DARFUR PEACE AGREEMENT: A STEP FORWARD

The peace agreement signed by the Sudanese government and one of the rebel groups last Friday is a positive step toward solving the crisis in Darfur. The accord was signed after intensive negotiations by President Obasanjo of Nigeria, President Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo, African Union mediator Salim Ahmed Salim,  Deputy Secretary Zoellick and other mediators from the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.

The agreement calls for a Darfurian rebel leader to hold a position in the national government, the inclusion of rebel leaders in the national military, and a specific timeline for the government of Sudan to disarm the Janjaweed — the genocidal militias involved in the atrocities in Darfur. Although the largest rebel group signed onto the deal, two smaller groups refused to do so.

In an effort to help Darfurians get back to their feet, the United States has pledged to increase food aid to Sudan by $225 million. President Bush has also promised not to turn his back on Darfur. “America will not turn away from this tragedy. We will call genocide by its rightful name, and we will stand up for the innocent until the peace of Darfur is secured,” he said.

The work in Darfur is far from over. It is crucial for the international community to ensure the Sudanese government does not walk way from the agreement. As President Bush emphasized, ““We're still far away from our ultimate goal, which is the return of millions of displaced people to their homes so they can have a life without fear. But we can now see a way forward.” 

This responsibility must be shared by the United States, European Union, African Union and leaders from the Arab and Muslim world. As in the past, the voice of Arab and Muslim leaders was significantly absent from the talks. While the peace agreement is significant, Arab and Muslim leaders are needed for the critical work that remains ahead in stabilizing the region and ensuring the safe return of displaced Darfurians. 

It is important for Arab and Muslim leaders and the broader international community to provide financial and diplomatic support to ensure that the situation in Darfur does not deteriorate further. As President Obasanjo aptly said, "Unless the right spirit, unless the right attitude and right disposition is there, this document is not worth the paper it is signed on.”

+ DARFUR RESOURCE CENTER
 

Updated May 09, 2006