percent- The Nubian civilization later became part as “salty”) from the abundant salty water age of the Midob live in the main town of Egypt when Muhammad Ali Pasha in- in the area that emerges from volcanic and are ruled by Malha’s King, Tom Mo- vaded and occupied Sudan in 1820.

20 VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 The landscape of Malha, a quiet and serene North Darfur locality that derives its Arabic name “Malha” (which translates as “salty”) from the abundant salty water in the area that emerges from volcanic springs along the mountainsides. Photo by Sojoud Elgarrai.

Today, Malha’s active population con- Gamma El-Sayah, political adviser to the Kinna community near Malha, explains sists primarily of a large number of Mi- King, and his junior brother. “Although that the Midob are a proud people with dob pastoralists, who mainly herd goats, our tribe is subdivided into three clans, a rich cultural heritage and many active sheep and camels, and also keep donkeys the Alshalko, the Aroteyi and the Tortey, traditions. These practices include sev- and cattle. They rely on the acquisition of we all migrated from Dongola, which is in eral types of dances that are performed livestock for their livelihoods. Boys and North Sudan and was formerly a province to entertain, to celebrate weddings or to men tend to the sheep and camels, while of Upper Nubia, bordering the Nile.” commemorate specific events and special the women take care of the goats, cattle The highly respected King leads his occasions to honour the King and Malha’s and donkeys, which are always kept in the people with the assistance of 11 umdas many visitors. “Men and women dance in settlements within easy reach of domes- and more than 200 sheiks, the community different formations to the rhythm of the tic water supplies and for transporting leaders that aid in the administration of big drums,” says Umda Ismail. “We also people and goods around town and to the laws and Islamic injunctions. The mem- do victory songs for those who passed market places in the area. In addition, the bers of this administrative structure also away and for praising our past and pres- Midob are avid farmers, engaging in sub- serve as the conflict-resolution body for ent kings.” sistence agriculture and producing various the people of Malha. “Formerly, the king- About the Malha volcanic crater, cereals, such as sorghum and millet, along ship of the town was not inherited by the Umda Ismail explains that the Midob’s with vegetables, to supplement their regu- senior son,” says Mr. El-Sayah. “However, ancestors have long used the water of the lar diet of meat from their animals. in 1926, the system was changed and the crater and the nearby pastureland for their “Our ancestors came from North king was named by inheritance, with my cattle. The community leader says that the Sudan near Egypt and they migrated brother becoming the king after our late volcanic crater produces a dark brown through the Mellit valley before they final- father passed on.” clay-like substance rich in minerals, called ly settled by the hills in Malha,” says Mr. Mr. Salih Ismail, the Umda of the gandaka in the Midob dialect, that is eaten

VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 21 COMMUNITY

Malha to ensure protection for the Mi- “The water in the crater is medicinal; it dob. UNAMID’s Team Site Commander possesses healing properties for people and in Malha, Captain Jeraldo Bantom, notes that the area has been peaceful and calm animals, and cures ailments and disinfects for more than a year. “We have not noted injuries.” any recent threats to the communities but we keep to our regular duties to deter any —Salih Ismail outbreak of conflict,” he says. In addition to conducting routine by the livestock in the area. “Gandaka or trading in Egypt to bring back goods patrols, UNAMID peacekeepers are sup- makes the animal healthy,” he explains. to their home community. “Through porting the Malha communities through “And the water in the crater is medicinal; regular visits and contacts, the Midob quick-impact projects (QIPs), which it possesses healing properties for people people take their livestock to Libyan and the Mission implements to rehabilitate and animals, and cures ailments and disin- Egyptian markets for sale, and return schools, medical centres and other civic fects injuries.” with other products that are not available facilities to help elevate the lives of the Beyond being of use to the Midob here in Malha,” says Mr. Ismail Amin, people of Darfur. One example of a people to water and graze their animals, Malha’s Commissioner. QIP implemented in Malha is a borehole says Umda Ismail, the crater serves as Mr. Amin explains that these inter- project set up to supply an abundance of one of the main draws to bring tourists actions enrich the Midob with an un- fresh water to local schools and hospitals. from distant parts of Darfur. “The crater derstanding of current economic and As the peace process continues to is a beauty to behold,” he says. “Many political affairs, locally and abroad. He gather momentum in Darfur, Malha’s people travel to Malha just to catch a says that, through these exchanges, it community leaders express hope that the glimpse of this natural phenomenon and is common for Midob to become suc- armed movements will endorse the cur- to take memorable photographs.” cessful business owners, investing their rent peace agreement, the Doha Docu- In addition to being one of Darfur’s wealth in livestock expansion and build- ment for Peace in Darfur (DDPD), to most notable tourist destinations, Malha ing new residential accommodations in bring stability to the region. “We encour- is active year-round with traders com- the town. age all our men and women to participate ing from the far corners of Sudan and While the people of Malha are living in the peace process to sort out issues bordering countries. For their part, the peaceful lives, the area has not been with- through dialogue and understanding, so young members of the Midob tribe are out conflict. The African Union - United that growth and development will come known to seek their fortunes in other ar- Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) to Malha and indeed the whole of Dar- eas, working jobs in Lybian border cities carries out regular patrols in and around fur,” says Umda Ismail.

