Sudan’s Mustafa Ismail to be in charge of Darfur file

Nov 4, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — Sudan has removed Majzoub al-Khalifa, the presidential advisor from the file of Darfur. He has been replaced by Mustafa Osman Ismail, a Sudanese newspaper disclosed Saturday.

According to the independent Al-Ayam said that the presidency of the Republic has transferred leadership of the Darfur negotiations portfolio from the presidential advisor, Majzoub al-Khalifah to his counterpart, Mustafa Osman Ismail.

Informed sources said all sides closely linked to the Darfur negotiations had been officially notified of the change including the national rank unifying authority, the AU and neighbouring countries mediating between the government and Darfur armed movements.

Majzoub al-Khalifa was criticized for his rigidity by rebels groups and some officials during Abuja talks. Many members of the governmental delegation during the talks refused to work with him and preferred to distance them selves.

Ismail a former minister of foreign affairs was in charge of peace talks with the eastern Sudan rebels. A peace deal signed October 14 in Asmara was considered by Khartoum and the rebels as very successful.

Ismail, who was very hostile to Eritrea in the past, has learnt to appreciate work besides the Eritrean mediators and president Asias Afwerki.

(ST)