The AU-UN Joint Chief Mediator and Joint Special Representative of UNAMID, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas held consultations with the delegations of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and the Sudan Liberation Movement/Minni Minawi (SLA/MM) in Arusha, Tanzania from 22-27 August, 2013. The delegations of the Movements were led by Mr. Arko Minni Minawi for the SLA/MM and Dr. Gibril Ibrahim for the JEM. Senior officials of the AU, IGAD, EU, Canada, France, Norway, UK, USA and Tanzania also participated in the deliberations as observers.

The JCM/JSR and his team made presentations on the security and humanitarian situation in Darfur, and set out the current state of implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur as a basis for reaching a comprehensive and inclusive peace in Darfur. He recalled the commitment of the international community to support peace in Darfur, as well as their wish to see peace and stability throughout the Sudan.

During the Consultations, the Movements:

- Reiterated their commitment to peace and continuing engagement in the search for a negotiated political settlement in Darfur, in the context of a holistic solution to Sudan’s problems.
- Drew attention to the evolving dynamics of the conflict in Darfur, and the need to address the escalation in inter-tribal fighting as the main cause in recent months of new displacement and civilian casualties.
- Stressed their commitment to Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity, and to finding an equitable solution to its problems that recognises the ethnic, cultural and religious diversity of the country.
- Stressed that their concerns are nation-wide in nature and go beyond the regional conflict in Darfur, and in that context reaffirmed their commitment to the common political platform of the Sudan Revolutionary Front.
- Noted that previous partial agreements had failed to solve Sudan’s problems, and that given the common root causes of the various conflicts in the Sudan, a holistic and comprehensive approach to resolving the problems facing the country is both necessary and urgent.
- In this context, therefore, they stressed the need to harmonise and coordinate the existing mediation mechanisms in order to achieve a coherent and integrated approach.
- Reiterated their commitment to a peaceful, negotiated solution of Sudan’s conflicts in the context of an inclusive, national political process.
- Pledged to work with UNAMID to sustain and improve channels of communication between them and the Mission, and in particular to ensure unhindered access to UNAMID and humanitarian agencies working in all areas under their control and to remain committed not to attack peacekeepers, humanitarian workers, or the civilian populations.
- Called for action to address all of Sudan’s humanitarian crises, as the top priority, including discussion on improving the welfare and livelihoods of the people, through a comprehensive approach;
- Expressed the hope that this comprehensive approach could contribute to developing an inclusive national process to address the problems of Sudan in a holistic manner, and encouraged the engagement and support of the international community in facilitating such a process;
- Noted, with appreciation, the Communiqué of 19th July, 2013 of the AU’s Peace and Security Council calling for a comprehensive approach to solving Sudan’s crises.

The JCM/JSR would report the outcome of the consultations to the AU and UN, and share them with other relevant stakeholders and partners. The Mediation and the Movements agreed to remain engaged on these issues with a view to determining next steps to maintain the momentum generated by the meeting in Arusha. It was also agreed that further consultations would be held within 60 days from the date of this Outcome Statement.

The participants expressed appreciation to the Government and People of the United Republic of Tanzania for the goodwill in hosting the consultations and for the warm hospitality.

Arusha, Tanzania
27 August 2013