Darfur security arrangements talks progressing well: mediator

File photo: Dhieu Mathok Diing

Negotiations between Sudan’s government and the Darfur armed movements on the security arrangements are progressing well, a mediator announced.

Negotiations between Sudan’s government and the Darfur armed movements on the security arrangements are progressing well, a mediator announced.

Dr Dhieu Mathok Diing, a member of the mediation team, told reporters in Juba on Wednesday that the two sides have made "advanced" progress on security arrangements and a peace deal is likely to be initialled in a few days.

"I want to assure the people of Sudan that we have made advanced progress on security arrangements in Darfur. We have finalized the issue of integration, and we are discussing the remaining national issues in Darfur," Dhieu explained.

The mediator revealed that the Sudanese government and the armed opposition groups are expected to sign, with initial letters, on a peace agreement on August 28.

Talks between the transitional government and armed opposition leaders are aimed at ending Sudan’s years-long civil wars after a power-sharing deal between the military and a pro-democracy movement following the overthrow of former president Omar al-Bashir in April 2019.

The transitional government has repeatedly said achieving peace and stability is crucial to rebuilding the country.

Since October 2019, South Sudan has been mediating between the Sudanese government and the various opposition factions.