AU launches Darfur-Darfur Dialogue and Consultation

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AU Commissioner for Peace and Security Launches PrepCom of Darfur-Darfur Dialogue and Consultation

November 10, 2006 — The AU Commissioner for Peace and Security Ambassador Said Djinnit, on 9 November, 2006, at the Friendship Hall in Khartoum, formally launched the Preparatory Committee (PreCom) of the Darfur-Darfur Dialogue and Consultation (DDDC) and introduced its new Chairman Mr. Abdul Mohammad. The function was attended by a wide spectrum of representatives from the AU, UN, GoS, the SLM/A as well as international partners of the African Union, and the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Sudan.

Ambassador Djinnit noted, inter alia, that the occasion marked the official inauguration of an important institution that will steer the activities of the DDDC which is conceived as a mechanism for mobilizing greater support and buy-in for the DPA and settling the many issues of peace and reconciliation in Darfur that are not dealt with in the Agreement.

The Commissioner thanked all the participants on the occasion for their patience and perseverance during the long and excruciating moments of the Abuja Peace Talks adding that the Preparatory Committee for the DDDC as provided for in the DPA, will comprise representatives of the Parties, the UN, the EU, the League of Arab States, the African Union, tribal leaders, civil society organizations and some Darfurian stakeholders.

In his introduction of the new Chairman, Ambassador Djinnit recalled that Mr. Abdul Mohammad was a man of wide experience who also played a key role in the negotiations during the Darfur Peace Talks in Abuja in particular with regard to the Darfur Dialogue, adding that he was the right candidate for the job for many other reasons including the fact that he was familiar with matters relating to this part of Africa.

On his part, the new Chairman of the PrepCom, among other things, thanked the AU leadership for nominating him to this challenging position and for the trust and confidence reposed in him and pledged to carry out his duties to the best of his abilities and competence. He stressed the fact that dialogue was an important step on the path of lasting peace and stability in Darfur. In this connection, he appealed to all Darfurians to give him maximum support during his tenure of office.

The representative of the UN, taking the floor on behalf of the Partners, warmly congratulated the AU for the great work done during the tortuous Abuja Peace Talks and negotiations. He also stressed that the launching of the PrepCom was a tremendous milestone on the road to peace and stability in Darfur. He affirmed the fact that the Partners including the UN are ready at the request of the AU to assist in the implementation of the DPA and to ensure that the DDDC moves forward to achieve its aims and objectives.

On behalf of the GoS, the Presidential Advisor Majzoub Al Khalifa praised the launching of the PrepCom and pledged continued support and cooperation with the African Union and other stakeholders, in particular Darfurians, to help the Committee to achieve its stated goals.

The AU Commissioner for Peace and Security also chaired an informal meeting of the DPA/ Assessment and Evaluation (D-AEC) Commission provided for in Chapter 6 Article 33 of the DPA, which will serve as an oversight mechanism for the full and timely implementation of the DPA as articulated in paragraph 511.

Other engagements during the visit included meetings with the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Al Samani Al Wasila where the establishment of a Joint Committee which would meet weekly to review and study issues of mutual concern between GoS and AMIS, was agreed upon. Commissioner Djinnit also consulted with Dr. Majzoub Al Khalifa and members of his Implementation Team. At this meeting, they reviewed the implementation of the DPA, and agreed that though considerable work has been done, there is need to revitalize the whole peace process.

In two other separate meetings with representatives of the African Group and the international partners, the Commissioner for Peace and Security informed his interlocutors about steps being taken by the AU towards re-energizing the peace process. In this regard, he pointed out that the AU is prepared to assume a lead role particularly in the coordination of the on-going initiatives to broaden the base of the DPA.

The Commissioner also met with the Acting UN SRSG, Mr. Taye Zerihoun with whom he discussed matters related to bilateral cooperation between AMIS and UNMIS, particularly the implementation of the UN support package for the strengthening of AMIS which has already been accepted by the Government of the Sudan.

Finally, the Commissioner for Peace and Security discussed with the representatives of the Signatories of the Declaration of Commitment (DoC) matters relating to the implementation of the Darfur Agreement.

10 November, 2006, AMIS HQ