Darfur: UN-backed body on implementing peace pact holds inaugural meeting

A commission central to the implementation of a peace agreement between the Sudanese Government and one of the rebel movements in Darfur has held its inaugural meeting, chaired by the head of the joint UN-African Union (AU) peacekeeping mission, Ibrahim Gambari.

The Joint Commission, which met yesterday in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, is one of two ceasefire monitoring and implementation mechanisms provided for in the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD), which was signed by the Government and the Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM) in the Qatari capital in July.

It is tasked with resolving disputes referred to it by the Ceasefire Commission, the other mechanism under the agreement.

In his opening address, Mr. Gambari, the Joint Special Representative of the UN-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), stressed the critical role of the Commission in advancing the implementation of the peace agreement.

Both parties are responsible for the timely and effective implementation of the ceasefire and security arrangements, he said.

“I urge the Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM) to take its obligation seriously and accelerate its engagement in the ceasefire process,” he said. “I also call on the Government of Sudan to demonstrate continued flexibility and leadership to ensure rapid progress of the peace agreement.”

The meeting considered a report on the status of the implementation of the permanent ceasefire and final security arrangements from UNAMID’s Force Commander, Lieutenant-General Patrick Nyamvumba, who chairs the Ceasefire Commission.

The report noted that while insecurity continues, there has been a considerable decrease in military clashes between the Sudanese Government forces and the non-signatory movements since the signing of the DDPD.

Mr. Gambari has on many occasions deplored continuing insecurity in parts of Darfur, as well as attacks on UNAMID peacekeepers which resulted in the death of four blue helmets in two separate incidents in October and November. He has also repeatedly called on holdout movements to engage in the peace process.