Sudan celebrates International Day of Peace

The African Union - United Nations hybrid operation in Darfur (UNAMID) joined the International Day of Peace celebrations in Darfur on Thursday. A UNAMID spokesperson said that the celebrations were an opportunity to make people aware of new developments in peace protection. The celebration in Fashir Sudan was opened by a military show, before the head of the operation Mohamed Bin Shambas delivered a message from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addressing the challenges of implementing peace in countries ravaged by war. Ki-moon praised those who have been killed fighting for peace, reaffirming his support to the 111,000 UNAMID officers and soldiers from 115 countries working on the ground. Ki-moon pledged that the UN will continue to protect and support civilians and praised the progress of peace protection over the world. The celebration was attended by local government representatives, non-governmental organisations and UNAMID employees. Mayor of Fashir Darfur Osman Kebr expressed his condolences for those who had died while protecting peace in Darfur. 44 UNAMID employees have died since its establishment in December 2007. The UN formed the annual International Day for Peace in 2002 to recognise those who have been killed whilst working for peace.