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Kongo-Haraza Smiles2,000 Attend Opening of Community Peace Center  For the first time in eight years, the people of Kongo Haraza gathered together in celebration, to mark the opening of its first Community Peace Centre. Kongo-Haraza, a village in West Darfur situated on the border with Chad, was severely affected by the conflict. In 2004, it had been completely abandoned as people fled for refugee camps in Chad and for other parts of Sudan. Now, the community is rebuilding and its population of approximately 8,000 households is comprised of cattle nomads, camel nomads, the host community, and internally-displaced people from the surrounding area. Frustration over unmet needs in this resource-scarce area created tensions between the 4 groups and FAR-mediated community meetings in 2007-2008 led to the identification of Community Peace Centres as a catalyst for bringing peace and stability to this struggling community. In his remarks to the community, the Fursha (leader) of Kongo Haraza called the opening of the centre an indicator of the peace, love and acceptance in the community. He thanked FAR for implementing the project and encouraged residents to take full  ownership of their community’s progress and peace-building process.An estimated 2,000 people attended the opening ceremony, complete with galloping horses, brightly-decorated camels and song and dance performances. The Community Peace Centre is bringing the groups together for peace-building and life skills workshops with adults and children, and hands-on training in rural livelihoods. The centre will be a venue for meetings and discussions, and provides a welcoming space for people of the community to come together. |
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