Sudan formalises landmark peace deal with main rebel groups

Sudan’s power-sharing government and several key rebel groups have signed a peace agreement aimed at ending decades of conflict which has killed hundreds of thousands and left millions displaced.

Sudan's Sovereign Council Chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, South Sudan's President Salva Kiir, and Chad President Idriss Deby attend the signing of peace agreement between the Sudan's transitional government and Sudanese revolutionary movements to end decades-old conflict, in Juba, South Sudan October 3, 2020. REUTERS - JOK SOLOMUN

Three major groups signed a preliminary deal in August - two factions from the western region of Darfur and one from the southern region - after months of talks hosted by South Sudan.

Another powerful rebel group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, which had not participated in initial peace negotiations, agreed last month to join new talks hosted by South Sudan.

Dancers from Darfur and the Nile states performed on the stage before the signing in Juba.

The U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan, Donald Booth, said: “This historic achievement addresses decades of conflicts and suffering, it will also require firm and unwavering commitment to implement the agreement fully and without delays.”

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres hailed "the dawn of a new era for the people of Sudan".

The signing of the Juba Peace Agreement today signals the dawn of a new era for the people of Sudan.

Ensuring successful implementation will require sustained commitment & collaboration of all.

The @UN stands ready to support this historic journey towards peace. pic.twitter.com/xKlxcFW7uL

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) October 3, 2020

The presidents of Ethiopia and Chad and the prime ministers of Egypt and Uganda were among regional officials and politicians at the event.

Tut Gatluak, the South Sudanese chief mediator, said ahead of Saturday’s ceremony that the goal was eventually to sign deals with all armed groups.

Sudan has been wracked by conflict for decades. After the oil-rich south seceded in 2011, an economic crisis fuelled protests that led to the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir in 2019.

Sudan’s new civilian and military leaders, who have shared power since then, say ending conflicts is a top priority.

The deal sets out terms to integrate rebels into the security forces, be politically represented and have economic and land rights. A new fund will pay $750 million a year for 10 years to the impoverished southern and western regions and the chance of return for displaced people is also guaranteed.

Analysts have welcomed the agreement but questioned the prominent role given to armed groups and the military.

(Reuters)