African Union welcomes security agreement at Sudan peace talks in Kenya

ADDIS ABABA, Sept 26 (AFP) — African Union (AU) Commission chairman Alpha Oumar Konare on Friday welcomed a security agreement between the Sudan government and the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, a statement said.

“This development is a breakthrough in efforts to bring an end to the long running civil war in the Sudan,” the statement quoted Konare as saying.

The rebels under John Garang and the Sudanese government signed an agreement this week on transitional security, a key step towards a full peace agreement that would put an end to the longest and one of the bloodiest civil wars in Africa.

Their talks adjourned Friday, with delegations to meet again on October 6.

Konare paid tribute to Sudan’s Vice President Osman Ali Taha, Garang and their delegations for their sense of compromise and commitment, the statement said.

He expressed his appreciation to all those who facilitated the negotiations “for their perseverance and sustained efforts that have brought the Sudan peace process a step closer to successful conclusion.”

Konare said he was confident that the parties will seize the opportunity provided by this breakthrough and progress to realize a comprehensive peace settlement.

“I appeal to the international community to continue to support the peace process to facilitate the signing of the final peace deal,” Konare said.

Sudan’s civil war erupted in 1983 when the SPLA took up arms to end domination of the mainly Christian and animist south by the Muslim north. It has since killed more than 1.5 million people and displaced four million others.