UN/AU Darfur mediator welcomes rebels announcement of commitment to peace talks
Djibrill Yipènè Bassolé the joint United Nations and African Union Darfur mediator welcomes rebel announcement of commitment to international peace talks
“I wholeheartedly welcome the joint statement from the main Darfur movements which for the first time ever states their common commitment to the international peace talks, an unprecedented agreement to stand together on issues. This breakthrough gives all of those who have been committed to Darfur in recent years a new reason to hope that a just and sustainable peace can be reached. The importance of this moment is clear, and I call on all members of the international community, all leaders of the Darfur people and the Government of Sudan to take seriously the important roles you play in deciding whether peace can be achieved in Sudan.
The leaders of Darfur clearly realise that now is the time to come together, to leave behind the long history of struggle and conflict, and from the depths of suffering, to realize the aspirations of a people for the just and equitable peace they deserve. To reach a true peace in Darfur, it is essential that all the belligerents enter immediately into negotiations and cease hostilities. This is a political and humanitarian imperative, and today’s joint statement is a major step towards a shared commitment to a negotiated resolution.
I strongly urge that this step forward be the basis for all those committed to
peace to join together, to seize the opportunity that lies in front of us, and
make the courageous decisions that history demands from such moments. We continue to welcome other leaders from Darfur to engage fully with this renewed common effort for peace.
Sudan is looking forward, facing the future, and there is no place for obstruction or excuses. Darfur can and must be central to Sudan’s future. And there is no excuse for denial or evasion.
I call on the Government of Sudan to respond positively and engage those with a clear commitment to the Doha Peace Process in the final round of talks that can deliver a comprehensive and inclusive peace agreement for the people of Darfur.
I call on the Justice and Equality Movement and the Liberation and Justice Movement to build on this bold step, by working together on a common platform, to build on the progress of the peace process so far, and to deliver on the demands of the people of Darfur.
It is clear from this joint statement that the Darfur leaders strongly agree that peace can only be achieved through an internationally mediated peace process.
Only a solution that includes the full commitment of the Government of Sudan, the Armed Movements, and the People of Darfur can deliver a just a sustainable peace. Anything short of this will only deliver prolonged suffering, conflict, and injustice. This is the most promising moment in years for a serious peace, but this opportunity will fade unless we all choose to make it the start of the end of this conflict and the beginning of a new era for the people of Darfur and all Sudan.”
Doha, January 29, 2011