A breakthrough for peace in Sudan’s bloody Darfur region has been made, as the largest rebel group has agreed to sign a peace deal with the government, African Union mediators have reported.
SLM leader Minni Minnawi had returned to the talks after a late-night session, and this resulted in an historic breakthrough being made.However, two smaller groups have also stated that they were not satisfied with the terms of the peace deal being offered, but the government has nevertheless agreed to sign.
Representatives from the international community have stated that the present deal represents the best hopes for peace in Darfur.
African Union spokesman, Noureddine Mezni said, “It's done. Minni is going to sign. He has accepted with some reservations on power sharing... but he is going to sign.”
A setback did come though, as the smallest rebel group, the Justice and Equality Movement (Jem) departed the talks saying it wanted fundamental changes to the document.
Jem Chief Negotiator, Ahmed Tugod, emphasised the rebels' demands for the post of vice-president in the Khartoum government and for Darfur to have a greater portion of nation’s wealth.It's done. Minni is going to sign. He has accepted with some reservations on power sharing... but he is going to sign.
Noureddine Mezni, African Union spokesman
Tugod simply said, “We decided not to sign it unless changes are made.”
Another rebel group, the Sudanese Liberation Movement (SLM), which is divided into 2 factions, saw its smaller faction also refuse to sign the agreement.
