KHARTOUM: Sudan’s President Omar Bashir yesterday announced an immediate cease-fire in Darfur and called for a campaign to disarm militias, stressing a commitment to peace talks to resolve the conflict. He spoke after hearing the final recommendations of a government-sponsored peace initiative.
“I hereby announce our immediate unconditional cease-fire between the armed forces and warring factions provided that an effective monitoring mechanism be put into action and be observed by all parties involved,” said Bashir.
Addressing visiting dignitaries, Bashir called for “an immediate campaign to disarm the militias and restrict the use of weapons among armed forces,” in apparent reference to the militia that Khartoum is accused of backing. “We confirm our commitment to negotiations to reach peaceful solutions, which guarantee the eradication of disputes,” Bashir said, according to an official translation of his speech.
The president said he would agree to the forum’s recommendations to step up development in Darfur and announced plans for new hospitals, schools, water projects and electricity supplies.
Bashir said he was also ready to compensate individuals and organizations affected by the conflict, and had set aside 40 million Sudanese pounds ($18 million), with promises of more to come.
The president, however, did not promise to release political prisoners from Darfur, or to create a separate vice-presidential post for the region, both recommendations by the forum.
Bashir said the latest initiative constitutes a “strong base” for government negotiations with the armed groups, as Khartoum eyes a possible peace conference in Qatar before the end of the year.
But a key Darfur rebel group, the Justice and Equality Movement, said the announcement was not serious and vowed to fight on until it secured assurances from the government that it would share power and wealth more equitably.
