First truce observers in Sudan's Darfur to deploy next week

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2004

ADDIS ABABA (AFP) — The Sudanese government and rebels from Darfur agreed that the first international observers of a fragile ceasefire in the war-ravaged western region would deploy there next week.

African Union (AU) Peace and Security Commissioner Said Djinnit said after the deal was sealed in the Ethiopian capital that at least six initial observers from the pan-African body would deploy in Sudan on Wednesday.

"This accord therefore gives the green light to the Union to deploy its first observers. The conditions are now met for deployment," the head of the AU conflict management team, Corentin Ki Doulaye, told AFP.

The deal between Khartoum and two rebel groups, the Justice and Equality Movement and the Sudan Liberation Movement, who have been at war...