Mbeki’s panel conducts public hearings in Darfur

June 22, 2009 (ELFASHER) –The high-level African Union Panel on Darfur (AUPD) which arrived last week in Sudan conducts a series of public hearings across Darfur to examine the root causes of the conflict in Sudan’s war-torn Darfur region.

Led by the former South Africa president, Thabo Mbeki, the panel aims to determine how best to quickly end the conflict and expedite the peace process to create conditions conducive to promote justice, healing, and reconciliation.

The panel kicked off the hearings on 20 June in El-Fasher, capital of North Darfur, before moving to the South Darfur capital of Nyala on Sunday, listening to Darfurians and other stakeholders in a bid to determine a route to an effective peace process.

This week another round of hearings into the six-year conflict will take place in the West Darfur towns of El Geneina and Zalingei.

Sudan said will abide by Mbeki’s recommendations adding that it will allow it to avoid international pressure on non-cooperation with the ICC.

After several visits to Sudan since last March, the AUPD aims at listening to the voices of Darfuris and other stakeholders.

Also, the panel which includes other African dignitaries will hold a press conference in Khartoum next Thursday June 25. The panel is expected to propose the establishment og “Truth and Reconciliation” commission.

(ST)