UNAMID welcomes Government of the Sudan, JEM move toward peace

El Fasher, 23 February 2010 – The African Union - United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) welcomes the signing this evening of the Darfur Framework Agreement for the Resolution of the Conflict in Darfur, between the Government of the Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) in the Qatari capital of Doha.

UNAMID Joint Special Representative (JSR) Ibrahim Gambari who was in Doha to witness the ceremony commended both parties on their efforts.

UNAMID looks forward to the prompt implementation of the Agreement, particularly regarding the cessation of hostilities, and calls upon all other belligerents to join in this endeavour.

“The conflict in Darfur cannot be resolved by military means, but only through an all-encompassing, inclusive political solution through a political agreement that would also involve Darfur’s civil society and other stake-holders,” said UNAMID Joint Special Representative Ibrahim Gambari.

The event is the result of a preliminary agreement signed on 20 February in N’Djamena, Chad, between representatives of the Government of the Sudan and JEM.

The JSR is encouraged by the recent development and hopes that it will lead to further initiatives aimed at the early restoration of peace, security and stability to Darfur, thus paving the way for early recovery and socio-economic development.