Sudan’s Taha and former rebel leader discuss Darfur peace implementation

January 12, 2008 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese Vice-President Ali Osman Taha discussed with the former rebel leader and current Senior Presidential Assistant Minni Minawi the implementation of Darfur Peace Agreement.

On September 19, Taha and Minawi in El-Fasher signed an agreement renewing both sides adherence to the DPA and agreed to move forward in order to enforce it within one month maximum.

Minawi had left the Sudanese capital during 4 months and informally suspended his participation in the government to protest the poor implementation of the peace agreement.

Following the meeting Minawi told reporters he discussed with Taha the implementation of El-Fasher deal, adding that the meeting was successful and fruitful. He further pointed out that Taha agreed to hasten the implement of the accord particularly the axes of the security arrangements and the development.

“This week will see positive developments and remarkable progress in the implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement,” he said.

Frustrated by the ill-implementation of Abuja peace deal, Minawi also lost a lot of his commanders and troops. He further fears that a new peace deal could usher in his removal from his position.

Last December Abdel-Gabar Dosa, the former SLM-MM chief negotiator accused the ruling National Congress Party of intending to delay the implementation of the DPA saying this stagnation indicts Khartoum decision to cancel the Abuja peace agreement.

“They have kept the Agreement in Coma for more than two years, and if they decided to commit a mercy kill,” he said. Warning they are “ready to bury it.”

(ST)