New Chad-Sudan peace deal signed to mixed reactions

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

DAKAR (AFP) — The leaders of Sudan and Chad have signed a new non-aggression pact, vowing to end support and funding for rebel movements active both sides of the border with conflict-wracked Darfur.

The accord made late Thursday by Sudan's President Omar al-Beshir and Chad counterpart Idriss Deby Itno is the sixth such deal in five years of hostility and both men came under strong international pressure to sign it.

They shook hands at a meeting attended by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Senegal's President Abdoulaye Wade, who led a diplomatic initiative before hosting a summit of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference.

"We solemnly engage to prohibit all activity by armed groups and to stop the use of our respective territories for the...