SLM leader needed but Darfur talks to start without him – AU
August 28, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — Darfur’s peace process needs rebel leader Abdelwahid Mohamed al-Nur’s support, but his failure to participate will not halt talks to end the conflict in western Sudan, African Union envoy Salim Ahmed Salim said.
“He is certainly needed in the peace process, but the peace process takes its own momentum and I would hope that Mr. Abdelwahid becomes a part of that momentum,” Salim told reporters on Tuesday after a week-long visit to Sudan.
“I can’t see this peace process being stopped because the people of Darfur want peace. They are really tired to go through the agonies of what they are going through now,” he added.
Asked by Sudan Tribune to react to Salim’s statements, the rebel leader said Salim had the opportunity yesterday to verify that what we demand is in fact the demand of Darfur people.
He further called on the AU envoy to work for Khartoum respect of the ceasefire even before the deployment of the hybrid forces.
Nur said “When we request security for civilians our intention is not to obstruct the political process but we can’t start talking while Khartoum militias killing our people on the ground.” Adding “Khartoum lack of credibility should incite Salim to work with us because what is happing to his Abuja agreement is a perfect reason for common prudence and caution.”
Nur enjoys huge support among the 2.5 million people who have fled their homes to camps in Darfur and across the border in Chad during 4-1/2 years of fighting.
Mostly non-Arab rebels took up arms in early 2003 accusing central government of marginalising the arid west. Khartoum mobilised militias, known locally as Janjaweed, to quell the revolt.
An AU-mediated 2006 peace deal was signed by only one of three negotiating factions, Nur’s rival Minni Arcua Minawi.
Salim said any final agreement reached in renewed peace talks needed to address Darfuris’ demands that the militia be disarmed.
“Whatever agreement that arrives must … address this issue. Without addressing this issue you will still have a lot of concern, a lot of insecurity in the area,” he said.
He said the security situation in Darfur was “disturbing” with many complaints of insecurity and the spread of arms.
Salim added last year’s Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA), which he helped negotiate, was a fact of life and had to be counted. But he added it could be built upon.
“We are going to focus on issues of concern which have not been sufficiently addressed in the Darfur peace agreement,” he said, giving the issue of compensation as an example.
The DPA gave just $30 million compensation to the Darfuris. Khartoum has since agreed to pay $100 million, but the victims say it’s not enough and demand individual compensation.
(Reuters/ST)