Joint mediator meets rebel URF in the capital of North Darfur

November 19, 2008 (ELFASHER) — Joint Chief Mediator for peace in Darfur met today in the capital of North Darfur, El Fasher, with the leadership of the rebel United Resistance Front (URF), the UNAMID reported today.

As part of his efforts to reenergize the peace process, Djibril Bassolé, held a meeting with the leadership of the URF. The UNAMID briefing didn’t provide further details about the members of this rebel delegation but the group is led by Bahar Idriss Abu Garda.

Abu Garda, who was formerly a prominent member of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), created last April the URF with other small factions of Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) which splinted from his front last July.

According to the statement, the rebel URF “expressed readiness to comply with the ceasefire agreements, provided that it is not a one-sided declaration and that an appropriate framework is put in place.”

The former rebel chief turned Senior Presidential Assistant, Minni Minawi last week told the official SUNA that he had contacts with rebel groups and he said they could join Abuja peace agreement.

(ST)