British Ambassador optimistic Sudan’s warring parties reach agreement
August 22, 2016 (NAYLA) – British Ambassador to Sudan on Monday expressed optimism that Sudanese government and rebel groups would reach agreement in the coming round of talks on humanitarian truce.
The armed movement involved in the process African Union mediated negotiations are Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) Sudan Liberation Movement–Minni Minnawi (SLM-MM), Justice and Equality Movement (JEM).
In statements to media on Monday after his arrival to Nayla, the capital of South Darfur State, the British Ambassador to Sudan, Michael Aron, stressed that solving Darfur crisis is vital to the United Kingdom as it leads to solving all crisis in Sudan.
“The United Kingdom is interested in achieving peace, stability and development in Sudan,” said Aron pointing that he has discussed with South Darfur government development strategies in the state.
The visiting diplomat pointed that the British Department for International Development (DFID) is ready to cooperate with South Darfur State in implementing water projects, stressing that development projects are core for solving Sudan’s crisis.
During his three days visit, Aron will meet South Darfur State government, UNAMID and also visit the camps displaced people.
South Darfur State governor, Adam al-Faki, told reporters after meeting the British diplomat that his government is prepared to emerge from war status to stability, peace, social peace and helping displaced civilians to either return to their home village or to settle in the state towns .
“We have handed the British Ambassador a comprehensive and detailed strategy for development in South Darfur state,” further said al-Faki pointing that they have reached agreement on ways to implement the development strategy.
Darfur has been a flashpoint for lawlessness and violence since rebel movements took up arms against the Khartoum government in 2003. The region is relatively calm but armed militias and gangs continue perpetrate attacks on civilians.
Also, the government forces continue to carry out ground and air attacks on parts of the mountainous area of Jebel Marra against rebel fighters we are still hiding in the region.
The United Nations estimates as many as 300,000 people have been killed and almost 3 million people have been displaced during the ongoing conflict. According to the UN Human Rights Council, 400,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million displaced.
(ST)