Khartoum, splinter Darfur rebel hold talks in Chad

KHARTOUM, June 7, 2005 (Sudan Tribune) — The joint military committee between the government and Darfur rebel National Movement for Reform and Development (NMRD), held a session in Abeche town with the chairmanship of Harun Salih ruler of Waddaya region of Chad.

Meanwhile, the government side was chaired by Brig-Gen Al-Hadi Adam Hamid. The NMRD side was chaired by Jibril abd-al-Karim with the participation of a number of military and security leaders of both sides.

The rebel splinter group, based mainly along the border between Sudan and Chad, was formed early last year after commanders split from the leadership of one of the two main Darfur rebel groups.

During the meeting the committee discussed ways of implementing the security agreement which was signed by the two sides under the auspices of Chadian president Idriss Deby last April in Ndjamena by concentrating on the issue of disengaging forces and forming joint units to ensure the return of refugees to their areas.

The NMRD and the Sudanese government signed a ceasefire in December but talks mediated by Chad have since broken down.

The NMRD has accused the Janjaweed of attacks since the truce was signed and has refused to continue peace talks until Khartoum gives compensation for the attacks.