Darfur Agreement: Another Enormous Achievement Towards Peace in Sudan

WASHINGTON, July 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In its tireless search for peace, Sudan has this month alone witnessed two monumental events. First was July 9th's departure of its Southern region, a grand testament of its will and strong commitment to the cause of peace. And second is today's conclusion of the ongoing negotiations on Darfur which have culminated in the signing of the peace agreement between the Government of Sudan and the Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM) in Doha, an occasion witnessed by dedicated international and regional actors. This agreement constitutes a firm foundation for a comprehensive solution to the protracted conflict in Darfur. It builds on and draws lessons from previous experiences and enjoys the input of all the peace loving voices especially those in Darfur. And in fact, the mainstay of this agreement has been the inclusion of the people and the recognition of their various interests.

Among the seminal features of this document is its emphasis on ways to safeguard Human Rights and Freedoms. It accords special attention to the vital issue of justice and how to effectively enforce it while simultaneously working to repatriate the displaced for whom humanitarian assistance will be a priority. Funds have been allocated for rehabilitation and development, in a clear signal that the root causes of the problem are being addressed. Also addressed in a more comprehensive way is the issue of power sharing. This agreement suffices for all, and those who did not participate are strongly encouraged to join. Because a lasting peace, after all, requires that the stakeholders recognize their essential roles in the process of building it. The government, as demonstrated by its participation in all peace initiatives held all over the globe, has always been ready to negotiate with any group willing to genuinely pursue a solution. Yet some rebels remain intransigent and not even the pleas of the mediators can compel any one of them to partake in the peace efforts. But peace cannot be deferred, and therefore the Government will continue to pursue it with whoever is willing.  

Sudan commends and is indebted to the great country of Qatar and its people under the wise leadership of his Excellency the Emir for the tremendous efforts and contribution that brought this moment to bear, and for setting a great example on the meaningful pursuit of peace. Our gratitude and utmost appreciation is equally extended to the Arab League, OIC, the United Nations, U.S., the African Union and regional actors particularly Chad, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Burkina Faso, for their endurance and steadfastness in the pursuit of peace in Darfur and the wider Sudan.

Embassy of Sudan Press and Information Office, phone: +1-202-338-8565, or fax: +1-202-667-2406

SOURCE Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan