Central Darfur state negotiating with rebels in Jebel Marra: official
October 4, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The governor of Central Darfur state, Ga’afar Abdel-Hakam, revealed ongoing talks with four rebel factions in Jebel Marra expressing hopes that it would contribute to achieve peace in the restive region.
In statements reported by the official news agency SUNA on Saturday, the governor said the peace talks are a result of an initiative he launched during a recent visit to Jebel Marra.
He further emphasised that all these efforts fall within the framework of implementing president Omer Hassan al-Bashir directives regarding the societal dialogue which is part of the national dialogue process.
The governor did not elaborate on the identity of the number of the rebels negotiating with the local authorities.
Darfur states governors, since the start of the conflict in 2003, used to sign peace deals with rebel fighters offering them amnesty and financial compensations. The purpose of such agreements is to encourage defection from the ranks of the armed groups.
Jebel Marra is a 3,000-foot-high volcanic rock situated in West Darfur state and it is about 100 km north of South Darfur state capital of Nyala. It is mainly inhabited by the Fur tribe.
Abdel-Hakam who addressed worshippers following Eid Al-Adha prayer in Garsila area in the locality of Wadi Salih, said that an all-parties conference for the traditional administration will be held to discuss cattle tax and Zakat (alms) evasion, stressing they are important sources of localities and state funding.
He added the conference will approve the law regulating pastures and farms in order to serve interests of both sectors.
The governor further called upon residents to promote social peace and peaceful coexistence among tribes, pledging to launch development projects including roads and services to be followed by strategic projects to maintain peace and stability.
(ST)