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Al Tawasul Performance Promotes Peace and Reconciliation, DDDC
01/19/2009
Al Tawasul artistic group delivers messages of peace and reconciliation and
promotes importance of the Darfur – Darfur Dialogue and Consultation (DDDC).
NYALA, SOUTH DARFUR – Through a variety of songs, dance, play-acting, and poems at an outdoor twilight performance on Saturday January 17, the Al Tawasul artistic group delivered messages of peace and reconciliation and promoted the importance of the Darfur – Darfur Dialogue and Consultation (DDDC). The event, titled “Creating A Favorable Environment for Peaceful Dialogue Among Darfurians,” drew more than 200 Nyala residents, United Nations representatives, local artists, peace activists, and Government of Sudan officials.
Al Tawasul singers, dancers, and actors expressed through group and individual performances, including “My Call for Peace,” “War Destroys Us,” and “The IDP Said,” the desire for peace and reconciliation in war-torn Darfur. Saturday’s event was the fifth in a series of performances Al Tawasul has conducted for different target groups in South Darfur.
The on-going joint Al Tawasul – DDDC project includes a DDDC orientation workshop for the artist of South Darfur, the establishment of a selection committee to evaluate potential artistic works, artistic direction, provided by notable Darfurian artists and DDDC Field Coordinator Eltayeb Hamid, and performances.
Generous support from the people and government of Japan has helped tremendously with the implementation of the project. A message from the Embassy of Japan in Sudan, which was read at the event, stated, “Japan is committed to continuing its support to grassroots activities, including dialogue among people, as part of efforts to realize comprehensive and durable peace in Darfur.”
Established in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, in May 2005, Al Tawasul is composed of poets, musicians, singers, actors, painters, dancers, and writers of both genders. The group, using different artistic means, advocates for peace, increased grassroots participation, human and child’s rights, and social unity, among other issues.
In collaboration with the University Center for Peace and Development Studies in Darfur and in coordination with the United Nations – African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) Civil Affairs Department, the DDDC, an autonomous and non–politicized process owned by Darfurians, is facilitating consultations and other related activities with specific stakeholders in North, South, and West Darfur.
By facilitating a broad and inclusive consultation process, the DDDC is helping Darfurians discuss and find solutions to the root causes of the conflict in Darfur. Working closely with its partners and stakeholders, the DDDC will feed Darfurian views learned during consultations into the Darfur peace process.
Seeking peace and reconciliation through dialogue and mediation to resolve conflict within and between communities is a deeply rooted Darfurian tradition. By engaging conflicting groups, restoring confidence, building trust, and promoting open and transparent dialogue to overcome grievances and agree on common grounds to achieve sustainable peace, the DDDC is a continuation of this tradition.
Visit www.dddc.org for DDDC news, reports on consultation outcomes, events, to comment, and more,
Contact: Joel Frushone, frushone@dddc.org.
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