AU, former rebels agree to ease tensions in Darfur
May 18, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — The African Union and a former Sudanese rebel group on Friday struck a deal to ease tensions after a clash last month in the troubled region of Darfur that killed eight people, the AU said.
In the April 1 clash at Um Barro village in North Darfur armed men attacked AU troops at a watering point, killing five Senegalese soldiers. Three assailants also reportedly died.
The AU did not point the finger for the attack but said it took place in an area controlled by the SLM. The Senegalese army explicitly blamed the group.
Hassan Alieu Gibril, deputy head of the AU mission, led a high-level delegation to Um Barro for the talks with SLA representatives and tribal leaders.
The negotiations focused on water rights and water management in Um Barro and resuming AU patrols and military escorts in and around Um Barro, the AU said in a statement.
“The AU is to resume peacekeeping patrols of Um Barro and the surrounding area following a 72-hour grace period to allow tribal leaders and SLA representatives time to inform local stakeholders of the agreement,” it said.
The three sides agreed that an independent board of inquiry be set up to investigate the incident and advise on compensation to be paid to families of the dead.
They also agreed the AU force would work with contractors and local partners to ensure water resources are shared fairly. The AU will try to establish a new water point for the villages around Um Barro.
(AFP)