Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Khartoum (Agenzia Fides) – After the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), there is also another new group of Darfur rebels who may sign the ceasefire agreement and a framework peace agreement, like the ones signed on February 23 in Doha, Qatar (see Fides February 24).
The signature has pushed the other two rebel groups present in Doha, the Sudan Liberation Movement - Revolutionary Forces (RF-SLM) and the group of Addis Ababa to unite, forming a new group called the Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM). The two groups had previously refused to converge with the JEM.
Mediators for Darfur have sought to convince the JEM rebels to accept the participation of the new group in negotiations and to establish common ground between the two formations of rebels. However, Khalil Ibrahim, leader of JEM, has rejected the idea, stating that these two groups can only join his own group and become part of the negotiating delegation of JEM.
In a statement, the JEM has asked the head of the mediation and host country, Qatar, to block any agreement with LJM or hold separate, parallel talks.
The group, which is the strongest militarily speaking, said it would consider the failure to meet this demand as "expulsion of the Justice and Equality Movement" from the negotiations.
The new framework agreement with the LJM should contain provisions similar to the one signed by JEM.
Mediators have said that they will seek a comprehensive peace agreement among all the rebel groups, to pave the way for a lasting peace agreement. The divisions between the various rebel groups, however, are impeding efforts to reach a comprehensive peace in the region. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 27/2/2010)
