January 1, 2010 (KHARTOUM) - Darfur joint mediator, Djibril Bassole has urged the civil society representatives to promote culture of peace in the troubled western Sudan.
Bassole made his call in a New Year message sent to the Darfur Civil society representatives issued on December 29.
The mediation held a four day consultative meeting for Darfur civil society representatives in the Qatari capital from 17 to 20 November in order to identify the means for supporting the peace process. Over one hundred group from the tribal, traditional, youth, women and displaced took part of the consultation.
"I urge you to mobilize civil society to promote a true culture of peace in Darfur around a consensus for peace, justice and a program of socio-economic development," the joint mediator wrote.
He pledged that the broader civil society forum which will be held in Doha in the first trimester of 2010 should represent the crowning of your efforts towards social reconciliation, peace, and social and economic progress.
The role of the civil society is seen by the mediation as a necessary ground to build confidence between the members of the social fabric, including backers of government and rebels. Also by its inclusion in the Doha process the mediation aims to mobilize Darfur civilians to support and facilitate the implementation of any future peace agreement.
(ST)