The volcanic crater in Malha. Water from the crater and grass from the nearby pastures have long been used by the Midob people for their cattle. The crater produces a dark brown substance, called gandaka in the Midob dialect, that is eaten by the animals in the area and is said to keep them healthy. Photo by Sojoud Elgarrai.

22 VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 WOMEN Charting Progress on the Role of Women There is a concerted global momentum to address women’s rights in conflict situations, and despite some setbacks and challenges, Darfur is making progress on women’s issues. By Emadeldin Rijal

On 9 October 2012, dozens of women’s group leaders from different parts of Darfur gather in El Fasher, North Darfur, for the concluding Open Days session to discuss the principles and progress related to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. Photo by Sojoud Elgarrai.

n many parts of Sudan, including in In this context, the Government rity, has served as a key mechanism to IDarfur, there is a saying: “No matter of Sudan, the African Union - United highlight women’s issues in Darfur. how powerful a woman is, she is weak Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) Resolution 1325 is essentially a le- and has little value.” This unfortunate and various international and national gal framework that addresses the im- expression, the likes of which can be nongovernmental organizations have pact of war on women, along with heard the world over, aptly charac- been making the topic of encouraging the pivotal role women should and do terises some Darfuri attitudes toward and empowering women nearly ubiqui- play in conflict management, conflict women here. As strong as the women tous at civil society workshops, cultural resolution and sustainable peace. The of Darfur are, and as significant and events and forums focused on wom- Resolution calls for increased partici- lasting their contributions to Darfur en’s rights. The United Nations’ “Open pation of women at all levels of deci- society might be, an undercurrent of Days” event, an annually celebrated sion-making, especially in preventing, belittlement toward women runs deep follow-on to Security Council Resolu- managing and resolving conflict and in in some Darfuri communities. tion 1325 on Women, Peace and Secu- peace negotiations.

VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 23 WOMEN

ever, workshop participants concluded that security remains the top concern for women throughout Darfur. “If we are to be empowered as major assets to our communities, we need security and stability,” says Ms. Maryam Hussein, recalling provisions in the Doha Docu- ment for Peace in Darfur (DDPD) that indicate women and children are the people most affected by conflict. Ms. Hussein, who is a member of the Legislative Council in West Darfur and a representative of internally dis- placed women, points out that in order for women to be secure and to play their role in the community, the Government of Sudan and the armed movements must be fully committed to the ceasefire and must focus on protection of civil- Pictured here on 25 November 2012 is Ms. Nabila Abdilkarim, who works as legal advisor in the ians first and foremost. Indeed, prog- North Darfur Ministry of Justice and is a member of the High Committee for United Nations ress has been made toward this end, Security Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. Photo by Albert González Farran. as evidenced by the DDPD itself and The Resolution stipulates that all local women leaders to share their ex- the current negotiations to bring those parties to the armed conflict must take periences, concerns and priorities as armed movements that have not signed special measures to protect women and they contribute to national and region- the DDPD to the table. girls from gender-based violence and al efforts to resolve conflict and build Apart from progress related to the all other forms of violence in armed security. The outcomes of these events women’s provisions in the DDPD and conflict. The Resolution also calls inform and influence policies and pro- the many Government committees for for strengthening women’s rights un- grammes related to the implementa- implementing Resolution 1325 across der national law and supporting local tion of Resolution 1325 and serve to Darfur, state governments have set up women’s peace initiatives and conflict- highlight challenges faced by women in advisory offices for women’s and chil- resolution processes. In a statement in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. dren’s affairs and have allocated seats 2005, the Security Council called on In line with this global programme, on the parliaments specifically for UN Member States to implement Res- each year Darfur holds the Open Day women’s representatives. As one exam- olution 1325 through the development events in several localities to deliberate ple of developments related to wom- of national action plans and other na- on the implementation status of Reso- en’s issues in recent years, the Govern- tional-level strategies. lution 1325. In 2012, the Open Day ment of North Darfur has trained a Mr. Khalil Abdullah, the Govern- sessions were organized by UNAMID’s contingent of women police officers, ment of Sudan’s Minister of Social Af- Gender Advisory Unit in collaboration who are specifically tasked to address fairs in North Darfur, sits on the state’s with the Sudan Ministries of Social Af- issues related to women. High Committee for Implementing fairs and the Walis’ (Governors’) Ad- Despite these and other efforts de- Resolution 1325. “It is for the sake of visors on Women and Children in the signed to create an environment con- the important role of women in vari- five Darfur states. In October 2012, ducive to empowering women in Dar- ous fields that we welcome Resolution dozens of women leaders from differ- fur, women’s rights advocates say that 1325,” he says, noting that women in ent parts of Darfur came together in much more needs to be done. “Women Darfur play an extremely important El Fasher, North Darfur, to share the deserve better,” says Ms. Shadia Shal- role, especially considering that 60 to findings of the preliminary sessions tout, a former Advisor on Women’s 70 per cent of Darfur’s social respon- and to benchmark the achievements and Children’s Affairs in the Govern- sibilities fall to women. made so far against the objectives of ment of Central Darfur. Ms. Shaltout, Each year, UN Women, in part- the Resolution. whose job was cut due to the Govern- nership with the UN Department of The workshop discussions indicat- ment’s recent austerity measures imple- Political Affairs, the UN Department ed that a significant breakthrough has mented across Sudan, has expressed of Peacekeeping Operations and the been made in connection to women’s disdain for what she considers to be a United Nations Development Pro- participation in the Darfur peace pro- decreasing number of women in posi- gramme, sponsor the “Open Days” cess and women’s access to executive, tions of power across Darfur. worldwide to provide a platform for political and legislative positions. How- Having been hit by recession along

24 VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 On 9 October 2012, dozens of women’s group leaders from different parts of Darfur gather in El Fasher, North Darfur, for the concluding Open Days session to discuss the principles and progress related to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. Photo by Sojoud Elgarrai. fur, says the contributions of women Looking to the future, the delegates at the to life in Darfur are significant. “The final Open Day session recommended role of women in every single field is notable and continues to be great,” she focusing on income-generating and livelihood says. Ms. Suleiman points out that, as programmes, especially for rural and nomadic a result of the conflict, some Darfuri women are sharing the collective social women, and involving women in national burden by adopting orphaned children constitution committees. despite being faced with economic hardships of their own. “Three quar- with the rest of Sudan, Darfur state also recommended focusing on girls’ ters of the burden falls on women as governments have been implementing education and stressed the importance a result of these exceptional circum- the required austerity policies, and in of abiding by the benchmark of, at stances,” she says, noting that many the process are causing some contro- minimum, 25 per cent of the Govern- women in Darfur have lost their hus- versy among women’s groups. “The ment’s decision-making positions be- bands and are working very hard to austerity measures have had more of ing occupied by women. support their families. an impact on women,” says Ms. Sadia In addition to developing these rec- While women’s rights activists have Ali Adam, who works in the Ministry ommendations, delegates to the final been expressing guarded optimism of Information in North Darfur. Open Days session drew attention to about the increasingly prominent role Despite the recent austerity-relat- the importance of establishing more women are playing in Government in- ed setbacks, women’s advocates have women’s centers across Darfur, and stitutions across Darfur, the stark reali- pointed to significant progress made highlighted the importance of projects ty is that the long conflict has left much across Darfur in the economic, social designed to help internally displaced of the social and economic burden to and political empowerment of women. women living in substandard condi- the women, especially in keeping fam- Looking to the future, the delegates tions. Women’s advocates, and indeed ily and community structures intact. at the final Open Day session recom- many working women in Darfur, are Ms. Nabila Abdulkarim, a legal advi- mended focusing on income-generat- continuing to raise awareness of these sor at the Ministry of Justice in North ing and livelihood programmes, espe- issues and push for a better future for Darfur, sums up the role of women in cially for rural and nomadic women, all Darfuris. Darfur with simple elegance: “Women and involving women in national con- Ms. Shama Suleiman, who works in Darfur are the backbones of their stitution committees. The delegates at the Ministry of Health in West Dar- families,” she says.

VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 25 CULTURE Darfur’s Many Colours: An Interview with Buhery Youssef In an interview with Voices of Darfur, Buhery Youssef talks about his work as an artist and expresses his views about how to promote fine arts activities in Darfur. By Ala Mayyahi

On 14 November 2012, artist Buhery Mohammed Youssef paints in his studio, which also serves as a gallery, in El Geneina, West Darfur. In many of his paintings, Mr. Youssef carefully depicts the fragile lives of vulnerable Darfuris. Photo by Albert González Farran.

uhery Youssef has been drawing fully depicts the fragile lives of vulnerable El Geneina, West Darfur, runs his own Bsince he was a young boy, inspired by Darfuris. In others, he portrays, in bright gallery for traditional art, and leases out Darfur’s people and the animals and ob- colour, the local traditions that underpin another gallery for cultural activities. Dur- jects that populate the region’s stark and life in the villages that together form the ing his development into a professional rugged environments. Today, at 33 years backbone of western Sudan. In all of Mr. artist who regularly exhibits in art shows old, Mr. Youssef has developed a reputa- Youssef ’s work, regardless of the specific around the region, he has had the oppor- tion as one of the most talented artists in objects he depicts, subtle cues indicate his tunity to meet other accomplished artists, the region, not only in Sudan but also in unique point of view in rejecting violence, to share ideas and discuss ways to cultivate the bordering Arabic and African counties. encouraging compassion for those in need a love of art in Darfur. In an interview His talent has earned him several major ac- and remaining cautiously optimistic for a with Voices of Darfur, Mr. Youssef talked colades, including a growing collection of better future for Darfur. about this evolving dialogue and about his gold medals from regional art contests. In addition to painting regularly, Mr. work as an artist in Darfur. In many of his paintings, he care- Youssef, who resides in his hometown of Voices of Darfur: As you started

26 VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 drawing since childhood, is there one “I mostly use a primitivism style of painting, drawing you did in those days that you remember more than the others? and in some paintings I use both primitivism Youssef: Yes, It was a drawing of a and expressionism. What I try to accomplish man. I remember it very well not because of the subject of the drawing but because through my work is promoting old Darfuri of the story behind it. VoD: Would you like to tell us that culture and the social traditions that were used story? by the older generations.” Youssef: I was in my first year in pri- mary school, and the teacher drew a man conducive to sales, and social support expressionist style or do you do ab- for us, but I didn’t like it so I told her that has been lacking. Also, there hasn’t been stract as well? the drawing was wrong. She got upset with enough support from Government insti- Youssef: I don’t do abstract painting. me and asked me to draw a better one, so tutions or enough cultural programmes set This kind of painting is not so common in I did and when she saw it she was so sur- up to support artists. Darfur because it is not much liked by the prised that I could draw so well at that age VoD: Do you dedicate a certain people here, so artists have developed oth- that she showed it to the principal and all time during the day for drawing or do er painting styles that are locally accepted. the teachers. Today, even when I consider you draw at any time when you are in VoD: How would you describe the awards I’ve won during my career, the right mood for it? your style of painting and what you’re I think about that drawing and how my Youssef: I usually draw in the evening trying to accomplish in each work? teacher liked it. more than in the morning. There are other Youssef: I mostly use a primitivism VoD: Could you tell us about the times that are best to me for developing style of painting, and in some paintings art awards you’ve won? my art and for exploring nature and seeing I use both primitivism and expression- Youssef: The first one was an award the beauty in it that can motivate me to ism. What I try to accomplish through my in fine arts for creative students in 2007 draw with a clear soul. Also, I think as art- work is promoting old Darfuri culture and in El Gazeera State. The painting was of ists it is important to observe ugly things the social traditions that were used by the a peace dove. Also, as a student, I won the around us so we can cultivate our analyti- older generations. I also try to draw atten- first and second gold medal in Northern cal thinking and shape our values about tion to the natural world around us. I typi- Dungula in 2008. I had another gold med- life. The philosophers who have studied cally rely on materials and colours that are al for a painting in which I expressed that aesthetics tie art and morality together. made from natural sources, such as tar and the strength of our country comes only VoD: Do you always paint with an natural glue. through unity. I’ve also won a gold medal from North Darfur and another one from Artist Buhery Mohammed Youssef shows his paintings, hung in his studio in El Geneina, West Egypt. Darfur. Photo by Albert González Farran. VoD: Other than winning awards, what has influenced you to improve and continue your work as an artist? Youssef: First, my family support, which has always been a great privilege to me. And second, seeing good paintings of other Darfuri artists and having the op- portunity to know them and interact with them. I have learned a lot from them. All that pushed me to continue painting. VoD: Can you tell us a bit about other Darfuri artists you grew up with? Were they able to continue in their pur- suit of art despite the hardship of the conflict here? Youssef: Unfortunately, many artists I’ve known in West Darfur stopped paint- ing. The economic situation has not been

VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 27 CULTURE

Youssef: Unfortunately, there isn’t any centre in El Geneina where artists can exhibit their art. The same can be said of the situation across Darfur. There might be few centres here and there, but Darfuri artists need more support than that. VoD: Do you have ideas about how to really help local artists? Youssef: There must be more cen- tres designed to support artists in each state. The centres could provide a hall as a gallery for displaying paintings and other kinds of fine art. This would be useful not only for the artists but also for begin- ners and university students. Exhibitions in such galleries could be changed every week or every two weeks so new artists could display their work. Also, the centres could provide a platform for educators to A painting created by El Geneina artist Buhery Mohammed Youssef, whose art focuses talk about art to students and beginners. mostly on nature and local traditions. VoD: Besides painting, do you do VoD: And how would you charac- VoD: Since children start drawing other kind of activities related to art? terise your art in the history of art in at an early age, do you think drawing is Youssef: Yes, I design logos and three Darfur and abroad? an instinctual activity that human be- dimensional signs. I also do commercial Youssef: My style, in terms of art his- ings have naturally? interiors and do workshops as well. I de- tory, is not so commonly used in Darfur. Youssef: Children draw as part of signed logos for various cultural festivals in It’s much more likely to be found abroad. play, but having real talent for drawing is El Genina and Andoka. As for workshops, Yet in Darfur’s history there are many re- something else. Drawing properly requires I participated with the United Nations De- nowned painters who have relied on this basic, and of course the skill that develops velopment Programme and with the Unit- style. I had the honour to learn from some with practice. ed Nations Children’s Fund in workshops of them. VoD: Some famous artists in his- on condemning violence against women. VoD: Is nature your main source of tory never studied art, but they still Another workshop was for raising aware- inspiration? produce outstanding work. Does that ness on art, and another one on combat- Youssef: Mostly yes and also tradi- mean the academic study of art is not ing HIV/AIDS in cooperation with the “Rashid Diyab” centre. “Peace needs financial support as well as moral VoD: In your opinion, do Darfuri artists play an important role in pro- support; hopefully all this will be achieved soon moting peace? and Darfur will be back to being a peaceful area Youssef: Yes, many of them have such roles because they raise awareness once again.” among the people of Darfur about peace concepts in different art forms, including tions and some activities in our culture, important as long as the artist has real traditional art, and through various cul- and sometimes other art can inspire me. talent? tural activities that promote peace among Even a primitive drawing or a simple de- Youssef: Van Gogh and some other Darfuris. But peace needs financial sup- sign done by an artisan can inspire me. At classic artists in history are exceptional port as well as moral support; hopefully other times, I have been inspired by the cases. In general, academic study and all this will be achieved soon and Darfur sophisticated work of international artists overall education are quite important for will be back to being a peaceful area once and designers. an artist in producing good art. Without again. VoD: In Darfur, does the price of education, their work and opinions about VoD: What message would like to a painting depend on the name of the art would be shallow, and would be lack- deliver to Darfuris? artist, like in most other countries? ing more sophisticated principles of eval- Youssef: I would like to tell all Dar- Youssef: Actually, the price of a paint- uation. furis to reject war and discrimination and ing here depends a lot on its quality and VoD: Is there a centre in El Ge- to be like they were in the past, living in whether someone likes it, regardless of the neina that supports local artists and peaceful coexistence with each other in fame of the artist. exhibits their art for free? our beloved land.

28 VOICES OF DARFUR • JANUARY 2013 On 14 November 2012, artist Buhery Mohammed Youssef paints in his studio, which also serves as a gallery, in El Geneina, West Darfur. Photo by Albert González Farran. UNAMID Communications and Public Information Division facebook.com/UNAMID Email: [email protected] Website: http://unamid.unmissions.org twitter.com/unamidnews

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